The do-nothing-halfway attitude of
David Bowie's managerial arm (MainMan) vaulted him to glory, but netted his colleagues no commercial bonanzas. These reissued albums by his star guitarist didn't break the trend, but offer timely reminders of
Ronson's towering musical prowess. "Slaughter on 10th Avenue" is an outstanding example, though not without its indulgences.
Ronson's vocal reach exceeds his grasp on a swooning remake of the
Elvis Presley standard "Love Me Tender."
Bowie's contributions sound suspiciously like castoffs from his demo drawer (especially "Hey Ma, Get Papa," his only collaboration with
Ronson). Yet the rewards lie elsewhere, in charting
Ronson's growth. Only someone with his willfully eclectic outlook would slot the title track's glacial instrumental majesty with
Annette Peacock's off-kilter rocker "I'm the One," and make it pay off. The standout track, "Only After Dark," has been covered by hard rockers
Def Leppard and electropoppers the Human League, which proves
Ronson's lasting influence, if anyone needs it. On the surface, Play Don't Worry is an even more fragmented affair, with nearly every track bearing a different byline. Style-wise, it's evenly divided between
Mott-style balladry, and balls-out
rock & roll, such as blistering covers of "The Girl Can't Help It" and the Velvet Underground's "White Light, White Heat." A more sensitive side emerges on the acoustic-based "This Is for You," "Hazy Days," as well as "Angel No. 9," which packs plenty of
Ronson's trademark shuddering licks to satisfy his believers. Never a natural frontman, these albums do show
Ronson wasn't just rolling tape for its own sake. The bonus B-sides and live tracks are equally well-considered, making this reissue a classy, must-have affair. ~ Ralph Heibutzki, All Music Guide
