Search - Asleep at the Wheel :: Western Standard Time

Western classics with a nod to Bob Wills

dk@calarts.edu | Los Angeles, California | 05/08/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

Great western swing from Ray and the boys

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 11/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Western Standard Time

Kevin J. Connor | 07/23/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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."