"Only Human"
(Self Released)
one / ten
|
|
ISLE OF THIEVES "Only Human" (Self Released)
one / ten |
Waylon Jennings, eh? American country musician and undoubted country star. Now here is a man with a history and a story to be told. I must admit to not knowing much about the man but while researching ("Yeah right" - reviews Ed), I came across some very interesting information about him. Did you know he was Buddy Holly's bass player? And by simply offering his seat to someone else he escaped death in the fatal plane crash that took Holly's life? No? Neither did I. Or that he also recorded the theme tune to The Dukes of Hazzard and narrated all seven seasons of the show! And shur that's only the tip of the Waylon Jennings historical iceberg... he actually recorded music as well!
Alas, this particular recording proved to be his last as Jennings died in his sleep due to diabetic complications on February 13th 2002. However the eight songs recorded here with the help of Waylon's son Shooter Jennings and the 357's prove to be a fitting exit to a 40 year strong career that saw 50 studio albums generate 16 Number One singles and 4 Country Music Awards.
A staggering 12 years in preparation Waylon Forever houses arguably one of the most moving songs I have ever heard in the form of 'Outlaw Shit'. Heavy not only with strings but heavy with heart as well, this is a truly astounding emotional effort. It's the Sounding of an aging man in his twilight years looking back on life, perhaps apologising for things he had done, and most notably for Jennings it was his constant battles with drug abuse and his cocaine addiction. The song is hugely reminiscent of Cash's incredible cover of Nine Inch Nails' 'Hurt' and makes this album.
Add in a handful of bearable country rockers, some experimental stuff (for a country musician anyway!) and a cover of Cream's 'White Room' and Waylon Forever becomes a decent entertaining recording all topped off by Jennings captivating voice.
Despite initially being drawn to the album via the fact it's on Vagrant Records (home to good bands such as Alkaline Trio, The Get Up Kids, The Hold Steady, Rocket From The Crypt, The Lemonheads, The Night Marchers etc), having now digested all eight songs on offer here numerous times, I've quickly become a Waylon Jennings fan.
Trevor Meehan
www.myspace.com/waylonhossjennings
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................