From the Cradle to the Grave (Hyena, 2007)
Dale Watson
Reviewed by Ken Burke
Recorded primarily at actor Johnny Knoxville's cabin once used by Johnny Cash, the 10-song set features the troubadour's characteristic nods to Merle Haggard ("Hollywood Hillbilly") and Cash ("Justice for All"). This time around, Watson - at his vocal best here - also embraces Conway Twitty's romantic baritone ("It's Not Over Now"), Waylon Jennings' sense of moral authority ("Yellow Mama") and a bit of Roy Orbison's bolero-tempo'd dramatics ("It's Not Over Now"). In between the fatalistic confessionals ("Tomorrow Never Comes") and pleas for personal integrity ("Why Oh Why Live a Lie") are revealing glimpses of hard won wisdom ("You Always Got What You've Got") and karmic jingles ("Runaway Train") that tout Watson's inner wild child.
Although many of his songs lean toward the enigmatic - where is all this guilt and heartache coming from - the themes of personal angst, honor and redemption are what makes Watson's brand of country such a gratifying experience.
CDs by Dale Watson
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