G. Love's 'Fixin' to Die'
"Fixin To Die" by G. Love Credit: Handout
Garrett Dutton, aka G. Love, has always been able to turn almost anything into the blues. On "Fixin' to Die" (Brushfire) he turns his talents on everything from a stomping version of Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" to a gorgeous acoustic take on The Velvet Underground's "Pale Blue Eyes," to a bunch of his own originals, with good results. Much of the credit should go to the Avett Brothers, who produce the album and play in G. Love's backing band, keeping the arrangements spare and streamlined, unlike some of his occasionally cluttered back catalog.
G. Love: "Fixin' to Die"
GRADE: B+
BOTTOM LINE: A bluesy twist on folk rock