This isn't your typical various-artists compilation. The Palo Duro label invited 12 artists each to record an all-acoustic song of his or her choosing, with the intention of celebrating "the remarkable diversity of music and talent we enjoy throughout the Southwest region." The second volume in the
Texas Unplugged series features such Palo Duro stalwarts as
Dale Watson,
Morrison-Williams, the
Derailers and
Two Tons of Steel, among others, and offers a nice variety of styles and approaches: you've got your country-power pop love song from the
Derailers ("I'm Still Missing You"), your swinging honky tonk ode to whiskey from
Dale Watson ("As Long As the Bottle's Full"), your wry ode to duct tape from
Morrison-Williams ("Duct Tape"), and your clichéd and overwrought south-of-the-border murder ballad -- complete with rattlesnake sound effects and a Magnificent Seven whistle -- from
Johnny Bush ("Rio Grande Runs Red"). Perhaps best of all, you've got your instrumental steel guitar showcase, courtesy of the always wonderful
Cindy Cashdollar and
Carolyn Wonderland ("Turtle Bayou Turnaround"). After the first two tracks you won't even notice the unplugged instrumentation -- you'll just notice the mostly great songs. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson