MUSIC MAKERS
Ben Wener
Orange County Register; Santa Ana, Calif.; Jan 12, 2001 

 

Ronnie Lane, "Live in Austin" (Sideburn) -- A bittersweet collection that's sure to leave fans misty-eyed by its conclusion, this assortment of the late Lane's live radio appearances, recorded in 1984-90 while he resided in Texas, is a testament both to his durable songwriting and his achingly real voice. Backed by sturdy session players, he runs through gems from forgotten albums like "See Me" and the Pete Townshend collaboration "Rough Mix"; offers a winsome, lazy-day-down-on-the-Bayou version of Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell" -- and, of course, delivers a terrific version of "Ooh La La," probably his greatest moment from his days with the Faces. Makes you miss him all over again. Grade: B+ (B.W.)