Grapefruit Moon: The Songs Of Tom Waits

by N. Ellis John "Southside Johnny" Lyon's formidable talents as a singer have often been overshadowed by the Asbury Park hype. But on this cd they are on full display. From the wistful "Grapefruit Moon" to the swinging "Down, Down, Down" to "Walk Away," the playfully sly duet with Tom Waits, Southside Johnny displays a vocal range and sophistication that may surprise those that know of him only casually as the frontman for the Asbury Jukes. My personal favorite cut is "Dead and Lovely" which melts from streetwise to world-weary before finishing strong and swaggering. Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg's lush, piquant arrangements, Tom Wait's sharp and savory lyrics and SSJ's honeyed gravel vocals add up to one tasty grapefruit!