For me, "Joe Ely" is the country equivalent of Bob Dylan - except he sings better. He writes such great songs that I simply listen for the joy of
discovering what direction his lyrics will take this time. His latest album,
"Twistin' In The Wind," once again explores uncharted ground, from "Up On The Ridge" with it's flamenco guitar and dramatic sense, to the humor of "If I Could Teach My Chihuahua To Sing."

A local critic described Joe as the "Texas Troubador," and this seems to be a very apt title. Joe is a storyteller who puts his stories to music. His stories are about life and love in the Southwest.

"Up On The Ridge" exudes the drama of the "showdown" where only one survives, the kind of song you'd expect to hear in a Clint Eastwood western. "You get in the game you pay the price," and if you're not satisfied "Roll Again." The names of the unsatisfied are legion, the complaints universal and Joe catalogs them all.

Love songs are out there everywhere, but none perhaps as introspective as "It's A Little Like Love," as Ely muses on what his love is like. Vivid descriptions, yet when you're amidst the wild occurrences they seem commonplace. You can't quite put your finger on it, you just know the reward at the end is worth it. You can identify with the difficulty of expressing that feeling, which makes this one of my favorite songs on the album. On the other hand, the title cut, "Twistin' In The Wind," takes us into the familiar territory of the lonesome drive (in the rain) away from love's heartbreak. Joe tries to add a little "twist," but it's still the same old story, delivered well, but lacking the lyrical inventiveness of most of the other cuts on the album.

Flamenco stylings abound in "The Queen Of Heaven," a Tex-Mex brand of music. "Sister Soak the Beans" is a cross between "Grampa what's for dinner?" and the prodigal son returning for the taste and feel of that home cookin'. The steel guitar resounds through "I Will Lose My Life," in an echo of old-fashioned country twangin' seldom heard today.

Another reason for loving this album is Joe's ability to identify with the
everyday "Joe," and no song does a better job of striking a chord than "Workin' For The Man," with it's underlying beat that sings of endless monotony without reward - with a hint of an Indian chant.

Best title award has to go to "Nacho Mama." Ely shows his humorous side as he lampoons a favorite cliche through the eyes of a world weary waitress. Inventive and sly. Speaking of cliches, there was a song I used to listen to as a kid that went "in a little cafe south of the border," only to find Joe has given me a new and much darker version of the tale. This time there is no escape from behind "The Bamboo Shade," for the lady is more dangerous than any mexican bandit.

"Gulf Coast Blues" ships in and takes the wind out of my sails. It's a good tune but falls short of the expectations Joe has given me with the rest of the cuts on the album. But he quickly redeems himself with the lighthearted "If I Could Teach My Chihuahua To Sing," as he wraps up the album with a smile and laugh.

This is an album rich in feeling, expresssed through unique and inventive lyrics, making it one of my favorites. So stop twisting the dial and start "Twistin' In The Wind."