Under the Covers

A rather mediocre and often puzzling outing for the multitalented Mr. Yoakam. While the idea of Under the Covers--Dwight trying his hand at songs by the likes of the Beatles, Them, the Clash, Roy Orbison, Ray Davies, and the Rolling Stones--sounds good on paper, it's an uneven ride that lacks focus. The Clash's "Train in Vain" works as a hillbilly hayride (with Ralph Stanley on banjo), but Ray Davis' "Tired of Waiting for You" goes nowhere, and the Johnny Horton chestnut "North to Alaska" seems misplaced. Not an essential Yoakam release, but not bad as a curiosity. --S. Duda