RICHARD BUCKNER AND JON LANGFORD
Sir Dark Invader vs. the Fanglord (Buried Treasure)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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As a rule, collaborations between two great songwriters usually are artistic failures. That is not the case with Sir Dark Invader vs. the Fanglord, a loose and fun record from singer/songwriter and guitarists Jon Langford (Mekons) and folk/country genius Richard Buckner.

It's a thoroughly interesting record. Compositions such as "Sweet Anybody" fit in perfectly with Buckner's solo work: it's a brooding reflective song with chugging guitar accompanied by mandolin. The Langford song "Torn Apart," is distinctively his own: a melancholic folk song with a wending vocal melody sung in a distinctive English brogue. The collaboration, "The Inca Princess," is perhaps the best song: a funny rollicking rockabilly rocker. This record also allows the songwriters to make music that they normally would not attempt. "Rolling of the Eyes" is a goofy and upbeat song the two co-wrote that you would definitely not hear on a Buckner record. It also rocks much heavier than his consistently outstanding folk and country compositions. The record is not a very good introduction to Buckner or Langford's music - but highly recommended to fans of either musician.

© 2005 - Sherman Wick