Search - Ronnie Dawson :: More Bad Habits

As he approaches age 60 with the release of More Bad Habits, this Dallas rockabilly also appears to be nearing his peak. Certainly this is his most rockin' CD in some time. His rhythmic attack is harder than ever and his vocals come on just as strong. His hopped-up, rattlesnaking guitar is Chuck Berry with twang (reinforced by "Rockin' Country Cat," a bopcat "Johnny B. Goode"), occasionally flavored with burbling surf licks. In truth, Dawson's music is less rockabilly than countrified rock & roll, which is not precisely the same thing. With its references to good food (mostly burgers and Tex-Mex) and drink, hot rod races, red-hot wimmen, and various personal vices, it's mighty hep, but there's not a whiff of preciousness or nostalgia; Ronnie is simply speaking the language he knows best--and few know it better. --John Morthland