The Blasters “The Blasters”

Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#707 in the Series) is the The Blasters.

How strong of a debut album this is! Some might not consider it The Blasters debut; they did have one earlier with many of the same songs,  but we’re calling it their major label debut at least.

Oddly enough, this wasn’t originally a major label album. It was picked up by the Warner Brothers -distributed Slash label (BoDeans, Rank and File etc.) as word about The Blasters and their hot live shows got out.

Just think….a new band playing a retro sound in the early 80’s, and they throw five hits at you!  It’s very rare to see success like that.

Part Americana, part rockabilly toss in a little punk and a little of this and a little that and you have The Blasters.

This band was formed by brothers Dave and Phil Alvin along with bassist Johnny Bazz and drummer Bill Bateman.  They called Downey, California home.

So you might be wondering what the five hits are.  OK, count ‘em, “American Music,” “Marie Marie,” “I’m Shakin’,” “Border Radio” and “So Long Baby, Goodbye.”

You can hear all them below.  Some you might not know by name, but I think you’ll know them.

The Blasters have not played as a band for many years. However Dave Alvin’s solo career is going quite well. It seems like he’s always on tour and released a really good solo album about a year or so ago titled Eleven Eleven.

Track listing

Except where otherwise noted, all songs composed by Dave Alvin.

1. “Marie Marie” – 2:07
2. “No Other Girl” – 2:29
3. “I’m Shakin'” (Rudy Toombs) – 2:22
4. “Border Radio” – 2:47
5. “American Music” – 2:10
6. “So Long Baby Goodbye” – 2:24
7. “Hollywood Bed” – 3:33
8. “Never No Mo’ Blues” (Elsie McWilliams, Jimmie Rodgers) – 2:47
9. “This is It” – 2:15
10. “Highway 61” (Albert Laundrew) – 3:00
11. “I Love You So” (Bo Diddley) – 2:51
12. “Stop the Clock” (Bob Ehret, Damon Robertson) – 1:56

Personnel

• Lee Allen – tenor saxophone
• Dave Alvin – guitar, vocals
• Phil Alvin – guitar, vocals
• Bill Bateman – drums
• Gene Taylor – piano
• John Bazz – bass