Some basic facts that cannot be disputed. Our economy is in the shitter; parts of downtown Houston smell like a little boy’s bathroom, puddles and all; and singing good country music is no easy feat. The next artist on Rocks Off’s week-long visit through the HPMA Best Local Song nominees is Hayes Carll’s
written by Scott Nolan.
Carll sings, repeatedly, “Come in clean, leave torn apart/ A bad liver and a broken heart.” These lyrics are not meant for the celebration of new love. It’s a musical rope-a-dope – sad lyrics to fit the sorry state of your life, with a cheery folk/country guitar accompaniment so you don’t have to feel as pathetic while you drink your sorrows away. Many glasses will be raised to this track, Mr.Carll. Mission accomplished.
This article appears in Jul 16-22, 2009.