Although not quite the standout album that Mi Vida Loca is,
Loser's Paradise is another consistent effort, serving up the same winning mix of country, roots rock, soul, and norteño. This time around, friend
Dave Alvin handles the production, as well as providing some inspired six-string work, and contributes a couple of gems with the Cajun-flavored "East of Houston, West of Baton Rouge" and the honky tonkin' "Help You Dream." As with his other records,
Gaffney's songwriting is superb, bringing hard-luck tales and characters to life with his weathered voice and keen roots sensibility. For instance, check out his
George Jones-like ballad "Glasshouse," the melancholy "My Baby's Got a Dead Man's Number," and the lovely norteño number "Azulito." His cover choices also rule:
Lucinda Williams duets on a wonderful version of
the Intruders' 1968 soul chestnut "Cowboys to Girls," and
Gaffney thoughtfully rediscovers the
Ed Bruce-penned, 1964
Charlie Louvin hit "See the Big Man Cry."
Gaffney plays guitar, accordion, and piano, while enlisting instrumental backing from a standout band that includes longtime
Rod Stewart sideman
Ian McLagan on Hammond organ and pedal steel guitarist
Scott Wells. And the vocal help reads like an alternative country who's who, featuring
Rosie Flores,
Jim Lauderdale,
Dale Watson, and
Tony Villanueva (lead singer of
the Derailers). A must-have for
Gaffney fans, and a good introduction for new ones as well. ~ Jack Leaver