Search - Joe Ely :: Joe Ely

30th Anniversary of Ely's Splendid Debut

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 07/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a reissue of Joe Ely's stunning self-titled debut for MCA in 1977. Thirty years later the songs still pack a wallop. Some of the songs are originals ("I Had My Hopes Up High," "Johnny's Blues"); others were written by his Flatlanders bandmates Jimmie Dale Gilmore ("Treat Me Like a Saturday Night") and Butch Hancock ("She Never Spoke Spanish to Me," "Suckin' a Big Bottle of Gin"). And it's not just the great songs, Ely's band is nothing short of amazing. With Ponty Bone (accordion), Lloyd Maines (pedal steel) and Jesse Taylor (guitar), these guys set country music on its ear. This isn't his best album (that would be HONKY TONK MASQUERADE), but it's darn close. [Running Time - 32:10] VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"

What's Alt-Country anyway ?

Brian Brady | Castro Valley, CA | 12/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I fell in love with Joe Ely on his 'Lord of the Highway' Tour, and the next day I rushed to Amoeba Music in San Francisco and was lucky enough to find a British import with 'Joe Ely' and 'Honky Tonk Masquerade' issued together on one disc. This is country music like I never knew existed. I love it. Texas rock and roll played by a country band ? Don't classify it, don't wonder why Joe isn't as famous as Alan Jackson or George Strait, or even Bruce Springsteen ( Joe's most famous fan, he sings backup and duets with Joe on later releases ). Buy this CD or find the 2for1 British import, and play it loud."