Album Review: Ry Cooder - Election Special

If you'd prefer your musicians to steer clear of political commentary, don't even touch Ry Cooder's Election Special, but as the US presidential election approaches, this could well be the year's most pertinent release. Cooder is angry with the American Right; he's scared they'll take control and he's channelled this fear and vitriol into nine songs that pull no punches.

Mutt Romney Blues opens the record, a loose, swaggering blues from the perspective of the dog Republican nominee Mitt Romney now famously tied to the top of his car. Brother Is Gone is a clever, melancholy indictment on Wichita's Koch brothers stating they struck a deal with the devil in much the same way as Robert Johnson, while Take Your Hands Off It starts with the frank line “Get your dirty hands off my Constitution, now”. You could say a lot about the lyrical content; it seems that's exactly what Cooder wants, and why not? Art that stimulates discussion about important issues ought to be treasured. But one thing that may get lost amongst Cooder's discourse is that this is a really excellent record and, though recent releases have proved he's in good form, it's still his best in years.

Cooder's son Joachim is the only other musician – he drums – but there's absolutely nothing missing here. It's a little raw, but you're never left wanting for more musical embellishment, Cooder's highly-skilled playing and production nous making it shine. Guantanamo is far too catchy, given its subject matter, Cold Cold Feeling is a beautifully bleak blues and the musical whimsy of Going To Tampa adds much to its cheek. It's heavily political, but Election Special is brilliantly executed.