For all his critical hosannas, Joe Ely is something of an acquired taste, since his rebellious neo-traditionalist country fluctuates between heartfelt honky tonk evocations, self-conscious modern-day mocking, and material that falls somewhere in between. He did cut a series of albums that were acclaimed and influential, including the rollicking Live Shots, one the great country live albums of its time, but MCA Nashville’s 2000 The Best of Joe Ely is the best introduction to his sound and aesthetic. Spanning his career from his 1977 debut to 1995′s Letter to Laredo, this touches on every defining moment Ely had, including songs that he initially cut with the Flatlanders. In this setting, his blend of honky tonk, folk, and rock & roll is remarkably effective and consistent, with “She Never Spoke Spanish to Me,” “Tonight I Think I’m Gonna Go Downtown,” “Musta Notta Gotta Lotta,” and “Letter to Laredo” all standing out as progressive/alternative country classics. Given his cult status — the kind of cult where all his recordings are acclaimed equally — this is the best way for outsiders to fall in love with Ely. – Stephen Thomas Erlewine
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