Customer Reviews

Wheels of Fortune

5 star:		(5)
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I love Butch Hancock, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Joe Ely. Having said that, the whole is not greater than the sum of the parts - these Flatlanders projects aren't quite as good as solo projects by each of the artists alone. Don't get me wrong, this latest project is good. It's probably a little better than their "comeback" CD, "Now Again," which was also pretty good. It's certainly a lot better than most of the music out there. If you like these three artists, go ahead and get this CD, you'll more than likely enjoy it. You can tell that the three enjoy playing together, and the result is fun to listen to. On the other hand, neither of the Flatlanders' reunion albums are nearly as good as Joe Ely's most recent solo album, "Streets of Sin," or Jimmie Dale Gilmore's "One Endless Night, or Butch Hancock's "You Coulda Walked Around the World," each of which is simply brilliant.

Due to the anemic state of American popular music, I long ago stopped listening to the radio. A chance read of a People review of this album, of all things, led me to purchase. Which led me to see them at a small local venue. I now have all of the Flatlanders albums (ok, it's only three,) and all of Jimmie Dale Gilmore's, and I wonder, why are these people not fabulously famous? Texas has given us great gifts, musically speaking, and the Flatlanders are not the only ones. But they are the ones who led me to explore the rest of what Texas has to offer, and I say to you, the people's music is alive and well and kicking so go out and find it! It's just not always on your local radio...

The band that in one album set the bar for their genre is back with a second folloup to their seminal MORE A LEGEND THAN A BAND. With the intelligent thoughtful lyrics and original stylings they're famous for, but with a lot more of the foot-stomping, head nodding, heel kicking power, this album delivers and does not disappoint.

Bottom line: any recording by the Flatlanders stands head and shoulders above just about any other alt-country recording out there if you're looking for distinctive vocals, twisty philosophical lyrics, and a bouncy, sing-along beat. While Wheels of Fortune is more about love and loss than the metaphysics of the Flatlanders' comeback CD, Now Again, there's plenty of meat here, and plenty of pleasure. Besides, where else will you hear Steve Wesson's tasty musical saw licks? Listen, let it grow on you, and enjoy.

The trio of Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Butch Hancock have done it again.

They have put together a smart bunch of tunes, great arrangements and quite entertaining. After purchasing the first (for me the first) disc a couple of years ago after listening to an NPR interview, I was quite surprised to see an newer release. Which is good.

It is also great that these releases don't get a lot of hype surrounding them. When your friends hear the tunes, they immediately want to know what and who you're listening to, want a copy and turn into instant fans.

14 new classics from these masters of their craft. Hard to beat for a unique and pure raw sound expression.

In their own right, Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore are some of Texas' best musicians. I honestly like their solo work the best, but when they get together they do have a lot of fun.

What's the sound? I'd call them alt country. They're a mix of country, blues and folk, with a beat that will make you want to get up and dance. If you are lucky enough to catch them live at an Austin venue, they will rock the house and that's the most fun to be had with this group.

Here, they are singing each others' work and adding their own touches. Some of the best on this collection are "Whistle Blues" and "Midnight Train," which are two of my favorite train songs.

If you like solid songwriting and musicianship, you can't do much better than these three guys. They're amazing alone and they're fun together.

Rebecca Kyle, May 2008

For my part, the best they have done ! I collect Jimmie Dale and all the rest on their individual albums, but when they come together and perform as the Flatlanders group, they are Awesome ! This is certainly one of their "Must Have" albums. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And if you're from Texas, you should have a copy in the house and one in the truck !

Like I mentioned, you gotta be a Flatlander fan or you're not going to care much for the group. They're a mix of Country, Rock-a-billy, Blue grass, and maybe a hit of easy rock. Sometimes the songs just aren't to your taste but you can always be assured that the musicians are on top of the melody and their instruments. You don't have to be a fan of the played carpenters saw, but it never overwhelms, but as far as the dobro, fiddle, guitar and other instruments, they are always very good. On any album, 75 per cent of the songs, you'll listen to and enjoy which is a pretty good average for any album. If you're lucky, you might find their album in the record shops, but your best bet for buying one is on Amazon. As I previously mentioned, you gotta be a Flatlander fan, but even if you're not, after a couple of listens, your going to find something you like about them.

Wonderful lyrics and instrumental work. Great humor (I'm Gonna Strangle You Shorty). The famous Flatlander musical saw is used sparingly but effectively in several cuts. Not of the same genre as Gone Again but very nicely done. By the way, you can't get too much of Jimmy Dale Gilmore.

We can't get enough of the Flatlanders.
Their sound grows richer with time.