Lyle Lovett Album: “Live in Texas”

I have always prided myself on the broad spectrum of music which I listen to. However, I had always avoided Lyle Lovett for some unknown reason. Maybe it was the whole Julia Roberts thing. But let me tell you...this is one of the best albums I have heard in my entire life. Live In Texas captures so many elements of music on one live CD. It flows from happy-go-lucky, swinging numbers to slower, pensive peeks into the mind of Lovett. Partiicularly amazing are the songs Nobody Knows Me and If I Had A Boat. These two songs will remind you of those lonely nights where you sat alone at your computer, looking for some form of entertainment since your life at the present time has none. Lovett's voice is so passionate that it could move a grown man to tears. If you are in the least bit curious about Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, then you must check out this CD. This is the CD to startb your Lyle Lovett collection with. And trust me, like Lays potato chips, you can't stop with just one.

In my book, there is no one to top Lyle Lovett. His music is a joy to listen to although I can't begin to categorize it.(Don't believe anyone who labels him as pure country.Country can be good, but Lovett is much more.) Imagine a creative blend of blues, country, swing, gospel, western, big band, and folk with a little rock mixed in. Then add in Lovett's lyrics which range from wickedly funny to hauntingly , beautifully heart- breaking. Not to mention Lovett has one of the best voices going.Very smooth, very sexy.And if you are like me and usually don't enjoy live albums please do not be put off by Live in Texas. Not many people can live up to their studio recordings in concert, but I think Lovett may have even surpassed his on a couple of tracks."YOU CAN'T RESIST IT" is worth the price of the CD alone.

Where to begin? Everything on this album is startling. I usually listen to music with an R&B/Dance sound. "Live in Texas" is a folky, rock, blues album. Nonetheless it is simply amazing.

Lyle's voice is just the right combination of twang and smooth. His lyrics are just the right combination of tongue and cheek and serious. He is right on in every way- note wise, emphasis wise, volume, etc.

And his band? Oh what a tight recording this is. Often, live recordings are muttled and the playing not as crisp as studio albums. In fact often, on a live album, the music will actually sounds less "alive" than on a studio album (ya can't go back and redo the drums or guitars on a live album). But this band is so in tune with each other its unbelieveable. In every song, the players play of each other and leave just the right amount of room for Lyle and his guests voices. The ryhthm section in Lyle's big band is the perfect combination of staying in the pocket and holding the groove but still being visible...

I could go on and on, but just go and listen for yourselves. This record is unbelievable.

Seriously, live albums are usually a waste. The sound is usually either horribly compressed, muddy or "distant". The songs are usually inferior to the studio versions, and they are usually too damn long!!! This wonderful gift from our big-haired hero is quite the exception... the sound is unbeleivable... really, it has to be heard to be understood... it doesn't just sound like you are in the auidence, its sounds like front row center! This sounds better than most studio albums-- every instrument is distinct, and even in the most complex arrangements, you can follow any instrument all the way through. Just listen to the jaw-drooping bass solo on "That's Right You're Not From Texas"--- if that doesn't grab you by the throat, there is something wrong with either your ears or your speakers! It is so present, so alive. I would say without hesitation, this is the best-engineered live album I've ever heard. We used this to test out my brother's new speakers and just about everything else we listened to was sort of a let down after this...

Musically, I mean, just look at the set list! These are great songs. The band is amazing, playing with tightness and precision rarely heard... sure, we could all gripe about the tunes that aren't here, but enjoy what we have. These are all at least as good as the studio versions... some are far better. "Church", my favorite Lovett song, is stretched out even further. the "choir" sounds great, but it's not overdone either. Excess is enemy of many live albums, but this one is tight and focused with a coherence rarely heard. It is esssential to any Lovett library, and also a great introduction to his music for newbies.

A lot of good music comes out of Texas. Diverse musicians like

Lyle Lovett are one of the reasons that is so. With him, the

story and the meaning come first. But then he adds the most

individual arrangements to his words, and he works with talented

musicians who express his meaning and his ideas. It is a great

thing that he uses parts of folk, country, blues, jazz, pop, and

any kind of music that is necessary, because what he has to say and the way he

says it needs a broader palette than a single genre could provide.

It doesn't matter what you call his music, country or jazz

or pop or whatever. It is all good, and always entertaining.

If someone expects it to be similar to something more commonly

found in the musical market, that someone would be disappointed.

And if his work WAS like everyone else's work, then his many

fans would be a whole lot more disappointed.

Lyle Lovett is great. This live recording is a good chance

to hear his interaction with his band.