Jesse Dayton retains a knack for upending the expected, so his wide-ranging set of covers reaches characteristically broad. Digging his heels into everything from the Clash to Gordon Lightfoot, Austin’s hardcore honky-tonker also lays into the full-tilt boogie of Dr. Feelgood’s “She Does It Right” and blues raucousness of AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie.” Although his hard drawl torques easier melodies like Elton John’s “Country Comfort” less effectively, Dayton’s growling makeover of Jackson Browne’s “Redneck Friend” and the laid-back dance hall turn of the Cars’ “Just What I Needed” crackle as smart and surprising interpretations.

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This article appears in August 9 • 2019.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.