Betty Dylan's fifth release, Abdicate the Throne, is a biting political statement released during the 2004 U.S. Presidential election. It is also full of some of the best rock and roll in the Betty Dylan saga so far.
A la The White Stripes and Jimmy Reed, there is no bass guitar on this CD which gives it a raw immediacy. Once again, Betty Dylan brought in Kenny Aronoff for his creativity and killer grooves on the drums. The trio collaborated in the studio on every tune with producer/engineer, Paul Mahern, and with over-the-phone advice from producer, Marvin Etzioni.
The first track, Vickie's a capella version of The Star Spangled Banner, brings chills. Abdicate the Throne is solid rock-n-roll, while Banned at the Bluebird is an up-tempo alt-country ode to Betty Dylan's tribulations in their beloved new home town of Nashville. Talking About It, Black Magic and Love is Being Bought and Sold explore the smoother, spookier side of Betty Dylan's esoteric vision of universal truths. A favorite of their fans, Sheryl Crow features Dr. Dan as he confesses his inner-turmoil as compared to the seemingly care-free life of the superstar. The final track, a cover of Bob Dylan's Masters of War, is a fitting send-off, completely different than the original, and one of the most intense versions of the song recorded to date.
