UK two-fer for Texas singer/songwriter combines his first two albums for Columbia, 'Black Hat Saloon' (1976) & 'Stacked Deck' (1977), both appearing on CD for the first time. Along with Waylon Jennings & Willie ... more »Nelson, Wier is an original exponent of 'Outlaw Music'. In addition to his own compositions this release features songs by Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham & Stephen Stills. Demon/Westside. 2002.« less
UK two-fer for Texas singer/songwriter combines his first two albums for Columbia, 'Black Hat Saloon' (1976) & 'Stacked Deck' (1977), both appearing on CD for the first time. Along with Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson, Wier is an original exponent of 'Outlaw Music'. In addition to his own compositions this release features songs by Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham & Stephen Stills. Demon/Westside. 2002.
CD Reviews
Great Sound For This Re-release
Paul | Indonesia | 12/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have both of these original albums (and several other of Rusty's) on LP somewhere in my storeroom back in Texas. I had special ordered them used in the '80s after they were already out of print. I had to wait many months for a locating service to find them for me... Now I've waited years to get them on CD. The sound is perfect on this re-release. I also like how all what appear to be the original album credits and such are included in the several page foldout. Long live the Filler Brothers! There's a long (several page) write-up on Rusty dated August 2002 inside as well but I haven't read it yet. My plea is to Westside Records (a label out of the UK!) to re-release all the other old Rusty Wier albums too. As soon as "Stoned Slow Rugged" comes out I'm going to order it. I keep checking to see. I am aware that some of this stuff is slowly coming available on Rusty's website. I've heard a CD of Black Hat Saloon ordered from that website that sounded like it was a copy of an old scratchy LP. I'm wondering why this "2 in 1" CD from Westside is not listed anywhere on Rusty's website (as of the time of writing this)? I hope Rusty is getting royalties, I'll be [mad] if he's not. If you've never seen Rusty play live, hop on the next plane to Austin and go see him. He's a friendly guy and he'll pull up a stool and chat a while. Order this CD now. It's great music that even people who never thought they liked "Outlaw Music" will like. It's rockin' out countrified stuff with real class (yes, class)."
A Must Have!
C. Johnson | Chiacgo, Illinois United States | 11/19/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hats-off to Westside Records in the UK for an excellent job in the reissue of these two great Rusty Wier albums on CD. The sound quality is fantastic and I recommend getting it before it disappears."
Track Missing
D. R. Navarrette | Sparks, NV, USA | 11/12/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After watching/hearing Rusty on Austin City Limits doing a rendition of "I Heard You Been Layin' My Old Lady (Apologies to Susie)" I went out looking for that track on an LP. After purchasing two of his other albums, I finally found it on Black Hat Saloon. However, on this new double CD, this track is MISSING! Major Disappointment.
He is a great overlooked performer. I would have given 5 stars if the missing track had been included. The Stacked CD/album I have not heard, but if it is anything like his other albums that I purchased way back when, I am sure it is a good one too."
A best-kept secret in Texas
Eric F. Scholl | Tulsa, Oklahoma | 08/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rusty Wier.
I've never met the man, but I've been a follower of his music since the heyday of outlaw country (circa mid-1970's).
Wier is a singer-songwriter that never quite received the fame as some of his 'outlaw' contemporaries (i.e., Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Michael Murphy, Jerry Jeff Walker and David Allen Coe), still his music is solid - rock solid...and it rocks.
"Stacked Deck" is Wier at his bluesy-est.
Give a listen to his version of "Lola" (written by Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham) or "Black Molly Blues" and you'll hear what I mean.
On Black Hat Saloon", Wier connects with a part of Texas honky-tonk story telling.
Each song is a well-painted picture, described in a way that only Wier can.
Here's a tip to those in the music biz: it would be smart to release a compilation CD, including tracks from his other albums, including "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance"."
FINALLY!!
C. Booth | HHI, SC | 08/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
I have waited for years for this "double album" to be released on CD.
SOUNDS JUST AS GOOD AS IT DID ALMOST 30 YEARS AGO!!"