Mink DeVille

• Mink DeVille [Capitol, 1977] B
• Return to Magenta [Capitol, 1978] C+
• Le Chat Bleu [Capitol, 1980] B-

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Mink DeVille [Capitol, 1977]
Those who believe "underground" rock means a return to basics and nothing more will cheer this sleek, friendly white r&b record, because they'll understand it. Those who insist on learning something new about the basics will continue to prefer the Ramones and Blondie, or Springsteen and J. Geils. B

Return to Magenta [Capitol, 1978]
The main thing wrong with Willie DeVille is that he hasn't had a new idea since he decided he didn't like acid in 1970. Even as the songpoet of greaser nostalgia he's got nothing to say--the most interesting writing on this record is an old David Forman tune--and the romanticism of his vocal style makes me appreciate George Thorogood. C+

Le Chat Bleu [Capitol, 1980]
Goils--they break your heart, run off with your coke, mess up your drug deals, and take your count when you go to the blood bank. Rhythm and blues was never like this, so maybe he's a punk after all. But more likely he's one more struggling professional musician. B-