American Gothic, the predecessor to
Five & Dime, was
David Ackles' ambitious portrait of American life, in its broad scope and geography and diversity of style.
Five & Dime is more a collection of miniatures, still drawn with
Ackles' customary eye for detail and sung in his rich, knowing voice. Its pleasures are more subtle than those in the expansive
American Gothic, but no less real. (And "Surf's Down," complete with harmonies by
Dean Torrance of
Jan & Dean, is the wickedest beach music parody since "Back In The U.S.S.R.") This is music of wit, feeling, and sophistication that should be heard by fans of American songcraft from
Stephen Foster and
Irving Berlin to
Randy Newman. Criminally, it was also
David Ackles' last album. ~ William Ruhlmann