The Fort Worth Weekly informs us this week that a new album of Kinky Friedman songs has been released featuring some of his friends. The purpose of the album is to help raise funds for Kinky's campaign for governor this year. The title of the album is "WHY THE HELL NOT...The Songs of Kinky Friedman". FW Weekly critic, Jeff Prince, gave the album a very good review. Here is some of what Prince had to say:
"Kinky's serious and poetic side is often overlooked. Cultists who have delved into Friedman's obscure albums realize the level of insight and feeling in his lyrics. Back in the 1970s and '80s, he created an entertaining live showwith leftist honkytonk band The Texas Jewboys, but Friedman's performances were typically held back by average vocals and guitarmanship. Other artists capture the magic of his songs better than he does, as proven on the 1998 tribute album Pearls in the Snow. Four songs from that album are recycled here on Why The Hell Not..., a tribute album whose proceeds will help fund Kinky's '06 campaign, including Willie Nelson's sensitive take on "Ride 'Em Jewboy", Dwight Yoakam's Bakersfield-textured "Rapid City, South Dakota", Lyle Lovett's somber "Sold American", and Delbert McClinton's soul-packed "Autograph".
The remaining tracks are new versions of old songs as interpreted by a handful of Texas Music artists. Charlie Robison delivers a surprisingly tender and kick-effing-ass version of "Wild Man From Borneo". And there has never been a better version of "Homo Erectus" than the brilliance offered by Asleep at the Wheel frontman Ray Benson and Reckless Kelly. Also, it's great to hear the big-voiced Jason Boland & The Stragglers put their down-home stamp on "The Gospel According To John". My biggest complaint is, at 10 songs, Why The Hell Not... is too damn short....the Kinkster can write like a mofo."
The album has nothing to do with the campaign, and does not raise funds for it.
ReplyDeleteNo shit Sherlock!
ReplyDeleteMaybe it has the N word in it. That ought to get someone rednecks to buy it.
I totally disagree with the person who posted that the album has nothing to do with the campaign.
ReplyDeleteThe album has EVERYTHING to do with the campaign. Selling albums and books is what the campaign is all about -- that's the whole reason for the campaign.