Released: 1996
Tracks: Don’t Touch My Hat; Her First Mistake; Fiona; That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas); Who Loves You Better; Private Conversation; Promises; It Ought to Be Easier; I Can’t Love You Anymore; Long Tall Texan; Christmas Morning; The Road to Ensenada
Best track: That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas)
Track to skip: none
I think more than anything, the sound of Lyle Lovett’s voice reminds me of Austin. As I’m in North Carolina typing this, man, this music makes me homesick. Sigh. Anyway, a scan through my collection in these here reviews will show a significant lack of country CDs. I’m not a fan of most country (even though I’m from Texas), since the genre is overflowing with horrible soulless crud. All the pop-country stuff…you know what I’m talking about. What I prefer is the older stuff, what’s usually known as Outlaw Country as well as anything that puts musicianship and songwriting over fluff and entertainment. I think Willie Nelson is a fantastic musician and songwriter and there are a handful of others I really enjoy. And of course, Lyle Lovett is totally included in that list. Even my wife, who despises country, adores Lovett and thinks that he has a beautiful voice. She’s so right about that.
I was first introduced to his music through my good friend Bryan who played Her First Mistake for me. I really dug his voice, but it was the song itself that really grabbed me. I thought, any ‘country’ musician who can play and writes with jazz chords and has lyrics as clever as these, then that’s what I call good music. First Mistake is a great song with perfect lyrical delivery. I love it. And truthfully, the whole album is one great song after another. Slow songs, fast songs; they’re all good.
A special mention goes out for That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas). This one should be the National Anthem of Texas. It’s beyond perfect and swings like nothing else. Everything about it is just perfect: the playing, songwriting, the horns, the vocals, the lyrics…wow. Absolutely one of the best songs ever written. I love the line, “I was born and raised in Texas and it means so much to me”. That just says it all.
Contrary to what commercial radio force-feeds everyone, there actually IS good country music. This is that Good Country Music. I highly recommend this CD to everyone who enjoys great songs with a great singer singing and writing them.
Rating: 94
