[.ca] West Textures

From Amazon.com:
Though Robert Earl Keen was previously best known as Lyle Lovett's college buddy, this 1989 release established the Texas troubadour as a master of the musical narrative. His ambitious story songs extend from the rambunctious anthemry of "The Road Goes On Forever" (later covered by Joe Ely) to the bittersweet border balladry of "Mariano." Other highlights include the deadpan hilarity of "It's the Little Things" and the deadly serious "Love's a Word I Never Throw Around." While Keen's singing tends toward nasal monotone, the strength of the songcraft and the sprite settings established by producer Jim Rooney and a virtuosic band transcend the vocal limitations. --Don McLeese

West Textures:
REK has long been known in Texas, and has a huge college following. He should be a huge star, but shuns the Nashville spotlight. All of his cd's are a must for road trips of all kind for the wonderful lyrics and stories woven into the songs. If you like Jerry Jeff Walker and other Texas folk singers, REK is a must to consider your collection complete.

West Textures is REK at his Best:
Though I only recently discovered Roberl Earl Keen, I now own all his CDs (except the 2nd live album because all the songs are on other CDs). If I need a Keen fix, West Textures is where I start. Thanks MRP for turning me on to Bob.

The Ballad CD:
I've been listening to Robert Earl for years and this is by far one of the better cds. The ballads on this particular cd tell stories that are identifiable and heart-breaking. But, just when you think you're about to cry it rips into a boot-stomping, clap-your-hands song. A must have.

Another of the good ones...:
Robert Earl strikes again with "West Textures," a perennial road trip, drinking and barbecue favorite. "The Road Goes On Forever" is the jammin' ballad that turns Keen concerts into revivals, with full-grown men and women frothing at the mouth with a down-with-The-Man fervor. "The Five Pound Bass" is the time-honored search for the fish *thiiiiiiis* big \oit's as big as a goddamned BABY\c, "It's the Little Things" the plight of annoyed married folk far and wide \oand adapted by comedian Rodney Carrington in "Little Things" on "Hangin' With Rodney\c, and "Don't Turn Out the Light" the ever-familiar story of the drunk arriving home after a night at the bar. In contrast, "Sonora's Death Row" spins a tale of an accidental killing on a cowboy's night off in a Mexican town, the unavoidable weight of a Guanajuato man's separation from his family in "Mariano," and the reflections of first love in "Jennifer Johnson & Me." My personal favorite, however, is "Love's a Word I Never Throw Around," a simple declaration of a man's love in spite of his ending relationship. Robert Earl doesn't often bend to the pressure for a happy ending, and that honesty makes his work stick long after the CD stops playing.

A MUST buy:
Every song on this cd is great. This was my first REK purchase but it won't be my last. I will be purchasing the rest of his collection.

• Sing One For Sister
• The Road Goes on Forever
• Maria
• Sonora's Death Row
• Mariano
• Don't turn out the light
• Leavin Tennessee
• Jennifer Johnson & Me
• The Five Pound Bass
• It's the Little Things
• Love's A Word I Never Throw Around