At first glance at the website, Walker and the Texas Dangers reminded me of Webb Wilder‘s schtick from back in the eighties. But the tone of Pay The Fiddler is probably closer to the Knitter’s Poor Little Critter In The Road.
This album is for serious country fans. If you’re not already one, get ready to dip your toe in the water. From bluegrass to the blues, this album has a bit of it all.
Starting off with a song titled Cow Ate The Cabbage, you know you’re dealing with folks with a singular vision. I could see kids singing along to this even if they didn’t quite understand the song’s meaning.
Shotgun Wedding is a modern day rebuttal to this age old solution. Going further than simply saying “it’s not mine,” this anti-Romeo asks for a dna test. All to a bluegrass beat. I went back and forth between shock and laughing out loud. Then, I remembered a few folks I knew who were capable of setting such a trap for their beloved and I began to really appreciate his anger.
Rooster’s Rant is a fast little number. Waco Street Blues was really fun. If you’ve ever lived anywhere with street corner gossip (and who hasn’t) then you’ll appreciate this one.
I kept thinking this disc would be great post break up. No matter what you’re angry about, there’s probably a song on here that would fit the bill.
Goes Good With: Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe, The Knitters, Bob Wayne
Random Fact: They want folks to realize they “ain’t doin’ nothin’ (fans) couldn’t be doin’ if they wanted to!”
Rating: 8/10
