Electric Blue Watermelon
Blues revivalists? Jam band? Power trio? Psychedelic tripsters? Southern rockers? While previous releases have found the pride of North Mississippi exploring various manifestations of their musical identity, onElectric Blue Watermelonthey pull everything together and bring their artistic progression full circle. While acknowledging the seminal influence of Delta bluesmanCharley Patton("Mississippi Bollweevil") and fife masterOtha Turner("Teasin' Brown," "Bounce Ball"), the album finds common spirit in contemporary hip-hop on "No Mo" and "Stompin' My Foot," with guest rapper Al Kapone helping the band bridge past and future.Lucinda Williamsteams with guitarist Luther Dickinson for a playful duet on "Hurry Up Sunrise," while steel guitaristRobert Randolphand theDirty Dozen Brass Bandextend the album's aural palette. Over the course of almost seven and a half minutes, "Mean Ol' World Wind Down" takes the listener on a musical journey from fife-and-drum roots throughBo Diddleyinsistence toAllman Brothersexpansiveness. No matter how far they extend their musical vistas, the Allstars are always bringing it all back home.--Don McLeese