Welcome to another addition of Tune in Tuesday! Today’s musical choices are all from the great state of Texas. And now, the obligatory cheesy state bravado, that’s right folks, it is Tune In Tuesday Texas style! I’m sure that was not as painful to read as it was to write.
Step Inside This House
Lyle Lovett
Lyle Lovett is a great songwriter and has had a tremendous impact on the Texas music scene. Step Inside This House is an album of covers written by fellow Texans. It is one of my favorite albums that Lyle has released. He covers songs from artist such as Robert Earl Keen, Townes Van Zandt, Steven Fromholz, and Guy Clark. This release is a two disc album and is great from start to finish. Lovett’s vocals add new life to the lyrics of others while staying true to their music and most importantly, himself.
Key Tracks:
Lungs, Rollin’ By, Texas Trilogy (All three songs, thus the word trilogy),
Rivertown
Walt Wilkins
Walt Wilkins is one of the greatest songwriters that you have never heard of. His music has been covered by the likes of Pat Green and Ricky Skaggs. Rivertown is one of his earlier solo albums and is filled with musical gems. He has a really comforting vocal presentation and brings you into each of his songs.
Key Tracks:
Poetry, One of those Moments, Seven Hillsides, Some Men Fall
Lost Hotel
Wade Bowen
Waco born Bowen is a Texas singer/songwriter who happens to be the brother in law of Cody Canada (Cross Canadian Ragweed). He co-wrote Pat Green’s hit “Don’t Break My Heart Again” and has released four albums. Lost Hotel was my introduction to Wade and is one of my favorite albums of his. His whiskey soaked vocals add an emotional depth to his lyrics.
Key Tracks:
Resurrection, Perfect Silence, Lost Hotel, Broken Reflection (Troubadour’s Prayer)
Soul To Soul
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Not sure what I can say about this album other than it is pure greatness. Stevie was a genius and this was just one of many ways he displayed his musical prowess. Life Without You and Change it are in my Top 5 Greatest songs by Stevie.
Key Tracks:
Life Without You, Change It, Lookin’ Out the Window, Look At Little Sister
Carry On
Pat Green
Carry On was Green’s third self released album and one of his finest. His cover of Walt Wilkin’s “Ruby’s Two Sad Daughters” is amazing and the rest of the tracks are just as good. I am a huge Pat Green fan but find myself listening to more of his earlier recordings. This album, in particular, just seems to be more authentic than some of his new releases.
Key Tracks:
Whiskey, Carry On, Ruby’s Two Sad Daughters, Crazy, Holdin’ On
I’m Good Now
Bob Schneider
A paragon of the Austin music scene, Bob Schneider has got the musical goods. This is his third solo album. His funky word play, feel good vibe, and his musical fearlessness make him fun to listen to and even more entertaining to see live. This album is one of my favorite as well as a favorite of my kids. And really, there is nothing better than hearing the following words sung from your children when they are all under the age of 5.
I can see god on a cloud in the sky
On top of the world watching the world roll by
With a great big grin and some good cocaine
Jesus by his side in the pouring rain
And then there is another great verse that every kindergarten child should know
I can see god In Italian shoes
With a beard and a gun and a case of the blues
Smoking a cigarette drinking coors light
With teeth so white they light up the night
It was shortly after this car ride sing along that I received my first of many Father of the Year nominations and subsequent awards.
Key Tracks:
Come With Me Tonight, God Is My Friend, Captain Kirk,
Great music awaits!
Music you should be listening to! 