Today (St. Patrick's Day) was my lucky day when I picked up my mail and found Dale Watson’s new CD, Whiskey or God.  I had to put it in the player in my car right away…this one can’t wait, or maybe it was me who couldn't wait.  Dale says this CD contains some old songs he had written but have never been recorded that are frequently requested by his fans.

Dale recently moved to Baltimore, MD, leaving Austin behind, to be closer to his two daughters.  He returned to Austin this week for his CD release party at his old haunt, The Continental Club, and sold out the show.  He also promoted the World Premier of Zalman King’s documentary, “Crazy Again” at the SXSW Film Festival which features Dale's performances in Austin and on the road, interwoven with the story of his mental breakdown after losing his girlfriend in a fatal car accident in 2000.  Many of the songs on Whiskey or God are featured throughout this documentary.  Dale also hit his other two regular Austin hot spots, Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon and the Broken Spoke, drawing over a thousand of his local fans craving to see Watson perform live again after his hiatus.

“Sit And Drink and Cry” is the first tune on the album.  It’s classic honky tonk melody and Dale’s powerfully smooth, baritone voice makes this song one of my favorites of the CD.  Of course, Dale wrote all of the songs on this album, and they portray the life experiences that Dale has had in many ways.  He lives his music just as the music lives in him. Great dance song, too.

“Whiskey or God”, what a brilliant song in which so many can relate. Part of the lyrics are:

“Whiskey or God
Gonna bring me relief
Believin’ or not,
Bending my elbow or my knees

I’m gonna drink until my conscience bleeds
Before I fall asleep I’m gonna say a prayer for a brighter day
Whiskey or God
Bring salvation to me”

This song is about despair and loneliness and a hint of hope for a better road on the horizon.

Dale throws in one of his many truckin’ tunes, “No Help Wanted”, a fast country number that keeps you moving until the next song starts.  “My Heart Is Yours”, is a slow ballad that will break your heart as you listen to Dale sadly sing of the broken condition of his own heart. “It Hurts So Good” is a rockin’ honky Tonkin tune about a one night stand and the outcome…”It’ll hurt tomorrow, but tonight it’ll hurt so good” sums this one up.
Dale twists it up a notch with “Truckin’ Queen”, a funny ditty about a trucker who likes to cross dress.

Then it’s back to a Dale Watson classic like the next track, “Darlin’ Look At Me Now”.  “I Wish I Was Crazy Again” is a waltz that no one but Dale could pull off.  I’m not sure why that is, but I just can’t imagine that song being performed by anyone but Dale, well….maybe Willie. But it just don’t get any better than Dale on this one with lyrics like, “You’d still be in my arms, baby, if I was crazy again”…mmm, mmm, good stuff.

"I Ain’t Been Right Since I’ve Been Left" is a lively country (with some Cajun undertones) song whose title gives away the gist of it.  But it’s a cool song…one of my favs on this CD.

“Tequila and Teardrops”- this music moves us a little south of the border, and Dale sings as beautifully in Spanish as he does in English. Ole!

“38.21.34” is the next song…which he sings about a girl he calls 38.21.34.  He has a lot of nice things to say about her, and this is a fun song that I think Dale enjoys performing. His band is out of sight all the way through this album.  He has the right band for his style, and honky tonk music doesn’t get any better than this, in my opinion.

“Outta Luck” is a song about being "outta" everything, especially luck. Clever lyrics, upbeat tempo and Dale’s amazing voice make this song stand out. This song made me laugh out loud…it’s so easy to relate.

Dale ends this CD with “Heeah!”, which I’ve seen Dale do in person.  I love this song, it’s Texas…and it’s Dale Watson all the way!  In fact, this album is the same album as Heeah except it is being released here in the states with different cover art.

Dale is one artist I can truthfully say has remained true to his own music and refuses to conform to covers.  That’s one of the reasons he's been called for many years the “Real Deal Watson”.  And what a deal he is for fans of real country music with no excuses…and none needed.  Dale Watson will always be an icon of Texas country music no matter where he calls home, and producing albums like “Whiskey or God” just reiterates the fact that Dale Watson has talent and convictions that are admired by many all over the world.  You have to earn that, and Dale has paid his dues and then some.  This one is a must-have for all real country music fans. 

This CD was released on the market March 14, 2006.  Visit DaleWatson.com to find out how to order and view his many other CD's available.  Kudos to Dale's web master, too.

                                                                                                     Happy Trails,

                                                                                                      Miss Lana

Written by Lana Hughes, March 18, 2006