FRANK CARILLO AND THE BANDELEROS
Bad Out There (Jezebel Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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It would be easy to dismiss Frank Carillo's latest effort as another entry in the derivative Americana sweepstakes. Too easy. And not fair.

Granted, most of the recording falls safely within the borders of the Dylan/Springsteen/Petty school of neo-folk rock. That's a hard region to avoid, though, and the important thing is how you approach it. Carillo has a point of view, something to say, and an appealing, if not always distinctive, way of presenting it. So what you've got here is a batch of terrific songs, played with skill and passion and brilliantly presented - Carillo's skill as an arranger is worth your attention in and of itself, especially with so many 'one take' tracks recorded live in the studio.

What's not to love? Why, nothing at all.

Yep, I love this one, and if you're at all interested in the musical territory Frank Carillo and the Bandeleros inhabit, I bet you will too.

Track List:

Bad Out There * Red Queen * Chapel Street * Last Plane * Watcha Gonna Do (When The Levee Breaks) * Just A Photograph * Tail That Wagged The Dog * Blame All My Troubles On The Moon * Wrong # * With Her Pajamas On * The Bluebird Is Gone * All In Chains * Delilah * If You Don't

© 2005 - Shaun Dale