The Mavericks – Music for All Occasions

Following the commercial success of their 1994 release, “What A Crying Shame”, the Mavericks embarked on a tour which seemingly touched every corner of the country. It was during those live shows where drummer Paul Deakin’s steady thrashing and Nick Kane’s blistering guitar solos created a glimmer of hope that the much anticipated follow-up album would give us cause to rearrange the living room furniture and dance all night. Well, “Music For All Occasions” does just that . . . provided of course, that you and your partner do your dancing “ballroom style” in a tuxedo and prom dress.

In an apparent effort to elevate singer Raul Malo to full blown “crooner” status, “Music” is full of heavily orchestrated tunes with an early 60’s feel which would not seem out of place on recordings by the likes of Orbison, Sinatra and even The King himself. When Malo and guest, Trisha Yearwood join voices for a remake of the Frank and Nancy Sinatra duet, “Something Stupid,” you’re bound to have a flashback to the early days of crackling hi-fi — back when the family stereo was also a piece of living room furniture. The listener gets a few breaks from the “retro” action for the current single, “Here Comes The Rain” (which is a contrived and formulaic copy of “What A Crying Shame”) and for a guest appearance by Flaco Jimenez on “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.”

It’s hard to criticize The Mavericks, because they have gained wide acceptance both with country fans and in Nashville itself, despite the fact that they are a contradiction in style and personality there. That’s good for country music. But the time was right for The Mavericks to deliver a blockbuster album and this one missed the mark. If you were hoping to “rock out” – well, maybe next time. “Music For All Occasions” is best suited to “late night, dim light, dressed up, dry martini” listening.