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Written by Bryan Smith
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RANDY WEEKS
Going My Way
Certifiable Records
(Release Date: 2/24/09)
Unbeknownst to many Austinites, a country music visionary has been living in their midst and with the release of his newest album, Going My Way, Randy Weeks will finally make his presence known. Three years after trading in the City of Angels for the city of live music, Weeks is once again poised on the edge of recreating something with which he is familiar: a country music sensation. |
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Written by Marshall A. Jones, Jr.
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 GURF MORLIX
Last Exit to Happyland
Rootball Records
(Release Date: 2/17/09)
Who knew the New Yorker with the funny name would have such an impact on Texas music? Even if you don’t know Gurf Morlix by name, you’ve heard his influence. After moving to Austin in 1975, Morlix worked for more than ten years as Lucinda Williams’ guitarist. He produced her first two albums and went on to helm the board for an impressive roster of Texas musicians: Ray Wylie Hubbard, Slaid Cleaves, Robert Earl Keen, Butch Hancock, Hot Club of Cowtown, Alejandro Escovedo, and more. |
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Written by Kira Matica
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 MANDY LAUDERDALE
I Done Done It
Self-Released
(Release Date: 2/14/09)
Mandy Lauderdale done done it. She has released her debut LP I Done Done It, a rich cabaret-style compendium of some old standards and some brand new originals. The album comes as a celebration of Lauderdale’s recent relocation to Austin. Originally from Atlanta, the singer spent some time in LA, where she discovered her enthusiasm for cabaret entertainment, and NYC. Committing her work to disc has been a year in the making, but she has finally completed her independently produced LP. |
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Written by Kathryn-Terese Haik
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 RUTHIE FOSTER
The Truth According to Ruthie Foster
Blue Corn Music
(Release Date 2/3/09)
The simple truth is Ruthie Foster is phenomenal, just like it states in the title of her last album from 2007. She brings the stunning sound of blues and soul to Austin with a voice that is captivating, and lyrics that speak the truth about the rollercoaster of life and how, throughout it, one must stay true to oneself. She takes a strike at the pains and joys of love and emphasizes the strength it takes to weather the storm. This album is amazing. That is the truth. |
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Written by Patrick Cosgrove
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 VARIOUS ARTISTS
Undone: A MusicFest Tribute to Robert Earl Keen
Right Ave/Dickson Productions
(Release Date: 2/3/09)
In the world of Texas songwriting, Robert Earl Keen, is one who, as they say, needs no introduction. Keen ranks up in the rarified air just below the holy trinity of Willie, Townes, and Guy (no surnames necessary) surrounded by people like Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, and Steve Earle, to mention just a few of the Lone Star State’s finest tunesmiths. So when a bunch of folks get together to sing REK’s songs, and make a record doing it, there is one question that begs to be asked: Will the performances do the material justice?
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Written by Marshall A. Jones, Jr.
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 BEN KWELLER
Changing Horses
ATO Records
(Release Date: 2/3/09)
If Madonna can re-invent herself every couple of years, then Ben Kweller is entitled to his newfound country-rock persona on Changing Horses. The 27-year-old multi-instrumentalist rocker grew up northeast of Dallas, and recently moved from New York City to Austin. Somewhere along the way, he picked up a redneck costume and a top-notch pedal steel player, and he’s showing off both on his new record. |
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Written by Chris Humphrey
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WILLIE AND THE WHEEL
Willie and the Wheel
Bismeaux Records
(Release Date: 2/3/09)
I double-dog dare you to listen to Willie and the Wheel without a smile on your face. From the innocence of “Sweet Jennie Lee” to the down-and-dirty “Fan It” and “I Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None o’ This Jellyroll,” Willie Nelson, backed up by Asleep at the Wheel, delivers a pure, sweet, unadulterated sense of exuberance. Even the bluesy “I’m Sittin’ On Top of the World,” performed as a duet with Elizabeth McQueen, fairly bursts with a sense of carefree, low-life, devil-may-care self-satisfaction that not even a broken heart can touch. |
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Written by Dante Dominick
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T BIRD AND THE BREAKS
Learn About It
Self-Released
(Release Date: 1/27/09)
Two things are hard to accept upon listening to T Bird & The Breaks. 1) They’re barely in their 20s. 2) They’re white. Considering these facts, how the hell do they sound like the opening band for James Brown at the Apollo in 1962? Tell me that. Even more in the double-take department is when the band pulls deeper for a Sam Cooke chitlin’ circuit era sound. |
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Written by Kevin Talley
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 BUILT BY SNOW
Mega
Self-Released
(Release Date: 1/20/09)
January 20 marked a step forward, not only in the inauguration of a new US president, but also with the brand new geek-chique pop by way of Mega, the sophomore release from Built By Snow. Formed in Austin in 2006, Built by Snow has steadily built a local and international fan base with their own unique brand of keyboard-driven pop rock. You can compare Built By Snow to an array of great bands: A synthesized Weezer, or Hellogoodbye minus the five minute medallion love songs, or even The Polysics minus the cute Japanese girls (unfortunately). |
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Written by Mike Sheahan
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 THE GOURDS
Haymaker!
Yep Roc Records
(Release Date: 1/6/09)
In boxing terms a haymaker is a big, loping punch intended to deliver the knockout. It’s hard to say exactly where in The Gourds latest release the big blow comes, but by the end of the disc it’s easy to feel like you’ve been knocked around a bit. In that regard, Haymaker! has an immediate and organic quality that makes the album feel a lot like a Gourds concert. The only things missing really are the second-hand smoke and the drunk chick in the back screaming for “Gin-n-Juice” between every song. |
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Written by Tamara Dwyer
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 SAN SABA COUNTY
…Though Cheating Was Never an Option…
Wagonmaker Records
(Release Date: 12/19/08)
The title of San Saba County's third release clearly foreshadows a set of not-so-hopeful songs of love gone wrong. The surprise is the solid four-to-the-floor rhythm dancing on the edge of pop. |
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