Earl Musick,
Privateer

Label: Reload Record Company
Year: 2004

(2½ out of 5)

Earl Musick has pursued songwriting success in Nashville and Texas for two decades, pouring his life into his work. So perhaps he's earned the right to claim "Every line on my face is a line from my song."

On Privateer he showcases his broad songwriting range, from the Hank Williams-style traditional country of the opener, "San Antone," to the herb-influenced "Bright and Shiny Blues."

Many of the songs feature the standard roots perspective of the outsider looking in, and most work reasonably well. But not all. "Hook, Line and Singer," for example, borders on the obnoxious, and it displays a lyrical weightlesness absent from the rest of his work.

More typical is "Texas Moon." Done in a swing style, this track stands out. An ominous moon portends a coming storm, and it is on this song that Musick sounds most relaxed and in sync with the tune.

Musick is ably backed by Mark Merritt (who also produced the album), Dave Pendley, John Gomez, and others. The overall sound of the album is flat, however, and the skilled musicians are rarely given the space they need to shine.

Overall, however, the album is a simple pleasure. Don't expect anything groundbreaking, and you won't be disappointed.

Buy: Lone Star Music, Amazon

July 17, 2004