Album Review- Dwight Yoakam’s “Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars”
Just the idea of Dwight Yoakam making a bluegrass album is like some sort of gift from the country music Gods. Before a lick of music was heard, the news of Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars was its own viral event.
But this album was never going to live up to whatever expectations fans assigned to it. That’s in no way a knock against the album, the songs, the music, the players, or Dwight. It’s just that the words “Dwight Yoakam is releasing a bluegrass album” is such an accelerant for setting the hair of traditional country, bluegrass, and Dwight Yoakam fans on fire, the result could never be as good as the idea sounded. The news that the album would be covers of previously-released Dwight Yoakam material helped to temper expectations a little bit, though for others it exacerbated their zeal, while the idea of Dwight covering Prince’s “Purple Rain” bluegrass style raised the buzz factor behind this record even further.
The primary issue with this album is that none of these songs were written to be bluegrass songs. Dwight Yoakam has written some songs throughout his career that veer towards bluegrass already, songs like “Miner’s Prayer” from his debut Guitars, Cadillacs, etc. etc., but he mostly avoided this type of material that could be more intuitively interpreted into traditional bluegrass. At the same time, Dwight made sure to avoid making this his greatest hits done bluegrass style. He put effort out to use songs that could work as bluegrass compositions, and wasn’t afraid to include album cuts. Nonetheless, the cadence of the lyrics, and the structure of the songs feel like trying to force a country song into a bluegrass mold at times. Some of these tracks just don’t have the flow that many great bluegrass songs have, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with the words.
But Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars is a good, solid, fun bluegrass record that may be more novelty than substance, but still is something all Dwight fans should at least give strong consideration, and is a neat side project to compliment his legendary catalog.
Throughout Dwight’s career, he’s always taken time to pay homage. In 1997, his Under the Covers album was a collection of songs from country and beyond that influenced his career. Two other compilations of Dwight singing cover songs on tributes and other projects came out in 2003 and 2004. Then of course there’s the legendary Dwight Sings Buck from 2007.
Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars is Dwight Yoakam’s way of paying tribute not to songs or artists, but an art form that has influenced his career, and is strong in his roots as a native of Pikeville, Kentucky. The title is sort of a tongue-in-cheek take on how Dwight is more often associated with Hollywood, but is still very much a hillbilly at heart.
The issue is that Dwight’s slow songs of heartbreak don’t easily slide into the more up-tempo and traditionally-minded bluegrass mold. Not that bluegrass can’t or doesn’t have an element of the blues in there too, but Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars is full of plodding, honky tonk numbers, while the theme of bluegrass over the years has been more about nostalgia and other more diverse subjects set to a more upbeat tempo.
When the songs have a bit more juice behind the rhythm, and a more natural staccato pentameter, that is when the concept behind Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars shines through, and the stellar musicians assembled like Bryan Sutton, Stuart Duncan, and banjo player Scott Vestal can do their worst. Though they come late in the track list, “Please Please Baby” and especially “Gone (That’ll Be Me)” are arguably the best selections from the album, even though a song like “Guitars Cadillacs” may be an overall better song compositionally, and still a hoot to hear done bluegrass style.
If you come to this record expecting some groundbreaking bluegrass project, especially if you weren’t in the loop that this is a covers record, you’re probably going to be disappointed. But if you look at it as Dwight trying to keep things spicy and interesting, and releasing a side project of cool bluegrass versions of some of his previously-released material, you’ll have a good time, enjoy the listen, see a different side of Dwight, and satiate your desire to hear what he’d be like in the bluegrass realm.
Maybe in the future there is an original bluegrass album from Dwight in store.
1 1/2 Guns Up (7/10)
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Frank the Tank
September 23, 2016 @ 8:30 am
Although none of these songs were originally written as bluegrass songs, I do think most of them are well-suited to bluegrass. I would have preferred new songs specifically written for this project (with a few covers), but I feel like many of the songs that were chosen work very well with bluegrass harmonies. I appreciate that it wasn’t simply a greatest hits album done bluegrass style.
I agree that some of the best songs are near the end, with “Please Please Baby,” “Gone,” “Two Doors Down,” and “Purple Rain” being my favourites (“Gone” is one of my absolute favourite Dwight Yoakam songs). I think this version of “Purple Rain” is excellent and there is an interesting story on NPR about why they decided to cut this song. One thing that I really enjoy about Dwight Yoakam is that, although he does record a fair number of cover songs, he always has a cool, different take on them (eg. “Locomotion” from “Dwight’s Used Records” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” from “Last Chance for a Thousand Years,” among many others).
The only song that didn’t really resonate with me was “Listen.” This could be that it isn’t well-suited to bluegrass or that it simply it would rank fairly low on my list of favourite Dwight Yoakam songs (not that it is bad, just not one of my favourites).
This will likely end up on my Top 5 list this year and I would rank it 9/10.
Ron
September 23, 2016 @ 8:32 am
Funny you liked Purple Rain. See below, I hated it.
Bob Wire
September 23, 2016 @ 9:10 am
How many artists have such a strong catalog of material that they can periodically return to the songs and give them a different treatment? dwightyoakamacoustic.net found him playing stripped down, guitar-and-vocal versions of two dozen songs he’d previously released. I loved it. Same with Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars… I’m not a huge bluegrass fan (the rigid stylistic constraints and lack of variety don’t keep me interested for long), but hearing his own material recast in that vein is an entertaining trip. Having said that, Kyle, I’m with you – still eager to hear an album of new material.
Side note: One of the things that’s made Dwight’s career so compelling is his unpredictability. I have a friend who played bass in a hard rock band called Go Dogs Go! that Dwight was producing around the time of Sling Blade. Talk about a multiple threat.
Ron
September 23, 2016 @ 8:31 am
I’ll skip this one. I like Dwight and bluegrass but the combination just doesn’t work for me. I didn’t care for Gone and Purple Rain is a disaster. I didn’t get through either of them. Please Please Baby might be the best on the album. The best I could give this album is 5/10.
Jack Williams
September 23, 2016 @ 8:42 am
I liked Gone just fine. I have to say I’m not crazy about Purple Rain right now. I was intrigued when I heard he was covering it because I have always loved the original. But yeah, I don’t think it works all that well here. Feels forced.
I’ll listen to the rest of it when my copy arrives today.
scott
September 23, 2016 @ 10:41 am
Purple Rain done by Jackson Taylor and the Sinners is the definitive version. This one left me wanting so much more.
Kevin
September 23, 2016 @ 1:02 pm
I’d still call Pronce’s the definative version.
Jebba
September 23, 2016 @ 11:24 am
Dwightyokamacoustic.net has been my favorite one of his albums so far!
Jack Williams
September 23, 2016 @ 4:54 pm
That is a great album and I would have to say it works better than this one. I’m guessing that just about all of the songs originally started out with just Dwight and his guitar, so it feels more natural.
Jamie Lavigne
September 23, 2016 @ 8:33 am
Nice review Trigger!
It is a good album, his voice is still as great and strong as ever.
I liked the fresh, bluegrass take on his classic songs, however, I too hope that he will release a future bluegrass album with all original material.
Frank the Tank
September 23, 2016 @ 9:10 am
I too thought they his voice sounded as strong as ever on this album. It sounded like he really enjoyed recording this.
Kross
September 23, 2016 @ 9:13 am
I’ll try to give it a listen but right now I’m stuck on that Jeremy Plato and the departed record. Not one song on it written befor 1972.
albert
September 23, 2016 @ 9:25 am
Before listening to ANY of this record , Trigger ( Purple Rain aside ) I can say I’m not in the least surprised by your review and thoughts and would gamble that it is DEAD ON . Country singers aren’t necessarily Bluegrass singers and nor do they necessarily know a solid bluegrass song or something that would lend itself to a Bluegrass interpretation when they hear it . Its not just about themes ( you’ve discussed that) but about phrasing ,harmony stacks , comfortable space for soloists and other harder- to- define vibes. When Alan Jackson did his BG record several years back , it was apparent that AJ hadn’t completely grasped some of these hallmarks of the genre . Yes , it was a highly listenable record and AJ wrote some nice songs , as he usually does , but to a lot of ears it was more acoustic country record as a bluegrass record which , I believe , indicated that lack of necessary familiarity required to satisfy the Doyle Lawson , Del McCoury , Balsam Range , ,Rhonda Vincent , Ricky Scaggs , Junior Sisk , etc, contingent of fans who KNOW the real thing when they hear it . Granted , to the uninitiated and/or the longtime AJ fan ,this was , by default , Bluegrass music . I suspect ,from your review , Dwight’s record falls into the same “by default” category . I have no doubt it will be a rewarding listen for longtime Dwight fans who appreciate his unique vocal gift and his sense of adventure but I won’t be surprised if it doesn’t make a top ten list of Bluegrass releases this year
.
Terrific , just and reflective review as always Trigger . Good for you ….and good for Dwight .
Scott S.
September 23, 2016 @ 9:42 am
Would have preferred a album of originals, or covers of other people’s songs. Hearing old favorites just reminds you something doesn’t sound right. Also, a less obvious Prince cover would have made more sense. Overall though a alright release.
Matty T
September 23, 2016 @ 9:43 am
If this album isn’t on every list of Best Albums of 2016 then I just may lose the last few ounces of faith I have in humanity.
Jamie Lavigne
September 23, 2016 @ 10:05 am
I was thinking, it would be great if Dwight & Patty Loveless teamed up for a duets Bluegrass (or a solid country) album. Their voices blend so well together.
Frank the Tank
September 23, 2016 @ 10:12 am
That would be just about perfect!
Six String Richie
September 23, 2016 @ 10:27 am
I enjoyed the album but I like the original versions of the songs better than he bluegrass versions every single time. Despite this being a fun album, I don’t think it really brings anything new to the songs or to Yoakam’s catalog.
I was really hoping he’d kill it with the “Purple Rain” cover but it turned out to just be “meh.” I would’ve liked it better if it was slowed down.
As a whole, this is non-essential if you’ve heard the original recordings of the songs. But still an enjoyable listen.
Fat Freddy's Cat
September 23, 2016 @ 10:39 am
In general I agree with Trigger’s review, although this album hits me better than it would some folks. I have several of Dwight Yoakam’s albums but don’t own his entire catalog, so many of these songs are new to me.
Chris
September 23, 2016 @ 10:57 am
When are you going to discuss the biggest COUNTRY Song mash up of “Country Roads Take Me Home’,
“I Will Always Love You”, and “On The Road Again.” It was filmed for the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards, and was #1 on I-tunes and had 45 country singers appearing in it. It’s sold 100,000 copies in a few days.
On topic: I wish Dwight would have done 1000 Miles from Nowhere on this album.
RedDirtCyclone
September 23, 2016 @ 11:29 am
I enjoyed the album and agree with most of you. Some good toe tapping music with nothing that knocks my socks off, but I will have it in the rotation for a while.
Chris
September 23, 2016 @ 11:39 am
I’m listening to it right now.
It’s great.
Dwight’s quite a gem.
Benny Lee
September 23, 2016 @ 12:45 pm
Disclaimer: Not a Prince Fan
Listening to Dwight’s version of Purple Rain is the first time I’ve understood all the words and “felt” anything about the song. Fabulous.
Another Disclaimer: Anything Dwight does almost automatically gets a 15/10 from me
Mary Mustain
September 23, 2016 @ 12:46 pm
The album was okay nothing I would run out and have to buy the day it came out. Overall he is a good artist and I have mad respect for him. Thank you for the post.
Brett
September 23, 2016 @ 1:55 pm
I have to say i really appreciate Dwight returning to his bluegrass roots for new takes on some old hits. I usually agree with most reviews but i dont really agree with the whole “forced” angle, it feels more organic to me. Great musicians here and Dwights voice is very suited for bluegrass. I also am glad he didnt choose all of his wellest known hits for just a rehashed greatest hits package. It even highlights some songs ive forgotten about on past albums and puts a new perspective on them. Overall, its quite an enjoyable listen though. Id also recommend Willies new Ray Price Tribute album to everyone, my weekend is set!
Corncaster
September 23, 2016 @ 2:38 pm
What’s with the lipstick.
Colt
September 23, 2016 @ 2:52 pm
I don’t know what he’s saying half the time. But it doesn’t matter. This is fucking awesome music.
skip
September 23, 2016 @ 3:59 pm
This is a lazy ass effort. Dwight hasn’t done anything since he broke with Pete Anderson that comes close to the heights they reached together. He’s like hanging on to that one album. Dwight without a doubt was the most important country artist of his time. His attention got diverted by acting and making movies. I would love it if he would find the right producer put out a great album of new tunes. The guys he picked to play on this bluegrass album are great no doubt but this was just a safe easy play. There’s nothing to get excited about here.
Jack Williams
September 23, 2016 @ 5:10 pm
One full listen in. I’d probably go a little further than Trigger . Maybe 8/10. One happy surprise is that there are four songs on there that I don’t know. I don’t have a lot of the Warner Brothers proper albums and what I know of those years is mostly from the excellent Reprise Please Baby 4 CD box set. As for the version of Purple Rain, I like it for about a couple of minutes (up to the bridge or so), and then I start to lost interest.
hoptowntiger94
September 23, 2016 @ 10:00 pm
Very generous review, Trig!
I love Dwight, I love bluegrass, but this project feels a bit hallow (more marketable than substantial). It feels like it needs its own late night informercial.
Initially, I was excited about a Yoakam bluegrass album, but when I found out the songs where retreads, I turned blue. And Purple Rain just screams Shock Value!
I need it like I needed dwightyoakamacoustic.net 16 years ago.
Willie Nelson is the only artist I can listen to repackage his songs.
Mackie Mack
September 24, 2016 @ 6:32 am
I’m a huge Dwight Yoakam fan and I’ve been eagerly anticipating this album since the news broke that he was releasing it. Finally got the chance to listen to it twice through this morning and it’s fantastic. While not groundbreaking, I think it’s a fun, toe tapping trip through his career. While it might not please bluegrass purists, I think every song works in this format and there’s no songs I feel the need to skip. I think this album should definitely make the best of lists come year end.
Dogit
September 24, 2016 @ 6:46 am
Not sure why he insisted on putting songs that he already did on the acoustic album. The he acoustic album was stellar. I just rediscovered it recently. Whole album is fantastic. I Dwight would have selected some bluegrass songs instead of cramming his songs in bluegrass packaging. None the less music from Dwight is still better than no music from Dwight.
Jack Williams
September 24, 2016 @ 7:32 am
I agree with this comment completely. I love Two Doors Down, but not sure I needed a third version from Dwight. I would have preferred him covering bluegrass classics rather than repackaging his own songs. Of course, new songs would have the best. Still, an enjoyable album.
Matsfan
September 24, 2016 @ 12:50 pm
I own every record and song that Dwight has released and I like this album for what it is. Good stuff. I can understand those that would have preferred new songs over re-doing these but this works for me. In my opinion no one has a stronger body of work over the past 30 years and this effort falls into the middle of his catalog.
Sam Wayne
September 24, 2016 @ 4:43 pm
Trigger, are you going to make a post on the massive “Forever Country” collaboration?
I have some thoughts and I am sure others do as well.
sweet on stuart
September 28, 2016 @ 4:14 pm
I will listen soon but for now I am rediscovering the first 5 albums. I own Guitars, Cadillacs, etc, Hillbilly Deluxe and Buenas Noches on vinyl. But then I dropped out of the country kick I was on and I really had forgotten about those lp’s . I bought a 5 cd set that includes This Time and If There Was a Way. I bought This Time a few years ago and I think it’s his best. But man, listening to the other cd’s I am amazed at just how great DY was/is! Buenas Noches is a close #2 to This Time.
The Pete Anderson discs are awesome.Why did they part ways? Has it ever been implied that they might reunite?
Biscuit
September 28, 2016 @ 5:30 pm
I like this album a lot, I hope he does another bluegrass record.. An album pairing him with Rhonda Vincent doing duets would be real nice.
Lynn
September 29, 2016 @ 5:05 pm
I feel the whole purpose of this album is a tribute to Prince. And the sadness of losing him, as the whole album is sad songs about loss, leaving, losing……
The musicians are awesome, I especially love the mandolin.
Jim L.
September 30, 2016 @ 6:50 pm
I like Dwight. I like bluegrass. But after 2 listens thru this album, l still didn’t hear anything that makes me ever want to listen again. Much prefer the original versions. This all seems a bit forced. Sounded like a good idea at first. I grade it a C-minus.
Hail
March 9, 2017 @ 3:24 pm
Say what you will about the album. I loved it and think they did a great job! Thank you for the post!