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The Zone 93.3 - Zone Cuts Live - Volume 2
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Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Hidden Jewel at 2006-04-13
I bought this CD years ago, and continue to buy copies to give to friends and relatives. Id only heard of 3 or 4 of the bands when I bought this back then, its the best CD I own, bar none.Acoustic versions of every song - so good that even Rob Thomas (the ultimate spare) sounds good on the Matchbox 20 cut.Dont question me on this one, buy the freakin thing and thank me.
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Lost Highway New Music Sampler
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John Boy & Billy"s Rockin" Race Tracks + Bonus Track
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The Party Never Ends
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Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
not the ones id pick. at 2005-11-19
But the real reason for the low rating is that if you listen to any of Robert Keens discs through and full, youll see that there is a theme to each release. Hes chosen the order and selections for a reason which gives meaning and underscores the emotion of the songs. This includes the novelty type hits. If you care about the artists intent in this way, then just buy one of the three complete discs this semi-greatest hits release culls. When Robert plays a live show, he varies the set list each night and picks the songs after the tour bus unloads and he walks around and gets a feel for the place. To a far greater degree, he does the same with his cds. Why not hear them in the order he intended?
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Wit And Fun...Texas Style at 2005-04-12
Ive never heard Robert Earl Keen on any station excepting the local NPR station out of Lafayette, LA. I heard him on a show called The World Cafe. Normally, the NPR crowd is a little too out there for me, but The World Cafe cranks out some good stuff every once in awhile. Keen fits perfectly on NPR because he isnt one of those plastic country artists we hear on the country stations, but hes ten times as talented as most of them are.So why is Keen so unknown outside of Texas and NPR? Because he does his own thing, and thats what I love about this album. It compiles some of his better known tunes(or so Ive heard, since Ive only heard two of his tunes)and has a few live performance moments as well. Those live moments are what won me over. Id love to see this guy live. My favorite songs on this album include Copenhagen, Mariano, The Five Pound Bass, and the wonderful live version of The Bluegrass Widow. If you enjoy Texas artists such as Gary P. Nunn, youll love this guys music. Some argue that his voice is lacking, but the instrumentation and lyrics of each song are pure perfection. Hes sort of like Jerry Jeff Walker in that his voice isnt the best, but it gets the message over in such a way that you are captivated into listening to him talk about things like Texas Pride beer and the wonder that is Copenhagen. Youll laugh your way through most of this tunes, but certain songs, especially Mariano, stick out as some of the most serious country music around these days.Robert Earl Keen is pure Texas fun and pure Texas proud, and this Louisiana boy highly recommends this album.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
5 star at 2005-08-18
My very first Keen cd. Will buy more and am going to go see him live.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Dreadful Selfish Crime, not to own this CD at 2005-10-28
When I look for a CD of a favorite artist, I first try to find one that will have most of the songs that I enjoy the best. Then I look for the number of tracks it has, you know, I have to get my monies worth. I also check whether it has live or non-live recordings. When I found Robert Earl Keens, The Road Goes on Forever, I discovered that its content had all of those features and was pleasantly surprised to find much more. With songs like, `The Front Porch Song, Merry Christmas from the Family and `Gringo Honeymoon, you get to know how well of a storyteller Robert E. Keen is while enjoying the music. The songs on this CD are meaningful, words we can relate to, theyre funny and fun to sing with. I think Roberts talent is big and I think his voice fits perfect with the cool songs that he sings...I said cool songs, this isnt opera. I think his style has style. Im thankful for KPIG radio, for introducing his music to me and stores like Amazon.com for making CDs like this available for me to buy. I highly recommend this CD of Robert E. Keens. Listen; let it take you away, sing with it, laugh and may the party never end.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
At the price a stellar introduction at 2005-08-05
The usefulness of this CD is restricted almost solely to those who are just getting into Robert Earl Keen. This CD also only represents one side of REK, but considering the wealth of essential material the neophyte has to wade through this is only fitting. As the title would suggest, this is a collection of his more uptempo anthems, primarily life affirming singalong tunes (though often death and heartache lurk right around the corner). From a marketing standpoint this had to be a no-brainer. The average newbie is probably going to get into Keen through either his oft-covered The Road Goes On Forever or the cheeky Merry Xmas From the Family. What this collection wont show you is that Keen also has a more introspective, plaintive side, but again: theres enough classics in that idiom to fill a future volume of their own. And this is not to say that Keens more rocking country songs are completely mindless: even the aforementioned Merry Xmas..., which is often passed off as a Dr. Demento-worthy novelty track, is a perceptive cross-section of your prototypical Texan dysfunctional family. Similarly, Road Goes On Forever, despite its singalong chorus and racing fiddles, is at minimum the country version of Smugglers Blues, an empathetic tale of two down-and-outers and a botched drug deal which would have set them for life. Ultimately, the main reason to buy this CD is the sell-through price: unless you somehow - incredibly - dont like what REK has to offer, youre going to find yourself seeking out the rest of his CDs sooner or later anyway. If you feel adventurous might as well dive right and start with Gringo Honeymoon or No Kinda Dancer.
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Gravitational Forces
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Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
R.E.K. mails it in at 2006-03-20
This album was very disappointing, particularly coming on the heels of such great records as Picnic and Walking Distance. The tell-tale track here is the awful remake of REKs signature song, The Road Goes on Forever. Robert is clearly drunk as a skunk on this track, slurring his way through the opening and finishing the song with a manic repetition of the title phrase. Undoubetedly, he has done the same thing live a hundred times, and the fans probably eat it up every time (I know I do). But that just goes to show how complacent this once-great singer-songwriter has become. He knows he can fill a room almost anywhere in the country with fans who are thrilled to slur right along with him, so long as he plays this song and a few others from No. 2 Live Diner. While he as certainly earned the adulation, its a shame that he isnt pushing himself as a songwriter anymore. Maybe he needs a Rick Rubin, a la Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond, to break him out of his current rut (newer albums Farm Fresh Onions and What I Really Mean are equally disappointing).As for other tracks, Not a Drop of Rain is an inferior take on a musical theme already brilliantly explored on Walking Distances Feeling Good Again and Billy Gray. Walking Cane isnt half as fun as That Buckin Song. Other tracks range from fair to foregettable, with the title track coming in at just plain awful. Until I hear that REK is back telling his brilliant musical stories of American life, Ill content myself with his early albums.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
How could you go wrong? at 2005-09-28
This has been one of my favorite Keen listening experiences. With covers of Cash, Townes Van Zandt, Terry Allen with several really good Keen originals, how could you go wrong? Keen seems to be really comfortable with his role as a really good song interpreter (hear Walkin Cane) balanced with his own songwriting abilities. Hence the opening song: My Home Aint In the Hall of Fame. Keens own songs Hello New Orleans, Wild Wind and Not a Drop of Rain sound very good interspersed with the fantastic covers that he performs. My only reservation is the title song and the seemingly unnecessary remake of his own The Road Goes On Forever, which comes off sounding like Joe Elys cover of it. So for tracks 1-10, this is a great CD.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Bring Back Duckworth at 2005-09-15
Overall a good, solid album. I agree with another Reviewer on here that the title track is in fact, complete garbage. However, with Hello New Orleans and his throaty renditions of Not a Drop of Rain and I Still Miss Someone. His cover of Snowing on Raton is wonderful as well. In fact I could list all the songs as great and wonderful, except for the one previously mentioned. Great REK.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Probably the sleeper in the REK catalog at 2005-08-08
All the initial signs showed this album to be the one to prove REK was losing it: an unusual reliance on cover tunes (Hall of Fame, High Plains Jamboree, Snowing on Raton), an early single which was far from Keens best work (Walking Cane), and worst of all, a remake his own most popular tune, The Road Goes On Forever. Well, these initial impressions arent entirely offbase (hence only four stars) but they point to a more dire forecast than what a seasoned listen to the album over the course of a few spins will eventually obviate.First of all, lets get the criticism out of the way since its already been broached. The re-do of Road... is imminently competent, but is a virtually note-by-note re-recording and there is absolutely no reason to prefer it to the original. Similarly, the title cut, which precedes the re-recording, the two of which close out the album, is a bizarre tone poem which to some degree indicates a certain kind of literary pretension which is otherwise alien to Keens work (aside, perhaps, from The Armadillo Jackal off his first album, but that song worked; this one doesnt). Since those two tracks close out the album they are single handedly responsible for docking this CD at least a half-a-star, although without those two songs and in place of them perhaps another solid Keen original, Id have been more inclined to give it a full five stars, something Ive done with other of his albums which had a few lackluster songs but were redeemed by the excellence of their peers. In this light, the third from last tune, Snowing on Raton, could also be considered the start of the albums decline, at least if youre familiar with the Townes Van Zandt original, which one cant help but prefer. Upon letting it set in, its really not that bad a rendition, even if it is fairly predictable and, once again, inferior to some degree. That Walking Cane also falls in the latter half of the CD only confirms the mediocrity of the second half, but fortunately there is enough on side one to stake some sort of claim to greatness. The covers of Hall of Fame and High Plains Jamboree succeed primarily because they have no legendary original renditions to compete with (although Jamboree did appear on Terry Allens must-have Lubbock (On Everything) LP, Allens writing is better than his singing [subnote: despite all this, Allens version of Amarillo Highway is arguably better than Keens, primarily due to the more laidback, self assured pacing]). Not a Drop of Rain disappoints initially as it sounds like a virtual rewrite of Keens earlier Feeling Good Again, but subsequent listens embue it with an identity of its own, and Hello New Orleans is just the kind of wistful antidote to invoke some sort of reckoning of brilliance between the two. Ultimately, Keen has had albums like this with just a few brilliant tunes and a number of misfires, and hes had albums that were consistent throughout but with no truly excellent songs, and for my money Ill take the former over the latter. Gravitational Forces, while not the best REK album, places somewhat higher than Pieces of the Sky and Farm Fresh Onions for just that reason.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
About every 3 years I come across an album I like this much. at 2004-03-20
My brother in law gave me a copy and I cant stop listening. To be honest I know next to nothing about REK but listen to a lot of similar stuff - Guy Clark, Lucinda Williams, Emmy Lou, Jerry Jeff,... This ranks with the best of their stuff.
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Walking Distance
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Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Nationally at 2005-09-10
This was REKs first Nationally released album, and while his sound has changed a little in this album from previous ones, fans are sure to still listen to this one repeatedly. Feeling Good Again is my favorite song on this disc, but there are so many others I find myself humming or singing at various times. Great for fans of REK, Texas Country, Jack Ingram, Pat Green, Charlie Robison, etc...
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Keens Best To Date at 2004-12-27
Walking Distance is REKs best release to date. From the opening of the rocking Down That Dusty Trail through the wonderful cover of Norman Blakes Billy Gray, to the cinematic Road to No Return/Carolina and New Life in Old Mexico, Keen finally takes his rightful place among the best songwriters in the Americana genre. This album both rocks with a kick as well as soothes with rich, haunting ballads. Theres not a bad song in the bunch here. Ive been a fan ever since I first heard the Front Porch Song some 16 years ago..... (Robert Keen, Robert Keen, can ya come help me for a minute!, to paraphrase an inside joke from the song). Keens current band is formidable, to say the least. Keens guitarist, Rich Brotherton, is one of the most underrated sidemen working today. This is a must buy for all REK fans and is certainly more than a worthy introduction to one of Americas most unique musical talents.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Feel so good, feelin good again.... at 2004-09-26
I was turned on to Robert Earl Keen years ago by a friend from Houston who was flabbergasted that I did not know who he was -- and once I started listening to his music, so was I!!!! This is one of my all-time favorite CDs -- the kind you can just listen to over and over again and never take out of your CD player... Ive had family members fall in love with it and steal it from me twice, so I will be buying it for a THIRD time now! To me, there are song on there that just tug at the heartstrings and are hearbreakingly honest and real, and some that are hilarious... I would recommend this album to any and all REK fans... and anyone who has been unfortunate as of yet to discover this Texas treasure!!!!
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
The REK album at 2006-01-14
I remember listening to this album while I was attending Texas A and M University. Since Keen is an Aggie himself, attending A and M lends itself to less than a discriminating taste for his music since - lets face it - its hard not to cheer loudly for any performer who lets you cart your own keg of Keystone to his live show. Still, Keen is the primary reason I harbor delusions that the country music played in Texas is, unlike the drivel they peddle out of Nashville these days, still actual, honest-to-God country music, and for that I am profoundly grateful. Walking Distance is the best of the bunch from Keen, too, though I count several close friends (and fellow Aggies) who would undoutedly disagree with me. The Saturday night party calls for No. 2 Live Dinner, and the pre-live show shindig necessitates a playing of Gringo Honeymoon (if not Bigger Piece of Sky, if Keen is feeling nostalgic on the night you see him live), but pound-for-pound, give me Walking Distance for a f*ing ALBUM. I get the distinct impression (and it might just be this Texans imagination) that this album is the result of the failure of Picnic (a good album in its own right, if not particularly memorable) to morph Mr. Keen into the country star it seems hes always dreamed of being (see, e.g., The Front Porch Song, the intro to Mariano off the second live disc, or the entire Picnic album for that matter). I for one, judging from the brilliance of Walking Distance, am glad he didnt make it. There are far too many country pop stars coming from Nashville these days. Lord knows they are stealing our artists who used to have something to sing about (Pat Green, Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Cory Morrow among them). At least to my mind, divine Providence smiled upon Mr. Keen in his failed attempt at stardom, considering that it directly resulted in Walking Distance. Buy No. 2 Live Dinner if you know nothing about Mr. Keen - you will not be disappointed - its his most accessible album, something of a Rubber Soul in ostrich boots and a black felt ten gallon hat. Buy Gringo Honeymoon, Bigger Piece of Sky and the Live Album (in that order) next, and youll see why I have the audacity to compare him to the Beatles. (Thegroundbreaking nature of each is astounding - though the Beatles accomplished their revolution on a world stage, the revolution fronted by Mr. Keen is no less important to those who value the country music tradition of Jennings, Cash, Horton, Nelson, Guthrie and Williams.) But after that, buy Walking Distance (or steal it from a friend - however you can lay your hands on it) - it is the, pardon, Revolver of Texas country - the album that you will continue to put on for its own sake, not just from which to cherry-pick tracks for your next get-together (as you might from Gringo Honeymoon), but for when you put on an album when youre alone in the house, and what you want is a musical experience, dammit.There are those of us who believe (despite our predilection for the occasional party) that this is what music is about at its core. For me, this feeling is encapsulated in Walking Distance. I hope that, at least for some of you, that same feeling can be found in the same album.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Standin down on Main Street... at 2004-02-28
This is my favorite REK studio album! It really is great start to finish. Tracks 1-6 are exceptional. Tracks 7-10 tell a country outlaw story of legend. Finally the album ends on a goofy note with a follow up to Merry Christmas from the FamilyIt is really a jewel of an album, one that any folk/country music fan should have.And once again..you got to see REK live! He is incredible.
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Picnic
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Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Doing What He Does Best at 2005-09-10
This is the second REK album I ever bought and I have just about played it out. Picnic is a wonderful collection of songs ranging from upbeat to mellow, from sad, to funny, to happy. REK has a way of telling stories in all of his songs that you rarely see now a days. You will not be dissappoint with this album.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Great Music for Long Drives on I-20 at 2003-10-13
My favorite thing about Robert Earl Keen is that he puts the heart and soul back in country music, if you can even call this country. Its a Texas thing, and one with no real genre. But anyway, its dadgum fine stuff.One of Keens better efforts, Picnic is a mix of depression, desperation, longing, and regret. Good music for when youre feelin down, just pop this in and let it rip, sing along at the top of your lungs.Keen brings you down with Oh Rosies relentless waltz tempo and mournful lyrics, you feel alone with I Wonder Where My Baby is Tonight and regret every botched relationship to Forth of July and Over the Waterfall. And you love every minute of it. These songs are absolutely fantastic, immensely catchy, and youll find yourself hitting repeat again and again.Contrasted against the mostly blue music on this disc are Coming Home of the Son and Brother and Runnin with the Night, two songs that make you want to roll down the windows and put the pedal to the floor.If you like Keen, youve got to have this. If you havent tried Keen, this is as good a place as any to start. Just be ready to buy the other nine albums. :)
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Good alternative country with folk rock feeling at 2003-08-14
If you like folk rock or alternative country, I bet youll find this album interesting. Robert Earl Keen may not be the name of everyones lip but he sure delivers the goods from time to time just like Joe Ely, Jayhawks, Scott Miller, or Whiskeytown.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Unreal! at 2002-08-24
REK is regarded as one of the finest songwriters in country,folk,roots rock music; ask his peers. The man is amazing. This disc made cry,laugh, and get a speeding ticket in one listen! He touches so many areas with his brand of Texas music,(thats the best way to describe it,)that it blows me away. As far as Im concerned, hes a top five artist on my all-time list.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Underrated REK Effort at 2001-05-22
Despite being a huge Robert Earl fan, I waited a long time to get this album - it just didnt light my fire. I came back to it long after its release, though, and finally got converted. The cover of James McMurtrys Levelland is devestating, and its always nice to hear Dave Alvins Fourth of July - especially for those of us within shouting distance of Willies Picnic. Shades of Grey and Undone are nice little rockers, and I just love I Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight. A pretty solid effort overall.
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Merry Christmas From The Family [Limited Edition]
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Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
Hallelujah, Everybody Say Cheese... at 2005-12-07
I have loved Merry Christmas From the Family by Robert Earl Keen since the very first time I ever heard it. I was initially exposed to this song on a cable access TV show, Viva and Jerrys Country Videos (which is hilarious in its own right). I hadnt caught the name of the artist, so I called Viva herself and she told me to look up Robert Earl Keen. I did so, bought a couple of albums and generally liked them, but this song (and his video that goes with it) remains my favorite of his works. Its kind of sad that there is more than a little truth in the song, but nonetheless its funny, dryly tongue-in-cheek, and very well done. A better value is the combination book/CD that is available which includes not only a CD of the song, but a very well done book depicting the lyrics. While this may never overtake Silent Night or O Come All Ye Faithful in the pantheon of the worlds most popular Christmas songs, it has a unique charm that is like nothing else, and I recommend it highly.
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
The Epitome of Texas Music - Long live REK! at 1999-02-22
This song is a characteristic of his style. This is why Ive been listerning to his music since 1990. He talks about real life stuff and finds the hidden humor behind it
Robert Earl Keen Album Review:
THIS SONG IS SOO FUNNY! at 1998-10-15
THIS IS ONE OF THE FUNNIEST SONGS I HAVE EVER HEARD. HE HAS A GREAT VOICE and IF YOU LIKE THIS ONE YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT HIS OTHER CDS!
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