The Pine Valley Cosmonauts Salute The Majesty of Bob Wills
"Ahhh..." In case you couldn't tell, that was a Willsian exhortation with an English accent. Jonboy Langford is at it again: This second PVC release followsMisery Loves Company, their take on Johnny Cash. Fans of the Mekons and Waco Brothers may be surprised at how relatively tame this tribute is--there are actual melodies, fluid improvisations, and, dare we say, sensitivity. By no means is this disappointing: Langford is smart enough to realize that by "playing it straight," enough of his and his cohorts' personal styles and influences will inevitably show through. Of special note are the peculiar dabbles of Mark Durante's steel and the multi-instrumental talents of John Rice. Kindred spirits such as Robbie Fulks, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Alejandro Escovedo, and Neko Case join the fun (and it sounds like they had lots of fun) on a jolly album that offers enthusiasm, geniality, and simple, suitable respect for the King of Western Swing.--Marc Greilsamer