The idea behind this project is to explore music along America's longest highway, the interstate that runs from Los Angeles to the Florida coast. This volume gets as far as Texas. Lone Star folk duo Bill and Bonnie Hearne ... more »(or Bill solo) are the stars with four tracks, including the opening "L.A. Freeway." Joe Ely adds three tracks, including the rollicking closer "Are You Listenin' Lucky." But too many of the songs here are already ultrafamiliar, and these versions just don't measure up: on "Carmelita," Counting Crows' Adam Duritz sounds more like he's all strung out on NyQuil than on heroin. Big exception: Willie Nelson's take on "Everybody's Talkin'." The man and the song were made for each other. Ultimately, the concept proves too big a stretch. --John Morthland« less
The idea behind this project is to explore music along America's longest highway, the interstate that runs from Los Angeles to the Florida coast. This volume gets as far as Texas. Lone Star folk duo Bill and Bonnie Hearne (or Bill solo) are the stars with four tracks, including the opening "L.A. Freeway." Joe Ely adds three tracks, including the rollicking closer "Are You Listenin' Lucky." But too many of the songs here are already ultrafamiliar, and these versions just don't measure up: on "Carmelita," Counting Crows' Adam Duritz sounds more like he's all strung out on NyQuil than on heroin. Big exception: Willie Nelson's take on "Everybody's Talkin'." The man and the song were made for each other. Ultimately, the concept proves too big a stretch. --John Morthland
William Merrill | San Antonio, TX United States | 07/12/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This disc actually does a good job of capturing the feeling of traveling along I-10 through TX, NM, AZ and CA, and the different musical cultures one encounters. It's a feeling I know -- I live a mile from the highway in question and drive it to work each day, and have traveled to Houston and other destinations on I-10. (In fact, I first listened to the CD while driving on I-10.) The collection has performances from some familiar people like Willie Nelson and Joe Ely, plus some I've never heard of (Bill Hearne, Meredith Marshall) but will look for in the future. They do pleasant and real versions of songs that talk about traveling, and life at various places along the road. Besides the expected country and roots-rock flavors, there are dashes of Mexican and Native music, adding spice to the blend. My only minor quibbles are: (1) what's Cuban musician Eliades Ochoa doing on the album? I-10 doesn't go anywhere near Cuba! and (2) how can the song "Everybody's Talkin'" be used on both this project AND the "Bleecker Street" compilation from last year? I don't think it works equally well for summing up Greenwich Village in the `60s AND the modern US southwest! (I think "Bleecker Street" was the right place.)"
Another good driving CD.
thefallingman | Sackets Harbor, NY | 03/29/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Outside of Adam Duritz's cover of "Carmelita," Joe Ely's "Saint Valentine," and Bill and Bonnie Hearne and Willie Nelson's "Eighteen Inches of Rain," there's not much here to write home about. However, it is all quite enjoyable. Put this in the car and start driving, because that's what this is for."
Best road album of the year
Blue | 04/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"as a fan of new mexico's bill and bonnie hearne,i bought this cd to hear these new recordings.all the tracks are great.especially ely and duritz.if you have bought bill and bonnie's last cd on warners,then get this.unlike the last review,new mexico rain is a million times better with the harmonica.look out for sarah nicole too."
He Don't Care About Me
Blue | 04/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have listened to the I-10 Chronicles at least a dozen times and have realized why it is so great. 5 words, "He Don't Care About Me." I have loved the song for years, but never has it been sung and performed so well as by Sarah N. I hope we hear more from her and these musicians in the near future."