Hayes Carll

With two highly regarded self-released CD’s already under his belt, including Little Rock, which became the first indie CD to ever ascend to number one on the Americana Music Chart, Hayes Carll is ready to reach even higher with his debut release on the Lost Highway record label. 

Trouble In Mind is a bit of a departure from Carll’s past releases. Working with a major label for the first time, granted him an opportunity to work more musicians into his music. This is immediately apparent in the first song, “Drunken Poets Dream.” While this song is perhaps a bit over-produced, the full accompaniment does not detract from Carll’s immense poetic talents. Painting a picture with phrases such as “the wine bottles are scattered like last nights clothes” is a strength of Carll’s which few artists today can match.

Carll has included a solid mixture of over 50 minutes of music on this CD, displaying both a rowdy and tender side equally well. His passion truly shines with the ballads “Don’t Let Me Fall” and “Willing To Love Again,” while letting his wild side loose on the rocker “Bad Liver And A Broken Heart” and “Wild As A Turkey.” The song “A Lover Like You” would fit comfortably in the Bob Dylan catalog.

Carll has also included his first cover. He could not have picked a more apropos cover for an artist dripping with satire such as his. Carll does an outstanding job with Tom Waits “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up.” His voice inflections add to the truth behind these lyrics.

There are two songs that stand above the others on this CD, making it worthwhile all on their own.  From the opening catchy groove on “I Got A Gig” you know this one is special. From a man who has lived virtually from gig to gig, adding the phrase “Good Lord I hope I get paid tonight, I got a gig, baby,” this humorous yet truthfully painful look at that life will have you nodding in appreciation. Carll mentions the darker side of the road life as he deadpans:
“Pills in the tip jar,
blood on the strings,
Ah Lord I thought
I’d never see these things.”

Perhaps drawing from somewhat humorously demented fellow Texan Kinky Friedman, “She Left Me For Jesus” is destined to be a cult classic. This tongue firmly planted in cheek song takes an innocent look at love lost; only the loser is a bit confused. Masterfully arranged and sung by Carll, one can only smile as he sings the chorus:
“She left me for Jesus,
and that just ain’t fair.
She says that He’s perfect,
how could I compare.
She says I should find Him,
and I’ll know peace at last.
If I ever find Jesus,
I’m kicking his ass.”

Carll is one of the best songwriters out there today. He shows exactly why with this CD. He puts everything into his music, his life and love, and shares a little humor along the way to keep us happy.