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Recent Texas Music Releases (MP3 and Windows Media samples available at SoundsLikeTexas.com):
- Various Artists, Poor Little Knitter On The Road: A Tribute To The Knitters on Bloodshot Records
- Waylon Jennings, This Time on Buddha Records
SoundsLikeTexas.com new Texas Music reviews:
Various Artists, Poor Little Knitter On The Road: A Tribute To The Knitters
The Derailers, Full Western Dress
On the back cover of Poor Little Knitter On The Road (A Tribute To The Knitters), Bloodshot Records' Rob Miller states that back in 1985 his "snotty little punk rock girlfriend", deemed the Knitters as "that hick shit". We don't know Rob Miller, but we've certainly met folks like his "snotty punk rock girlfriend". Those folks are referring to country music that sounds like...well...country music! Big crime, right?! Not from where we come.
If you appreciate good "hick shit" records, there are two new releases you should have. Poor Little Knitter On The Road is Bloodshot Records' various artist tribute to the Knitters. The Knitters were a band put together by Dave Alvin, featuring most of X. They were punk musicians who wanted to do a country record. Poor Little Critter On The Road (Slash/1985) was the result, and it changed the "moguls" at Bloodshot Records' lives, so they decided to put together a tribute album.
Confused yet? Just wait. This record contains very few connections to Texas. Dave Alvin and X are from California, Bloodshot Records is in Chicago, and the majority of the artists on this record are not from Texas. Now you are very confused, right?
Poor Little Knitter On The Road is a strong dose of good country music. That should be enough of a reason for those who appreciate "hick shit" to go out and get it. If you need a Texas connection, the Old 97's do an excellent version of "Cryin' But My Tears Are Far Away".
Speaking of Dave Alvin, he produces the new record from Austin's own The Derailers. Full Western Dress is vintage Texas country music. "Hick shit"? You betcha! The sound is a careful mix of Texas honky-tonk and Bakersfield rockabilly. It's right at home in front of the roots rockers at the Continental Club, as well as the two-steppers at the Broken Spoke. Recorded at the infamous Pedernales and Arlyn Studios, this is "deep in the heart of Texas" through and through. The foundation is basic honky-tonk, but the kicker is the smooth vocal delivery of Tony Villanueva and Brian Hofeldt. As lead vocalists they both hold their own, but their harmonies make the record. The musicianship is top notch with the very tasteful additions of Marty Muse (pedal steel) and Floyd Domino (piano), among others. All the waltz lovers should go straight to track #9, "Play Me The Waltz Of The Angels." A beautiful song featuring vocal addition by none other than Buck Owens.
The Derailers Full Western Dress is how country music is supposed to sound. It's traditional style, produced with up to date technique. A very volatile mixture, no doubt. High praise goes to Dave Alvin on this, his second effort with the Derailers.
Shiner Boctoberfest –If you are lucky enough to make the pilgrimage to Shiner, Texas, watch for Sounds Like Texas folks. With our new t-shirts, we’ll be easy to spot.
The last few weeks have been thin as far as new releases, but the end of October promises more offerings. Stay tuned…
This Texas Music News update brought to you by http://SoundsLikeTexas.com