Assembly of Dust Albums

Assembly of Dust Albums (7)

'Some Assembly Required'

Release Date 7/21/2009

Tracks 13

Label Rock Ridge

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What The Critics Say

When an album's list of guests includes guitarist John Scofield and banjoist Béla Fleck (both of whom are featured on Some Assembly Required), jazz enthusiasts are likely to take notice. But even though this 2009 release incorporates jazz elements on occasion (as well as elements of blues, soul, and country), Some Assembly Required is a roots rock/Americana effort first and foremost. That was Assembly of Dust's orientation on previous releases, and it continues to be their orientation on this 54-minute CD -- which maintains the strong '70s flavor they are known for. Influences the New York City residents had in the past (including Neil Young, Little Feat, J.J. Cale, and the Eagles) are no less evident on Some Assembly Required, and their love affair with the '70s continues on tunes like "Borrowed Feet" (the song that features Scofield), "Edges" (featuring Fleck), and "Leadbelly" (which was written in memory of the Southern country blues/folk icon but doesn't try to emulate him stylistically). Scofield and Fleck aren't the CD's only noteworthy guests; other well-known guests range from progressive bluegrass mandolin player David Grisman on "Cold Coffee" to singer Richie Havens on the opener, "All That I Am Now." But Assembly of Dust are the ones in the driver's seat -- the ones who do the most to shape the album's direction. Some Assembly Required doesn't pretend to be groundbreaking, but if Assembly of Dust are derivative, they are pleasingly derivative. This is a well-crafted, nicely executed disc that never fails to be enjoyable. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide

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'Recollection'

Release Date 1/1/2006

Tracks 10

Label Hybrid

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What The Critics Say

Assembly of Dust have created an album of easy-flowing pop-soul with Recollection. The overall blueprint -- Reid Genauer's Lowell George-styled vocals, smooth backing harmonies by his bandmates, and mellow funk arrangements reminiscent of Little Feat -- is firmly in place on the opening cut, "Grand Design." Genauer is joined by keyboardist Nate Wilson, lead guitarist Adam Terrell, bassist John August Leccese, and drummer Andrew Herrick on ten original songs. The band has concocted a likable sound, though one heavily indebted to the mellow side of the above-named group. The harmony on songs like "Whistle Clock" is outstanding, and the guitar/keyboard mix adds a bright edge. Assembly of Dust also know how to mix upbeat songs like "Samuel Aging" with slower, ballad-paced material like "40 Reasons," giving Recollection a nice ebb and flow. The writers -- Genauer and Wilson -- know how to write catchy hooks that keep these rather long songs (most are over four minutes) interesting to the end. The album takes a short break from California funk near its end, offering the pleasant, country-flavored "The Honest Hour." The bandmembers and producer Josh Pryor have kept the overall production simple, allowing each instrument to stand out clear and clean in the mix. While Assembly of Dust often hold too closely to their sources, they have created a solid release with Recollection. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide