The Outlaws - Once An Outlaw (2007)

♫

Now, here's a nice surprise. Got this one anonymously with the following information: "I think you know by now that Outlaws - "Once an Outlaw" will never be commercially released. That said, it is out there in select hands in two versions - 11 tracks and 13 tracks. Some say that it is Hughie's finest work when the truth is Hughie had a hand in authoring less than half of the tracks. LA writers wrote the majority except for those HT collaborated on and the excellent "Almost Home" that was penned by bassist Randy Threat and his wife, Alex. The disc is a fine piece of work yet contains an unclear history that HT worshipers refuse to embrace. Line-up was: Hughie Thomasson (guitar and vocals, Chris Anderson (guitar and vocals - lead vox on Trail of Tears), Randy Threet (bass and vox -lead vox on Almost Home), Monte Yoho and David Dix (drums)."

Yes, it's finally out there. And nobody making money on what they don't own, either. So, what about the music on the album? Well, it sounds very good, the playing is excellent and it features some pretty terrific songs as well. Don't expect another 'Diablo Canyon', this is actually closer to their first albums in sound and song choice, though more polished. I really don't much care for the 'Almost Home' track, which is way too sappy but would probably do great on CMT. Other than that, I couldn't find a bad song. My favorite tracks so far are 'Rippin' Through Kentucky', 'Full Circle' and 'Trail Of Tears'. Basically, it's got everything you'd want from a new Outlaws release: great guitars, great harmonies, great song. Happy new year, y'all!