Last Time I Saw You reviewed by Rick Davis

Last Time I Saw You

Microwave Dave & the Nukes

Self-released

www.microwavedave.com

13 Tracks

Dave Gallaher of Microwave Dave Microwave Dave & the Nukes formed the group in 1989. They began as a back-up band for Jerry 'Boogie' McCain for three years as well as Bo Diddley for some shows with influences from both reflected in their music. The Alabama Blues Society presented them with its Blues Achievement Award in 2001 "for accomplishments in performing, writing, and preserving blues music." The group performs with Microwave Dave handling the vocals, guitars, percussion, Lowebow, Cigtone, and drums, with Rick Godfrey on bass and harmonica, and James Irvin also on drums and percussion.

They have recently released their seventh album, Last Time I Saw You. Cover songs include David Elliot’s up-tempo roadhouse driven “I’ve Got a Bet with Myself” and Billy C. Farlow’s juke joint classic “Alabama Saturday Night.” The opening tune “Drinkin’ Wine Since Nine,” describes a night out and the progressive events to follow. Dave interjects a little humor and sarcasm with the tongue-in-cheek numbers “Jesus Was Smart,” “The Last Time I Saw You,” and “Tire Man.” “The Worst Thing” is a slow romantic tune with haunting guitar solos.  It sounds like “Hydraulic Grind,” a 13 second recording of a Dodge van winch, could be the intro to following tune “All Nite Boogie.” Strap yourself for this up-tempo, high energy, rocker that sounds like some out of the ZZ Top or George Thorogood songbook. “Going Downtown” is another hard drivin’, guitar-driven rocker with a rockabilly beat. Dave takes you out to the open road, headed for Memphis, strumming his Lowebow with his road song “Cadillac Ride.” You almost find yourself in the middle of a bullfight when listen to the Dick Dale guitar style with Microwave Dave singing in Spanish for the song “Vagabundos.” The CD is concluded with the seven minute instrumental “Rafferty” with a little Allman Brothers sound at times.

You find quite a variety of music in the new Microwave Dave & the Nukes release Last Time I Saw You. It has something for everybody’s taste and it is a CD you will want to play over and over again.

Reviewed by Rick Davis