Poor Little Critter On the Road
Ever since the emergence of alt-country in the 1990s, the idea of punk-weaned rock musicians playing country music is often a pretty ho-hum proposition. Yet, back in the 1980s, it was actually a bold and novel concept that intrigued only a select few (mostly Los Angeles) bands such as theLong Ryders,Green on Red,Jason & the Scorchers,Lone Justice, and of course,Xand theBlasters. In 1984 the Blasters'Dave Alvinjoined forces with X'sJohn Doe,Exene Cervenka, and D.J. Bonebrake to form the Knitters, a band who shed its rock skin completely and opted for pared-down, low-key arrangements that stayed true to the classic country sound. This one-time-only record, a blend of covers, new songs, and X remakes, has charisma and charm thanks to its relaxed feel, warm setting, and absence of any pretension. That Alvin's guitar work is tasteful may not be a surprise, but Doe and Cervenka also offer lovely vocals throughout.--Marc Greilsamer