Review: Cody Dickinson ‘Homemade’
By Hal Horowitz
Those who only recognize Cody Dickinson from his recorded work as co-founder (with guitar playing frontman brother Luther) of the venerable North Mississippi Allstars, may not realize how multi-talented he is. Although best appreciated as the band’s drummer, he often leaves his usual place ensconced behind the kit in concert to take center stage, displaying his abilities on keyboards, guitar and vocals. Oh, and electric washboard. He has also played club shows fronting a band under his name.
Offstage he’s also a guest on other’s albums, as well as a music and film producer with multiple credits including co-creator of the award winning documentary about Memphis, Take Me to the River, for which he also co-produced the soundtrack.
With all that activity, it’s little wonder he hasn’t had spare downtime to record many solo projects. Thankfully, he found space over the past year to track the 10 songs of the appropriately titled Homemade (it was created in his home studio), released June 21. Although he could have invited others to assist, Cody opted to play, write, sing and produce the songs without outside assistance.
The Dickinson brothers have recorded in diverse genres—blues, rock, funk, folk, even psychedelic– since their 1996 debut, so it’s no surprise that Cody’s album is equally as eclectic. From the rootsy Prince-styled soul/pop of “Goodbye Albuquerque, Tuesday Night” where he repeats the words “Going Home” over an insistent, swampy beat (along with some cool glockenspiel fills and laughter from his one-year-old daughter) to the propulsive thump of “Big City” and the chugging rocking “Easy,” Cody stretches his musical muscles.
He touches on blues for the quirky, retro-waltz time “Blackout Curtains” (“I’m going outside/Dead or alive/Got me scared to death /Smelling my own breath”) with keyboards substituting for horns and strings, and multiple overdubs to make a sound similar to a full orchestra. The opening rollicking “Homemade Blues” finds Cody rocking out with rockabilly inflected humor as he references some of his influences like Junior Kimbrough and RL Burnside in this celebration of homegrown wine (“Smooth as lemonade, taste like turpentine /It’s Homemade Muscadine”).
Dickinson goes for soulful J. Geils Band vibe on the strutting, blues rocking “Walk Right In,” assisted by Southern Avenue’s Tikyra Jackson on duet and harmony vocals. He peels off a sizzling guitar solo that’s as credible as anything his brother could have played, singing a love song to his wife with “She just walked right in and showed me what it’s all about.”
The funk ramps up for “As Fast as It Comes” where Cody delivers crisp guitar fills and a searing lead while singing “She rides a dragonfly/Makes love to the man on the moon” over a firm beat. He rides a glam-rock wave akin to early Alice Cooper on “Worldwide,” the most socio-political moment, with “Those who pray to God save their soul/Those who prey on fear seek control,” a sentiment ripped from today’s headlines.
The closing gospel “Can’t Feel at Home,” the disc’s only cover, also features contributions from singer Jackson, ending the proceedings on a churchy note. Dickinson brings tapping percussion to emphasize the lyrics “When angels beckon me from heavens open door/I can’t feel at home in this world,” closing this impressive Homemade disc with his lone, unaccompanied voice implying solitude.
While Dickinson won’t be nominated for any “Best Vocal” awards, he acquits himself admirably in that department too. By delivering a solo set of this quality, it’s clear Cody is far more than just a gifted drummer. He’s ready for, and now embracing, his time in the spotlight.
Listen to “Big City” Here
Great review! I can’t wait to listen to the album!