SLCene Suggests: Dave Alvin at The State Room

DAVE ALVIN, THE STATE ROOM, Friday, 9 p.m., $20

Dave Alvin is one of America’s music treasures. Not only is he a dynamic songwriter and excellent guitar player; he is also a one-man encyclopedia of music history. I’ve had the chance to interview Alvin a few times, and there are few artists as engaging to talk to, about any number of topics. Whether you’re talking about his legendary roots-rock band The Blasters, his brief stint with X in the ’80s, or his long-running solo career, Alvin is always a worthy listen. A quote he has prominently displayed on his Web site says it all: “There are two types of folk music: quiet folk music and loud folk music. I play both.” His latest album, Eleven Eleven, is a fine example of just that.