Search - Hank Williams Jr. :: Almeria Club Recordings

STRONG BUY

Anthony Dworak | Nebraska, USA | 04/02/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bocephus recaptures the spirit of "Freedom and Fun" that catapulted him to fame outside of his legendary daddy's shadow in the '70's and '80's.For those who like "real" country music, and not the tripe being churned out by Music Row these days, get ready for some relief. The bottom line is that you get the traditional country sound (slide guitar, banjo, jug, fiddle) spiced with some big city blues and rock&roll. This is the very combination of influences that made Hank Sr. one of the most important artists in American history.Here are a few of the highlights"Outdoor Lovin' Man - a charming self-portrait of who the real Hank Jr. his when left to his own devices - a pretty simple 'ol boy with a cane pole and a shot gun. This is genuine stuff that could not have been written by someone not truly in love with the great outdoors.(In Country Music We Don't Use) The 'F' Word - This is not only meant to evoke some laughs, but it's actually a fairly astute bit of social commentary (something Hank Jr. has long had a knack for). This song was born out of Hank Jr's fledgling friendship with Kid Rock. It just goes to show that it does no good to draw lines when it comes to music and people.Cross on the Highway - Stirring, soulful tribute to Derek Thomas, the legendary Alabama/KC Chiefs linebacker struck down in a car wreck. From the opening organ solo to the closing gospel chorus, Hank Jr's awesome range as a songwriter is on full display here.Porkchop Blues - In his own variation on a classic blues theme, Hank Jr. compares the eating of this popular southern staple with, you guessed it.America Will Survive - Re-written version of "Country Boy... for post 9/11 patriots. This will be a must-play for all true red-white-and-bluers this coming July 4. If you don't get chills down your spine listening to this at full volumen, then you need to jump on the next train to Commie-fornia.Big Top Women - The title says it all. This is text book Hank Jr; a guy with such incredible talent, but not afraid to put out a novelty record for the pure fun of it.Tee Tot Song- Moving tribute to the marriage of black blues and white country that changed the world. Perhaps the most powerful incarnation of this marriage was between a young Hank Sr. and an old black man named Rufus Payne (sp?) who tought him to play guitar. It's damn hard to hear music like this and learn the history behind it and not believe that there's a God!!Enjoy!!!!
Hoss"

This is Roots music

K. Coleman | Phoenix, AZ United States | 01/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hank Jr. hasn't forgotten where he came from. Nor does he have a problem knowing where he wants to go. He doesn't care what's popular, what the market will bear, or "what people want" (or, more accurately, what a handful of executives tell them they want). Hank Jr. does what Hank Jr. likes to do, and this album is a loving sample of that. It is pure, in-your-face, "I like this music and you can either like it or lump it" attitude. More than that, it is beautifully executed and performed, a little laid-back, a little frenzied, a little blues, a little country -- and all good.
Hank Jr. is no longer living in his Daddy's shadow. Indeed, his own shadow has grown exceptionally lengthy. But he enjoys living NEXT to his Daddy's shadow. He remembers his father in two songs, "If the Good Lord's Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise," which are some of Hank Sr.'s lyrics newly set to music, and the Tee-Tot song, a beautiful blues ballad paying homage to a great old Alabama bluesman. Hank also remembers those blues roots with his own blues pseudonym, "Thunderhead Hawkins," who sings the blues through Hank Jr. the way "Luke the Drifter" sang gospel through Hank Sr.
Hank Jr. is not for everyone. Matter of fact, I never really counted myself a Hank Jr. fan. But after this album, I may go out of my way to find more of his work, if only because Hank Jr. is not one of those cookie-cutter cowboy [garbage] singers. The "country music industry" may have forgotten Hank Jr., Hank Sr., and their roots, but Hank Jr. has not. This is country music, the way it's supposed to sound, and Kid Rock knows it, even if the McGraw-Hills and their coattail-riders don't."

Bocepus and His Roots

bushidosean | Houston, TX USA | 01/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to say, This is the Bocephus all his fans know and love. If you don't understand him or his music...you probably won't know where this CD comes from (like the editorial review didn't)
It's a sort of acoustic jam for Hank Jr. Almost like a vacation from recording label pressures. He's done something he wanted to do. I think he has totally let go of his worries for a number 1 hit, or even a top 10 hit, and actually tapped into some roots that expose an actual rediscovery for him. This journey was totally missed by the editorial review.
I've listened to Hank Jr, Hank Sr and Hank III. Love them all. there's a good mix of all of them. Basic line, if you like Hank Jr., this is not a bad buy. you might enjoy it. It might even get you to explore some of his early music, and I mean before Hank Jr. and Friends. Hope you like!"