Joe Ely | Honky Tonk Masquerade -- Psst, don't tell my wife and son

Psst, don't tell my wife and son, but I sometimes listen (in secret) to Country Music. There's something uplifting about letting my Texas drawl reemerge once-again in song. It comes naturally even though this Dallas city boy has never worn a pair of cowboy boots or owned a Stetson.

This is a classic album, reflecting roots of Hank Williams, but still timeless. Recorded in 1978, it would be just as fresh on C&W radio today.

So even though I've long been a Northern Californian, vote Democrat now, support liberal social causes, don't own a hound dog, have limited experience with trains, and I've never served time in prison...

Honky Tonk Masquerade gives you homespun, hardwon Texan wisdom and timeless American music.
— 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, Robert Dimery editor.