A: Enlightenment B: Endarkenment (Hint: There Is No C) (Dig)

I'm not familiar with the early music of Ray Wylie Hubbard - the only albums I have are 'Growl' and 'Snake Farm'. Although 'A/B no C' has a slightly different sound, it still has the same basic ingredients as those other two albums : a unique brand of (predominantly) spooky, groove-infested swamp-rock-Americana; parched, world-weary vocals delivered with a sardonic edge; playing which is stripped down yet incisive; and songs often inhabited by characters from the dark dungeon that is Ray Wylie's mind.

Music-wise, Ray Wylie Hubbard has always struck me as being a law unto himself, and with 'A/B no C', he seems to be developing an even more idiosyncratic style. Upon first hearing his music, it was the groove-ridden sound that sent me scurrying for my credit card. However, once I'd had an opportunity to listen more attentively, it soon became apparent that he was an adept lyricist with a keen awareness of the perverseness of the human condition - here, with the emphasis...Read more

The previous reviews give you enough to chew on. All I can say is that this is indeed a masterpiece... a game-changer. A CD so raw, grungy and authentic, produced masterfully. The instrumentation, backup vocals and recording techniques so rare in an over-produced world of studio records. That's probably the reason I listen to and buy mostly live recordings. I want it raw. But when it's done right, like this, it's a game-changer... the model by which all CDs should be recorded and produced. Truly one of the biggest surprises I have come across in a long time.

I've said it once and I'll keep saying it until I see something change, "Texas music has become so extremely diluted; sometimes it's difficult to distinguish it from the crap emitted from the sewers running beneath the city of Nashville."

There are a few exceptions. Guy Clark continues to write and record in his own unique and earthy style. Hayes Carll is releasing some amazing music, as is Jon Dee Graham. There are others but this is not the topic at hand here. Thank the God of your choice, whoever that is, for the above artists and others like them who have yet to sell their souls.

In addition, thank him, her, or it for this latest record from Ray Wylie Hubbard! This enormously talented singer and songwriter has once again blessed us with his latest release from Bordello Records, "A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment (Hint: there is no C)".

This latest endeavor, scheduled for release today, is a tremendously good album and I would have to say, it's...Read more