The Nu-Look

It's a Nu-Look, but the same great voice and talent!

     

After the more introspective tone of 2006's "The Entire Combustible World in One Small Room" Don Dixon returns to a bar friendly sound that showcases the full force of his band, which features his longtime cohorts, guitarist Jamie Hoover (Spongetones) and drummer Jim Brock (Kathy Mattea, Joe Cocker) and harkens back to the raucous folk-rock sound of his original Chapel-Hill combo, Arrogance. Standout tracks here include the poiginant "The Night Otis Died," the perfect pop sound of "Perfect Girl," and the Bo Diddley'd power pop of "Amplifier" (a great old dB's song, given new life here). Despite his success as a producer and engineer of great albums for artists such as R.E.M., The Smithereens, Counting Crows, Hootie and the Blowfish and Marti Jones, as well as his recent foray into acting in the movie, Camp, its surprising that with his powerful and soulful voice, great songwriting, and fabulous skills that he still remains somewhat of a cult artist. Here's hoping this new album and tour with the JumpRabbits helps the rest of the music lovers out there discover this great talent. And while you're at it, go check out his new album with wife, Marti JOnes, "Lucky Stars: New Lullabies for Old Souls". It's classified on itunes under country, but it is a genre resistant work that highlights quieter songs and beautiful melodies.