As the powerful, gritty lead singer of the Animals in the 60s, Eric Burdon was an inspiration to the likes of John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix. In 1969, he broke new ground when he teamed up with the multi-racial band War and recorded the hypnotic “Spill The Wine.” After that, Burdon fronted various lineups of the Animals and made a go at a solo career with marginal success.
You’d think Burdon would have spent his golden years reveling in past accomplishments, but that’s hardly the case. He’s stayed fairly prolific as a recording artist, painter and author. When Bruce Springsteen jammed with him in 2012 at the SWSX festival, Burdon’s star received some well-deserved polish. An EP with the Greenhornes in late 2012, followed by the sensational solo album ‘Til Your River Runs Dry are all you need to know that at 71, Eric Burdon was ready to rock your world.
From the captivating cover featuring a black & white photo of the singer’s grizzled profile to the record’s 12 songs, ‘Til Your River Runs Dry is an honest assessment of who and what Eric Burdon is all about. “Water,” a mid-tempo rocker with attitude, opens the album on a high note. Burdon’s voice is as assured and surly as ever, presumably unscathed by the ravages of time and hard living. “Memorial Day” follows, boasting a brassy Dylanesque intro that melts into a slow blues with an itchy groove and swampy hook. Simply put, this is the kind of material and production that keeps classic voices like Burdon’s fresh and relevant.
We could spend days talking about goofy, endearing tracks like “Devil And Jesus” and “Bo Diddley Special,” a wickedly, wonderful tribute (the CD ends with a faithful and saucy take on Diddley’s “Before You Accuse Me”). The rollicking roar behind “Old Habits Die Hard,” the introspective spark igniting “Forever,” and the sheer bravado of “Invitation To The White House,” all help give this record its wings.
Laced with political overtones, commentary on global warming, heroes of the past and his own demons, ‘Til Your River Runs Dry finds Eric Burdon in a comfortable place, seemingly pleased to be making records after 50 years. It’s hard to say whether the album will be the last we hear from the Animals lead singer. Either way, it’s hard to imagine a better statement to go out with.
~ Shawn Perry
