Evidently,
Brian Setzer doesn't take the jump blues and swing of
the Brian Setzer Orchestra as a joke.
Dirty Boogie is his third album with his large band, and instead of sounding tired, the record is the group's best effort yet.
Setzer rocks the band hard, tearing through blues and rock & roll covers with vigor, and delivering made-to-order originals that are surprisingly well crafted and memorable. Much attention will be paid to "You're the Boss," a cover of the
Elvis Presley/
Ann Margaret staple from Viva Las Vegas, performed as a duet with
No Doubt's
Gwen Stefani, but that's hardly the only highlight here -- it's a swinging, rocking record that suggests
Setzer's skills are only improving with time. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine