Dave Alvin's narrative vocals recount how things were once jumpin' on Central Avenue, back when Big Joe Turner was the Boss of the Blues, on this extended number one early August night at the Santa Monica Pier. It was a really cinematic tune, I could see all those images of "cruisin' late one night down those dark and empty streets" come to life. Something about the carnivalesque atmosphere of the pier on a summer Thursday evening helped bring those storied times to life.
* I just learned that fiddler Amy Farris was found dead this September, a possible suicide, damn
a great version of a great song....good night to be on the pier is what i think...they WERE rockin....
paschal421 3 months ago