Reviews (page 3 of 7)
this was a cute listen
Besser als irgendwelche geigenspielende Kobolde.
Nur Bauern mögen Country! Hier, ich habs gesagt. Der Typ trägt nichtmals Schuhe auf dem Cover - Was war hier anderes zu erwarten? Zwei Punkte weil nichts so schlimm ist wie die Pixies!
Never heard of this artist. I actually....didn't mind some of this. Cornbread Moon was alright. Steel guitar throughout was good. But I did mind a lot of this. I don't think I'd every seek it out to listen to it again. Some of this sounds like it came out in 1989, not 1977. Like...Lyle Lovett or something. Also, I dunno what honky tonk is, and I don't think I need songs about it.
I'm going honky tonk mode. Ask me if I care (I don't) (Also, top reviewer, a honky tonk is a type of piano where there are tacks inserted into the hammers, or a bar where country music is played. Hope this helps!)
Huh. That was perfectly fine, but nothing particularly special or memorable to me.
Le meilleur album de country que j’ai écouté pour le moment, un peu basique sur le style mais efficace rapide et un peu fun
Not bad at all, pretty enjoyable at times. Just not my thing!
one of those records that feels like it’s a bunch of country songwriting tropes jammed into a single record but actually is the record that invented the tropes in the first place.
2/5 whole lotta mid
5/10
65
A standard slab of late‑70s generic country tosh! Then “Boxcars” shows up and actually goes somewhere — darker, more driven, and far more interesting than most of the album. Shock, horror: it’s pretty good, and slightly exposes how dull the rest of the record is by comparison.
Honky-tonkin' good time. Hank Williams vibes. Nothing special but it's fine for country rock. Standout is "West Texas Waltz"
I was excited about this because I typically like this style of country music. It was fine, I guess? It just sounded like generic country to me.
When it comes to country, I prefer outlaw material from the likes of Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, or the traditional-pop oriented work of Willie Nelson and Marty Robbins. That being said, although this type of music is pretty corny, I can't deny all the talent and passion in this project. There are fun upbeat songs and also mellow slow ballads, and they all work to some extent. Maybe this Joe Ely guy deserved better.
Another Country album. I believe it is good Country, but if you don't like Country, that's not necessarily a positive. The vocals are good and there is some OK song-writing there, but that omnipresent lapsteel gets on my nerves. Almost a parody of Country.
Not my thing but not bad for "Honky Tonk"!
Clearly channeling something but a bit samey
It’s fine, and quick, but nothing really grabbed me. Favourite track: Tonight I think I’m Gonna Go Downtown
Liked this more than I expected. Yeah, it's country - but it's pretty solid country.
Solid classic country record that offers a tasteful blend of outlaw country and old fashioned honky tonk. Soulful and longing, but also isn't afraid to get big & loud and have a rootin' tootin' good time.
Very Yee and very Haw. And incredibly dated sounding.
No shortage of honky tonk. Honky tonk not my thing at all, but one or two songs were funny and I guess it fully delivered on what was advertised
1 star for making me hungry for cornbread.
Chintzy vibes. Saccharine and maudlin. Voice has the emotional range of a fan coil unit. Couldn’t make it through the whole album.
Some nice slide guitar and interesting lyrics but didn't really catch my attention.
It sounds like parody music? I really hate that fingernails song
Nope
I lean towards liking country, but this is really nothing special.
No es horrible.
Pretty fun listen. I like the guitar in the back. Cornbread Moon and Honky Tonkin' we my standouts. Good album, but I don't think I'll listen to this anytime soon. 5.7/10
Not bad! 3.5/5
That was some solid Honky Tonk
Not bad country album. I don't really have much to say. I thought it was good.
112. not my thing
Not as good as other country from that era but still fun to listen to.
texas forever
Lloyd Maines is an absolute monster from the first track. I prefer some other country albums contemporary to this one, but a fun album all around.
Very Elvis-y, very very Hank Williams-y. Almost distractingly so. On one hand, it distinguishes itself from its pedigree (positively) with the introduction of slightly more modern rock/keyboard sensibility/instrumentation, but Ely's voice also lacks the sheer charisma that the King and Williams had. I don't particularly think it's a problem that it's corny or derivative but it certainly doesn't match up to what it's trying to emulate. It's competent, and Ely clearly has talent, but it's not really making me pine for a relisten. fav tracks: Fingernails
well. it could be worse. but not by much i actually enjoyed the lyrics, they were rly cute / funny in parts, i just wish they were presented in any other way. glad it was only 33 minutes. yeehaw
Never heard of this although 1978 was around my peak for reception to new types of music. But I hardly feel I missed out.
It’s not bad but not my cup of tea
Ich werde mit Country nicht warm, auch nicht mit Honky Tonk.
I had a honky tonky time. Consider my honk tonked.
Freak Folk lo-fi perfectrion.
Not necessarily bad, but a transition piece. Before stadium country and just right after the golden era of honky tonk and the genre blazing cowboy heros. Thematic, song writing is pretty good and the instrumentation is all there. But it just kinda exists. Doesn't excite, nor contribute to progressing the grenre. This just a standard release.
Meh. Love country but this was just ok
Pretty nice country music that's good for diners that serve cornbread.
Just good
Not really my thing ok
Honking n tonking
I thought maybe there wouldn’t be any country music in this list. I was wrong. I hated this.
Was ok as far as country Americana easy listening goes until that corny fingernail song spoilt it. Then the Texas Waltz one was also a bit cringey. Took it down to 2. Don’t care if The Clash did love him.
Some great slide guitar work on this, but all a bit hitnmiss.
Yes hah! Chickens in the yard!
I’m sure it’s a good country album but it’s not for me 3
I did not like this album.
Don’t love country but this is tolerable for old school country. You can hear how it influenced other artists.
Titelspåret är kanon! Ytterligare ett par spår riktigt bra (Boxcars skulle kunnat varit en låt med The Carny). Resten är habil men lite tråkig country. Klarar en trean med ett nödrop
Bakom ganska lökig produktion finns ändå några fina countrylåtar. Bäst är titellåten. Men jag kan också lista minst 50 countryalbum som skulle komma in i min bok före den här.
En ny bekantskap för mig. En ganska trevlig sådan. En fin blandning av honkey tonk och outlaw. Vissa låtar som West Texas Waltz hade vi kunnat vara utan. Andra som titelspåret och Boxcars håller fin klass.
Jag köpte den här skivan på chans på en loppis på Karsefors festplats. Några riktigt fina låtar som Because of the Wind och titelspåret. Men visst finns det gott om album i den här genren och från den här tiden som är bättre. Det är som helhet ok, men långtifrån fantastiskt. En aning för mycket dragspel emellanåt. Läser på Wikipedia att han är omsjungen av the Clash på "If Music Could Talk" från sandinista. Otippat.
This is a great country record. I’ve never heard of it but it’s great fun, tons of energy, blues and rock influences, great vocal and instrumentation. I love it.
Country Rock. Some tracks, "Cornbread Moon" and "Boxcars" for example, are more R&B than Country which isn't a bad thing, but the rest of the album is boring Country music with the obligatory twanging guitars.
Knew from the first 10 seconds this would be rough. I don't like country music for the most part, but accept that there are some good songs and artists of the genre. This is not one of those artists. I prefer more folk style country music when I do listen to it. This is like line dancing music and might make for a good time at a barn dance, but that's the kinda good time I personally try to avoid. 1 star
Good album
Today is a hard day to listen to some cornbread moon lyrics all honky tonkin' on the dance floor and transparently sung in such a way that everything being said is front and center. For an album with the word "Masquerade" in the title there's little sense of mystery here. But for 1978 it still manages to sound contemporary like you could go see Joe Ely playing in a Tennessee bar tonight.
Favourite songs: Title track
I hear a rock\country\zydeco mix with a pinch of schmaltz. It doesn't seem to have a lot of depth and I'm having a hard time taking it seriously. This isn't my thing.
Rodeo clown music
You exactly what you might expect of a honky tonk album. No hits. No fouls. Straight down the middle.
Classic honkey tonk country
5/10
There's no masquerade here, this is pure honky tonk. It's a good cross over of country and rock but don't expect any different lyrical observations from other country music. The real difference here is the production. This highlights the mix of country and rock and considering when it was recorded still sounds fresh and not dated. Best Tracks: Cornbread Moon; Boxcars; Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown
No thanks.
The worst of all possible worlds - country/rock/pop crossover dreck with late-70s production values. I'm not sure why this is so highly regarded, I fail to discern any redeeming qualities at all really.
The production and instrument tones on this record are SO bad, it's unlistenable. I love a good country record too. Can't for the life of me figure out why this is on the list, it sucks shit.
I have basically nothing to say about this one. It went by ok but I wouldn't even say I liked anything it does. Guys voice is OK. Music itself is OK but its so boring it hurt. Thats all I got. Maybe you get it but I do not at all
Previously unknown. OK.
I hate country but this is OLD country so it’s bearable. No terrible songs and some funny lyrics ai it was a pleasant surprise.
i am truly coming around on country. not entirely my thing but this was a fun enough listen. plus honky tonk masquerade is just a fun phrase to hear sung over and over again
A second stab at country music with this album and once again it’s not for me. Not terrible, but I find it all a bit repetitive and boring.
Okay that's 2 on the bounce for "thought would not be my thing and I'm really happy that they were" :) This was awesome, it went places, wasn't just about old dirt roads and beer, and musically very good, interesting stuff! :) Will listen again!
Generic country sounds
sounds enough like 90s country to be surprising it's from 1978 I basically hate 90s country, except that I have some nostalgia for hearing it blasting way too loud on a tinny radio in my grandma's yard "the tractor's been acting up, and sewer lines are backing up" is basically a perfect line for that context you almost got me this time, list. am I a dumb redneck that enjoys listening a little? yes. do I think a guy should say "Joe Ely's Honky Tonk Masquerade is one of the 1001 albums to hear before you die, and I gave it three stars"? absolutely not. mortifying. honk: tonked. (⌐■_■)
There’s something untrustworthy about a Masquerade. Like it’s an event that could only be put on by swingers or something. “Wait a second, what kinda Honky Tonk is this?” sort of deal. You know what I mean?
Good solid country album! Love the accordion use throughout. Boxcars a highlight.
I am mystified how anyone can actually enjoy this unless they’re into line dancing, I actively do not associate with line dancers
Texas folk music hits the nostalgia button for me
Pretty solid country album. No skips but no major highlights. Solid 7/10
I’M PISSING ON SHADOWS, SHADOWS, SHADOWS… IN THE FUCKIN’ DARRRRKKKK Glad to see these new artists inspired by the work of my favourite country and western artist, Mr Robert Mortimer. He is Honky Tonk, and always will be. 4/10 I liked Cornbread Moon but not much else lol
Rock fuckin solid
God blessed Texas
What a fun little album! I'm not much for country, but I was bouncing right along with this
country, donty like it
I think this is the first country music album that has come up from me since starting this. Country is one genre of music that I've never been a huge fan of (although I have started appreciating it a bit more lately) and I'm just not really familiar with most of it. I don't think I had heard anything by Joe Ely before and didn't know much about him. After listening, the older country music is still not my thing, but I can appreciate this for just a good, solid honky tonk album. Don't think I would listen again, but I didn't mind listening to it.
I rather enjoyed this one, it was fun. I think some of you lot are being a bit harsh with a 2.6 tbh Opening track was my fav
Best Track - "Boxcars"
Not my cup of tea, but that speaks of my taste, not of the album. It sounds amazing, they surely knew how to record in that era. Sounds are catchy, I can't speak about the lyrics.
Not a bad country album. Not great, but good enough to listen to once. 3/5
Not as bad as I anticipated.
I enjoyed it. Each time I listen to some old country I get surprised how much I actually do enjoy it. Who knew. I guess the acoustic instrumentations, rock-adjacent sound and storytelling do it for me.
Loose, road-worn grooves built from twangy electric guitars, fiddle flourishes, steady shuffle rhythms, and plainspoken, unforced vocals move the album like a dependable pickup truck cruising a backroad at dusk—not flashy, not in a hurry, but steady enough to get you trough (listening) once.
I wonder what my tastes would be like if I didn't grow up with relatives that enjoyed this kind of music.
When someone asks you what country music sounds like, just show them this. It sounds a bit samey after a while but at roughly 30 minutes, the album doesn't overstay its welcome too much. Not really my style but the songs achieve what they set put to do: being listenable during car rides in the great planes. Best songs are Jericho and Honky Tonk Masquerade. 6/10, not bad but my cup of tea either.
Somehow an event in rock music, pop music, and of course country music w/o being either country rock or pop country, Honky Tonk Masquerade is a beautiful, inevitable, and rockin' record. The upbeat tracks are authentic party tunes and rock 'n' roll classics, especially 'Boxcars' and 'Fingernails,' while the more morose and pining numbers warmly recall Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Cited as the best of seventies country albums as well as a foreshadowing of what was to come w/ country mainstays like Yoakam and George Strait, it's that but also to be judged on its own terms. At times, it's as colorful and rockin' as anything off Exile on Main St., at others it's plain & simple country roots. However you'd like to take it in, take it in and flow.
Country on steroids
As with yesterday’s album I continue to betray my roots by not particularly enjoying this. Rounded up for Loretta and rounding down today. 2.5
Nice
I feel it is severely understated just how weird this album is. Half of these songs almost sound like precursors to Ween's 12 Golden Country Greats: slightly absurd, just-over-the-top, genre-bending tunes that have an almost postmodern feel to them. I somehow doubt any of these qualities were on purpose on Joe Ely's part, but that doesn't take away from just how oddly entertaining they are. The other half - mostly the ballads - is just regular corny though, so that's a shame.
Cornbread moon - 4 Because of the wind - 3 Boxcars - 4 Jericho (your walls must come tumbling down) - 3 Tonight i think I'm gonna go downtown - 3 Honkey tonk masquerade - 3 I'll be your fool - 3 Fingernails - 3 West texas waltz - 3 Honky tonkin' - 4
A big ole honky hoodah fair. It’s fine, but shouldn’t be on this list
My heart sank when this came up but it's actually pretty good. Almost a 4
Generic songwriting, awful production, and just about every cliché in the entire genre of country, what's not to love? It's hard to believe that this in only just over half an hour long, it felt like it went on forever, I had had enough after about 2 songs because they literally all sound exactly the same. His voice was what got on my nerves the quickest, I swear some country singers purposefully give their voice a more southern twang in an attempt to fit the sound of the genre more, but it's just so obvious how inauthentic it is. I know country is a very popular genre to hate on, and for the longest time I was even a part of the "I listen to everything except country" club. But I am now learning that amazing country music absolutely exists, but this album is just so far removed from that. If this kind of shit is all that people are being exposed to, no wonder it's such a hated genre.
Heeee haw Just too country for me.
There’s a lot of Americans on this site who seem to label everything with a guitar and from the UK as ‘Britpop’. As a result I will be labelling this particular squeezy-cheese-in-a-can as ‘Freedom Pop’.
I think I would like this if given more time with it - and I can see its influence. But on its own for one day, it was just fine.
Country really started growing on me when I started learning to play it. Honky Tonk may sound cheesy, but it's one of the most fun instruments to play
There’s a very small window of country music I enjoy so this is not really jumping out at me but it is a fun little country album, who doesn’t love a little honky tonk? There’s a little yodely bit in there during ‘I’ll Be Your Fool’ that’s great. It’s more pop country to me than country rock but what do I know. Songs feel fun without much substance, or maybe the style is making me feel that way.
Ok, county is a genre I do not listen to, and is one I've never enjoyed. So I'm going to give it my best shot here. My plan is to finish every album unless I have a good reason not to. I always check out the artist's wikipedia page before diving in to get a little bit of a background on them, and this was especially important as I know very little about country music and had never heard of this artist until today. I discovered that Joe Ely recently died just about two months ago. I also discovered that he performed with a lot of different artists across many different genres. I'm a lot more familiar with 90s country because that's what I heard all the time in the background of my high school life. I did not like it then, and I have to say I'm still not a fan of that style of country. This does sound pretty similar to it, and this artist probably inspired a lot of the 90s country artists that got big during that era. I enjoyed the songs that were a little closer to blues than the more country sounding songs. For me, I think it's pedal steel guitar as a sound I don't really like, and a lot of the vocal stylings. This album is definitely better than the racially-charged country from right after 9/11, or that song I heard from the tpusa halftime show that almost seems like a parody but is serious. I can appreciate the talent even if I don't enjoy the music. 2/5
A must listen?
Not bad for a country album. I especially enjoyed the sound in Boxcars.
Nothing to write home about blues
Fine but forgettable, mostly
Heel matige instrumentals en zang, uitermate slechte en saaie lyrics en sorry, maar het nummer over z'n vingernagels is echt gigantisch goor, daarvoor -1 ster.
Beetje grappig wel, voelt een beetje alsof Joe Ely een verzonnen muzikant character uit een film is en dat film schrijvers een poging hebben gedaan om muziek teksten te schrijven
Sorry for Honky Tonking.
I thought for a moment this album wasn't available on my streaming service. Unfortunately it was.
Decent enough country. May revisit.
somewhat unique and different from other country albums. chill
These songs sound incredibly timeless, despite having been recorded almost 50 years ago. The man knows how to write a classic country song.
Quick review before bed: This was a very enjoyable listen. Good production, good songwriting. Didn't get to pay close attention to the lyrics, but both the words and the music felt upbeat and melancholy simultaneously, which is something that I LOVE in music. Will absolutely be listening to this again. I knew the name and the genre, but never the music, and now Joe Ely has a new fan.
Genuinely was not expecting it to be as good as it was. Really solid old timey country
Decent, easy listening country rock. BUT, it was agonizing how his voice always seemed to be just a few cents off pitch at all times.
Bits of this were good and bits veered a bit too close to parody
It's as bouncy as the album name suggests. Full of Honky Tonk, a hint of Cajun. An enjoyable listen.
I like a lot of old school country, but nothing stood out for me here. I liked a few songs.
GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: Walking ther dog FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Ended better than it started VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: Honky Tonk Masquerade My Rating: 2 That first track made me think of the soundtrack to those small-town live webcams you get. Muzak/Polka. This was more Muzak masquerading as Honky Tonk.
Este al ser más Country Rock blusero lo toleré un poco más. Pero estoy remil podrido de este tipo de álbumes. Cómo se nota que gente acostumbrada al sombrero de cowboy pensó los 1001 álbumes para el libro. Más cresta y menos sombrero cowboy la próxima. 5/10
Great album.
Let's go honky tonkin'. Bring the pedal steel.
Okay
How have I gotten this far in life without hearing this? While generally despising new bro country, I love classic country. This is firmly in my wheel house, and I've never even heard the name before. This is going in regular rotation for me. This sort of thing is the entire reason I'm here.
As much as I can appreciate country...
Incredibly boring album but it’s not terrible sounding music whatsoever. It actually has a good bop to it. It just doesn’t capture my attention enough to stand out as anything special.
easy listening, not really my thing but was ok as background noise.
I don't even know what to say about this. It's music. It all sounds the same. How many times does he say hahhhnky tahhhhnk?
Never heard of this guy before getting this album for the list, but turns out this guy can make some damn good country. 4.5 bumped up to 5.
I’m at a 4. I didn’t have a lot of hope after the first 5 tracks of this album – only two of the tracks had really clicked (“Boxcars” & “Jericho”), neither of which were written by Joe Ely himself, but his bandmates instead. “Cornbread Moon” is a fun listen & a good instrumental tonesetter, but I think it’s a little loose lyrically. “Because of the Wind” felt like it was stalling for time on what’s already a pretty stretchy metaphor. “Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown” just felt too ambiguously written to capture the intent / mood of the track. Batting at 40% had me a rather middling 3 through the first half. Thankfully, the second half of this album really picks up the pace, simply by going back to basics on the imagery & vibes, evoking much more of the ‘80s era of country (George Strait, Randy Travis, etc) in its production style, though with a little bit of bombast that’s slightly reminiscent of some rock / punk bands of the time. If you want a weird fun fact, Joe Ely did some of the backing vocals on “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” by The Clash, & even toured with them a few times. That explains some of the genre-blending here, & it’s done pretty well in the back half of the album, even letting the occasionally baffling choice of an accordion to shine. The songwriting tightens up, his vocals get looser (in a good way), and the whole thing just feels more confident. There’s not a track I’d skip in the back half of the album; I might trim down “West Texas Waltz” by a minute or so, but overall, I’d say the final tracks here elevate this album up to a pretty competent 4. It does make me wonder though; why Joe Ely? By all accounts, he didn’t seem as successful as his peers at the time, & it doesn’t seem like he’s very remembered. I’m glad this is on the list, to throw him & his legacy a bone, but if this is here, why not also throw in some other ‘80s contemporaries in the country space, to really represent this era of the genre better? There’s gotta be at least one George Strait album worth throwing on here, right? Regardless, I did happen to enjoy it, and I’m glad it recovered from a totally fine start to become an album that is worth hearing out before you die. Sure, it might not click, but this is a good representation of the midpoint between mid ‘70s and early ‘80s country, while foreshadowing a lot of the genre-mixing to come. It’s a fun listen, it’s worth your time, and it’s a very solid 4.
It was a fun record and a joy to listen to, very good songs, lovely and timeless. Will keep it in rotation.
I am not a fan of the lyric writing, it sounds like children's music. This kind of country music is not for me, but I listened to the whole album and some of the instrumental solos are cool. Overall, I don't like the song writing or the lyrics or the vocalist. One song briefly had a slide whistle, that was my favorite part
Was really in the mood to listen to some good country bangers. First three songs were okaaay. Jericho was getting better. Nothing in here felt worth saving it coming back to really idk. Like, almost there but something was missing.
Honky Tonk Bonky Bonk
Sound a lot like Delbert McClinton, maybe its the other way around... I liked it more than I thought.
Never heard of Joe Ely but recognise this genre well. Keeping away from it was sometimes difficult in the 1970s. What we have here is an album that would have delighted the country and western fans back in the day and quite possibly still does. The lyrics provide the most entertainment. Some character couldn't tell the difference between a cow and a horse. Otherwise, the lifestyle of a cowboy and his woman provides the basic starting point for most songs. Boy, the gender roles for country and western are clearly drawn. Lots of other cliches about early in the morning, just about the break of day... This album served to remind me that I don't much like country and western. But I suppose this album is a classic of its type, easy enough on the ear if you ignore the lyrics. There may be more to say about it musically but I'll leave that to others.
I’m a huge Hank Williams fan, so hearing Honky Tonk Masquerade for the first time was an absolute delight. The development of Country & Western after Williams’ death has always disappointed me. His successors either settled for poor imitation or pushed the music so far off course that they lost what made it great. Joe Ely, however, gets it right, capturing the essence of Williams without lapsing into pastiche; injecting new life into the genre, lyrically, musically, and instrumentally. This feels like the progression country music should’ve largely taken, and it’s a shame this isn’t more widely celebrated.
Normally, I’m not a country fan and would have given this album one or two stars at most. But this morning, while riding my bike to work in roughly –5°C, I put it on. As I cycled through the cold, snowy landscape, a strange thing happened: I started to feel a warm summer breeze instead. Suddenly, I was imagining myself in Texas, a Bud Light in my hand, the sun on my back. So yeah — because of that, three stars.
This album is not what I expected, but I wasn't expecting a lot from a country album. The lyrics are very questionable throughout, and every song sounds a bit too similar for my liking. Overall this album left me with many questions. What is going on, what even is a "honky tonk", and why are the lyrics of "Because Of The Wind" so bad? Two stars. (Favorite track: Boxcars.)
Honky Tonk is right. If I gave this another listen I'd probably rank it higher, but I was running a 5k pr at the time and I honestly don't remember much
Not for me
completely unnecessary
Not too bad.
Energetic, groovy, a joy to listen to.
Honky tonky wonky bonky conky ponky vonky donky. 5/10
It's a little different hearing a country album on this list. I didn't hate it because it didn't sound like new country.
1 minute in and knew it wasn’t for me. No thanks!
Some decent country. Enjoyable enough.
Joe Ely – Honky Tonk Masquerade Honky Tonk Masquerade felt like a "forgettable" detour that failed to capture my interest. While the "vintage" Tex-Mex instrumentation shows a level of "technical" variety, the overall "body of work" lacks the "triumphant" energy or "immaculate" hooks needed to leave a lasting impression. It’s a "low-stakes" listen that simply "came and passed" without providing a "thought-provoking" reason to return. A "carefree" but ultimately unidimensional experience that lacks the "lasting power" required for a Month Two standout.
This feels like some real deal, West Texas truckin' music! I liked the more bluegrass inspired songs, thought the lap steel was great. The more fast paced honkey tonk style songs I found less enjoyable. He's definitely going for an old school , blues inspired rock and roll meets country style sound which I feel like is a bit unique but doesn't really capture me much.
Yeah, this one’s not for me. Boxcars was a decent song, but other than that I just wanted to turn this off. I guess I’m just not a fan of the whole honky tonk sound or song writing style at all. This isn’t quite as bad as modern country, but it’s not far off. Actually I take it back, the last few songs are just as bad as modern country. There’s nothing cornier and more inauthentic than a country singer singing about their truck and tractor.
I like country, but I mean THIS country. Ragged, authentic, the sound of dive bars and broken hearts. Elys voice is warm but battered, and that equally applies to the songs. I’m an absolute sucker for a pedal steel and this is dripping in it
Recording sounds great. This album is maybe a little bit too Honky Tonk for my taste, but it still flows pretty good. How influential it is? That's a question that I can't answer. I've heard a lot of 90s and newer country that sounds like it draws from this, so maybe this one is a real influence to a lot of modern country artists. Or maybe it just sounds like everything during this era? I have no idea, but didn't hate it enough to give it less than 3 stars.
Hilarious in many ways, I kinda liked it!
I want to live in the mountains.
pass
Good Music
I'm not a fan of country, but the strain of country I can tolerate is Texas country and in particular the "outlaw" variety. This is straight up the fairway classic Texas country. It's well executed if a little boring. I'm not offended by it, but it’s unlikely to be something I'd choose to spin again.
Liked Boxcars Surprised by how much I enjoyed this album; country rock is generally a genre I really dislike.
The accordian on Cornbread Moon is really somethin'.
I am not much of a country fan, but 70s country is usually easier for me to handle, and this one fit right into that lane. Nothing offensive, nothing amazing, just solid songwriting and a relaxed vibe. It worked well as background music while I was working. I did not feel the urge to skip anything, but I also was not stopping what I was doing to pay closer attention. Overall, it was decent and easy to sit with, even if it did not really pull me in.
Whatever honkey tonk really
Inoffensive country music
Country...
Cornbread Moon ★★★☆☆ Because of the Wind ★★★☆☆ Boxcars ★★★☆☆ Jericho (Your Walls Must Come Tumbling Down) ★★★☆☆ Tonight I Think I’m Gonna Go Downtown ★★★☆☆ Honky Tonk Masquerade ★★★☆☆ I’ll Be Your Fool ★★★☆☆ Fingernails ★★★☆☆ West Texas Waltz ★★★☆☆ Honky Tonkin’ ★★★☆☆ Average Album Rating: 3.0/5.0 ★★★☆☆
Very honky tonk and twangy country music. It's mellow and cool enough though. Not my typical forte of what I like to listen to, but this is nice.
Last song went incredibly hard. This is the kind of country I’m excited the list is getting me more into
Damn how many honky tonkies are there?
I’m going to have to take my first did not listen. I just had no time yesterday and I wasn’t about to ruin my commute listening to honky took music.
This is some country music from DEEP in the cornfields. These songs predate singing about your dog, your truck and drinking and focus on Texas, rail cars and biblical scriptures. As I’ve matured, I’ve gained an appreciation for county music that I never had before, so this is a lot more digestible to me nowadays. That being said, this is way too deep in the sticks for me to really enjoy. I’ll recognize the era it was recorded and tip my hat at it, but this was one and done for me, cowboy.
If you like this sort of thing, then this is the sort of thing you’ll probably like. It didn’t do much for me, mostly because of the constraints of the country style, but Boxcars really slaps though. That song would work well in any genre.
Country music is not good, it just isn't. However, this wasn't terrible. Boxcars was actually a pretty good song, few others were okay. I didn't like this album, but i didn't hate it either. That's as good as you can from me when it comes to old school County music.
honky tonk fucks
About as big standard a country record as you will ever find. Some of it was fine, at times it was a bit cheesy. It sounds like a hundred other country albums. Meh.
"Mach bitte es Foti vo mir, dass die ganz Welt und s ganz Universum weiss, dass ich en chline Cowboy bin und chlini cowboymusic mit minder chline cowboymusicguitarre mache" Da bechömed chlini cowboy-grossmamis vo chline cowboy-städt füechti höslis. Ich zell mich da aber ned dezue. Het aber viel schlimmer chöne sii. Trotzdem nur zwei ganz chlini Cowboy-sheriffstern für de Honky-Tonky-Guitarre-Pete
Wie de timon bi so Albe immer seid: „isch mir vill z fest us cöntry“ Und das mal gib ich ihm recht. Da mid-westereds mir z fest eine ineh. Heilandsack, strohbölli wehed dur d prerie wenni das lose. 2 honky tonkys
Quality country, beautifuls singing, just a pity I don't dig it.
Solid Country from a Texas Legend! Would’ve loved to have seen him live at the Continental Club or Gruene Hall. They don’t make these fellas like they used to. Went into Allen’s Boots on Congress last month… it’s for tourists and Cali -Transplants now, like that idiot Joe Rogen. A bunch of Tech-Bros and Trophy Wife Wannabes playing dress up. They’ve never been near a horse or a cow, but they sport $900 Stetsons and $4k designer boots. Fucking hive-minded morons! Austin is officially broken. Right there with Seattle now. God Bless Joe Ely!
I’m far more amenable to country music than a lot of people, but honky tonk is just a bridge too far for me. I’m sure Joe Ely is the finest honky tonk man there is, though.
Subject matter was not deep
I feel like I'm dying in slow motion while riding an electric bull.
Not sure this is necessary to listen to but it’s ok
An absolute chore. Slide tone is brutal
Just...no. Very little country on here has been worth my time. This doesn't add anything.
Not my kind of music
Some good ol' honky tonk country music. Early country western music > modern day country all day long. And that steel guitar is swwwweeet.
A perfectly fine late-70s country album. Nothing too exciting, but nothing to complain about either. I do get a little bit of satisfaction knowing how many British people have to listen to this. One click on the public reviews tells me they must not have Honky Tonks across the pond.
Have spent a lot of time with Joe Ely (RIP) and his stuff is always a lot of fun but for me, there's never *that* song that ties the whole thing together like there is for TVZ, Guy Clark or Jerry Jeff Walker. Still, he's a good time to kick back with. The Butch Hancock penned tracks are incredible. The way this leans into some electric guitar work and synths too, interesting preview of the next decade but what's the real kicker is the steel guitar. Favorite Tracks: Boxcars, Honky Tonk Masquerade, West Texas Waltz
Nei takk.
Heelt ok, ikke noe country fan da. 2/5
Heilt OK. Blir nok ikkje meir av dette.
Helt okei, litt funky country. Fint å lytte til, men kommer ikke tilbake til det.
First listen
Painful
New ick just dropped! :D
Another new voice discovered, and I like the music on this album very much.
Got no problem with country music, but this is pretty bland
Goon energy. Many layers of instruments but some tracks are fighting against each other. Sometimes it’s just unpleasantly loud. Also all tracks have a very similar vocal range. His voice is just ok. I’d like to hear him to sing a bit higher, maybe just one note or two. And use a little bit of registration change, or sometimes be a bit more breathier to spice everything up. At the moment, it’s very dry. It’s good at first track but the entire album feels like a whole big chunk of boiled chicken breast. It’s not too bad but it can also be far more interesting. Luckily the album is short, so overall still ok.
i know for sure i listened to this one before. dont think the review stuck, but ya know what, gonna rank this as probably my favorite country album. its simple, its sweet, and its all you need far as a country album goes. i think i like this more on another go around.
Perfect amount of runtime combined with just the right amount of old school country twang makes for a pretty solid album. I was nodding along with a handful of the songs and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Joe Ely’s style for never hearing of him before.
I like the songs that are more Honky rather than Tonk on this album. Glad to see some country representation on the list. A good listen, and I well needed mix-up
New artist to me. Great 70's country. Slide guitar, twang, yodeling. Easy listen on a long road trip. Better than 3.5/5 so I went with 4.
What even
This was a good discovery by an artist I would like to dig more into. As of writing this, he passed away just over two weeks ago. This is good and has some elements that keep me back from rating it higher.
Not a fan of country ish music
I’m not a country music fan but this was way better than the typical modern hokey hip hop type country
It was fine.
Love me some normal ass country, good voice, cool topics that aren’t ’standard’ nowadays. Gotta give it to him it feels like an era album and I’m all for it (though not a lover of all country, this is fine) 3.2
Moyen
I think my enjoyment of this album was heavily lessened by getting it right after Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson. I just like Willie-type country way more.
Pleasant to listen, nice vibe and globally a good album but c'est pas ma came la country!
Listened to it too passively but eventually found a few memorable songs. 2.5.
This one didn’t do much for me. It was fine but it seems like I am getting a lot of fine lately. 2.5 but I will round up.
Honky Ton .. masquerading as much. Nothing but whiny grating hee-haw
Good collection of Honky Tonk music. 4 stars or B.
I like country music, especially from this era. I have no fucking idea why this album is on the the list. It wasn't bad, but there have to be a hundred albums that should have been in its place. Not unenjoyable, but definitely unremarkable
In a bar this might sound fine. At home it is lacks any finesse and sounds dated.
Jaunty Country
1. MOON - 1.5 2. uuind - 2 3. boz- 1.5 4. jericho - 1 5. tonight - 1.5 6. honky -1.5 7. fool - 1.5 8. Finger - 0 9. West - 1.5 10. Tonk - 1.5
01) Cornbread Moon - 6,5 02) Because of the Wind - 5,5 03) Boxcars - 7,0 04) Jericho (Your Walls Must Come Tumbling Down) - 5,5 05) Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown - 5,5 06) Honky Tonk Masquerade - 6,5 07) I'll Be Your Fool - 6,0 08) Fingernails - 6,0 09) West Texas Waltz - 5,5 10) Honky Tonkin' - 6,0 TOTAL: 6,00 (60/100) Current ranking: 606/769
Awful
Not a masquerade. This is honky tonk. Play at your next hootenanny. Couple ear worms raise it from a 2 to a 3. “I keep my fingernails long so they click when I play the piana”…
I actually really liked this. It’s fun, and with a bit more to it than your bog standard my baby done left me or whatever country nonsense: I will admit it sort of took me by surprise. Also he just passed away a few days ago so RIP Joe. 3.5
Interesting but not insightful
I bloody loved the title track from this one, really great song. Unfortunately that was literally the only thing I liked about this album. I probably hated I’ll Be Your Fool as much as I liked HTM. Luckily this was just over half an hour long so wasn’t a slog to get through but I won’t be going back to it. Top Track - Honky Tonk Masquerade
Not my drift, but nice country mixed with different influences from neighbouring genres.
Riktigt stadig country, bra musicerande och tydlig inriktning. Det är country och Rock And Roll. Inget mer, och det är bra:) Rest in peace
No
I think I’ve discovered a new hatred alongside nu metal. It’s honky Tonk country rock. This is well made in the sense of production, vocals, instrumentation is simple but well executed. But fuck me this has no taste (esp the fucking harmonica oh my god). Some tasty guitar and nasty slides but buried under so much corny country shit and old school 50s grooves that do nothing for me apart from annoy. Percussion is particularly irritating
Surprised I haven't heard of this guy before. Love it.
Tsg nelabai. Bob dylan draugelis. Blogiausia daina buvo apie tai, kaip nenori nusipirkti nagų, nes patinka, kaip skamba ant pianino....ir girdisi dainoj tie nagai.
Why is "honky tonk music" the way my mind wants to define this album? Right, because Joe Ely sings about it ALL the time. There's nothing wrong with this album but nothing stands out either.
hell yeah brother we honking this tonk
i'm honking my tonk
Anyone up honking they tonk?
this shit sucks (forced to listen to county music growing up)
It wasn't terrible. But this isn't really targeted at me. I'm not interested in this southern brand of Americana at all.
Not a country fan.
One I definitely haven't heard before. Which is the point of this whole thing for me. Eh, seems fine. Inoffensive, clean. Can't compare it to much. 3 Heard before? No Owned: No: 35/137 (25%) Will I get? No.
What the heck is a "Honky Tonk," and why does he have to say it multiple times throughout the album?
Are there two more foreboding words in the English language than honky tonk? It's exactly as risible as you'd expect basically. There is the tiniest hint of meaning and emotion towards the start, and then it's just...honky tonk.
Wasn't expecting to like a country record like this.
I'm not into the Honky Tonk thing at all.
I have never heard this album surprisingly it’s up my alley. God blend of rock/country I love the sound of a steel guitar.
I saw Joe Ely open for either John Hiatt or Chris Isaak (I am not sure which) in an intimate venue called the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix 20 or 30 years ago. I had no idea who he was, but I thought he was terrific live…so much so, I went out and purchased a couple of CDs that he recorded in the 90’s. The CDs were ok, but disappointing compared to the live performance that I had just attended. Anyway, I had forgotten all about Joe Ely until this album popped up on the list. Based on the CDs that I owned, I tempered my expectations, but found that I really liked this old one from 1978. Not a perfect album, but a pretty good one if you like country rock. I give this one four stars, and I will have to go back and give those CDs that I own another listen!
So far? Generic I do like the production of the album. Everything is so clear. Some would probably say it’s too over produced. I spit in their general direction. Back to the album. Slightly more than generic. It’s ok. That’s about it. Yep. I didn’t hate it Choice cut: Hinkey Tonk Masquerade
Bättre country än den vi hört en del av i detta projekt. Men knappt. Lite mer singer-songwriterfeeling. Sen visar det sig att den överlägset bästa låten, boxcars, är skriven av någon helt annan än Joe. Så nu vette fan. Låg runt en trea, svag. Men tror nog Joe får en tvåa tillslut.
Den första låten var inget vidare men sen tändes ändå hoppet med andra och framförallt tredje låten Boxcars, som är skivans absoluta (och tyvärr enda) höjdpunkt. Därefter är det faktiskt inte särskilt bra eller i varje fall inte i min smak.
I'm not a great fan of country, but this was quite nice to listen to.
Just so corny, even for country. Best song is Fingernails.
I now have a better understanding of what Honky Tonk is, and it is clearly masquerading as a genre. Ok, that might be a little over the top, but only a little.
With this being a list of "must-hear" records, I get how a country album can be seen as to plain and traditional to deserve a spot. That being said, Joe Ely's "Honky Tonk Masquerade" is well worth the listen for me. What can easily be ridden off as bog-standard country music is elevated by Ely's passion and charm, as well as a bright, sparkly production. There's also plenty of unconventional instrumental touches that break up the usual honky-tonk sound, such as an accordion and a Moog synthesizer (of all things!). Even if you're not the biggest fan of the country genre, I would still recommend checking this album out. You may be pleasantly surprised. Standout Tracks: Because of the Wind, Boxcars, Honky Tonk Masquerade, Fingernails Score: B-
The time signature changes on Cornbread Moon are really ear catching. This is the most exciting start to a country album I can recall. I've become quite unenthused by Country music from the 1001, but this is a really welcome change. There is way more character and originality here than the vast majority of what I've heard on this list. Another great example of that is the slightly strange key change in the last 30 seconds or so of Honky Tonk Masquerade. It grabs you as if to say, get out of your comfort zone ya hick. Then there's the vocal cracks on I'll Be Your Fool. They reek of tongue in cheek coyness. That's a compliment. Favourite Tracks: Cornbread Moon, Boxcars, Honky Tonkin' 4.2/5
Good clean country fun! Nice to listen to on the six hour drive back to Pittsburgh. “Boxcars” was my favorite.
Too much honky Tonk. Not my album, I think there is better country music around.
Love, Joe Ely and I think this is probably his best album. Box cars is just phenomenal.
This just didn't resonate with me the way other Texas singers do
Sounds a bit average to me, listened fully to this at least once and sadly did not pick up many memorable moments. Just your average country album it seems so probably around 2 stars and 2.5/5.0 on RYM
Oh yeah, I'll be playing some of this on the jukebox the next time I'm sitting on a barstool. Sounds like the definition of outlaw country right here. His singing reminds me of Arlo Guthrie too. Great from start to finish.
Not bad at all very likeable. I think i like honky tonk
Pretty honky and tonky
Boxcars is a fun one but otherwise, this one just washed by in the background without any real impact. I think for what it is it is fine, but it just wasn't really for me. High 2.
Weird that we have had 3 honky tonk albums in the last 3 weeks. Its like they procrastinated it till the very end. That said, this is the best honky tonk of the three (Lourvin Brothers, Ray Price). Could certainly see myself goofin' boots to Joe while on Broadway.
Probably my favorite of this style of honky tonk country that we have listened to so far. Some of these songs are extremely catchy. And Boxcars was actually an absolute jam.
Never my fav genre, but I am jamming to Boxcars right now especially when the electric guitar comes in. Honky Tonkin' also crushes it with the electric guitar. I didn't enjoy the country ass parts of this, but there was enough other fun things to at least mark this a 3 in my book.
It was fine. I’d listen again but won’t seek it out
So e really fun/funny tracks on here. Not really the stodgy country I thought it would be. Maybe not something I'd spin a bunch but maybe every once in awhile?
Favorite Track: Honky Tonkin'
Lidt for country TSK
Nej.
The song about long fingernails is fucking weird, and not in a good way
I think some of the songs on this album have fewer streams (on Spotify) than users in this project.. It’s the musical equivalent of a polite handshake. The rhythm is there and the vibe is right, but I want that outlaw grit. This feels like it went to bed at a reasonable hour. It’s perfectly competent honky tonk country music, but nothing here offends me, and nothing grabs me either. It’s country bar band music, nothing more. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - Boxcars - Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown - I'll Be Your Fool
Sometimes you just need a good honky tonk album. I enjoyed this discovery. I don’t believe I’ve ever consciously listened to Joe.
Country Jerry Lewis. Not really necessary.
Twangy old timey country. Not for me but not bad
Putting the Honky in Honky Tonk.
Crappety crap, what a terrible smell of southern americana
I was a bit doubtful going into this album, but it really grew on me as it went along. Most of the tracks have a lively, upbeat vibe that mixes honky tonk country with rock, blues, and a good dose of southwestern Tex-Mex flavor. It even made me wonder if Joe Ely had some influence on a band like Calexico with their modern take on Tex-Mex country rock. This isn’t something I’d listen to regularly, but I enjoyed it and would definitely be interested in checking out more of Joe Ely’s work.
Country sucks.
Not a big fan of Country but there are one or two decent moments on this.