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Common Ground: Dave & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill Broonzy Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: Blasters Dave and Phil Alvin come together for this tribute to Big Bill Broonzy.
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  • Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Genre(s): Country, Blues, Americana, Pop/Rock, Alternative Country-Rock, Roots Rock, Acoustic Blues, Early American Blues
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Top Track

All By Myself
When I was young I never needed anyone And making love was just for fun Those days are gone Living alone I think of all the friends I've known But... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Uncut
    Jul 1, 2014
    90
    The results are spectacular. [Jul 2014, p.66]
  2. Jul 1, 2014
    80
    Common Ground isn't "The Return of the Alvin Brothers" so much as a joyous continuation of the mission they launched when the Blasters first hit the stage in 1979, and if they're a little older and craggier in 2014, they clearly know how to make this stuff rock, and this is a modest triumph for one of roots rock's most fascinating partnerships.
  3. Jul 1, 2014
    80
    It’s an easy-on-the-ear, hard-on-the-shoe-leather set.
  4. Jul 1, 2014
    80
    Common Ground has the pluck and swing of a porch pickin’ party, with the Alvins swapping licks and vocals on a number of Broonzy classics.
  5. Q Magazine
    Jul 2, 2014
    80
    Swinging , both fleet-footed and fingered, and bursting with humour and joy, the brothers ball the jack on what is perhaps their best album yet. [Jul 2014, p.101]
  6. Aug 13, 2014
    80
    The Alvins don’t tamper with Broonzy’s basic template, and truth be told, their feisty renditions of “All By Myself,” “Key to the Highway,” “Big Bill Blues” and practically every other song on this set sound as if they’re of a vintage variety.
  7. Mojo
    Jul 24, 2014
    60
    Celebrating both Big Bill and the Alvins' shared boyhood, this genial collaboration throws a warm light on both. [Jul 2014, p.89]