Every time You think You've got them figured out...

Before I begin the next edition of the review series for Moonalice's Dave's Way box set, I would like to dedicate this week's entry to the memory of Brandon Holt, 6-year old grandnephew of Moonalice video directory Glen Evans, who was killed earlier this week.  The thoughts and prayers of the Bootleggers Beware community are with the Moonalice family during this time of loss. His short time on this Earth is a reminder that we must all remember to live every day to its fullest.  A memorial fund has been established in Brandon's memory at http://www.brandonholtmemorial.com/.    


There seems to be a recurring theme with this series of reviews: Every time I think I've got these Moonalice guys figured out, they manage to throw me yet another curveball. Each listening session contains a song that makes each volume of Dave's Way unique, different and enjoyable.  For this entry, that song was the island inspired, Nobody Knows.  While the instrumentals are enjoyably playful, the lyrics remind us to be respectful of others beliefs and embrace the inherent differences between us.

The uniqueness of Volume 5 doesn't stop there.  Brace yourself, there's even a history lesson!  The slightly twangy Federal Express documents the story of the 1953 Union Station train crash of the Federal Express. After researching the accident (I had to know the story behind it), I learned that Roger McNamee is not only an excellent lyricist, but also an excellent story musical story teller, capturing the details of the event to a T, capped off by a tasteful and expertly  executed train lap steel train whistle from Barry Sless,  If you're like me and want a little background about this unfortunate train wreck, click here.

In a truly fitting gesture for this entry, Pete Sears' Sweet Rosie is a beautifully written and accompanied narration whose lyrics tell the story of a couple who parts ways, thinking that down the road they will be able to reconnect years later.  It appears that this is not the case, which serves as a reminder to take advantage of every day, and to not pass up opportunities to express our thoughts and feelings, as we never know if those opportunities will ever present themselves again.

Both Volumes 5 and 6 of Dave's Way are full of lyrical lessons, all of which are such well written songs that they stand far above the other equally qualified songs contained with in.  Live to Love is yet another example of life lessons in song, reminding us that life is too short not to love our fellow man.  Lyrics are not only where Live to Love stands out.  Just like Federal Express, it sent to Google to make sure it wasn't a Grateful Dead cover.  Joke's on me, it's not.  It's just The Moonalice crew channels their inner Dead, proving yet again that their Grateful Dead roots are never too far away.  In fact, I'm teetering on the precipice of diving head first into the Dead catalog (a fact which will leave several members of Bootleggers Nation grinning from ear to ear).  Last but not least, In yet another let turn, the gang takes another unexpected left turn, with a surprisingly (almost) pop-rock inspired tune, Lost at Sea, which is yet another one of my favorites, just as much for its sneakily meaningful lyrics as its catchy, chair-dance worthy beat.  

Much like the four volumes before them, Volumes 5 and 6 of Dave's Way have a little something for everyone, from history, to life lessons, jams to rockin' tunes.   Each listening session is fun and unique, and I can say that I look forward to breaking out the final two volumes this coming week.

As usual, we'll be checking out some of the highlights from this week's review in this week's edition of Bootleggers Beware, streaming live at 10AM EST right here. and don't forget to check out the the first two installments of the series here, and here.