Lee Ranaldo and the Dust – Last Night on Earth

Artist: Lee Ranaldo and The Dust
Album: Last Night on Earth
Label: Matador Records
Release Date: October 8th, 2013

Lee Ranaldo, a highly praised Alternative Rock guitarist, has just released his latest album, Last Night on Earth, with his new band The Dust. The CD, a 9 track project, combines alternative rock wandering instrumentals with smooth catchy spurts of electric guitar melody. Being in the music business for more than 30 years, and considering himself an artist first and foremost, Lee Ranaldo’s work has definitely come to be a genuine creation of skill and original inspiration.

Showing off his impressive skills as a guitarist with his songs “Lecce, Leaving”, “Home Chds”, and “The Rising Tide”, he also shows the calm/easy listening side of alternative and experimental rock. Most of the compositions on this new album were inspired by his time staying at home during the intense weather of Hurricane Sandy last fall. His experience is definitely reflected throughout his lyrical endeavors and choices. The title track “The Last day on Earth”, turns out to be a happier, rootsy-er tune compared to some of the other songs on the disc, even though at first glance, one would expect it to be a darker hue to its subject matter. Of course, the album itself is really made enjoyable by the presence of the other musical talents used for its creation. As part of The Dust team, Alan Licht (Guitar/Background Vocals), Steve Shelley (Drums/Shakers & Bells), and Tim Luntzel (Bass), all express great amounts of craftmanship with their performances. All having significant experience with music themselves, they each leave their mark, and add enormously to the overall vibe of the album.

I would definitely recommend this album to all music fanatics who enjoy alternative rock with a vintage flare. Some tracks truly remind me of older compositions of the band “America”, just for reference. Though as a whole, the album is a completely original take on the softer genres of rock.

Reviewed by Audrey Zaleski