Cabretta

The CBGB's Punk scene spawned a number of classic bands from Television & the Ramones to The Cramps, Talking Heads and Blondie. One of the most formidable and intimidating was Mink DeVille. And despite critical acclaim, one of the most overlooked.Front- man William Borsey Jr. aka Willy DeVille was an anomaly on the scene with his Do Wop conk and his pimped out suits and Gutter Gypsy persona. Lyrically, and vocally he was more Springsteen than Stiv Bators or The Ramones. But where Bruce hit the highway, Deville kept it all very Downtown, his Romeo and Juliet serenades lost in "Mean Streets" akin to Lou Reed and Hubert Sebly Jr.Vocally, Deville had more in common with 60's R & B singers like Otis Redding and Johnny Ace than he did with Johnny Rotten. Guitarist Louis X Erlanger had the chops of a Delta Bluesman (and would later play with the likes of Hubert Sumlin & other Blues giants). Despite some strong offerings like 1980's Le Chat Bleu, 1977's Cabretta (a type of tough leather) remains the definitive Mink Deville album featuring the original line-up.Produced by Jack Nitzche, the album is as lean and sharp as it's front man. A mix of tough talking bravado, street-walking struts and sweet nostalgic ballads that hark back to the Brill Building. Gunslinger features Punk's attack while Spanish Stroll boasts a pronounced R & B/Latin groove, something decidedly out of vogue in the late 70's. The major classics here abound from the switch-blade threat of Cadillac Walk to the wistful balladry of Little Girl and Venus of Avenue D. Many songs like Mixed Up Shook Up Girl, sound like they escaped from a far more innocent time only to be thrown to the mercy of One Way Streets with no tomorrow.The first in a series of Mink re-issues, pick this up before it goes out of print. The remaster here is a fierce upgrade from the previous cd incarnations. Cleaner, sharper and in your face. Willy Deville would later find fame and fortune in Europe with a stunningly diverse solo career. But like this, his debut, Deville's formidable talents remain largely ignored at home. Cabretta's the perfect place to start discovering this major yet criminally neglected talent.

I came across Willy Deville late, but not too late. So, it's not too late for you to sample and get to know the late great Willy Deville/Mink Deville. Music appreciation is largely subjective. We all have different preferences. I happen to prefer great bands fronted by dynamic artists and true performers who vocalize with phrasing that carries the lyrics, showcases his musicians and his musical sensibility and tells the story the songwriter intended. Sample Willy; you are in for a treat.

Great Album by Wille. Solid songs. Engaging Lyrics. Rocking Rhythms .

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5 stars for the music. 1 star for this particular recording. DO NOT BUY THIS VERSION OF CABRETTA. The remastering of this classic is horrendous. In the name of sharper and crisper sound; they destroyed this masterpiece by pumping up the bottom and the treble. The bottom is not an issue; the treble is extended to ear bled levels. They obliterated the beautiful warmth and street earthiness of this recording. Furthermore; it seems as they thought it cleaver to lean on the echo button. Willie sounds as if they stuck him in a tiled bathroom. The remastering shows no understanding of, or care for the music and a distain for the listener implementing the credo; louder is better; and an insult to the band. I won't even comment on the obvious to my ears, compression. Thank goodness I still have my original copy. Shame for the sake of profit!

with mink and coupe de ville you will have a great ride...i gave already feedback about this album,you are getting me tired of repeating myself!

I had never listened to Mink DeVille except "Storybook Love" which I only heard in the "The Princess Bride". Great Album

This is a really great album. If you aren't sure if you want to buy it listen to a few of these songs on YouTube: Cadillac Walk, Spanish Stroll, Venus of Avenue D. They are all great songs.