The album opens with "Willie Waylon And Whiskey," and the guitar at the beginning lets us know precisely what we're in for, if the song's title didn't already clue us in. "Willie, Waylon and whiskey/Gonna have a really good time," Dale sings then. The song's lyrics make reference to songs by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, such as "On The Road Again" and "Lonesome, On'ry And Mean," and there is also a musical nod to "On The Road Again." This is a song from one of the greats, honoring two of the greats. The third verse is then dedicated to whiskey, like it is another of the country greats. And why not? Think I'll have a shot or two right now... This song's last line, "Hangin' out with some old friends of mine," is really the feel of this music, isn't it? These musicians, whether we've met them or not, are friends of a sort. And these songs are like old friends, even if they're new songs. Hell, so is whiskey. Danny Levin is on piano on this song. "Willie Waylon And Whiskey" is followed by "She Was My Baby," in which Dale sings, "She can make a man go deaf and dumb and give up without even trying/She was my baby/I fell under her spell." Wonderful! I'm thinking of the woman whose spell I happily fell under. This track features some really nice work on pedal steel. And I love these lines: "She can make a man stop drinking/She can make a man start too/She can make a man stop thinking/Then start thinking what's he gonna do." There is something of a growl in his voice toward the end, which is great.
Dale Watson slows things down then with "If You Really Love Me (Outlive Me)," which is beautiful, particularly because of his touching, tender vocal performance. "If you really love me, outlive me/Don't make me go through life without you/If you really love me, outlive me/It's the least someone who loves me can do." This one might have you in tears before too long, particularly if you've lost someone. It's seriously a gorgeous and moving song, the pedal steel adding to its impact and appeal. Katie Shore joins the band on this one, delivering some pretty work on fiddle. And Matt Hubbard delivers some really nice work on piano. That's followed by another love song, but with a different vibe. This one, titled "Gotta Try Harder," is a fun, energetic, playful and humorous number. These lines, for example, make me laugh: "I pulled out all the stops/Impress her, I did not/In spite of me employing all my charms." It's a song that urges us all to try harder with those women we love. It features some delicious guitar work. And Katie Shore again delivers some good stuff on fiddle.
"What The Hell Happened To The Cadillace" is another with a guitar intro that promises something special, this time with cool, mean vibe. "Whatever happened to the Cadillac/I've learned it turned into a compact/It looks the same as every car I look at/What the hell happened to the Cadillac?" I love his delivery here. I'm guessing a lot of us have wondered about that. With other cars too. Cars used to have more individual style. And that's just the first verse. Dale also mentions how air travel has lost all its charm these days. And check out these lines: "Whatever happened to the radio/Music used to have so much soul/It all sounds the same, and I traced it back/To what the hell happened, what the hell happened, what the hell happened to the Cadillac." And there is anger in his delivery of that last line, anger on behalf of all of us who used to appreciate certain things that are now gone. A different version of this song was included on Dale Watson's 2023 album Starvation Box. That's followed by "You're Got My Heart," a love song, and a duet, Celine Lee joining Dale Watson on vocals. Dale sings, "I've searched my whole life for you," and Celine responds, "I did my share of searching too." Sometimes it takes a while to find that certain someone. I didn't meet the love of my life until I was in my late thirties. But the time before doesn't matter, it's the time you have together that counts. This track contains some wonderful work by Danny Levin on piano, including a good lead in the second half. And, yes, there is some nice stuff on pedal steel too. It's a love song that will leave you feeling good.
Then we get "Don't Let The Honky Tonks Go," the song I mentioned earlier. It's a lively and yet kind of sweet number that urges us to "Keep dancing, keep dancing." I'm totally digging it, and the rhythm certainly encourages dancing. "Put money in the jukebox, be sure to tip the band/That waitress and bartender could use a helping hand." This one too features a strong lead on keys, this time by Matt Hubbard. That's followed by "Just Yesterday," a very cool, slow number with an excellent vocal performance. "I'm grateful for the lips I kiss each day/The only lips I'll kiss 'til my dying day/I'm thankful for the caress that takes my cares away/I'm amazed I loved you less just yesterday." What a tremendous feeling, to find yourself more in love with someone each successive day. This is a song to play for that special person in your life. Phil Spencer plays bass on this one, and Danny Walton is on piano. Both deliver some nice work.
"Life Is Like A Song" is the first song on the album to feature The Memphians backing Dale Watson. It's a sweet number that reminds me of some of the country and folk music of the 1970s. "Life is like a song/We just sing along." Dale delivers a gentle, thoughtful vocal performance. This track also features some wonderful work by T Jarrod Bonta on piano. Katie Shore joins this group on fiddle, providing a good lead approximately halfway through the track. "Enjoy the music/We only get one tune." That's exactly right. "Never Mend The Broken Spoke" also features The Memphians. It is also a sweet number, with a nostalgic vibe. "That red rustic building is the place you want to be/To hear the shuffling two-step of the boot-covered feet." It's about The Broken Spoke, a dance hall in Austin, Texas. A honky tonk. While "What The Hell Happened To The Cadillac" is about some of the less-than-desirable changes that have occurred, this song is about a place that will never change. At least, that is the hope. This song, by the way, also mentions Willie Nelson in its lyrics, along with Bob Wills and Ernest Tubbs, all of whom have played at the venue. This track features some nice work by Katie Shore on fiddle.
The Lonestars back Dale Watson on "If I Can," a pretty and somewhat sad number, a love song that looks at the day when one of them will be gone. "One of these days you'll wake up/And you'll find that I did not/I didn't wake up, I moved on/When that day comes, I hope you know/Just how much I love you so." And hoping the other person will still find love. It's a moving, touching song. "If I can, I'll stay beside you/And if I can, I'll prove it too." Life is so short, and the thought of forever being separated from the person you love might be too much to bear. Unwanted concludes with its title track, and here Dale Watson is backed by The Memphians. This track has a great bite to it, a good mean vibe. "Lovers come and go/They'll always come and go/Just like their love, just like their vows." Ouch! And then the song kicks in. "I'm far from a saint, and a good man I ain't/Good women, I've known a few." Man, this is good. A strong, cool track to wrap things up.
CD Track List
- Willie Waylon And Whiskey
- She Was My Baby
- If You Really Love Me (Outlive Me)
- Gotta Try Harder
- What The Hell Happened To The Cadillac
- You've Got My Heart
- Don't Let The Honky Tonks Go
- Just Yesterday
- Life Is Like A Song
- Never Mend The Broken Spoke
- If I Can
- Unwanted
Unwanted is scheduled to be released on April 24, 2026 on Forty Below Records, and will be available on vinyl as well as CD.
No comments:
Post a Comment