Wayne “The Train” Hancock is a living legend and one of the best country crooners and guitarists working today. His seven-song album Songs from Slingin’ Rhythm is another fine entry in his catalogue and just what you need in these contentious times.
“Slingin’ Rhythm” is a song about life on the road and his love for even the rough parts of it (“I sing 15 hours a week just to pay my bills and rent. By the time I head back home, most of it is spent.”). Theguitar work is crisp and slick throughout the whole track, making you want to catch him live as soon as possible.
“Wear Out Your Welcome” has Hancock telling an ex-girlfriend to get lost. “You’re gonna wear out your welcome, treating me like you do. Why don’t you leave me alone? ‘Cause you and I are through.” The sentiment continues on the fun and swinging “Divorce Me C.O.D.” It has a great toe-tapping beat and a guitar solo that will make you grin. “Ride” has a bit of a rockabilly edge that is great for fast drives down country roads.
“Viper of Melody” is almost a blues track with its slow rhythm and lap steel wails, but you can hear Hancock grinning through a good portion of the vocals. “Man of the Road” is another salute to Hancock’s live on the road and how he won’t give it up until he’s dead. The steel guitar on this is fantastic. “Now matter where I’ve been, no matter where I roam, I’m a shootin’ star from Texas, but the highway is my home,” Hancock sings on “Shootin’ Star from Texas” as his backing band puts down sizzling guitar work and a Johnny Cash beat.
Few people are playing this type of country music anymore, so it’s always great to find it and especially so when it’s this good.
Keep your mind open.
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