| The Blasters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | December 1981 | |||
| Studio | United Western | |||
| Genre | Roots rock[1] | |||
| Length | 30:47 | |||
| Label | Slash,F-Beat | |||
| Producer | The Blasters | |||
| The Blasters chronology | ||||
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The Blasters is the second album by Americanrock bandthe Blasters. Originally released in the United States by the independent labelSlash Records, its strong sales performance required a deal for wider distribution withWarner Bros. Records.[2]
The album was well received, being ranked among the top 10 albums of 1982 byTime magazine and peaking at number 36 onBillboard'sPop Albums chart.[3][4]
The album was issued in the United Kingdom viaF-Beat Records. The British album featured different artwork from the American version, which depicts lead singerPhil Alvin in what was later described as "the way he contorts his face between almost every verse in his trademark grinning-skull grimace."[5]
Many of the songs were re-recorded version of material that first appeared onAmerican Music. The band became a quintet on this album, withGene Taylor joining on piano. Saxophone was supplied on several songs by guestsSteve Berlin andLee Allen.
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [6] |
| Christgau's Record Guide | A−[7] |
| Rolling Stone |  [8] |
| Spin Alternative Record Guide | 8/10[9] |
The Blasters was critically well received. Reviewing the album in 1982 forThe Village Voice,Robert Christgau said thatPhil Alvin has "easily the most expressive vocal style in all of nouveaurockabilly", while "Dave Alvin's originals introduce a major songwriter, one withJohn Fogerty's bead on the wound-tight good times of America's tough white underbelly, though his focus is shallower, sexual rather than spiritual."[10]Rolling Stone critic Debra Rae Cohen praised the "bright, raw playing, terrific taste and... full-bodied vocals", while drawing special attention to the band's drummer,Bill Bateman, whose playing she indicated was "[t]he real key to the Blasters' exuberant authenticity".[8]Trouser Press declared that the album "smokes" and that the band's performance was "tighter than a drum".[2]
According to a 2002PopMatters article, the national distribution ofThe Blasters was an eye-opener for listeners of "rockabilly,country,blues, andNew Orleans roadhouse R&B," who found a band capable of producing new material that "stood up well to the influences from whence they sprang".[11]
All songs composed byDave Alvin, except where noted.
