Let's Leave This Town

Let's Leave This Town

Chip Taylor, the writer of "Wild Thing" and "Angel of the Morning," abandoned his musical career in the '80s to take up professional gambling. Returning in the '90s, he has taken a stripped-down, rootsy approach across a series of sharp releases. This largely acoustic outing of duets with singer-fiddler Carrie Rodriguez proves again that his hiatus hasn't hurt his songwriting: "Sweet Tequila Blues," "Him Who Saved Me," and the title tune stand with his best work--and up to anyone else's. His calling out for musicians to solo, and the playful comfort exhibited with Ms. Rodriguez, lend an air of casualness to the proceedings, but make no mistake, <I>Let's Leave This Town</I> is a passionate, finely crafted record. "Back porch" music is one of life's joys, and the intimacy of a musician or group of musicians performing for a small circle of friends and family is magical in a way that is hard to capture on disc. Kudos to Chip Taylor as producer for making you feel that he and Ms. Rodriguez are performing these fine songs just for you and yours. <I>--Michael Ross</I>