Joe Ely's self-titled (and currently out-of-print) 1977 solo debut, imbued with his stark, West Texas flatlands milieu, hit many like a Southwest tornado. Since then, Joe Ely has become an admired cult figure who epitomized alt country and Americana years before those terms existed. Each decade, he's been captured onstage, beginning with 1980's Live Shots and 1990's Live at Liberty Lunch, making 2000 the right time for number three. These muscular performances, recorded at Austin's famous roots-music club, show Ely's dauntless energy undiminished by time. Roaring performances of "Me and Billy the Kid," "Everybody Got Hammered," "All Just to Get to You," and his ebullient, gender-bent satire "Nacho Mama" make these old favorites seem new and fresh. Jimmie Dale Gilmore's "Dallas" revisits Ely's days in the Flatlanders with Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and his comparable good taste extends to his masterful interpretations of Tom Russell's cockfight epic "Gallo del Cielo" and Robert Earl Keen's "The Road Goes On Forever." Few artists with similar mileage can maintain their edge in the studio, much less onstage. It's no surprise Ely is one of that select group. --Rich Kienzle
I've only become exposed to Joe Ely's music recently; this album is a must buy! Joe's live recordings sonically are on the verge of gritty which, in my humble opinion, honestly reflects the venue's mood. Admittedly, playing this recording while rolling through four states this weekend made for some "spirited driving"!
I find Ely's live work to be his best. This album is outstanding, featuring a tight band. Some of these songs (Gallo del Cielo; Thousand Miles) will break your heart; others (Road Goes On Forever) will inspire you, and others will rock yer socks off. This album, along with Live at Liberty Lunch, are Ely's best.