Album Review: Ry Cooder & Corridos Famosos - Live In San Francisco

Somehow Cooder has managed a career over four decades without a weak era. Basically he's a master of crossing genres without losing sight of what makes a good song stand out. It helps that he's a great slide guitarist who would rather sing songs about social issues than play music for music's sake. This new live album – the first 'live' album in 30 years – is a great amalgam of his favourite songs, enlisting his son on drums and some of his long-term players in the house band.

Recorded in San Francisco at The Great American Music Hall, this is a wonderfully produced album with an easygoing feel. Crazy 'Bout An Automobile opens the album with a funky blues feel. One of the highlights is an epic reading of Vigilante Man, deeply steeped in the essence of the blues. Remember that Cooder was the person who helped bring the Buena Vista Social Club to worldwide attention, so his interest and involvement in roots music is remarkable. Cooder can vary his tone from the thoughtful Lord Tell Me Why to the Spanish-influenced Volver Volver with an easy turn of phrase and a barb pointed at political and social issues.

As you'd expect, Cooder's social conscience is too much for some listeners who prefer their music as innocuous ear candy. For the reflective listener, he's the perfect antidote to the current crazy political landscape, and this sees him enjoying his huge back catalogue. It's a perfect time to get on board and enjoy the ride. Cooder gets better with age.