J.J. Cale Still Has It

This laid-back guitarist gave Eric Clapton “Cocaine,” and he gave it to him “After Midnight.” But can he still roll the rock now that he’s in his ’70s and the ’70s are over?

Yes, absolutely. And he can rant about technological creep while doing it. Whattaguy.

J.J. Cale, Roll On
[Scott Thill, Metromix]
Cale fans should feel right at home with the easy pace and pedal steel wonder of light tracks like “Cherry Street” and the country rock stomp of “Down to Memphis,” tunes which offer a compressed glimpse into what he’s offered in past classic efforts like 1971’s “Naturally” and 1976’s “Troubadour.” But Cale has entered the digital age kicking and screaming: “Who knew our life would be so complicated?/Who knew that we would be so automated?” he muses on “Who Knew.” He’s similarly crusty on love and loss, especially on the groovy crunch of “Where the Sun Don’t Shine.” Open-minded late adopters should pick up “Roll On,” as Cale remains a master of guitar licks and clever wit. MORE @ METROMIX