Listened to an advanced copy of Robert Earl Keen's new album "Farm Fresh Onions". I think this could be the best album he's ever put out. The writing, production, and arrangements are brilliant. Did a fantastic cover of James McMurtry's "Out Here In The Middle".

Some of it is very different, and likely won't appeal to some "texas music fans", which is a very good thing in my book. It seems like he's moving towards an older, more mature audience.

Hadn't listened to much of REK, but I did see his show at the ACLFestival and enjoyed it. He must be a fan of James McMurtry, didn't he do a cover of Levelland as well?

He did cover Levelland. It's on the Picnic album.

anybody bought this album yet and have something to say about it?

Has anybody found it in the Willowbrook Mall area?

I just picked it up at Hastings in CS. I'll give a full report after a few spins. Something I really like though...all but one of the songs are originals.

Bought it yesterday and listened to it twice and love it. Great stuff, although Farm Fresh Onions is one weird ass song.

Like most Keen albums, it takes several listens before it sinks in. My favorite songs are: "Furnace Fan", "Gone On", "Beats the Devil", and "Let the Music Play"...which is a good Keen album ender along the lines of "I'm coming Home" and "Paint the Town Beige."

I agree with the above poster that "Farm Fresh Onions" is strange. It's a classic Keen quirky song. (The Buckin' Song, Blow you Away, Armadillo Jackal)

A couple of highlights are Rich Brotherton's guitar work and Shawn Colvin's background vocals on "Out Here in the Middle," the only cover on the CD.

There is some organ and piano on a couple of songs and...no fiddle.

[This message has been edited by clifton (edited 10/10/2003 12:05p).]

I don't think he's used the fiddle since Duckworth retired from the band. Duck made Walking Distance but then didn't tour with them to support it. I don't remember any fiddle on Gravitational Forces. Seems that REK has gone to a full time pedal steel man instead.

Farm Fresh Onions is one of REK's best. I encourage anyone who gets the chance to see James McMurtry please do. He is one of the best songwriters out there.


"From this day to the ending of the world,
... we in it shall be remembered,
... we band of brothers."

All I have is Today........great song....will be a hit..