Tarpaper Sky by the always dependable Rodney Crowell. Great songs, singing, and musicianship (he has a great band). As for SQ, the drums and guitars sound pretty good, but for some reason this New West album doesn't sound quite as good in other ways as do some titles in their (and Rodney's) catalog. There is a slight lack of transparency, a thin veil (or as J. Gordon Holt called it, a "skrim") between listener and Rodney's voice. Not bad, but noticeable and mildly disappointing. Not anywhere bad enough to disqualify the album, however!
A raving Rocker (featuring great piano playing by 1st-call Nashville drummer Eddie Bayers, and cool guitar solo by Steuart Smith), a Blues shuffle (more piano by Eddie), a Cajun tune, a Gospel with Rockabilly flavoring (and a VERY cool guitar solo), some in singer/songwriter style. Guest appearances by Vince Gill, Jerry Douglas, Chely Wright, Shannon McNally, and Ronnie McCoury. This is a really good album.
