HANK WILLIAMS JR.
Almeria Club (Curb)
HANK WILLIAMS III
Lovesick, Broke & Driftin' (Curb)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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A tale of two Hanks. Son and grandson of legendary senior, the coincidental (right) release of albums by these offspring is surely a monumental occasion. Half right. Number three (real name Shelton, heh-heh) proves that not only looks, but talent, skips a generation. A dead ringer for grandpappy, III also has that wonderful nasal twang and a gift for writing startling music. After hiding in his buddy's (Wayne Hancock) shadow for the first album, III does all the writing here save for a swell honky tonkin' version of "Atlantic City." The record's a beaut, full of old timey country weepers (title track) and folksy stories ("Cecil Brown"), played brilliantly and sung deep from the heart.

On to daddy. Junior (real name Randy, har-har) pays homage to senior by recording an album in the rustic confines of the historic Almeria Club. A place, legend has it, senior and the missus had to vacate in mid-performance when bullets started flying. The historical aspect obviously inspired great musical performances, highlighted by the hilarious advice to number three: (in country music you can't say) "The 'F' Word." As much as it has going for it, it's still a Hank Williams Jr. record, and the white trash, rebel redneck Monday Night Football good old boy can't help but seep through.

© 2002 - John Sekerka