DAVID BAERWALD – A FINE MESS (POP)

DAVID BAERWALD – A FINE MESS (POP): If you know David Baerwald from his brief stint in David + David, then you are only touching the surface. All five of Baerwald’s solo albums are treasures – including 1999’s A Fine Mess, which has received a two-CD reissue. This Best of 2015 honoree is much more than the sum of its parts, containing glorious versions of solo work from not just that period but his entire solo career. The expansive set has a home studio feel to it but the musicianship and recordings are for the most part strong. He surrounds himself with musically high-powered friend, (Will Sexton, Larry Klein, David Ricketts) but David Baerwald is clearly in control with vivid and direct lyrics and rock rhythms. The CD set is available directly from Baerwald in limited pressing (message him via Facebook). Rumor has it that he’s working on a new David + David album with Ricketts. Let’s hope that comes soon. Check out “Hellbound Train,” “The Bob Dylan Blues” and “Nothing’s Gonna Bring Me Down.”