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Willy DeVille: The Best of Live

Willy DeVille's "Best Of Live" is Alive and Divine!

We received The Best of Willy DeVille Live: Come A Little Bit Closer (Eagle Records) and all we can say is, "Wow, what a revelation!" Somehow we arrived a little late to the party on this one. Sure, we had heard of the one known as "Mink" but we were largely unfamiliar with the music he had made.

Willy made his mark early in the punk scene regularly playing CBGB's with the other legends of the era. But, the New York-based rocker had more in common with the R&B and soul-infused rock that was making the 70's Jersey shore scene hop and bop.

As the opening three live tracks reveal there was a real Springsteenesque-blue collar approach to the music brimming with the soulful stylings of a Southside and the Jukes. The opener "Venus of Avenue D" was punk mixed with E Street. "This Must Be The Night" was more reminiscent of 80's era Little Steven fronting Beaver Brown or his own band of Asbury brothers. The riveting "Love and Emotion" tugged at the heart with hot sax and was more Johnny Lyon than John Lydon.

But, don't be mistaken. DeVille wasn't a Springsteen clone or inheritor to the throne in that regard. The point is that his music fit right in with that joyous and hard to define "Asbury Park" sound.

In a live setting Willy was also an interpreter of other artist's work. "Cadillac Walk" and "Slave To Love" are examples of the competent covers DeVille and his band would offer up in concert.

DeVille, who died all-too young in 2009, was probably best-known for "Storybook Love". This track was produced by Mark Knopfler and showcased in the movie The Princess Bride. The rendition on best Best Of Live goes a long way in displaying the depth and demeanor of Willy's work.

Willy was diverse in his talent and the scope of his music was passionate and compelling as shown here on Best of Live. This would make a great gift for any fan of the 70's Jersey shore scene and traditional R&B - who like us - might've missed him on the first go round. The collection is also a perfect introduction to the man who started out as the mysterious Mink!