Who was/is The Blasters ? - CDs, Vinyl LPs, DVD and more

The Blasters

When Phil and Dave Alvin first phoned me saying they had a band doing "Rockabilly"-type material, I thought to myself: "Sure, everybody claims to be doing it these days." But a few days later they stopped over at my house and played me a cassette of some of the stuff they'd been doing. I was astounded! Indeed this was the first L.A. band in a decade (aside from Ray Campi's) that really excited me.

A while later I went to see them play in some bar. Yes, indeed, they were the "REAL THING." The news spread fast: The BLASTERS are IT! Overnight they have become the favorite band of such other Rock 'n' Roll celebrities as Ray Campi, Jimmie Lee Maslon, Johnny Legend, etc. The Blasters' style is highly influenced by Rhythm & Blues, New Orleans, Cajun, Blues, Hillbilly and Rockabilly. They draw their inspiration from the roots of American music, yet their music is totally modern, a breath of fresh air to start off the 1980's!!!

People have often described their style as "Rockabilly," "Rhythm 'n' Blues," or "Rock 'n' Roll," but when one asks Phil Alvin how he would describe it, the answer is disarmingly simple. "AMERICAN MUSIC." Ain't nothing else I can add to that!!! Keep on Rockin; — Rockin' Ronny Weiser, 1980

Dave Alvin about The Blasters

The Blasters owe a lot to a truck driver whose name I've forgotten. Phil, Bill, John and I were working day jobs, rehearsing at night in a factory in Gorden Grove and trying desperately to find any steady gig that paid more than free beer. Our friends, James Harman and Mike Foresta, had recorded a demo tape of us and we'd taken copies to every "cool" nightclub in the Hollywood!

West L.A. area but no one was interested in a roots band, especially one from Downey, California, with no hip credentials. After reading somewhere about "Rockin" Ronny Weiser and his small rockabilly label, Phil called him about the possibility of recording us. He was skeptical until Phil sang and played guitar over the phone. And within an hour Phil and I were sitting in Ronny's living room playing him our tape.

Ronny Weiser

Ronny dug the tape but still wouldn't make a commitment to record us. (After all, we'd only played in biker and country bars on the decidedly untrendy southeast side of LA. County and we knew none of the Hollywood scenesters and tostemakers and they definitely didn't know us). Until this truck driver came by Ronny's to pick up boxes of records to be shipped. "Who's this playin'?" He asked Ronny. "It's us." Phil said. "Is this what these records are?

If it is, I'll buy a copy. My wife and I dig this kind of music. You can't find music like this anymore." We couldn't have asked for more even if we had paid him a million bucks. After he left, Ronny quickly discussed when we'd record our first album and within a few weeks we were in Ronny's garage/studio. James and Mike were with us for moral support. We drank a lot of beer. Phil, the most experienced, led us patiently and sang his heart out. Crystal, Ronny's German Shepherd pup, barked through various takes (listen closely on "Crazy Baby").

Mister truck driver, thanks, man

James let me record with a white Fender Stratocaster that he swore once belonged to Magic Sam. I made mistakes I'll spend the rest of my life trying to forget, but Ronny kept pushing us to quit thinking too much and just keep it rockin'. (and with a rhythm section like John and Bill, that was no problem)

After that first day of recording, we drove back to our side of town punching each other in excitement and jumping up and down in the car seats like little boys. We yelled at strangers in passing cars that we'd made a record and we were gonna be famous. I remember at one point all four of us had our heads out the car windows, laughing, cursing, screaming and howling at the moon.

Wherever you are, Mister truck driver, thanks, man. --
Dave Alvin, July 1997

Copyright © Bear Family Records®. Copying, also of extracts, or any other form of reproduction, including the adaptation into electronic data bases and copying onto any data mediums, in English or in any other language is permissible only and exclusively with the written consent of Bear Family Records® GmbH.

More information about The Blasters on Wikipedia.org

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American Music - Trouble Bound (2-CD)
The Blasters: American Music - Trouble Bound (2-CD) Art-Nr.: CDFLOAT6130

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

(Floating World Records) 36 tracks - Two original albums, the debut 'American Music' and a REUNION concert from 2002, 'Trouble Bound', re-released on a double CD
$11.94 $20.34
Dark Night - Live In Philly (2-CD)
The Blasters: Dark Night - Live In Philly (2-CD) Art-Nr.: CDLIB5000

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(Liberation Hall) 27 tracks This incredible live recording of their July 19, 1986 performance at Chestnut Cabaret was mastered with a 1st generation soundboard recording, so the quality is exceptional.
$35.94
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Over There - Live At the Venue London 1982, the Complete Concert (CD)
The Blasters: Over There - Live At the Venue London 1982, the... Art-Nr.: CDLIB5192

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​​(Liberation Hall) 23 tracks digisleeve with 12 page booklet The Blasters were recorded on their first international tour in May of 1982 at the Venue in London England. Six of those tracks were previously released on Slash Records as a...
$21.54
Live: Going Home
The Blasters: Live: Going Home Art-Nr.: CDFLOAT6236

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(2014 / Floating World) 13 tracks, 12-page booklet telling the Blasters' story and the story of the event. Recorded live on Aug. 12, 2003 at The Galaxy Theatre, Santa Ana, California, with special guests: Sun recording artist and...
$19.14
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Over There - Live At the Venue London 1982, The Complete Concert (2-LP)
The Blasters: Over There - Live At the Venue London 1982, The... Art-Nr.: LPLIB5193

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(Liberation Hall) 33 tracks The Blasters were recorded on their first international tour in May 1982 at the Venue in London England. Six of these tracks were released that same year on Slash Records as a 12-inch EP, and 4 more tracks...
$71.94
Fun On Saturday Night
The Blasters: Fun On Saturday Night Art-Nr.: CDRC1108

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Recorded with the original line-up (Keith Wyatt substituting Dave Alvin on guitar). Great new studio album, rockabilly, blues, folk and country. Originals and covers. - Green packaging. PHIL ALVIN - voc/gtr/hca/pno, KEITH WYATT - gtr,...
$21.54
American Music (LP, colored Vinyl, Ltd.)
The Blasters: American Music (LP, colored Vinyl, Ltd.) Art-Nr.: LPFLOATLP6462

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(Foating World Records) 19 tracks, colored vinyl in red, limited edition The Blasters are the ultimate all American Roots band fronted by the brothers Dave and Phil Alvin. Their music is a blend of rockabilly, early rock and roll, punk...
$39.54