| Long Way to Mexico - Roger Creager | |
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Reviewed by Jennifer Webb
There is something about Roger Creager's music and voice that draws me in to hear what he has to say, whether it is fun and light-hearted or emotional. Special guest on the Lloyd Maines produced Long Way To Mexico include Radney Foster and other Texans Clay Blaker, John Evans, Kyle Hutton, and of course the one and only Kevin Fowler.
A person likes what they like and in Roger's case homegrown southern music is what he likes to call the "Good Old Days" because it puts him in such a great mood even if you never hear it on the radio. He says that when the two of them get old they will enjoy talking about the past because with any luck, they will still be living "where the music got the mojo."
Kevin Fowler co-wrote "Shreveport To New Orleans" and sings along on the track also. The first time I heard the song it reminded me of the musical portion of Junior Brown's "Riverboat Shuffle" with its old-time feel and sound. After meeting a gal and going to a motel, he realizes when he walks out of the bathroom that she left him and robbed him clean. After the man winds up in jail he breaks out vowing to search Louisiana looking for the one that did him wrong.
"Waiting On You," which Roger co-wrote with Radney Foster, has a depth that is lacking in most songs that are released to a wider radio audience and because of that fact it is interesting to hear. A man does not think he deserves a new chance at love after his rough life that he lead, but once he realizes she loves him no matter what he is very appreciative of her.
Radney's singing is featured on the upbeat "I Say When I Drink What I Think When I'm Sober," which I think happens to be a perfect country music song title. Not only does Roger act drunk and say different things to himself as well as a special lady, but he also ponders about life while hitting the bottle before Radney comes in and preaches about love and how Roger needs to go for it. I would love to hear this song on national radio and not just in Texas.
Title track, "Long Way To Mexico" is about feeling the need to get away from everyday life and the pressures that come along with it. Every passing mile makes him smile and feel better because he knows he is closer to landing in a place where he can enjoy the sand and the ocean breeze.
Toward the beginning of the album we hear about how "Love Is Sweet" and toward the end we hear about how "Love Is Crazy," which in the titles along show how the dynamics can change at the blink of an eye. According to the song love can make you feel wonderful and then the next minute you cannot sleep because of a fight. "Love is crazy, always will be. Better hang on tight" Roger sings in part of the chorus.
I am really impressed with "Long Way To Mexico," and a special treat is the fact that there are many Texas singer/songwriters that have a few of their own "touches" on the material as well.
Song List:
Album cover, used with permission of DualTone.
Sound clips courtesy of Roger Creager's Official Website.
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