Roger Alan Wade

Roger Alan Wade, who happens to be this guy's cousin, has written music for Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Jr. (You can learn more about him here.) I'll let the following review say this, but just to make it clear. This album may not be only funny. But when it is, it sure is. Here we go, courtesy of DanD.

Take one look at the titles of these songs--"Butt Ugly Slut", "Gone Back to Whorin'," and "Fryin' Bacon Nekkid," to name a few--and you think: Okay, a novelty CD, with some good laughs, nothin' more. If that's what you're after, then go ahead and buy this CD--you'll get a lot of laughts. AND if you're lookin' for somethin' more, buy this album as well--because, well, it's not ALL laughs.

Try not to cry when Wade picks and sings "Johnny Cash Has Died." The Kristofferson-esque poetry of "She's a Baby When She Cries" and "Sweet Wine of Sorrow" make these two tunes instant-classics. Even "Horse I Wanna Ride" is a tribute to the days of old, and what makes a man (and a horse). . .

ALL LIKKERED UP is a hilarious, moving, thoughful, intelligent, stupid, ENJOYABLE album. Roger Alan Wade, through brilliant songwriting and a whiskey-tinged voice, has crafted an album where a children's song of living life ("Chicken Song") can be played alongside a classic tale of murder and justice ("Knoxville Girl"). These are songs of liquor, lust, death, redemption, bacon, chickens, horses, female anatomy, and probably some more liquor. Yeah, lots of liquor.

Make sure to visit RAW's Myspace, where you can find his location of choice from which to purchase his album. He just released a new album, Stoned Traveler, in February, which I haven't had a chance to listen to, and he'll be at Hootenanny this summer.

• Roger Alan Wade - All Likkered Up