Dust on the Bible

AMG Review of Dust on the Bible

Zac Johnson
All Music Guide

Originally available exclusively on cassette at Bad Livers live shows, this collection of 11 deeply traditional old-timey and luegrass gospel songs shows a reverential side to the band's usually slightly goofy twang-a-billy punk folk style. Relying heavily on songs made known by the Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe, and other raditional bluegrass spirituals, songs like "I'm Using My Bible for a Roadmap" and "Jesus on the Mainline" are delivered so faithfully the music barely hints at their creativity or sense of humor. That is, unless you happen to know that bassist Mark Rubin is Jewish and that banjo player Danny Barnes grew up in the Church of Christ, which forbids instrumental music in its worship services. Although it contains what may be the only recording of "Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning" with a tuba solo, the rest of Dust on the Bible should appeal to raditional folk aficionados, and for fans of Bad Livers' usual bizarro cowpunk, this certainly presents another facet of the band.