The Kennedys (the husband and wife team of Pete and Maura) have furrowed a distinguished path as modern-day exponents of sixties folk-rock in all its expressions, including psychedelic and Cosmic American Music inflections. Thus, it comes as no surprise to find the songs of the Byrds, Dylan, Stephen Stills and the Flying Burrito Brothers translated on this pleasing covers album. Though, in my humble opinion, the original versions of “Eight Miles High� and “Sin City� are near-perfect and it seems like folly to attempt anything which will only be viewed as inferior, the Kennedys at least inject their own personal slant on things. However, I do like what they’ve done with “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall� and “Pretty Girl Why� as Pete and Maura’s harmonies blend well to provide a distinctive voice. Elsewhere, the duo covers the late Dave Carter’s “Gypsy Rose� and “Happytown (All Right with Me)� with love and respect, the former bristling with power and the latter passionately delivered. Much to be savored here; energized renderings of Nick Lowe’s “Raging Eyes� and Gene Clarks’ “Gypsy Rider,� not to mention a sensitive reading of Jimmy Webb’s classic “Galveston� complete a satisfying country-rock experience.
Kevin Mathews
Release date: October 3, 2006
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