While the CD's introduction, with footsteps echo's leading on stage may sound strange, it leaves me to believe that it's the sound of your initial steps into the greatness of this Texas Music scene....

The cut "I'm Going to Town" seems to send you on the journey of getting ready for a night at a Honky Tonk, from the light and smoke,  this track really gets the blood flowing with it's strong tempo and drum beat.  It's almost like a trip to Gruene Hall!

"Gringo Honeymoon" is the title track of his fifth CD which opened the door for REK's commercial success.  This version, with it's crowd enhanced exuberance works well, and after seeing it in action at his "revivals",   I tend to enjoy this selection every time I hear it play.

The next crowd favorite is "Merry Christmas from the Family". While few may have seen the video REK did on this hit, it plays well with this live cut.  Another crowd favorite, he rarely performs this hit live unless it's between November and January.  However it still maintains it's allure, in fact the Dixie Chicks have picked up on it's genuine play on the dysfunctional family, and cut a version for video.

"Five Pound Bass" is one of my favorites,  from it's fun lyrics to it's fast and furious bass line I find myself singing along every time I play this track.   After this track you get introduced to the band and slip into...

"Rollin By"  a simple song that Robert has included on two other CD's with two different styles (so far).  I love the picture he paints with his lyrics.  I'm always amazed at how incredible Mr Keen's songwriting abilities take me to another place with there simplicity and grace..

The best song on the CD is the eigth cut "Sonora's Death Row".  This song takes you on a journey thru the darkness of a drunken cowboy and his final realization that he killed his friend through his over indulgence in alcohol.  This selection is mesmerizing with it's painting of an Ol' Mexican style Cantina with deep smoke in the air and dusty cowboys spurs a jinglin' and the guitar work is by far the best Spanish guitar on any live CD to date..

The weakest cut is "Bluebonnets Bloom"  it's a nice song, with reference to everything Texas, however it sounds so much better slowed down a tad  at 1:57 its seems to race you thru the state by your shirt collar, when all you want to do is slow down and take it all in...

"Think it Over One Time" is a good song.  With the trial and tribulations of a relationship that seems to be on one minute to off the next.  Robert shows that he has seen this life struggle and has painted a portrait with selection.

Terry Allen would be proud of this version of his classic  "Amarillo Highway".   If your toe doesn't start tapping on this selection you simply ain't got one!    Another crowd favorite and yes another favorite of mine.  This song jams with a strong southern rockin beat and fast guitar riffs that simply take your breath away in spots.

After the funny intro,  REK breaks into the best version of his anthem "Road Goes On Forever", while I'm beat by the song as a whole (over played on commercial radio), I still enjoy this version when I'm in the mood.   It another incredible display of Rich Brotherton's guitar talent and it will change you in an almost spiritual way. 

Then he slows it down with "Dreadful Selfish Crime", a nice ditty, but not much to my personal liking.  However that doesn't mean that it's not good.  It's just not his strongest track on this CD.

 Then Robert slows it down even further.  He takes himself and Rich Brotherton on a stage and puts forth the next selections that show off his talented songwriting and Rich's fantastic guitar skills.  With "Mariano" a classic tale of the mysteries of a groundskeeper at his home who makes Robert wonder,  who is the stronger of the two.        

Finally ending with the crowd closer  "I'm Comin' Home",  a song about being on the road and needing the affection of family and home.

 This CD is filled with lyrical gems, classic guitar riffs, strong bass lines, awesome steel guitar play by Lloyd Maines and an adequate vocal performance by REK.   That's why this is the Live CD by which to judge all other by in my book, and it's the reason I feel i it should be in every country fans library.