It’s been quite a while since former Sti ff Records star Wreckless Eric has made a solo album, but that doesn’t mean that he’s been unproductive. In fact, he’s kept pretty busy the past decade recording, touring and moving house from the EU to upstate New York with his wife, Amy Rigby. But since the missus is writing a book and a hefty portion of his back catalog has just been reissued, now’s the time. Eric is an old hand at home recording, accessorizing his still-phlegmy growl and punchy pub-rock ri ffs with a bit of psychedelic Stones spaciness and shrunk-in-thedryer prog keyboard licks. If it all sounds a bit vintage, at age 61, he’s earned the right. And after all, how should a collection of unsentimental reflections about American living, show business and the myriad ways that our shoddy present has betrayed mid-20th century dreams sound?
—Bill Meyer
