Marvin Etzioni
Album: Marvin Country!
Label: Nine Mile
Tracks: 22(Two Discs)
Website: http://www.marvincountry.com

The thing about double albums is that in the majority of cases they can always be distilled down into a single and be much the better for it. Does any album really need one part of 'What's Patsy Cline Doing These Days?' let alone 2? When I really want to revisit Gram (and I often do) I'll play 'GP' or Grievous Angel' rather than a sample of him regardless of how poignant the lyrics are and I always feel just a little bit cheated when an album has alternate version of a track - is that not what b sides, bootlegs and ten year down the line deluxe collectors editions were invented for?

This is the downside of 'Marvin Country!' the fourth solo album (and first for nigh on two decades) from Lone Justice co-founder Marvin Etzioni. It is a curious blend of independence and collaboration; there are only four co-writes (two with Sam Lorber, and one each with Red Lane and Richard Thompson) but over half the tracks are duets. It is with these duets that the best work can be found. 'You Are The Light' with the Dixie Hummingbirds is as good a slice of country gospel as you are likely to hear, the accordion led 'It Don't Cost Much' with Richard Thompson is delightfully light and frothy, and it's not just that I've got a soft spot for the jew's harp that I like the bouncy duet with Buddy Miller 'Living Like A Hobo' so much.

The two finest moments on the album are both to be found on the first disc. 'Lay It On The Table' is a big tug-at-your-heartstrings ballad sung with Lucinda Williams. On most other albums this would be the standout track with the slightly rough around the edges being especially appealing but it cannot compete with the opening track. The vocals of Etzioni and Maria McKee on 'You Posses Me' a duet blend just perfectly with a mournful, aching pedal steel and lush strings - it is as perfect a country ballad as you could want.

Marvin Country! is a far from perfect album; the 'interesting' are just that but they don't stand up to repeat listening whereas the 'proper' songs do. I think there will be a little bit of pruning going on before it becomes a permanent fixture on my mp3 player.

John 'The Jacket' Hawes