| "Joe Ely's second album is a classic of late-1970s
progressive country--but this description hardly does justice to what he
did with the music. The Texas-born Ely expanded its expression both lyrically
(with the help of fellow ex-Flatlanders Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock,
whose songs he covered regularly) and musically, tossing in Tex-Mex accordion
and rock guitar lines that competed with the steel guitar parts. That Ely's
title song and Hancock's "Jericho," two of the record's more accessible
tracks, didn't become radio smashes is criminal, but it's never too late
to pick up on them yourself--that is, so long as the CD remains in print."
(Ricky Wright) |
|
As strong as Joe Ely's self-titled solo debut was, his second album,
1978's Honky Tonk Masquerade, actually managed to top it, and the album
remains one of the great creative triumphs of the Texas singer/songwriter
community, as well as a high-water mark in Ely's career. Displaying a
very Texan sense of eclecticism, Honky Tonk Masquerade's ten tunes run
the gamut from beer-stained weepers (the title cut) and late-night declarations
of loneliness ("Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown") to barrelhouse
rock & roll ("Fingernails") and honky tonk dance numbers
("West Texas Waltz" and "Cornbread Moon"), and Ely's
simple but expressive delivery makes the most of every song he sings.
Ely's band deserves a special nod as well, especially steel guitarist
Lloyd Maines and Ponty Bone on accordion, who can seemingly conjure up
an orchestra or a horn section at will. And as strong as Ely's songs are,
he has the good sense to also accept contributions from fellow ex-Flatlanders
Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, whose more introspective lyrical
approach makes for a satisfying contrast to Ely's more down to earth style.
Smart without sounding pretentious, and musically ambitious without losing
focus or drive, Honky Tonk Masquerade is a superb album that captures
Ely and his band at their best. (by Mark Deming, AMG)
|
Plattentipp 
eins von 1001 Alben, die Ihr hören solltet, bevor das Leben vorbei ist! (2008) 
