Unleashed Live
Outside of Texas, it's hard to grasp the Beatlemania-like frenzy that can be directed toward these marginally successful singer-songwriters. At a packed Texas honky-tonk such as Gruene Hall, however, the brothers Robison and adopted kin Jack Ingram go over like the Second Coming, which doesn't mean they don't earn the reception. The three Texans take no chances with material--everything but Ingram's "Travis County" has been cut elsewhere--and deliver their most anthemic and popular tunes in straight-shooting, full-band, Outlaw country style. Small flourishes save these 12 songs (recorded one night in December 1999) from abject predictability: Bruce's Western swing version of Joe Dickens's "Good Life," his wifeKelly Willis's sweet guest harmonies on "Angry All the Time," and Charlie's self-deprecating tone on "Sunset Boulevard." Unfortunately, Ingram turns in four of his slighter tunes, including the obnoxious frat-brat anthem "Barbie Doll," which only makes the call-and-response of his audience all the more suspect. But if you've never experienced Texas frat-country hysteria first hand, this live set will get you more than close enough to the party.--Roy Kasten