Customer Reviews

Thunderstorms & Neon Signs

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I first heard Wayne on the Prairie Home Companion radio show News Years Eve Gala in Dallas, TX. I was in the audience that night and heard several of these songs performed live. I've owned the CD now for several years and have listened to it countless times. There's something simply extraordinary about the simple arrangements. Stan Smith's clarinet and Bob Stafford's trombone being brought in for some of the tracks lends it a crossover feel. I've even come to accept Wayne's abrasive take of "Summertime" at the CD's end. It's country that gets at the heart of the tradition. And there's a lot of heart packed into this CD's contents. The title track and "Cold, Lonesome Wind" highlight the melancholy elements wonderfully. They may be my favorites, though songs like "Juke Joint Jumping" and "Double A Daddy," with their driving, danceable rhythms, are brilliant. I highly recommend this to anyone.

If you're a fan of "country music" in the 21st century, you are not going to enjoy listening to this album!!
Wayne Hancock does not make music for the Top 40 crowd. To enjoy Wayne, you're going to have to forget about over-produced albums. Wayne creates albums for those true, dyed-in-the wool, country music fans.
Wayne takes you back to a time when life was simple, no worry about crime, and just laid back enjoyment of life.
Like Joe Ely say's, "Wayne The Train is the real deal"!

What a great album this is, not only is the music a real pleasure to listen to, but the lyrics are a hoot! Wayne is not afraid to experiment, he skillfully combines old school elements with new in such a natural way. The songs pull you right in as if your listening to an old favorite you haven't heard in a long time. This album instantly became one of my favorites. I bought two more to give as gifts.

I've driven the Gladewater hi-way. From Tyler to Gladewater to Longview to Kilgore and back again. I've walked into The Roundup Club, The Eagle Drive In, Rio Palm Isle, etc, etc,. When that high pitched voice starts I don't think of Hank, altho somewhere in each song you will, I think of people that I grew up with because they sounded like that. That being said I think the best thing that Wayne has accomplished is to put together the "tightest" band I've heard since the Texas Playboys.I love Wayne's singing and writing, but it is so well complemented by Skelton, Stafford, Ramirez,Maines, Steiner,etc. Every once in awhile he'll throw in a horn or clarinet to really keep you off balance. This of course brings Bob Wills to mind, & you can't help but smile. All in all I think Wayne is everyman.A truck-driver, a hobo, a rough-neck, an alcholic,and a man who likes a good time but is not ashamed to be true to his gal.Oh yes and a man who can find comfort & beauty in Thunderstorms and Neon Signs

If you were lookin' for country music that's
too lonely for VH1,
too despondent for CMT,
and too ornery for GAC,
you just found it.

Wayne Hancock knows why honky tonk hillbilly [junk] is so impotant; (Hank Williams)! I have recently come to understand that people out there still care about legends and legendary music. Wayne "The Train" knows roots and history; truly two keys in becoming good at what your doin! This album has more down & dirty taste to it than anything put out "Countryfied" in years.
"Thunderstorms & Neon Signs" would be a classic if people knew about it. A crime in today's lackluster stream of pop "country" music. "Juke Joint Jumping" is how an collection should begin; too the point & with style! Hank III calls this cat a friend, and I get why; he's a reminder of where country music began. Buy it with confidence. Enjoy!

My only regret was not getting this album sooner. The music and lyrics are real and unpretentious. Wayne Hancock is a true American gem.

Wayne "the train" Hancock's 1st album was a real surprise and begged the question, Who is that?" A real foot tapper and it is easy to think that he was on stage with the 1st Hank. His original work is "familiar" but fresh and clever...he is a good writer and his personality comes through as energetic and positive. I loved it at 1st play-through....couldn't wait to find the next album!

If you've ever tried to drive across Texas in one day, you know how hard it is. The secret has always been to plug in some Bob Wills or Hank Williams Sr......but now it's Wayne Hancock!

I guess you really have to be from Texas to understand this, but we welcome all travellers to experience the wide open spaces and hope they all get the chance to experience it.

As a little background, plug this CD in and put your hat way back on your head. You're in for the ride of your life ! Stop by one of many honky tonks too....especially Gruene Hall when Wayne's there !

Wayne Hancock remains true to Texas Swing roots with this recording that is good enough to make even Bob Wills smile! While it is easy enough to compare Wayne's vocal style to Hank Williams Sr., the real treat here is the nod to one of Country's greatest wordsmiths, Roger Miller. I'll not bore anyone with a recitation of the Milleresque lyrics, for this is an album to be savored again and again. Like a fine wine, the Roger Miller flavor is subtle enough to tease, yet strong enough to delight. Kick back and listen, or better yet, this album should be required for every ride in a pick-up truck.