Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby – Two-Way Family Favorites (Southern Domestic)

Both Wreckless Eric (still best known for his 70s hit “Whole Wide World”) and Amy Rigby (best known for her 90s album Diary of a Mod Housewife) are minor legends within certain circles, which is what will bring attention to Two-Way Family Favorites. But the spotlight will stay because this modest little gem is so effortlessly enjoyable. The pair turns in mostly midtempo, mildly psychedelic performances of songs famous (Tom Petty‘s “Walls,” ABBA‘s “Fernando,” Jackie DeShannon‘s “Put a Little Love in Your Heart*), hip (the Flamin Groovies‘ “You Tore Me Down,” “the Byrds‘ “Ballad of Easy Rider”), overlooked (the Who‘s “Endless Wire”) and obscure (Smokie‘s “Living Next Door to Alice,” Eric’s former Stiff labelmates Plummet Airlines‘ “Silver Shirt”). Powered by plangent 12-string guitars, warm keyboards and intimate harmonies, the duo gives each song its own spin, while still retaining the recognizable character of the originals. Even if the prospect of yet another covers record gives you the hives, you’ll likely find your pants charmed right off by Two-Way Family Favorites.

http://www.wrecklesseric.com
http://www.amyrigby.com
http://myspace.com/wrecklessericamyrigby