Album Review: Ry Cooder - Election Special

Considering the political climate and terrible state of world affairs, it's strange that more artists aren't singing about local political issues. Cooder, who isn't shy of a stoush, manages to corner the market on American issues here and now. With his blues and folksy roots approach, he manages to create a well-rounded record on Election Special.

The single Mutt Romney Blues is hilarious as it points out how scary our leaders could be. Anyone who straps their dog on a car roof to go on holiday isn't really presidential material. Cooder's son, Joachim, appears on drums and percussion but otherwise it's mainly Cooder with his love of stringed instruments at work here.

Perhaps the best way of describing this album is calling it political blues with a message from the left, or from any direction that's not Republican. Somewhere between Bob Dylan and the Bayou lie Ry Cooder and his bitter musings. Tracks like Guantanamo are brimming with a sense of humour in dark times and on Kool-Aid, we get to hear the brilliance of a blues player who transcends the medium. The production on this track is incredibly reminiscent of Daniel Lanois on his solo albums. The delicacy of Brother Is Gone helps clear the vision of this true musical statesman.

Thankfully an artist like Cooder says it like it is. There is no pretence here, and no hiding from what people may think. I wish he would write a song about Clint Eastwood's appearance on the Mitt Romney election trail.