The Wall Street Journal
Tuesday, March 23, 2004

By Jim Fusilli

Three Haunting Albums

There's something compelling about  music that suggests something's gone awry, whether it's rock, folk, metal or techno, whether what's troubling the artist is conveyed by the ominous growl of a guitar, a disturbing pattern on the bass, a mysterious lyric or a dark, evocative voice.  These albums, all of which share a terse, visual quality, have little else in commom but their ability to haunt. [Also reviewed: "Virginia Creeper" by Grant-Lee Phillips and "2 a.m. wakeup call" by tweaker]

"A Fix Back East" (Rounder) Tarbox Ramblers

This Boston-based band's second CD touches on perennial sources for its noir feel: backstreet romance, the mysteries of faith, the persistent presence of death, and what Michael Tarbox calls a "visitation in the dust." Tarbox is a chillingly precise lyricist for whom imagery is all: "You dreamed in the lamplight by the waterfornt pier" and "Through the yawning railyard hear the lonesome brakemen cuss" are two examples of his sense of ambiance.  His music, which blends gut-bucket blues with a sound that recalls X, The Blasters and "Time Out of Mind" Dylan, has a raw, urgent quality, thanks to Tarbox's rattling voice, the sinewy violin of Daniel Kellar and the decision by legendary producer Jim Dickinson to record the raspy quartet live in the studio.