The Gonzo Daily: GROUND CONTROL TO ERIC BURDON

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

GROUND CONTROL TO ERIC BURDON

ARTIST: Eric Burdon - [Album]
DATE: 02-21-13

REVIEW BY: G. Murray Thomas
ALBUM: \'Til Your River Runs Dry
LABEL: ABKCO/Universal

Now Playing: '27 Forever' from 'Til Your River Runs Dry by Eric Burdon

Eric Burdon does not seem to realize the Sixties ended long ago. And that's a good thing. He still believes that music can change the world, and he still sings like that's true.

On 'Til Your River Runs Dry, Burdon tackles a number of political and social issues. The central theme, as indicated by the title, is the water crisis; the growing lack of fresh, clean water for much of the world's population. Although he does present water as both savior, in the opening track, "Water," and destroyer, in "River Is Rising," about Katrina, he also touches on immigration, war, greed, and government oppression. He keeps the spirit of the Sixties alive no matter which turn he makes, both positive (his passion for the issues) and the negative (a certain naivete to the lyrics) and that consistency makes for a great ride; once they're in, Burdon works to make sure that no one falls off or gets bored with this ride. Only occasionally does he descend into pure polemics (as on "Invitation to the White House" where he imagines a meeting with the President, and presents simplistic solutions to the country's problems), a common problem with political songs.

Musically, 'Til Your River Runs Dry could have been recorded in the Sixties as well. Although it does not sound dated, it ignores much of what has happened in music in the last forty years. It is all basic blues rock, recorded with a Cincinnati band called The Greenhornes, which Burdon has been working with for a few years now. The playing is rock solid – supporting Burdon very well – but it never rises to anything exceptional on its own. Only on the final number, a jamming version of Bo Diddley's "Before You Accuse Me," do they really let loose.

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