Brian Setzer is one of the central figures of both the Rockabilly and Swing revivals. The Stray Cats brought Rockabilly into the modern mainstream; and the Brian Setzer Orchestra did much the same for Neo-Swing. As a fan of both genres, I awaited the new Brian Setzer CD with much anticipation. The cover of “13” is classic Setzer, with very Rockabilly inspired artwork. On the back, Setzer is featured mid-leap in a classic “Rock this Town” pose. The opening chords of Drugs and Alcohol (Bullet Holes)” were fraught with promise. But alas, that promise was to remain unfulfilled. You will find precious little of either Rockabilly or Swing on “13”. Most of the music is in the classic rock mold. For example, “Broken Down Piece of Junk” has guitar licks that remind me of Aerosmith. “Everybody’s up to Something” brings back shades of Rick Derringer. Oddly enough, “Bad, Bad, Girl (in a Bad, Bad, World)”, for me at least, has a hint of Devo. You get the picture. “Really Rockabilly” is a cynical, biting commentary of the commercialization of the Rockabilly scene. Maybe this explains Setzer’s departure from the genre, but this is nothing but mere speculation on my part. Sometimes the old Setzer does shine through. “Mini Bar Blues” might just be able to pass on a Swing Dance night. “When Hepcat Gets the Blues” has sort of a Swing/Hot Jazz feel that grows on the listener. “The Hennepin Avenue Bridge” has some charming ban, ukele and tuba, somewhat reminiscent of Leon Redbone. Fans of classic rock will enjoy this CD.  But if you are looking for the old Setzer style Rockabilly and Swing, you won’t find it here.

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