Joe Ely - Honky Tonk Masquerade / 180 gram vinyl LP

Since his debut in the 1970s, Joe Ely has blended rock n' roll sensibilities with hardcore honky-tonk to become one of the most recognizable and respected artists from the Lone Star State. Ely's first three solo albums have been remastered and sourced from the original production masters. This LP is pressed on 180-gram vinyl with restored album jacket artwork.

As strong as Joe Ely's self-titled solo debut was, his second album, 1978's Honky Tonk Masquerade, actually managed to top it, and the album remains one of the great creative triumphs of the Texas singer/songwriter community, as well as a high-water mark in Ely's career... Ely's band deserves a special nod as well, especially steel guitarist Lloyd Maines and Ponty Bone on accordion, who can seemingly conjure up an orchestra or a horn section at will. And as strong as Ely's songs are, he has the good sense to also accept contributions from fellow ex-Flatlanders Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, whose more introspective lyrical approach makes for a satisfying contrast to Ely's more down to earth style. Smart without sounding pretentious, and musically ambitious without losing focus or drive, Honky Tonk Masquerade is a superb album that captures Ely and his band at their best.

Mark Deming ~ AllMusic