Why The Hell Not: The Songs of Kinky Friedman
Thursday, February 22nd, 2007
Before his campaign to be Texas Governor, the casual music fan had probably never heard of Kinky Friedman. Most Texans probably recognize him more for his detective novels more than his music. Or they know of his work writing a monthly column for four years in Texas Monthly magazine. Any now he’s known for his campaign slogan of “Why the Hell Not?” When I first heard that Sustain Records was putting out a tribute album for the Kinkster, I couldn’t wait. And of course, “Why the Hell Not?” was the appropriate title for such a tribute. There is a fine collection of music on this tribute CD, including artists such as Dwight Yoakum, Bruce and Charlie Robison, Reckless Kelly, and Jason Boland. And it doesn’t even include songs such as We Reserve The Right To Refuse Service To You, Western Union Wire, Asshole from El Paso, and The Ballard of Charles Whitman, a song about the UT tower gunman in 1966.
My first Kinky experience was at the old Poor David’s Pub in Dallas, Texas in 1992. By then most of his original band, The Texas Jewboys, no longer played with him. Only Little Jewford still remained. Previously, the band also consisted of humorous names: Big Nig, Panama Red, Rainbow Colors and Snakebite Jacobs. He performed with Billy Joe Shaver that night, and I’ve been hooked on both ever since. I immediately went out and bought the Old Testaments & New Revelations CD and I have since added to that collection.
I like Friedman’s songwriting more so than his singing, and with the star studded lineup on this CD, that became even more apparent, as they consistently sing his songs better than he does. The album opens with the humorous Get You Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed. Kevin Fowler pulls this one off as only he can do. He was perfect choice to sing this goofy song that has long been a Friedman classic. Lyle Lovett is unbelievable singing Sold American. This has never been one of my favorite Friedman songs, and Lovett has never been one of my favorite artists, but what he does with this song is beautiful. I dare say his version is better than the original. This is followed by Charlie Robison performing Wild Man From Borneo, which presumably was penned during his two years there in the Peace Corps. Robison, like Lovett, nails this one. I have no idea where Rapid City, South Dakota is but when Dwight Yoakum sings this song, he makes it sound like one of his own. Yoakum has such a distinct sound, and is one of my all-time favorites; so naturally, I love his work on this song. The greatness keeps rolling on The Gospel According To John, sung by Jason Boland. This one is right up there with Lyle Lovett for tops on the album. No punches were held by Todd Snider singing They Ain’t Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore, a song written by Friedman that faces racism and anti-Semitism eye to eye. I love Bruce Robison, but he too, like Friedman, is a much better songwriter than singer. Even with the brilliance of wife Kelly Willis singing, there is only so much he can do with Lady Yesterday. This is the one lowlight of the album. Some musicians are legends and sing the phone book and make it sound great. Willie Nelson is one such legend. He sings Ride ‘Em Jewboy, a remembrance of the Holocaust. Like Yoakum, Nelson has his own distinctive sound and he hits a homerun on this recording. Homo Erectus, a fun filled college song, is recorded by Reckless Kelly and Asleep at the Wheel. I’m not sure this is the best song for either of them to sing, as something just isn’t there. Another legend, Delbert McClinton, closes the album with the bluesy Autograph. McClinton pours strong emotion into the song and it sounds wonderful.
Why the Hell Not: The Songs of Kinky Friedman proves that Kinky Friedman has long been a country maverick, even if the general public didn’t know who he was. His gubernatorial campaign brought that into light and even shocked some people who had no idea to expect that from him. When Friedman was writing and recording songs in the 1970s, there were no limits. Everybody, every race, every religion wass a target. As he says “he is an equal opportunity offender.” And we wouldn’t have him any other way. I’m just thankful that during this campaign he didn’t go away from who he is and become politically correct. He stayed true to himself until the last vote was counted. His long storied career has included multiple albums, books, and other columns, and his candidacy for Texas Governor did not due justice to his talent and legacy. With any luck at all, the will remain in the public eye and keep Austin in line. Maybe by 2010, we’ll again be asking the question “Why the Hell Not?” But for now, we are stuck with “Why the Hell Didn’t We?” But at least we have his music to keep us busy until 2010. Stay Kinky!
