Band photo by Masen Larsen

Just how in the heck did we get to the point where I am writing about this album from 2007?  Well, a few days ago I was on one of my regular tours through Bandcamp, partially scanning items in my feed and also just jumping around looking for new music.  At some point I happened to slam into the 2018  Live at McCabe’s release from this band and it lit up a reminder to me that it had been a long time since I listened to Honey and Salt.  I do not have an exact recollection of when I first heard that LP but I do know it came at a time when I was listening to a lot of very loud and ferocious punk.  That is what made this album stick out so much at the time, both in my musical experience and still now in my memory.  The music on that release is not anywhere near the hard, heavy or noisy spectrum.  It is a unique listening experience; part pop punk, part rock, part rockabilly with pieces of lounge singing and country mixed in.  It might sound like a lot but Dead Rock West blend it all together seamlessly and deliver a truly unique album.  It also takes you through a range of feelings along the way with some moody moments, some upbeat kickers, a couple introspective numbers…a varied and enjoyable ride.  

There are twelve total tracks and my favorites are “Highway One,” “Rocket from the Crypt,”  “Desert Rose” and “Telephone.”  

If you want to step up your listening journey after checking out Honey and Salt that live album mentioned above is excellent as is their 2015 Everly Brothers covers collection It’s Everly Time. There are also a few new singles out on their website along with mention of an upcoming album.  

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Dead Rock West are Cindy Wasserman and Frank Lee Drennen.  They play with a collection of very talented musicians but I could not get a definitive list of the other talent on Honey and Salt. I do believe that it included:  David Carpenter (bass), Phil Parlapiano (organ, mandolin) and Bryan Head (drums).  

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

https://www.deadrockwest.com

https://deadrockwest.bandcamp.com

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂