Wild, Free & Reckless [ENHANCED CD]
The casual listener might hearWild, Free & Recklessand think thatThe Complete Hank Williamswasn't complete after all. Then again, when one wears his influences as proudly as Hancock, originality is not necessarily a virtue. Hancock's third album, like its predecessors, was recorded the old-fashioned way--live in the studio--and while the rough-and-ready, distinctly retro guitar-and-steel-guitar sound wouldn't flatter some performers, it's a natural for "Wayne the Train," his nasal twang, and his crack backing band. Thanks to their customarily relentless tour schedule, they are once again razor-sharp.--Anders Smith-Lindall