Unapologetically Honky Tonk (Megalith, 2005)

As the title would indicate Lonnie Spiker's main influence is honky tonk, with a bit of western swing in the mix as well. There are distinct shades of Faron Young, particularly on "A Little Longer Than This," "It's Me" and "I Came In There Laughing." The more modern sound of George Strait is also in evidence on "It's Not Like You" and "What It'd Do To My Heart."

Johnny Bush is also an obvious influence as he duets with Spiker on a nicely done version of Red Simpson's "Close Up The Honky Tonks." Another well chosen cover is "Another Place, Another Time," popularized by Jerry Lee Lewis in the seventies. Spiker displays a feel for ballads with "I've Got Some Hurtin' To Do" and "Fallin'," and "Let's Face The Music" is an effective up-tempo western swing tune in the tradition of Hank Thompson.

One of the stronger tracks is "Soul Of A Writer," the only song written by Spiker. A pair of tunes that do not work as well are the clich+d "Devil (In Me)" and "Beer Drinkin' Women." Despite the missteps, Spiker delivers a fine honky tonk collection.