Steve Wynn

Steve Wynn defines the phrase "What goes around comes around" on this double-disc, psychedelic set that recalls his groundbreaking bash-and-drone halcyon days with the '80s group the Dream Syndicate, yet is completely original and of the moment in its own right. Grunging and crunching out on blues-based riffs on songs like "Strange New World" and "Crawling Misanthropic Blues," Wynn has hardly sounded better or just plain more alive and at home in the garage rock setting. Recorded during a ten-day studio session in Tucson, AZ, Wynn called in his usual group of suspects and amigos: Linda Pitmon on drums, Chris Cacavas on keyboards, Chris Brokaw on guitar, and locals John Convertino and Howe Gelb (Giant Sand). The sprawling epics ("Good and Bad," "Butterscotch"), another one of Wynn's strong suits, coexist with the full-on rockers (riff monsters "Watch Your Step" and "Smash Myself to Bits"). The varied songs slide over, under, and sideways, between the grooves, while adding to the essence of the entirely freewheeling project. Wynn just may have painted his masterpiece. ~ Denise Sullivan, All Music Guide