Rico Bell The Return of Rico Bell

A Celtic-infused brand of Leeds high lonesome soul from the suave and lady-killing accordionist of the Mekons. Produced by the indefatigable Jon Langford (who lends his fractured guitar work as well), backed by the crack rhythm section of Harry and Dave Trumfio (of The Pulsars), and featuring appearances by Waco Brother pedal steel whiz Mark Durante. It's big, meaty chunks of heartache, displacement, and resignation underpinned by that moaning accordion, snarling guitars, and that pleasantly ravaged voice...

Features Rico's whiskey-cured renditions of Merle Haggard's "Lonesome Fugitive," The Band's "Acadian Driftwood" (actually done first by Cajun old-timer Belton Richard, but if we'd said that you wouldn't have known what the hell we were talking about), and--talk about incest--The Waco Brothers' "Lake of Vinegar." There's even a long song to one of our favorite old Logan Square haunts the Whirlaway. Sure to magically transform even the coziest living room into a dimly-lit Chicago tavern on a dreary winter day.

"It's a loose, frayed collection that asks the question 'What would happen if the Temptations' tour bus collided with Hank Williams' and they had to make the best of the situation?'" —New City

"...suffused with an unfeigned enthusiasm and affection for his material that belie its air of alcoholic tragedy." —Chicago Reader