Bob Cheevers “Tall Texas Tales” (Inbred Records, 2009)

Texan stories

“Tall Texas Tales” is the eighth studio album by singer/songwriter Bob Cheevers and his first written in Austin TX after moving there from Nashville and was recorded and mixed in eight days from start to finish

All ten songs here were inspired by Texas but they sound more like an advert for the Texas Tourist Board than a personal insight to his new home. Just about every style of Texan music is covered on this album from the jaunty, happy accordion led romp of 'Luchenbach', through the pondering blues of 'Texas Is An Only Child', to the slow, brooding ballad 'Give This Heart'. Do you want a cry in your beer song? 'Budget Motel' will fit the bill, a song for the farmers? 'Is It Ever Gonna Rain' should do nicely, and what about something in a Buddy Holly style? 'One Good Rib' is just perfect.

All the songs on 'Tall Texas Tales' are good ('Turquoise Heart With A West Texas Smile' is a gem), as are the playing and the production but these tales do not sit will together. Even though most tales from Texas are tall ones, some are more believable than others.

Date review added:  Sunday, January 31, 2010
Reviewer:  John Hawes
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Artist Website