DSOB...

[Nathaniel]

I'm not sure why some people don't like this release... it's his best so far. the only thing i can't get use to is the distorted vocals.

[JoseVB]

I think Dark Shades of Blue is special, and unique to Rudd's catalog. First off, it's an electric record, full of barely contained squalling guitars, percussion, and a more textural approach to recording. That said, it's hardly a sellout; in fact, given how comfortably he inhabits this terrain, this may be the record Rudd has desired to make for a long time. He still plays Weissenborn guitars, though they're amplified, as is a six-string resonator. His didgeridoos are still present (known here by their aboriginal term, yirdaki), as well as the drums of Dave Tolley, and sometimes a small chorus of backing vocalists. His songwriting is more expansive; he relies on the blues a bit more, though reggae and Aussie folk styles are everywhere. The Weissenborn lends itself to amplification beautifully, offering long distorted and sustained tones that transcend mere "rock."