Crowell runs on sex

Rodney Crowell could be viewed as the noncountry fan’s favorite country singer. Although artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Tom Petty are just to the right of country music, safely located in southern rock territory, Rodney Crowell could probably be placed just to the left.  

Although country fans undoubtedly enjoy his music, fans of folk, bluegrass and even stripped-down blues should like his new album Sex & Gasoline as well.

Known more as an accomplished songwriter throughout most of the ’80s, Crowell achieved real fame in 1988, thanks to the multiple Grammy awards he won for his critically acclaimed album Diamonds & Dirt.  His popularity may have peaked with Diamonds, but he has since gone back to accomplished songwriting.

Those who know little about Crowell will find it easy to get to know him just by listening to 20 seconds of any random song. Although his obvious impressions of Bob Dylan and Tom Petty is at first almost laughable, the lyrics and subjects of the songs themselves are impressive and demand the respect of the listener.

The title track has Crowell singing to a woman about the shape America has been in for quite some time: “Come on girl, genuflect to nude magazines / This mean old world runs on sex and gasoline.”

The song kicks off the album well not only because it follows a catchy and dirty blues progression, but also because it lets the listener know what to expect in the following tracks.

And although many tracks do indeed have Crowell singing about the state of the world and his own shortcomings (like on “I’ve Done Everything I Can” and “The Rise and Fall of Intelligent Design”), the casual listener will enjoy less reflective songs like “I Want You #35” “Who Do You Trust,” and “Funky and the Farm Boy.” 

Unlike some of the others, these tracks are effortlessly catchy and showcase Crowell’s aptitude of writing less complex, but still pleasing tunes.

Bob Dylan and Tom Petty fans may find it hard to get over the painfully obvious impression, but on a deeper surface, Crowell’s talent is equally obvious, making Sex & Gasoline listenable.