October 06, 2007

A legendary hell-raiser in his time, Billy Joe Shaver preaches with absolute authority on this sterling collection of mostly self-penned gospel that emanates from the honky-tonks. Armed with heavenly pickers, brothers-in-arms and a fire-and-brimstone attitude, Shaver is convincing indeed on cuts like the resolute "When I Get My Wings" and the churning "Winning Again." The great John Anderson chimes in twice, most effectively on the fiery boogie "Get Thee Behind Me, Satan," and Kris Kristofferson is a grizzled compadre on Johnny Cash's social commentary "No Earthly Good." But this is uniquely Billy Joe, a man who comes off like he'd kick your ass one minute and save your soul the next. —Ray Waddell

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