record, with dominant pedal steel and the whole cowboy vibe firmly in place. “It’s Hard to Be an Outlaw” (who ain’t wanted anymore) almost gave me chills the first time I played it. Not only because of the music but also be- cause of the lyrics, which are a brilliant exer- cise in the double entendre. Just another example of why Billy Joe Shaver is one of our finest living songwriters. This ten-song album exercises qual- ity over quan- tity, and every track has its own unique sound, from Tex-Mex, to country rock to the absolute beauty of the ballad “I’m in Love.” The songwriting is
simply stellar, from “The Git Go” to Mexicali rhythm of “American Me.” “Last Call for Alco- hol” is a barn-burner with Leon Russell on piano and Shawn Camp on backing vocals. In fact, the album is filled with top flight musi- cians, from Larry Franklin on fiddle to Mickey Rafael (Willie Nelson Family Band) on harp, to Pig Robbins and Dan Dugmore and many others. And let’s not forget the title track. “Long in the Tooth” is on the verge of a rap, telling the girls that he’s not as young as he used to be, but he “can still do more than most men do.” Tony Joe White sits in on gui- tar and joins in on vocals. The whole song is a an anthem for seniors who still kick ass, at 75, Shaver is leading the pack.... There’s just something beautiful and happy in the reggae beat, even given the often serious- ness of the lyrics. It always brings a smile to my face, whether it’s classic Peter Tosh, Inner Circle, the classic Rockers soundtrack (a par- ticular favorite), or the undisputed King of Reggae, Bob Marley.With Legend: The Best of Bob Marley, The 30th Anniversary
Deluxe Edition (Tuff Gong) we are reminded (again) just how great a loss the world suf- fered when cancer claimed Marley’s life in 1981. With this beautiful deluxe package, we are treated to the original album, along with a Blu-ray Audio version that sounds as clear as if you were in the studio when it was being recorded. With 5.1 Surround Sound, the Blu- ray disc features several alternate and ex- tended versions of some of the songs. The two-disc set comes housed in a hard-back book with liner notes, photos, and complete lyrics. (I always give extra points when an album included the lyrics, although this one had me at “Hello,” no need for bonus points.) Of course all of Marley and The Wailers finest tunes are here, from a live version of “No Woman, No Cry,” to “Three Little Birds,” “Buffalo Soldier,” “Get Up Stand Up,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” along with everyone’s favorites, “Redemption Song” and “One Love.” It’s an absolutely amazing sound, and a fitting 30th anniversary Celebration of an indispensable album… I dearly love Jessi Lynn. The lady is an amazing songwriter and singer, and with her latest, Detour (Joey The Dog Produc- tions), she shows us just how talented she truly is. Recorded live in the studio in Austin in a single take, there are no overdubs or patches, fixes or enhancements. What you hear is what you get, and what you get is out- standing. Starting with “Any Random Tues- day,” Jessi sets her own bar pretty damned high. Jessi has the same country honesty in her music that draws me to Kasey Mus- groaves. She can really spin a love song too. Honestly, every song here is good, from “This Road I’m On,” “I Don’t Go There,” “Damn” and the truly pretty love song, “Perfect.” There’s no way to pick a favorite, but if I was pressed, I’d have to say there’s just something special about “Seattle’s Rain.” Thankfully, I don’t really have to pick a favorite, and nei- ther do you. Just put this CD on and let it wash over you like a cool spring rain, filled with love, hopes and dreams….
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