This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
I saw a news story a few weeks ago headlined Wall of Voodoo Singer Dies. I got all bummed because I naturally thought they were talking about Stan Ridgway. Turns out it was Marc Moreland, who took over after Stan quit 20 years ago.
No disrespect to Moreland’s family and friends, but I’m glad Stan is still alive and kickin’ — and putting out albums like Holiday In Dirt, a collection of leftovers and outtakes from his comparatively low-wattage solo career. Although Stan’s familiar Mexican Radio bray and haunted harmonica are still in full effect, most of these clever alt-pop tracks are moodier and mellower than his Voodoo hoodoo. But sifting through the jazzy twang of Beloved Movie Star, the synth-bounce swirl of Bing Can’t Walk and the buzzy garage-rock of After the Storm, it’s clear Stan is still broadcasting on a wavelength far from home.
