Arty Hill's 2008 Cow Island release 'Bar of Gold' spent two months at the top of the Freeform American Roots chart last year. Though his prior release, 2005's 'Back on the Rail,' didn't get quite so much attention, there's good reason why so many roots and country DJs are currently playing the heck out of it. This re-release by Cow Island includes the 11 original compositions plus one bonus track. It's a mix of hard country, rockabilly, and rhythm and blues, with lyrics that'd make Roger Miller and Townes Van Zandt smile. From the infectious, danceable 'Living on the Road Again,' to the honk-tonk shuffle of 'Me and My Glass Jaw,' to the sublime 'Tammerlane' (called 'a masterpiece' by alt-country godfather Jason Ringenberg). Supported by the masterful Telecaster of D.C. legend and Danny Gatton compadre Dave Chappell, this CD is a fresh and exciting take on soulful country that flat delivers! 'This self-released jewel is much too good to be overlooked...It's the real deal, Honky Tonk Country with intelligent, totally heartfelt lyrics, great production & sound, singing and picking...It's a great, mature release.' -Blue Suede News, #77. 'Jackson Shake, Drifting In, and Back On The Rail perfectly deliver that jumping old country vibe so many try to nail and so many fail at. Great songs, great production, and great singing/picking - it's all here. And pay close attention to Tammerlane. It is a masterpiece.' -Jason Ringenberg / Farmer, Musician (formerly of Jason & The Scorchers) 'Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddys are firmly rooted in the country traditions of Hank Williams and George Jones, yet find equal footing in the earth quakin' rattle of Sun-era rockabilly...These guys make classic Texas singer/songwriter country and honky-tonk much like Austin's super-group Heybale! It's good fun if you're looking to move your feet, and good for listening too as Hill's story tunes are as catchy as the ones that jump. - Miles of Music.
