ALBUM REVIEW: Dr John – Things Just Happen That Way

Rounder

Released: 23.09.22

Dr John was the don, the Grand Zombie, and for a decade or so he delivered a series of albums that still sound like nobody else. But as is usually the way, the releases became less essential and the shows a little less powerful.

This album was the last he recorded before we lost him three years ago, and while it’s fine enough as it goes, I can’t see anyone reaching for it on the regular. Tagged as his country album – mainly because he covers a bunch of country tunes in a typically NoLa style – his voice sounds worn out, the band do most of the heavy lifting and the version of Gilded Splinters just feels redundant. There are better ways to remember him.