Album Review: Son Volt – American Central Dust
Arriving in the afterglow of Highway 61 comes the newest Son Volt record, American Central Dust, a much more stripped-down affair than the band’s previous release, The Search. Front man, and lone original member, Jay Farrar presents a new set of songs about man’s place in his country whether it be on the open road, in the workplace, or with a loved one. These are strengths that Farrar has occupied since the earliest days of Uncle Tupelo, and this album does not disappoint.
If 2004’s Okemah and the Melody of Riot was Farrar dipping his toe into the lake of Son Volt after so many years away, and The Search was Farrar diving in head first, Dust presents us the alt-country legend as a man in his middle-age (if 42 is still middle-age) swimming comfortably through the waters. The band’s new album features little electric guitar in the forefront, relying on the acoustic playing of Farrar and lead guitarist Chris Masterson, as well as the band’s secret weapon, Mark Spencer. With his talents on display throughout this album, as well as The Search, Spencer’s talents behind the keyboard and lap steel have been invaluable.
Farrar reminds us that “The truth is not free/everyone must pay the price” in the accordion-filled “Dynamite”, the band’s best opener since Straightaways’ “Caryatid Easy”. Sharing harmonies with bassist Andrew Duplantis, the humorous chorus contains the feeling that, “This love/is like celebrating/the fourth of July/with dynamite.”
The straight-up country feel of “Roll On”, with its relaxed strumming and lap steel, represents the overall mood of the album. The band hasn’t been this laid back since the quieter moments of Straightaways. This honky-tonk track contains the optimistic line, “Every Don Quixote must have his day” preceded by the pessimistic, “Miles to go/chasing the sun/The stones we throw/Always find us on the way down.”
Creeping into the album like an outtake from Tom Waits’ Closing Time comes the tribute (?) to Keith Richards, “Cocaine and Ashes”. Playing the part of Richards, and singing verses stating “I snorted my father/And I’m still alive”, Farrar risks parody and succeeds, without taking away from the beautiful fiddle and piano that guides the song along. “These tears and blow are on my mind.”
“You’re out there/doing what you would die for/Believing ‘til there’s no turning back” is the philosophy of “No Turning Back”, with more terrific harmonies from Duplantis. “Pushed Too Far” rests on violins, acoustic guitar, the god-send that is Spencer’s lap steel, and warns that “When you hold your cards close to your chest/shows your bet pushed too far.”
Some songs don’t work. “Down to the Wire” suffers the dull fate of The Search’s “Circadian Rhythm”. “Sultana” plods along on limited piano keys, and the lone “rocker” that is “When the Wheels Don’t Move” could have been left off. Both of these songs seem to ramble on, which saddles an otherwise solid album.
The album ends on a high note, fortunately, with the excellent “Jukebox of Steel”. Twangy guitar taking us from verse to chorus and back again are inspired, as Farrar leads the sing-along chorus of “Throw the calendar away/Gonna find a jukebox of steel.” So forget tedious, live-long days and celebrate life. Embrace the heat of the summer, bat your hands against the steering wheel, and relax. Enjoy American Central Dust.
Rating: 
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“Down To The Wire”
The only thing wrong with this gorgeous sound recording is the cover photo.
MARK SPENCER is the most capable, inventive and fearless guitar player with whom I’ve ever had the luxury to collaborate. He remains a gentleman and a scholar of the electric guitar. Hats off to JUSTIN GERBER for having penned this thoughtful review. I cannot wait to check out the album.
You are correct, JS. Derry deBorja was the keyboardist on THE SEARCH.
I agree Mark Spencer is a godsend and this version of Son Volt’s secret weapon. But he didn’t play on The Search. That was before he joined the band.
Really enjoying American Central Dust. Fantastic stuff from Son Volt.
I really look forward for this album. The music is great and inspiring.
Sep 11th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
[...] in a select number of cities this summer in support of Farrar and Co.’s latest goody, American Central Dust. In July, the band brought its alt-folk rock with the company of Cowboy Junkies, and it looks like [...]