Texas Outlaws

Compadre's latest release collects a wide range of old and new Texas musicians. Though not as revolutionary as Waylon and Willie's initial Nashville exodus, these singer-songwriters definitely defend the same decidely non-Nashville ground. The performers include Texas roadhouse stalwarts like Pat Green, Cory Morrow and Kevin Fowler, mavericks like Jack Ingram, and legendary Lone Star talents Ray Wylie Hubbard, Townes Van Zandt and Willie Nelson.

It's a tad ironic that an album full of such talented songwriters would record mostly covers, and even more surprising how well some of the most iconic songs work. Roger Creager's "Guitar Town" shows the song to have a triumphant life apart from Steve Earle, and Max Stalling, backed by superb (and sadly uncredited!) Mexicali guitar, breathes life (and, ultimately, death, of course) into "El Paso."

Owen Temple and Reckless Kelly serve up fine acoustic performances, with Temple's "Lost Highway" wallowing in a...Read more

This cd is almost perfect. A wonderful mix of true Texas outlaws & Texas outlaw songs. The only disappointment is the last song, "Back on the Road," by Willie w/Lil'Black. Rap, and especially Willie attempting rap, does NOT belong with the other outstanding songs. Would have given 5 stars if not for that clunker.