The revenge of the Dummy? Ben Darvill strikes back
Winnipeg Sun — Discs, John Kendle. January 28, 2000.
Freed of the restraints of another songwriter’s material, the Crash Test Dummies’ resident muso breaks out with his own label and not one but two solo discs.
Son of Dave is the more conventional, blending, in a lo-fi way, his interests in heady techno grooves, butt-kickin’ blues riffs and lots of harmonica solos. Opener “Devil Take My Soul” opens a big can of whup-ass on pretenders to R.L. Burnside’s crown, riding a slinky beat, a meaty guitar riff and the sultry vocal of Dorian Davis to places the Dummies never visited.
“Beautiful Babies” sets a line from Swingers in Clash-circa-Sandinista! turf — a vamping celebration of the glorious squalour of night life. “Mojo” has bluesmen Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Slim and Sonny Boy Williamson discussing musical soul while white boy Ben confesses his lack thereof. A treat.
Wild West Show, meanwhile, is a trancy soundscape — a captivating blend of conversational snippets, found sounds, techno’s 180-bpm intensity and Rawhide guitars. Yes, that’s a warped description, but this is a deliciously warped set from a deliciously warped guy.
Son of Dave: ★★★½
Wild West Show: ★★★★