The Mavericks - The Mavericks

Born and raised in Texas I have witnessed first hand, what has become an increasingly popular backlash at “Nashville” country music. Sounds that are from a big label, polished, over-poppy, over-produced, cross over, Toby Keith junk that passes for good old country. However, country music is far from dead. From the Texas country revolution, to those just outside the mold, there still lies great music that is true to its roots without selling out. Music, like The Mavericks. The self-titled album is a mix of cultures and tempos. From the ballad of lost love, “In My Dreams,” to the snappy opener, “I Want To Know,” you hear a mix of Bob Wills, new country, tejano, and southern twang. Where the Mavericks succeed is sticking to their guns. In a time where selling a copycat sound is easier than ever, the band is not afraid to live out on a fringe with a unique approach of their own. Another trend in recent country music is the new found love of Willie Nelson, which has led to the legend lending his duet vocals to more albums and more tracks than I can count. This of course has led to some craptacular excursions with the aforementioned Mr. Keith, as well as the truly forgettable “Elvis” on Pat Green’s Wave On Wave album. “Time Goes By”, separates itself from other Nelson duets because it takes a song and doesn’t go for a gimmick, instead it goes for a style where Nelson shines, and the reward is one of the better tracks on a stellar work. Flowing together nicely, the album is a joy to listen to. It reminds me that, much like rock music, the best country music is not heard on the radio, but rather from those bands that know what they are doing and are content to stay on the fringe of bug success in the name of making good songs. [www.mavericksmusic.com]