By Brian Rock
Ameripolitan originator, Dale Watson unveils his impressive, thirty-first studio album, Unwanted. An ironic title for one of Americana’s most beloved performers. Perhaps the title refers to the inability of traditional country music to break into contemporary country music charts. If so, it’s a testament to Watson’s integrity and devotion to country music’s golden age. A true disciple of Waylon Jennings and George Jones, every song on this album is a honky-tonk boot scooter or a tear in your beer ballad. Capturing the feel of 70’s AM radio, Watson creates original country that feels as familiar as your favorite pair of faded jeans.
Watson kicks off the set with the outlaw country anthem, “Willie, Waylon and Whiskey.” His back up band, The Lone Stars generate a galloping rhythm as Watson pays tribute to two of his heroes and one of his habits. Singing, “Willie, Waylon, and whiskey; gonna have a real good time… Hangin’ out with some old friends of mine;” he gives a call any true country fan will respond to. Referencing classic Willian Nelson and Waylon Jennings songs, Watson adds fiery licks from his custom Tompkins guitar to add to the raucous roadhouse feel. The music delivers on the promise of a real good time.
Watson captures the funky fun of Jerry Reed on, “She Was My Baby.” Talking about his ex, he sings, “She can make a man stop drinking. She can make a man start too. She can make a man stop thinking, then start thinking what’s he gonna do.” The funky bass line and pedal steel create a playful, country funk feel for this tongue in cheek song. “You Gotta Try Harder,” is another fun, honky-tonk take on dating. “Don’t Let The Honky Tonks Go,” is a two-step tribute to the classic dance halls of his native Texas. “Unwanted,” showcases Watson’s Waylon Jennings influence. His commanding baritone voice delivers an unabashed defense of his solitary lifestyle as he declares, “I’m livin’ the life I chose.”
Watson channels his inner George Jones on, “If You Really Love Me, Outlive Me.” Minor key acoustic guitar, pedal steel, and fiddle set the mood as he pleads his lover, “Don’t make me go through life without you.” Celine Lee adds a Tammy Wynette yin to Watson’s George Jones yang on the lovers’ duet, “You’ve Got My Heart.” “Just Yesterday,” is another tender tribute to lasting love. “Life Is Like A Song” and “If I Can,” capture the mellow AM radio feel of Mac Davis. Watson delivers a scathing indictment of modern sensibilities on the Hank Williams Jr inspired, “What The Hell Happened To The Cadillac.” Watson pays tribute to the legendary Austin, Texas nightclub on, “Never Mend The Broken Spoke.” The honky-tonk rhythms transport you to a place where, “Bob Wills and Willie Nelson and Ernest Tubb have walked the floor.” Like The Broken Spoke itself, Dale Watson is an American institution. Though both may be unwanted by disposable pop culture, they remain icons of authentic American music. If you prefer your country music without auto tuners and facial piercings, you’ll want to listen to Dale Watson.
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Brian Rock
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