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Album Review
Dave Woodcock and the Dead Comedians Omaha High Low
Article written by
Matt H - Jan 13, 2010
Dave Woodcock and the Dead Comedians
Pasty of face and deep of voice, the role of bar-stool philosopher sits well on the shoulders of Sheffield’s Dave Woodcock. And indeed his trade is booze-soaked and fag-smoked solipsistic ruminations, backed up here by seriously accomplished rock and rollers, the Dead Comedians.
Here We Go is an appropriate opener, a swaggering honky-tonk call to musical arms that gives all involved a chance to show their mettle. It sounds magnificent with Woodcock croaking over a fulsome sound, the guitar twanging to especially fine effect. From there you get all manner of bar room anthems and tales of good intentions taking a back seat to getting another in – the music playing out a fine plaintive Americana backing or bluesy country rock. The old fashioned feel to many of the songs, starting right with the vinyl crackles that open the CD, while comforting does tip over into cliché every so often. But there’s still very much bleary-eyed pleasure to be had and plenty to suggest that, as he goes on, Dave Woodcock’s just going to get better - not least That Won’t Bring You Back to Me whose accelerated tunefulness recalls the National. And in the Dead Comedians he's got a band that would rise to the challenge without even breaking to tap the ash from the tip of their ciggies.
Well worth a listen for anyone with the merest sliver of rock 'n roll in their soul.