Search - Joe Ely :: Twistin in the Wind

Joe Ely Paints Another Masterpiece "Twistin In the Wind"

Andy Agree | 09/15/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You do not have to be a country music connoisseur to appreciate Lubbock, Texas, balladeer Joe Ely. His latest release, Twistin in the Wind, is another splendid compilation of stories, poetry and adventures. From the opening cut "Up on the Ridge," through the final lick of "If I Could Teach My Chihuahua To Sing," troubadour Ely has once again painted another masterpiece. Each composition possesses the same passion and originality that flowed from his soul when he was a young composer receiving praise from the Clash, which lead to a tour of England.Hymns about love and romance are mixed among humorous ditties. The couple conversation "It's a Little Like Love" jumps out immediately as one of the best songs of this collection. He points out that everyone has the same difficulties making a relationship work. With your foot tapping to the rhythm, your mind can visualize every word he croons as if you were answering the question, "What it was that our love was like. Later on Ely reminds us all of the pleasures of a spontaneous romantic encounter with the sorcery of "Behind the Bamboo Shade."Joe also manages to lighten things up with songs like "If I Could Teach My Chihuahua To Sing" and "Nacho Mama", the latter chorus being, "Na'cho Mama, Na'cho girl, I didn't bring you into this world!" However, Ely never lets us forget that life is about choices, and he delivers that message on tracks such as "Roll Again," and "I Will Lose My Life". Joe pays homage to the struggles of everyday working class life with "Sister Soak the Beans" and "Working for the Man."The musical arrangements once again include a fine blend of steel, acoustic and electric guitar work. His Spanish compadre Teye, who first joined Joe on his 1995 release "Letter to Laredo," has once again added just the right amount of flamenco guitar flares to this collection. Just for fun, Ely splashes a few tunes with the illumination of the accordion (played smartly by Joel Guzman). With all this, he never loses track of his country western origin. Ely dashes each track with the just the right amount of emotion, whether by his vocal lament or wailing guitar, like a painter knowing which brush and stroke to use to create a blazing fire in the sky. It just so happens that Ely is a fine painter too. You can sample his collection of canvas paintings from his gallery.Then you can choose to be a fan of his music, his artwork--or both. You'll probably choose this western minstrel's tuneful offerings; it's a lot cheaper."