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Rodney Crowell The Houston Kid |
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Track List |
(Sugar Hill) Rodney Crowell is known as a
top notch songwriter, penning hits for such artists as ex-wife Roseanne
Cash, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris and Lee Ann Womack. He also had
crossover success when Bob Seeger covered his song "Shame On The Moon."
His own albums also had commercial success, especially "Diamonds &
Dirt", which produced an unprecedented five consecutive #1 hits in the
late '80s.
"The Houston Kid" is Rodney's first album
since 1995, and the songs are largely autobiographical, about growing up
poor in Houston.
"The Telephone Song" paints a portrait of
childhood images growing up: cherry cokes at the drive-in, salty
watermelon slices, terrifying storms, barbeques and beer on ice.
"Rock Of My Soul" is the story of an
alcoholic, wife abusing father and his son, and the son's conflicting
feelings. "I Wish It would Rain" tells the tale of a former Houston kid
that now works as a gay prostitute in California, and is dying of AIDS.
"Wandering Boy" continues the story, as the twin brother who cast out
his gay brother, now embraces his dying brother, helping him through his
final days.
"I Walk The Line (Revisited)" shows the
power music has to recall a time gone by, and to change one's life, as
happened when Rodney first heard Johnny Cash (who makes a cameo
appearance) sing "I Walk The Line".
"Why Don't We Talk About It" is the tale
about a man who's ready to give love another chance, after being badly
burned. "U Don't Know How Much I Hate U" is about a man haunted by the
love he's thrown away.
The country- rocking "Topsy Turvy", has a
kid dreaming of being adopted by a millionaire to escape an abusive
home. "Highway 17" finds a paroled bank robber discovering his stash was
paved over when they widened the highway. "I Know Love Is All I Need"
finds a middle aged man facing his own mortality, and finally realizing
what's really important. "The Banks Of The Bandera" is a lovely ballad
that finds him reminiscing about sweet childhood memories.
The songs and the stories Rodney tells, are
about his recollections of life growing up, of the experiences he had,
and the places and people he knew. The portraits he paints are not
always pretty, and are often haunting. However drawing from real life
does make for some powerful songwriting, especially in the hands of
a brilliant songwriter.
The six years we've spent waiting for "The
Houston Kid", were more than well worth the wait for such a strong
and exceptional collection of songs.
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AnnMarie
Harrington Take Country Back April 2002