Album Review of
Truck Ride

Written by Joe Safari
August 26, 2016 - 12:00am EDT
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With a tip of the Stetson to Asleep at the Wheel by way of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, “Truck Ride” steadily treads the dusty roads of old Texas honky-tonk. Dan Whitaker & the Shinebenders, from Chicago, have soaked up the twang long enough to be more than convincing, mostly sticking to the tried-and-true Texas dance hall style. Tracks like “Stony Island Stomp,” an instrumental, toy with sultry country-jazz phrasings laced with steel guitar, while “Texas,” the title track “Truck Ride,” and “The Levee” stick to straight country, but always with a light touch of old-school C &W. Drinkin’ alone and bein’ alone are the reigning themes. As Dan warbles during one guzzling tune, “Booze is good when you’re feelin’ sad, even better when you’re doin’ bad.” Party on, Dan.