In the tradition of Springsteen’s paeans to the blue collar
everyman, Dale Watson’s new album, The Truckin’ Sessions: Vol.
2, is a hearty, good-times tribute to working men and
women—the ones who drive the big rigs.
Maybe you’ve seen his “Hollywood Hillbilly” video with Johnny
Knoxville; maybe you’re aware of his status among peers (Willie Nelson
is one of his biggest fans). Perhaps you’ve caught a legendary “Chicken
Shit Sunday” gig at Ginny’s Little Longhorn in Austin; you might know
his honky-tonk history and lengthy discography (a dozen-plus
full-lengths since 1995). With The Truckin’ Sessions: Vol. 2,
Watson firmly stakes his claim as one of the prime purveyors of “rig
rock,” adding lots of horsepower to the genre.
A decade after Watson’s first truckin’ collection, Volume 2 delivers another kick-ass set of signature originals, along with
freshly recorded versions of past favorites including “Texas Boogie”
and “Truckin’ Man.”
The perfect driving and/or dancing record, this rig rolls out with
the up-tempo “Drag N Fly,” which is guaranteed to warm up a honky-tonk
dance floor just as sure as it’ll have you watching your speed. “Truck
Stop in LaGrange” will inspire your next road trip; “Truckin’ Queen”
(not about a hot babe driver) and “10-4” show the quirky side of
Watson’s consummate songwriting chops. Weighing in at 14 songs, this
album will satisfy your craving for rig rock.
This article appears in Apr 16-22, 2009.