The Ones That Look The Weirdest Taste The Best, according to singer/songwriter David Gans.  That is the title of his latest CD, and a line from a new song, recommending locally grown produce-- The Bounty Of The County.  Mr. Gans is the creator and host of The Grateful Dead Hour syndicated radio program, a music journalist and author of several books about The Grateful Dead.  He began performing as a San Francisco area musician in 1970, prior to cultivating his broadcasting and writing talents.  After the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995, Mr. Gans re-focused on his roots as a musician, performing nationally and releasing on CD a collaboration with Eric Rawlins titled Home By Morning in 1997, followed by Solo Acoustic in 2003, Solo Electric in 2005 and Twisted Love Songs in 2007.  

If you are acquainted with the catalog, you will note that eight of the eleven songs on The Ones That Look The Weirdest Taste The Best can also be found on an earlier release, but oh my, what a difference.  On Weirdest, Mr. Gans is joined by a host of friends from bands such as Railroad Earth, Hot Buttered Rum, and Jewels and Binoculars.  Backed by a wide assortment of stringed instruments, percussion, keyboards and occasionally horns, Gans presents familiar songs with a fresh vitality and textural richness.  These guys put down some mighty sweet licks.  Shove In The Right Direction gets a rockin’ bluegrass feel.  An American Family features powerful drums and an eerie instrumental jam that would bring a smile to Mr. Garcia’s face.  Save Us From The Saved is re-born here, including exquisite violin work that creates a dark and haunting mood.  Like A Dog yowls melodically, with teasing horn arrangements.  It’s Gonna Get Better in fact is better, with backing vocals and lush instrumentation.  

The Ones That Look The Weirdest Taste The Best offers perhaps the finest available presentations of these songs, ten of which were written or co-written by Mr. Gans.  The soundstage is full and nicely balanced.  All but one of the songs were recorded at Mix-o-Lydian Studio, and all were expertly HDCD mastered by Joe Gastwirt.  Listen through earbuds if you must, but this recording sounds marvelous cranked up on a good home system.  

If you’ve not yet added the music of David Gans to your collection, this is a perfect time to start.  If you’ve enjoyed any or all of the earlier releases, you’ll find familiar songs on this CD that never sounded so good.
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As I listen to David's music it always feels that he's speaking directly to me. His wisdom but lack of pretension makes for a combination that can't help but draw you in. Add to the mix the musicianship and grace of the folks he's got working with him and the result is a true winner!
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Highly recommend listening to this one.  It is beautifully put together music and so much depth to it.  One can definitely hear the Tim Carbone influence in the music and the amazing talent brought together to make this happen.  I had the wonderful opportunity to hear David play these songs live and it is worth the listen.....keep the music going!
Many thanks to David for sharing his music!

Patti
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Mr. Gans is a sweet person, and his shows are always good times with good vibes which this CD reflects. There isn't a bad song in the bunch, but they are not all gems either. A CD where the love of the music exceeds the songs, but only slightly.  Oddly the CD closes with the my two favorite tracks, so keep on listening. The boys from Railroad Earth give this music a lot of extra girth, and for Hobos is a good way to here them another acoustic setting.  Worth the purchase for fans of this music.
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