The Wallflowers - Bringing Down the Horse

There's a laundry list that comes with mentioning The Wallflowers CD Bringing Down The Horse (Interscope Records). Yes, songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Jakob Dylan is the son of that other Dylan guy named Bob - you might have heard of him. And yes, the younger Dylan has obviously spent a good amount of time listening to his father's catalogue.

Some of iconic folk singer's jingle jangle rhythms and epic lyrics can be found in the music of his son's band. But let me be clear, The Wallflowers are not a Bob Dylan cover band. Not in any way shape or form! In fact, if their album shows anything, it's that Dylan (the son) and his bandmates did not spend their musically formative teenage years listening to only Blood on the Tracks and Blonde on Blonde. Oh, no these guys were children of their generation and their latest roots rock album tips a hat to 1980's hit makers Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and Bruce Springsteen.

Stories of lonely roads and nomadic nights spent cruising down highways are images that appear again and again on The Wallflowers' album. "One Headlight" is the type of song that screams out "this is rock 'n' roll in its purest and best sense. As Jakob Dylan croons about him and Cinderella driving home with one headlight in the trademark gravely Dylan drawl, it's one of those truly electric moments.

"6th Avenue Heartache" has a bit of classic Dylan sound, but the vocal stylings and southern rock tempo are all vintage Tom Petty. It's one of those perfect love songs that is touching with out being sappy or overly sentimental. In other words, it's the kind of song that a guy wouldn't be embarrassed to be caught listening to. A strange sort of tortured love affair shows up again on "Angel on My Bike". It's a smoldering rocker of a song with some great drumming by Matt Chamberlain.

The haunted ruminations of Bruce Springsteen in somber-mode take center stage on the track "Invisible City". Stuck in a town suffering from urban decay, Dylan plays the loner who sees and tells hard truths. "Every heart has a blind side," he sings and the ache he feels rings true as the band ekes out a mournful tune with Latin flavorings.

It seems to be a rule that every rock album should include an obligatory ballad. The Wallflowers are no exception and their stab at the genre is called "Josephine". It's not a power ballad and the band does deserve credit for trying to put their own spin on radio-type romance. However, that being said, the song is not one of their best. The Wallflowers seem hampered by this one and with lyrics like "You're so sweet/you must taste like sugar" it's clear that the guys should always add some rock to their romantic songs.

For those who have to comb The Wallflowers albums in search of Bob Dylan, the track "I Wish For Nothing" will make them feel cozy and at home. It's classic rainy day Bob and sort of proves the adage that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. After all, the idea of another fabulous songwriter on the rise isn't a bad addition to the music industry - especially in its current state.

Roots rock has a powerful ally in The Wallflowers. The band has a workman like quality about them. There are no showy guitar solos here or any other rock antics - just good lyrics and music. By keeping it real, they are sure to gather a large and loyal audience for years to come.