Customer Reviews

Little Rock

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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Playing Time - 40:11 -- Hayes Carll is a Texas singer/songwriter who describes himself as a "twisted folk singer." I don't find him particularly perplexing because his songs reveal a fair amount about his life, friends, and wry wit. The places he's lived over the years are mentioned in the opener, "Wish I Hadn't Stayed So Long." He wonders about some of his closest high school buds in "Good Friends." And just about everything else is referred to in the tongue-twisting "Down the Road Tonight" from thrift store cowboys to panty droppers, and pill poppers to his grandmother. Little Rock is a followup to Carll's 2003 release "Flowers and Liquor," and this latest effort offers a nice mix of varied tempos and diverse messages to keep a listener rapt and attentive. The title cut, about Arkansas, is a rocking story about Carll's search for "a piece of this earth for my peace of mind." With emotive voice, the singer also ably handles the rawboned ballad, "Long Way Home," or quiet lullaby "Take Me Away." Of special note are the compositions written in collaboration with Ray Wylie Hubbard ("Chickens"), Guy Clark ("Rivertown") and John Evans ("Sit in with the Band" and "Take Me Away"). Some songs have a tender side, while others are raucous.

While Carll chose to independently release Little Rock, his personalized sound and work eithic (over 200 appearances in 2004) have attracted the interest of major labels. Produced by R.S. Field, Little Rock features a bevy of good musicians. Alison Moorer and pedal steel player Bucky Baxter assist on vocals, and I wish that some of the songs had been arranged with a few more harmonies. Other musicians who lay down the Texas groove include Kenny Vaughn (guitar), Jared Reynolds (bass), Jimmy Lester (drums), R.S. Field (percussion, drums, guitar), Adam Landry (guitar), and George Bradfute (bass).

Carll has been on the road with Joe Ely, Todd Snider, Slaid Cleaves and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He's also played Merlefest and the "Texas Revolution" at the Southfork Ranch in Dallas. Hayes Carll is a bit of a renegade who is strongly individualistic, confident and independent. As long as he succeeds in getting his music out there and heard, Carll's on a certain road to headline status in the Texas music scene. He's well on his way as I understand that Hayes went #1 on the Americana radio chart in April, 2005 - a feat never before accomplished by a self-released artist. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, Oregon)

Hayes burst onto the Texas country/folk/singer-songwriter scene several years back with Flowers & Liquor, a wonderful collection of songs about mostly - you guessed it - love and alcohol. Several years later Hayes returns with a matured compilation of songs, not just emotionally, but also musically. But don't believe me...Hayes brings legendary songwriters Guy Clark and Ray Wylie Hubbard to the table with him, proving he can hold his own with two of the best. What strikes me as particulary good about the album is its consistency, seemingly becoming one of Hayes' trademarks.

From the opening single "Wish I Hadn't Stayed So Long," rolling through to the fun country rocker "Down the Road Tonight," drifting through the haunting "Rivertown," into the wistful "Long Way Home," and closing out with the excellent barn buster "Chickens," you won't find a throw-away track on this cd. Do yourself a favor and grab one. You won't be disappointed.

I prefer seeing Hayes Carll in a live performance where his charisma and sense of humor shine. Second best is sitting back with friends and beer listening to Hayes at home. He is a true poet with a wicked sense of humor. My wife absolutely loves his music and this is a major breakthrough for her. She had considered Barry Manilow the voice of America.There is no sophmore jinx here. It is more refined than the first album with his well chosen guest musicians.

I am admittedly not the ideal person to review music, especially singer/songwriter music, as I tend to be overly forgiving. That being said, this disc just rocks! I bought it due to his association with ray wylie and others and they must all be proud. His uptempo songs are, as one would expect, fantastic, but the slower, more introspective tracks are really special,with each listening bringing more dimensions, I just love it, and am awaiting delivery of more Hayse Carll. give this one a try, you won't be sorry

If you haven't listened to Hayes Carll you should. Great songwriter, great artist. Great CD. No mainstream have to appeal to the mass radio crowd crap here.

Love the sounds on this CD. Country, Rock, Blues , HC can to it all at the same time and make this old country boy feel at home. Can't wait for more.

If you like country music, the real kind, buy this album. I live in Alabama but as soon as I can catch this guy live, I will. All good!!!

I have all of Hayes Carll's music and I am waiting for his next CD. He is a fantastic musician in the Americana genre. Love his style.

For those that discovered Hayes via "Trouble in Mind" and wonder if his earlier work is worth getting - the answer is yes - you won't be disappointed with "Little Rock".

This is probably the most talented young artist I have ever heard. I bought his Trouble in Mind CD and was blown away. So I bought this one and was once again blown away. The hard part is going to be waiting another year or so for another album, because I am addicted to this guy! This guy writes great honky tonk songs with some of the catchiest lyrics ever.