johnny bravo blues

The Barry Goldberg Reunion

Classification: Americana
Subclassification: Blues
Release: The Barry Goldberg Reunion, 1968

I feel confident in designating this as blues. It could have fit into Classic Rock with its garage rock vibes at times. In a way, it would have fit in with Oldies for that same reason, but 1968 is a little late for an Oldies classification, isn't it. Vocally, I can hear the influence of Bob Dylan. I can also hear how Barry Goldberg might have had an early influence on Elvis Costello. I like Elvis Costello; I'm ambivalent about Dylan. I recognize his musicality, his artistry and his importance. That said, I would listen to The Wallflowers over Dylan all day. Sorry, Bob. Sorry, Dad. 

This was starting to feel like a real album review. It felt like I was laying the foundations for a philosophy of music. Where does taste fall in the hierarchy of importance to rating music? There must be some objectivity in regards to assessing music. Otherwise, the sound that your child makes with a metal spoon on an upside down brass pot would be as good as that Phil Collins drum solo. You may love your child with all your heart, but I don't want to live in a world where his anti-climactic banging equates to the greatest drum solo of all time. It felt like that was where this was going. Then, I heard the voice of the muse whisper in my ear, "too literal". The music could be rock, could be blues, could be gospel, could be something else. It is a muddled mess. "This is your quest," the spirit whispered. How does one express this strange, muddled stew of everything that is the Barry Goldberg Reunion. 

Music experienced is a magical thing. I sat and listened to the record twice, back to back. After, I wrote the bones of Johnny Bravo Blues. It'll show up some day, probably in The Orphans. Until then, just know that Johnny Bravo and his blues stopped me dead in my tracks when trying to write the review of The Barry Goldberg Reunion.