D.C. Bloom

In a former life, D.C. Bloom was a Washington, D.C.-based speechwriter, plying his trade for, among others, the FBI. But he also moonlighted as the frontman of a band of goofball folkies called the Dog Waggers, and it’s that lighter side of Bloom that’s showcased on his debut solo album, his first recording since moving to San Antonio in 2005. Simpler Times A-Wastin’ might not win over serious folk Nazis, but it takes a cold, cold heart not to grin and dig it for the fun-loving time it is. “I Can’t Forget the Alamo” carjacks “I’ve Been Everywhere” for a joyride through his new hometown, and the Tex-Mex-ified “Ice Box on the Fritz” plays like the Sir Douglas Quintet with plumber’s crack. Bloom does earnest pretty well, too, as demonstrated by the tribute to his father, “Acres to Plow” (featuring guests Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines). But irreverent is what Bloom really does best. Well, that, and kiss up to the home team: the Spurs-loving “Manu Ginobili” really should earn the guy the key to the Alamo city.