'Cross My Heart + Hope To Die' is the latest release from New York City based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist D.B. Rielly. This follows on from his debut 'Love Potions & Snake Oil', which came out in 2009.
The first thing to say about this, is that there's certainly no expense spared on the packaging. This CD comes in a very nice wooden box with a vinyl hinged lid. So far so good, but what about the CD itself? Well, I have to agree with all the previous critics and say that D.B. Certainly has something.
Across the ten tracks on this album, there are a range of musical styles and genres. If one were to be very harsh, one could say that at times D.B. sounds like Chris Isaak circa 'Wicked Game', and well that might not be a million miles from the truth on songs such as 'Some Day', there is far more to D.B. than just that.
The album opens with a cover of a Bob Seger song 'Turn The Page', which originally came from his 'Back in 72' album (actually released in 1973, oddly enough). D.B. certainly does Bob's song justice, and makes a case for this type of Americana. Far better, however is 'Wrapped Around Your Little Finger' a rocking Cajun tune which has the classic leaden drumbeats and some very fine accordion playing from D.B. To my mind, this should have been the track that opened the album, as with a killer tune and upbeat lyrics this song showcases just how good D.B. can be: “I used to have a life of my own. I'd do anything I pleased/ Stay out with my friends all night long/ I never met anyone, ever be the boss of me/ But those days are long gone.”
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As well as nifty Cajun tunes, D.B can equally turn his hand to blues rock, such as on the track 'It's Gonna Be Me', but the most surprising track on the album is the atmospheric Irish number, 'Fiorchroi' (True Heart), which is the sort of ballad that could even give The Pogues a run for their money. With the multi talented D.B. taking on accordion, acoustic guitar and penny whistle, this was a surprising jewel, with some tender heartfelt lyrics: - “I will always belong to you. It's the one thing I know that is true/ When I look in my heart, the very best part. I will always belong to you.”
I suppose, that if there's one criticism that can be levelled at the album it's that, despite the publicity blurb going on about D.B.'s excellent squeezebox playing, the accordion features on only half the tracks, which is a pity as it is his main instrument of choice and he can really play it well. A relatively minor gripe, though, for this is a very good album which will stand up well in anyone's collection of American roots music.
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