The Flatlanders plan on yet another CD

Flatland Lullaby

The songwriter's prime directive is to translate personal observations and emotions into creative expressions that are more broadly universal. So what happens when a songwriter follows the inverse formula, and channels some of the most categorically omnipresent human feelings into songs that are aimed at the narrowest possible audience? The answer to that rarely considered question is all over Joe Ely's latest archive release from his own Rack 'Em label, the highly personal and ...

Treasure of Love

Every Flatlanders' album release is a welcome treat, but "Treasure of Love" is especially sweet. Although there are some standout originals on this release, most of these 15 tracks are well chosen cover versions. Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock are all distinctive vocalists, and these seasoned performers make each of these songs their own, whether penned them themselves or not. Although these three iconic Texans have always blurred stylistic lines, this album ...

Love in the Midst of Mayhem

Over the past 14 years, Joe Ely has earned a reputation as one of the forebears of that unique branch of Americana borne from the Great State of Texas. Both individually, and as part of the super band, The Flatlanders, he's carved out a career as an essential insurgent, one who once kept company with The Clash while establishing some decidedly cool credentials of his own. While the title might suggest otherwise, the hastily released "Love in the Midst of Mayhem" finds ...