Lyyyyyyyyyyle!!!!!

Here, finally, is my impression of Lyle Lovett's new album, It's Not Big It's Large.

Tickle Toe - PheeeeeNOMenal interpretation of an old Lester Young tune. Your ass will demand you get up and boogie to this one. The Large Band is out of this world.

I Will Rise Up/Ain't No More Cane - Deep, dark, bluesy spiritual; mostly a Lyle original with some of ANMC, an old Southern work song, woven in. Quite powerful, and the backing vocals are, as usual, outstanding. Sweet Pea, Harry, Francine, Arnold, and Jason nail this song.

All Downhill - Sublime silliness. I don't think any lyricist makes me smile as much as Lyle does.

I've had an excellent time so far
There's only one thing that I fear
I've been up so long on this lucky star
It could be all downhill from here

Of course, being the poster child pessimist/self-saboteur, it's as if he's talking directly to me.

Don't Cry a Tear - Where are my razor blades again?

South Texas Girl - A very nice reminiscence. So detailed and specific that it loses me a bit, because it's difficult to find a metaphorical connection. Still, good story.

This Traveling Around - Yes. And I don't even go anywhere...

And I'd change my ways
If I knew how else to be

Up In Indiana - Kick-ass country swing. Emphasis on the swing. And lo and behold, intelligent lyrics! What 99% of country lacks. Dance, motherfuckers!

The Alley Song - Pensive, regretful, with a touch of chasing the dream.

And even when you're not the best
You still try hard as hell

No Big Deal - Cheating bitch! Oh, wait... I did it first. And if you're thinking "that old country cliché," you couldn't be more off-base. A wonderfully bluesy/jazzy shuffle, and lyrically outstanding. This type of song is his forté. Outstanding. Yeah bitch, I said it twice.

Make It Happy - Shit, and I already used "sublime silliness." OK, fine, just multiply that by 10. Ridiculously infectious music, simple but not simplistic lyrics, instant-smile-on-your-face perfection. This song alone is worth the $12.99. All-timer.

Ain't No More Cane - The actual "traditional, arranged by Lyle" version of the old work song. Excellent.

Rating: 4

I love this album, but I already have four of his albums rated 5, and this isn't quite there. Victim of his own standards, I guess.

Lyle

Thank you, thank you, thank you, QuakerDave over at Shakesville, for pointing this out to me.

My second favorite song of all time, with some random shit interspersed.

I'll have to watch it again tomorrow, when I'm sober, to figure out why this even exists.

But tonight, feeling all drunk and sentimental? It's perfect.