Dave Alvin, the group's primary songwriter, left the band in 1986 for a critically-acclaimed solo career. He was initially replaced on guitar by Hollywood Fats (birth name: Michael L. Mann) who appeared with them at Farm Aid. Phil Alvin has led various incarnations of The Blasters intermittently since then, including a few reunion tours and live albums of the original lineup. Personnel as of 2008 was Phil Alvin together with John Bazz, Keith Wyatt, and Bill Bateman.
The Blasters stink of rockabilly. A unique part of the Los Angeles punk scene of the 1980s, they project the essence of small streets of post-war neighborhoods, car culture and the sun-bleached concrete of Downey, California. They are lead by Phil Alvin's soulful bellowing about causing chaos, chasing women and the loss of the citrus groves. Influenced by the likes of The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and many others who came and went during the 1950's, The Blasters play the songs of the working man's curse and rock and roll romance. Founding members Phil Alvin and John Bazz, with the addition of Keith Wyatt on lead guitar and Jerry Angel on drums, are carrying on their hard-won legacy of one of the most credible and recognizable bands in Americana music.
The Blasters first started playing in the late 70's, hammering out burning rhythm & blues and roots-influenced rock and roll in biker bars in their hometown of Downey, California. It wasn't long before word about the band's searing live sets spread to Los Angeles, and the band carved out a name for itself in the city's burgeoning club scene. Along with X and Los Lobos, the Blasters became an LA favorite. They enjoyed a punk rock following to their bluesy straightforward rock, playing to the fans of the newfangled American punk rock movement that was just at its beginning. Their debut recording on the small but feisty Rollin' Rock label has since become a coveted collector's item.
Soon thereafter, they began attracting the attention of other record companies. The band was on the crest of the wave during the resurgence of American roots rock, a genre they helped define with their debut album "American Music." Many have tried to imitate The Blasters' sound but no one has been able to harness the passion and perseverance with which they play. With a tradition of producing timeless and meaningful songs, touring extensively, and collaborating with some of the most respected roots rock artists, like John Cougar Mellencamp and Lee Allen.
The Blasters have continually stayed true to their original vision: to play songs built on America's greatest musical traditions. Upon Dave Alvin's departure to pursue a solo career in August of 1986, the band was as strong as ever and riding high on their success. After rigorously touring, The Blasters took some time off the road to reflect and work on new material. At that time, a number of major films hit theaters featuring The Blasters tunes including Bull Durham ("So Long Baby, Goodbye) and Some One To Watch Over Me ("Marie, Marie").
The Blasters spent the next few years attempting to find a guitar player suitable to measure up to the impeccable standards by which The Blasters play. The band met veteran guitar maestro, Keith Wyatt. 4-11-44 is The Blasters' fifth studio album. It is fourteen tracks of their signature rock and blues. Phil Alvin's vocals are as powerful and true as they ever were and the band follows through with steady, raucous riffs and rhythms. Their music continues to be used frequently in dark, pulp films and television shows such as From Dusk to Dawn, Streets of Fire, and Six Feet Under. Originally released in the UK in 2004, 4-11-44 was released on Rainman Records in August of 2005.
American Music
The Blasters Lyrics
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Such a sight for sore eyes
You're a suicide makeover
Plastic eyes
Looking through a numb skull
Sell effaced, what's his face
You erased yourself
You have a growth that must be treated
Like a sudden severe pain in the neck
You can smell it but you can't see it
No explanation identified
'Cause you don't know, you don't say
And you got no reply
Hey you, where did you come from?
Got a head full of lead
You're an inbred bastard son
All dressed up, redblooded
A mannequin, do or die, no reply
Don't deny that you're synthetic
You're pathetic
The Blasters’ “American Music” is a satirical commentary on American pop culture, specifically the music industry. The song seems to be directed at a specific individual, as evidenced by lines such as “Looking through a numb skull / Sell effaced, what's his face / You erased yourself / So shut up, you don't let up.” The lyrics suggest this person is a manufactured, artificial creation of the music industry who has lost touch with their own identity, and is now promoting an image rather than simply making music. The line “You're a suicide makeover / Plastic eyes” seems to speak to the idea of a person reconstructing themselves to meet the industry’s standards, but feeling as though they have lost themselves in the process.
Line by Line Meaning
I see you down in the front line
I notice you standing in the front row
Such a sight for sore eyes
Your presence is incredibly refreshing
You're a suicide makeover
You've made a total transformation at the cost of yourself
Plastic eyes
You have lifeless, artificial eyes
Looking through a numb skull
Observing your superficial facade and lack of depth
Sell effaced, what's his face
You've lost your true identity and become unrecognizable
You erased yourself
You willingly wiped away your individuality
So shut up, you don't let up
Stop talking because you won't listen
You have a growth that must be treated
There is something malignant that needs attention
Like a sudden severe pain in the neck
It's become an unbearable burden
You can smell it but you can't see it
You know something's wrong but can't pinpoint it
No explanation identified
You can't find a logical reason for your affliction
'Cause you don't know, you don't say
You refuse to acknowledge or express the problem
And you got no reply
There is no response to your self-destructive behavior
Hey you, where did you come from?
What is the source of your dysfunctional existence?
Got a head full of lead
Your mind is filled with absurd thoughts
You're an inbred bastard son
You're a result of unwise choices and actions
All dressed up, redblooded
You appear to be lively and full of energy
A mannequin, do or die, no reply
You're a lifeless figurine, choose life or death, but stay silent
Don't deny that you're synthetic
Stop pretending to be something you're not
You're pathetic
Your actions and behavior are repulsive
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVE ALVIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Vicente
I'm sitting here putting the final touches on my 2020 ballot and contemplating the "American experience".
I will be voting for inclusion. I will be voting for equality. I will be voting for diversity. I will be voting for progress.
Why?
Because THIS is what makes America strong. Great even.
The Blasters know this. Just listen to their "American Music", and you'll understand. Like our country, our music- American music- is a tapestry. Unique and incredible not in spite of, but DUE TO it's technicolor weave. Our flavor comes from our many spices. Anyone who is opposed to this is seeking to weaken and water-down our song, our way of life. Our strength, our GREATNESS comes from our diversity and the embrace of "different". To deny this, to oppress this is an attempt to turn down the volume on our song, to turn down the volume on our country.
Not sameness. Not division. Not exclusion. Not separation. Not oppression. We are a GREAT nation because of our differences. These differences are to be celebrated, not feared.
Vote FOR our American music. Turn UP our volume!
The Blasters: American Music
Well, a U.S. soldier boy on leave in West-Berlin
No music there that rocks, just a thousand violins
They wanna hear some American music
American music
They wanna hear that sound right from the U.S.A
Well, it can be sweet and lovely, it can be hard and mean
One thing's for sure, it's always on the beam
They wanna hear some American music
American music
They wanna hear that sound right from the U.S.A
Well, it's a howl from the deserts, a scream from the slums
The Mississippi rollin' to the beat of the drums
They wanna hear some American music
American music
They wanna hear that sound right from the U.S.A
We got the Louisiana boogie and the delta blues
We got country, swing and rockabilly, too
We got jazz, country-western and Chicago blues
It's the greatest music that you ever knew
It's American music
It's American music
It's American music
It's that crazy sound right from the U.S.A
Well, a US soldier boy has to stop right in his tracks
When he hears that crazy beat, he turns and doubles back
Because they're playing American music, American music
The whole world digs that sound from the U.S.A
G Kirozal
I WAS THERE!!!! I went to this first Farm Aid concert and saw The Blasters for the first time and fell more in love with Phil and Dave and the rest of their kickass Rockabilly sound!! PURE AMERICAN MUSIC!!! You're welcome World!! :D Hello Danny wherever you are.....we had a great time even tho it rained and there wasn't any alcohol on campus......
Jason Lumbatis
I love their energy and vibe good 'ol american music just can't be beat
Mike McCune
I thought the Doors were the greatest American band until I heard the Blasters. I caught their act only once, at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go and they blew the roof off the joint! These cats got their R&B chops, heart and soul.
Guitar Zan
Saw these guys in 84, drank beer with them at a pre show get together, they were funny and awesome. One of my favorite times in my youth.
Worldwide Ghosts
Very cool.
B.R. Ferguson
The most infectious groove ever played, hands down 🙂👍 Outstanding!
Ron Coghlan
Dave writes them & Phil sings them. What a great one - two punch!
amancu1963
I am starting to appreciate the enormous driving Phil is adding with his guitar. Always overlooked, at least by me.
Jason Us
totally
electrofymyiz
Look at every comment below... The Blasters are an American treasure and Americana at it's musical best.
I get to see them tonight for the first time in 30 years at The Stanley Hotel ( The Shining location)! So jammed up!