By Graeme Scott
It’s a funny world! My last review was for an album by Tom Hambridge and now here he is again but this time as producer on this new release by Randy Lee Riviere. To describe his music and sound as residing at the dirty grungy end of Blues would be about right. I found it very refreshing and interesting. Sure there are also shades of say Tony Joe White in there sitting alongside Pearl Jam and Soundgarden and even, at a push, Nirvana but here Randy most certain is plough, or should that be plowing (?) his own furrow. This album drips with American references, obviously, but don’t let this put you off. So off we go with Downtown relating the tale of a mountain man coming into town to try and play his songs (a self reference perhaps?). Whatever the case it rocks along very nicely. Big On A Bender should be self evident as to the content with lyrics like “Ever get your head kicked? Ever felt that night-stick?” So it goes through the title track and Bird Watching. Can’t make up my mind fi he is truly singing about ornithology or not but who cares? Throughout Randy is supported by a studio band, assembled by Tom, and they collectively most certainly deliver a cracking big sound. A lot of thought and effort has gone into the creative process but I am also left with the thought that the songs would also stand up well with just a single angry guitar under the voice. With albums like this I find it hard to select a standout cut but December 1980, On My Way Down and Moonlight work for me. Very good album indeed.