THE CHRISTGAU CONSUMER GUIDE
The Allman Brothers: “Brothers and Sisters” (Capricorn). Simplicity can be a virtue — the nice thing about the Allmans is that when they put two fiveyear-olds on the cover we know they’re not cornholing the kids on the side. Gregg Allman is a predictable singer who never has an unpredictable lyric to work with anyway, and the jams do roll on, but at their best — “Ramblin’ Man,” a miraculous revitalization of rock’s weariest conceit — they just may be the best.
THE CHRISTGAU CONSUMER GUIDE
by Robert Christgau
The Allman Brothers: “Brothers and Sisters” (Capricorn). Simplicity can be a virtue — the nice thing about the Allmans is that when they put two fiveyear-olds on the cover we know they’re not cornholing the kids on the side. Gregg Allman is a predictable singer who never has an unpredictable lyric to work with anyway, and the jams do roll on, but at their best — “Ramblin’ Man,” a miraculous revitalization of rock’s weariest conceit — they just may be the best. A minus.
Asleep at the Wheel: “Cornin’ Right at Ya” (United Artists). It sounds flat the first five times you hear it, but that’s the secret. Highly recommended to those with a high regard for the unexpected — in this case, fetching western swing with a ’70s accent. A minus.
Chuck Berry: “Bio” (Chess.) Willie Mays was the greatest baseball player who ever lived, and he reminds me more of Chuck Berry every time out. D plus.