County Fair 2000 [LP]

Vinyl LP pressing. Never before available on vinyl, the former Blasters frontman's second solo album is a bluesy-rootsy set that has, in the words of NPR, room in [it's] melting pot for ragtime, doo-wop, country music, the blues, and lots more. More than just an engaging document of full-spectrum Americana, the album (which Alvin characterized as American minstrel music) features guests including Los Lobos' Cesar Rosas, Billy Boy Arnold, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the second incarnation of the Blasters (after brother Dave Alvin went to pursue his own solo career), local LA blues rock legend Top Jimmy Koncek, and members of Phil's jazz side project, the Faultline Syncopators. Veteran rock journalist Chris Morris has penned in-depth new liner notes that include observations from the Blasters' James Intveld and John Bazz, plus the original album's art director, Ed Boswell. Liberation Hall plans further releases throughout the next year in celebration of the Blasters' 45th anniversary.