Search - Dale Watson :: Vol. 2-Truckin' Sessions

Still TRUCKIN' Along!

Jef Fazekas | Newport Beach, California United States | 06/19/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having just gotten into Dale Watson with 2001's poignant EVERY SONG I WRITE IS FOR YOU, I wasn't around for the first volume of THE TRUCKIN' SESSIONS. Because of that, what may be new to me might be old hat to others (I know at least two songs here have appeared on previous Watson CD's).

I'm just glad that I stuck around....as much as I liked 2005's HEEAH! (retitled WHISKEY AND GOD here in the States) and it's follow-ip, 2007's FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE, I was thinking my time with Watson was through; I still loved that smooth, uber manly-but-gentle voice, but his albums just weren't moving me...there were no surprises, nothing really new. Thankfully, THE TRUCKIN' SESSIONS VOL. 2, while not a major about face, has a few new styles and sounds, enough to keep it interesting.

Things kick off with the easy-going "Drag 'n' Fly." With a touch of swing and a strong backbeat, this tale bubbles along at a steady, solid pace. Watson's vocal is both wise and wry...just like the song's lyrics. In music, in life, wherever and whenever...it doesn't matter when you get there, just so long as you get there!

There's a sleepy, timeless quality to "Jack's Truck Stop And Cafe." The song transports you back to a quieter, more innocent time, courtesy of a sterling arrangement. Each of the instruments shine here, while Watson's lead vocal is equal parts assured, smart and wistful. A definite high point!

Ditto "Truck Stop In Lagrange." Upbeat and spirited, the song is the musical equivalent of a wink and a nudge...you can just FEEL Watson smiling thru the speakers! Everything just falls into place ~ the instrumentation, the vocals, everything! A perfect blend of story and song!

Some might think of "10-4" as a throwaway track, but it's so much more than that. A lively instrumental, the cut harkens back to the days of the Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker and the Pure Prairie League. Tight, crisp and clean, this is a nice little musical break. Very cool!

"Yankee Doodle Jean" is one of the few clunkers (for me) on TTSV2. A generic arrangement and slightly condescending lyrics add up to a track that is just too cute and/or clever for it's own good. As sharp a writer as he is, I think Watson can come up with a better tribute to female truckers everywhere than this thin, calculated attempt.

"Hey Driver" is proof positive of those strengths. This ode to truckers of all shapes and sizes is witty, thoughtful, observant and down to earth. A whip-smart arrangement bolsters lyrics that are honest and true, while Watson's vocal is unadorned and vigorous. Another high point!

But the disc's true masterpiece is up next. "Hero" is a hushed ballad that just drips resignation, sadness and frustration. Watson's vocal is stunning, while the lyrics are deep and pure ("I drive thru the rain, it's pouring down/Four wheelers drive crazy when it comes around"). Without a doubt, one of Watson's best to date!

There's an energy to "I Got To Drive" that is just infectious. The arrangement just bops along, while Watson's vocal is both relaxed and to the point (Something tells me this song is actually a metaphor for performing...when Watson sings "Now the road's callin' me like a sailor to the sea", you can't help but feel that this is from personal experience!). Yet another nice moment!

"Truckin' Man" is a boisterous, in-our-face number that paints a picture of greener pastures behind the wheel. Watson's vocal is a tad bit edgier, while the arrangement is rock solid (A special nod to David Bowen's gutsy drumming!). Mark my word, this track will ROCK live!

The two-step groove of "Me And Freddie And Jake" is both quirky and clever, what with it's militaristic beat, snarky steel guitar and funky fiddle, but I think you might need a trucker's dictionary to figure out who Freddie and Jake are! And as for "holdin' on with both cheeks....!" All in all, a fun look into the trucking world.

"Truckin' Queen?"...Not so much. I got a (minor) kick out of this silly little piece of fluff when it first appeared on HEEAH!, but now it just seems like filler, as if they needed one more cut to pad the disc. Cute...but forgettable.

"Let This Trucker Go" is a real weeper. Muted, sad, yet heartfelt, Watson's vocal is both strong and gentle, while the lyrics ("I know you'll miss my stories/I know you'll miss my smile") are just gorgeous. Don Raby's fiddle work crowns it all off. Simply beautiful!

"No Help Wanted" is another carry over from HEEAH!, but this song NEEDS to be included here. With things the way they are today, we need to find ways to get businesses back up and running here in the States, and the trucker back out on the road. Nice song...nicer sentiment.

Things wrap up with the swingin' "Texas Boogie." If this song doesn't have your butt movin' by song's end, well...you're dead! Great guitar, amazing fiddle, killer stick work and a blistering lead vocal that swoops and soars, growls and purrs...it all adds up to a track that I love, love, LOVE!! What a way to end things!

So, where do we go from here? Am I still thinking about dropping Dale Watson from my automatic "must-buy" list? No...not after THE TRUCKIN' SESSIONS VOL. 2. Songs like "Hero", "Let This Trucker Go" and "Texas Boogie" prove this old dog still has some new licks up his denim sleeve. Here's to a few more! (As with all my reviews, I'm giving the disc an extra half a star for including the lyrics).

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