Rosavelt - Carp & Bones (1996)

The Cleveland, OH, group Rosavelt plays an often twang-heavy brand of roots rock. The group released its debut, Carp & Bones, in 1996. Rosavelt, led by the melodic songcraft of Kevin Grasha and Chris Allen, started out as a trio and developed into a fuller band by the time of the more straight rocking Transistor Blues. In addition, the band has served as a touring band for singer/songwriter (and fellow Ohio native) Tim Easton. Rosavelt, which originally formed in Cincinnati, relocated to Cleveland early on and subsequently took Best Rock Band honors at both of the city's local music awards. The group has borne comparisons to predecessors such as the Replacements, Wilco, and Joe Henry.

Long after Ryan Adams can no longer afford his L.A. condo and alt-country fades from chic, there will be strong regional groups still making great roots rock records. Carp & Bones, by the Cleveland group Rosavelt, is evidence enough of that. "Late Great Singer" is melodic, ragged roots rock that recalls the Replacements in their finest hour, while the title track cruises along easily with the lazy, pretty languor of gray album-era Velvet Underground. "Satellite Chevy" is one of the more country-influenced tracks here, with its rolling gentle twang, while the art-damaged, sparse Americana of "Sink Me Higher" puts the "alternative" in the group's alternative country. "These Two Hands," meanwhile, is ominous, searing, and full of resentment for the woman that did wrong. This is a strong, varied effort from this group, which has served as Tim Easton's backing band.
by Erik Hage

1. Dexedrine Lover
2. Carp & Bones
3. Impossible Me
4. Late Great Singer
5. Eleanor
6. Satellite Chevy
7. Lonely
8. These 2 Hands
9. EverytimeItrytosleep
10. Sink Me Higher

320AAC
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