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Album reviews Music

Tim Robbins And The Rogues Gallery Band

TIM ROBBINS AND THE ROGUES GALLERY BAND plays the Mod Club Tuesday (August 2). See listing Rating: NNN


Shawshank Redemption star Tim Robbins grew up at the Gaslight in New York, where his father was the manager, and he’s been writing songs since his mid-20s, but this is the 50ish actor’s first album.

More a lyricist than a singer, he gruffly talk-sings through much of it, making it hard to grab hold of melodies. The Rogue Gallery Band’s unconventional arrangements (a Poguesish blend of accordion, piano, harmonium and saw) contribute to the drifty vibe.

Robbins includes a love song, a slow murder ballad and a rough blues rocker written from the perspective of an Iraq War veteran (Robbins has been a vocal opponent of the war). The group’s best on whimsical Queen Of Dreams and inspirational closer Lightning Calls, where Robbins’s vocals grow melodic amidst the flugelhorns.

An interesting late start.

Top track: Lightning Calls

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