[.ca] Home with the Armadillo: Live at Austin City Limits

Quintessential Gary P.:
This recording defines the broad spectrum of Gary P. Nunn's ability as a front man (chalk up much of JJW's early success to Gary P. and the Lost Gonzos), not to mention his ability to craft songs that put you right smack dab in an inner tube on the Guadalupe River. The Lone Star anthem "London Homesick Blues" notwithstanding, these live renditions of some GPN classics such as "The Nights Never Get Lonely," "What I like about Texas," and "Austin Pickers" are probably the best live versions out there. In addition, the recording contains a HOT rendition of the JJW/LGB standard, "Public Domain." All in all, a classic and timeless recording and a rare release from the vaults of Austin City Limits and KLRU. A vinyl collectible, but a CD treasure.

Not the real thing:
Unfortunately, GPN without Jerry Jeff Walker is kind of like Paul McCartney without John Lennon - he needs Walker's raw and powerful counterpoint to balance out his own maudlin tendencies. Nunn's London Homesick Blues is of course an incredible classic. If you don't already have it, get the original on JJW's Viva Terlingua, one of the best progressive country productions of all time.

It doesn't get any better:
I grew up with this album in college in the eighties. Gary P. played a lot around San Angelo, Tx and he is the real thing, or was at that time. I find it to be the best true to itself album around. It is a folk/country/eclectic/hillbilly rock album that may not work for the California reviewer, but it's just right for me. My favorite is Tennessee road which is about Elvis. Then there is "the Last thing I needed the first thing this morning". Really great stuff! I am only mad at myself for not listening to it in a couple of years. I am going to end this review right now so I can go put on the scratchy ol' cassette that's been played until the you can't read the title.

If You Only Own One Country Music Disc, Own This One!:
I saw the truncated version of this concert when it was originally broadcast on Austin City Limits back in the mid '80's. Partway through the first song, "The Nights Never Get Lonely", I decided I needed to tape this show because something was happening with this funny looking, bespeckled singer. I had never heard of Gary P. Nunn but was immediately taken by the style and the themes of his music. Songs like "The Nights Never Get Lonely", "London Homesick Blues", and "What I Like About Texas" gave me (someone from north of the border \oUS border, that is, not the Texas border\c) an idea of the feelings and pride that Texans have. "The Last Thing I Needed" has imagery that truly puts one in the shoes of someone who has lost there love. Perhaps the best song of the set is one Gary didn't write. "Tennessee Road" by Eliza Gilkyson is killer! Her lyrics, IMHO, accurately sum up Elvis's life in three touching verses. Several weeks ago, while surfing cds on the amazon.ca site, I happened upon this disc. I hadn't realized that the show had been released on disc (long ago, actually). Needless to say, I ordered it immediately. The disc is twice as long as the original 30 minute segment that ACL allotted Gary at the time. It's all great music. If you have any leanings toward country music, get this disc. You will not be disappointed!

Gary P. Nunn - TEXAN:
How could someone from California review a Texas Country album? That person has probably never been to Texas and wouldn't know what great music is if it hit them in their bean sprout eating head. Gary P. Nunn is known for great music. All you California people should stick to Toby keith, he's more your speed. Get this CD, you will not be sorry, that is unless you're a Rascal Flatts or N'Sync fan.

• Nights Never Get Lonely
• Last Thing Thing I Needed, the First Thing This Morning
• Tennessee Road
• Born Yesterday
• Give Me Some Money
• Austin Pickers
• Kara Lee
• Public Domain
• What I Like About Texas
• Come and Get It (While It's Not)
• When the Night Comes
• Since You've Been Gone
• London Homesick Blues