Crossing Dragon Bridge

iTunes Review

Recorded in Ljubljana, Slovenia where Wynn crossed the Dragon Bridge daily for his recording session with producer Chris Eckman of the Walkabouts, 2008’s Crossing Dragon Bridge is unlike any previous Wynn recording whether with the Dream Syndicate, solo, or with the Miracle 3. As Wynn envisioned it, the album plays out as a vacation from himself and his identity as a gritty, forceful rocker. Here, Wynn indulges his quiet side, his reflective mode, and comes up with moments as powerful as any throughout his long, productive career. He began the songs on his lonesome, overdubbing his guests as seen fit. “God Doesn’t Like It” plays like an alternative mantra with a blues harmonica meshing with the mechanical drum programs. “Punching Holes in the Sky” with the Apollon Chamber Orchestra, is a stunning, Jimmy Webb styled ballad that manages to capture a nostalgic late-60s-early-70s vibe while remaining timeless. The orchestra supplements several other tracks with equally gripping results (“Manhattan Fault Line,” “Bring the Magic”). Judging by Crossing Dragon Bridge, Wynn should go on vacation more often.