When I saw this LP at the bargain bin in my neighborhood record shop, I initially thought it was an album of actual interviews. There are LPs out there only containing spoken word interviews, but these usually concern more popular artists, people like The Beatles, Doors, Nirvana etc. The Alpha Band aren't really in the same league, which made me curious enough to give it another look - and sure enough, it wasn't a spoken word album at all, but a best-of compilation. Now, all I knew about The Alpha Band was that T Bone Burnett was a member, but that was enough. I mean, he's involved in so many great albums in my collection, either as a musician or -more often- as producer. Surely his own records should also be worth listening? Not that The Alpha Band was a personal vehicle for Burnett - Steven Soles has an equal share in vocals, guitar, and songwriting, while David Mansfield's playing on violin, mandolin, and other instruments is integral to the group's sound. All three of them were members of Bob Dylan's legendary Rollin' Thunder Revue. Apparently, their chemistry was so strong that they elected to keep playing together even after the tour was over. Their eponymous debut The Alpha Band (1976) was recorded and released immediately after the tour ended, and was extremely well-received - by critics and music biz insiders, at least. To my ears, it sounds like an updated take on The Band's folk rock, incorporating power pop and new wave influences - I hear similarities to Elvis Costello and Tom Petty, especially in the first tracks ("Interviews", "Cheap Perfume", "Ten Figures"). "The Dogs" and "Last Chance To Dance" are more country-oriented - the latter features some inspired violin playing, too. From the second album Spark In The Dark (1977) we get "East Of East" (co-written, same as many other Alpha Band songs, by Bobby Neuwirth), electric blues "Spark In The Dark" and Dylan cover "You Angel You". The latter is performed in a Buddy Holly-like rockabilly style, and features one Ringo Starr on drums. Adopting a more commercial sound didn't improve sales, and neither did the famous guests - which may be the reason that their next album, The Statue Makers of Hollywood (1978) was to be their last. There's a strong religious theme to this one; actually, the only song that hits the mark for me is "Mighty Man", which sports a big, Cinematic, sound, and reminds me of the better tracks on Dylan's "Christian" albums from the same period. "Back In My Baby's Arms Again" is a repentant/moralistic country ballad, and "Rich Man" an overlong piece whose only saving grace is Mansfield's mandolin playing. In general, The Alpha Band display great craft in their compositions, playing, and orchestrations. For some reason, they were never as successful as other bands with a similar sound (Doobie Brothers, America, Bread etc.) but they certainly were their equals. Burnett, Soles, and David Mansfield went out of the limelight, producing and playing on other people's records, working on soundtracks, and releasing the odd, low-key, solo album. Their legacy as The Alpha Band is well worth discovering, and this compilation is a good place to start.
**** for The Dogs, Last Chance To Dance, You Angel You, Mighty Man
*** for Interviews, Cheap Perfume, Ten Figures, East Of East, Spark In The Dark, Rich Man, Back In My Baby's Arms Again
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