“Current trends and fads aside, I’ve wanted to do a collection of stripped-down versions of old, new, borrowed and blue songs for quite some time. Often by choice, but also out of economic necessity, much of the touring I’ve done in the past few years has been just me and a guitar, (or with Greg Leisz as fellow traveler/accompanist). I noticed at these gigs my vocals changing, arrangements changing, sometimes even meanings changing. It was also obvious that while some people only wanted to hear me play electric rock n’ roll, other people enjoyed hearing the lyrics for maybe the first time. I guess this recording is for them. I’d like to thank the musicians and singers for working for much less than they deserve and, of course, all the usual suspects. I’d especially like to thank the many people who’ve stuck with me through the years. As corny as it sounds, I really can’t thank you enough. See you down the road.” - Dave Alvin, Original notes from Hightone HCD 8054 KING OF CALIFORNIA (1994)