Thunderstorms and Neon Signs

by admin on September 6, 2009 · 13 comments

in Rock

Thunderstorms and Neon Signs

Playing the too-country for commercial radio side of the field, Wayne Hancock makes some of the loneliest Hank Williams-styled C&W since, well, since ol’ Hank himself. Moving easily from hillbilly bop (”Double A Daddy”) to dancehall honky tonk (”Juke Joint Jumpin’”), Hancock has the old-school twang down cold. He succeeds most, though, when he takes that old sound and fits it into his own modern life, as he does on the exquisitely drawn title track, where he details why pulling o [Read More...]

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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }

Ossie September 6, 2009 at 11:38 am

5.0 out of 5 stars
Nashville? We don’t need no stinkin’ Nashville!
I’ve finally had to admit that one of the reasons I don’t think I can move out of Texas is because I’d have to leave the music behind, and that might kill me.

Sabine September 6, 2009 at 11:47 am

I first heard Wayne on the Prairie Home Companion radio show News Years Eve Gala in Dallas, TX. I was in the audience that night and heard several of these songs performed live. I’ve owned the CD now for several years and have listened to it countless times. There’s something simply extraordinary about the simple arrangements. Stan Smith’s clarinet and Bob Stafford’s trombone being brought in for some of the tracks lends it a crossover feel. I’ve even come to accept Wayne’s abrasive take of “Summertime” at the CD’s end. It’s country that gets at the heart of the tradition. And there’s a lot of heart packed into this CD’s contents. The title track and “Cold, Lonesome Wind” highlight the melancholy elements wonderfully. They may be my favorites, though songs like “Juke Joint Jumping” and “Double A Daddy,” with their driving, danceable rhythms, are brilliant. I highly recommend this to anyone.

Odeda September 6, 2009 at 12:37 pm

4.0 out of 5 stars
wayne’s world
This is classic rockabilly. It’s got all the elements, catchy tunes with a good beat, twangy voice, and good stories.

Adeline September 6, 2009 at 1:42 pm

If you’re a fan of “country music” in the 21st century, you are not going to enjoy listening to this album!!
Wayne Hancock does not make music for the Top 40 crowd. To enjoy Wayne, you’re going to have to forget about over-produced albums. Wayne creates albums for those true, dyed-in-the wool, country music fans.
Wayne takes you back to a time when life was simple, no worry about crime, and just laid back enjoyment of life.
Like Joe Ely say’s, “Wayne The Train is the real deal”!

Ryann September 6, 2009 at 2:46 pm

What a great album this is, not only is the music a real pleasure to listen to, but the lyrics are a hoot! Wayne is not afraid to experiment, he skillfully combines old school elements with new in such a natural way. The songs pull you right in as if your listening to an old favorite you haven’t heard in a long time. This album instantly became one of my favorites. I bought two more to give as gifts.

Pacey September 6, 2009 at 3:31 pm

5.0 out of 5 stars
Hank III’s version of the title song ain’t bad neither!
If you were lookin’ for country music that’s
too lonely for VH1,
too despondent for CMT,
and too ornery for GAC,
you just found it.

Anonymous September 6, 2009 at 5:48 pm

5.0 out of 5 stars
Puts Nashville Commercial Establishment to shame!!!
My only regret was not getting this album sooner. The music and lyrics are real and unpretentious. Wayne Hancock is a true American gem.

Duy September 6, 2009 at 7:26 pm

5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
Incomparable. No existe nadie como él en la actualidad.Mezcla de hillbilly, honky tonk, western swing y una pizca de rockabilly.

Anonymous September 6, 2009 at 8:05 pm

5.0 out of 5 stars
“Can you see a legend in this cat’s sound!”
Wayne Hancock knows why honky tonk hillbilly [junk] is so impotant; (Hank Williams)! I have recently come to understand that people out there still care about legends and…

Vivienne September 6, 2009 at 9:44 pm

4.0 out of 5 stars
Takes me back
I’ve driven the Gladewater hi-way. From Tyler to Gladewater to Longview to Kilgore and back again. I’ve walked into The Roundup Club, The Eagle Drive In, Rio Palm Isle, etc, etc,…

Michael September 6, 2009 at 11:09 pm

5.0 out of 5 stars
True Texas Honky Tonkin’ !
If you’ve ever tried to drive across Texas in one day, you know how hard it is. The secret has always been to plug in some Bob Wills or Hank Williams Sr……

Fidelma September 6, 2009 at 11:20 pm

5.0 out of 5 stars
Wayne “The Train” Hancock: Awesome
Thanks to Wayne & Co. for a super album! Thunderstorms… crosses over all boundaries and would appeal to anyone with a taste for fine music.

Ulf September 6, 2009 at 11:38 pm

5.0 out of 5 stars
Texas Swing with a touch of Roger Miller.
Wayne Hancock remains true to Texas Swing roots with this recording that is good enough to make even Bob Wills smile!

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