Customer Reviews

Western Standard Time

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

 

 

An excellent album with some rip roaring favs. Texas swing at it's best! Willie Nelson helps out on vocals on Chattanoogo Choo-choo. "Lucky Ol' Sun" will have you humming the song all day. It was the first Asleep at the Wheel CD that I bought and in my opinion maybe the third best. I recommend buying Live and Kicking, and then Route 66. Enjoy!

Ray and the boys have been recording western swing music for around thirty years now, keeping the music alive even when no other singers and bands were interested.

This particular album was recorded in 1988 and features many great covers. The band's particular style ensures that you won't ever mistake Asleep at the Wheel's covers for other versions of the same songs.

The set opens with a sensational version of Glenn Miller's Chattanooga choo choo, in which Ray duets with Willie Nelson. Other great covers include Hot rod Lincoln (a song I always associate with Commander Cody, though I believe Johnny Bond was the original singer), That's what I like about the south (Phil Harris), Walk on by (Leroy van Dyke), That lucky old sun (Frankie Laine), San Antonio rose (Bob Wills), Sugarfoot rag (Red Foley) and Walking the floor over you (Ernest Tubb). Indeed, all the tracks are of a very high quality.

Those of you who recognise these names will know that most of the songs originate from the 1940's, generally regarded as the golden age of western swing. This album and others by Askeep at the wheel prove that the songs and the style are still very enjoyable.

Asleep at the Wheel has been one three favorite bands since the late '70's. I still follow them closely today.

I think though that their best music was in their early years. When their female singer, Chris, O'Connell, left the band I think that they lost something vital to their sound. I'd strongly suggest that anybody interested in this band look at their earlier efforts like 'Texas Gold", 'The Wheel', 'Collision Course', and 'Wheelin' and Dealin'.

That said, 'Western Standard Time' is my favorite of the post-Chris O'Connell albums. Most of the album consists of highly competent covers of old Country and Rockabilly classics such as 'Don't Let Go', 'The House of Blue Lights' and 'Hot Rod Lincoln'.

The album kicks off with a swinging version of 'Chattanooga Choo Choo' that is, in my opinion, worth the price of the album all by itself. A couple of other higlights are their version of the Bob Wills classic, 'That's What I Like about the South' and 'Walk on By'.

In conclusion, I'd say that if you know and love Asleep at the Wheel, this would be a worthy addition to your collection. If you're new to the band, you'd do better to purchase one of the albums I mentioned above.

If you only need one AATW album, this is the one. Or if you're just starting to put together a collection of their great music, this is definitely a good starting album. As is the case with all their albums, every cut is a winner. Whether their own material or remakes of classics, these guys know how to swing & party!

This album by western swing band Asleep At The Wheel is an all covers album. If you think that modern country music doesn't sound "country" enough, you should enjoy this album. Asleep At The Wheel play in a style to similar to Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. In face, two of the songs here were first popularized by Bob Wills. That's not to say that Asleep At The Wheel is derivative, because they manage to come up with unique arrangements for the songs. The only real criticism I have is that at 32 minutes long, it's on the short side. But at least you get Willie Nelson as a bonus on "Chatanooga Choo Choo".

CD has some nostalgia and timeless music. Well done swing music to relax to. Others who here it always ask who is the artist and name of CD. Must be heard to be truly appreciated.