The timing of Dave Rawlings' first solo album Friend of a Friend is impeccable. As music fans and the media debate the best of the last decade, this album quietly, but firmly, reminds fans of the influence that Rawlings has had during the last 10 years. Of course, this is hardly a solo album. As Dave Rawlings Machine, Rawlings is joined by members of Old Crow Medicine Show, Bright Eyes and Tom Petty's Heartbreakers as well as his longtime musical partner Gillian Welch. Even though this album puts Rawlings in the spotlight, Welch plays an essential role appearing on eight tracks and co-writing five of them.
Friend of a Friend has an extremely familiar sound. This is partly due to the inclusion of “To be Young (Is to be Sad, Is to be High),” which he co-wrote with Ryan Adams for Heartbreaker, and “Method Acting/ Cortez the Killer,” a poignant combination of Bright Eyes and Neil Young, but also because many listeners have been hearing his writing and production for years and may have not realized it.
“Ruby” swells up until fills the room and leaves a wonderful ring. “How's About You” is bittersweet country blues about the recession from the people's perspective. Rawlings strikes gold with the verse “The criminal man/ he ain't behind bars/ He's drivin' one a his a Cadillac cars/ I'm gonna switch sides real soon/ How's about you?” From top to bottom this one of the finest folk albums you may ever listen to.
Friend of a Friend will be released tomorrow, Nov. 17 on Acony Records. The Dave Rawlings Machine will play at Cat's Cradle on Nov. 30. Tickets are $20.
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