Recommended For Airplay (Lucky Dog/Sony Music, 1999)

David Allan Coe shows that he is still a versatile and talented songwriter on his first studio album for Lucky Dog. He can write drinking songs ("Drink My Wife Away," "Drink Canada Dry") without being stupid. He can write funny songs ("Songs For the Year 2000," "A Harley Someday") without being corny. He can write reflective songs ("The Price We'll Have to Pay," "In My Life") without being overly sentimental.

Co-produced with one-half of the twangtrust, Ray Kennedy, Coe wrote all 11 songs on the album.

With Coe's well-worn and affecting vocals, the songs sound part country hoe-down, part blues, part blue-eyed soul, and part rock and roll. He even successfully pulls off swamp twang on "Mississippi," part Creedence Clearwater Revival, part, well, David Allan Coe.

This one's recommended. Too bad it (more than likely) won't get airplay on country radio.