AMG Review of I-35 Texas Country

Thom Jurek
All Music Guide

CMH releases this loopy set of country music by itinerant bands across the Deep American West ("Texas is like a whole other country."). Some of the songs are loopy, still others just plain bad. There is, however, a certain charm that runs through a recording of this kind, in that it is the sound of an America that is undocumented for the most part, secret save for the friends, acquaintances, and lovers -- as well as haters -- of each act. The standouts here are the great covers of Guy Clark's "L.A. Freeway," by the Long Goners, Paige Price's reading of "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" -- which has a very different meaning when sung by a woman -- and the rock & roll cover of Billy Joe Shaver's "Ride Me Down Easy," by the Mother Truckers. Another Shaver cover, "When I Get My Wings," is given a soulful sympathetic cover by them as well. This isn't for everyone, but for those addicted to the Americana underground, there is plenty here to appreciate.