REVIEW: Robert Earl Keen - The Rose Hotel ( )

Thank you Vanessa.  Vanessa was my boss when I worked at a funeral home in the late 90s.  She used to hand out rodeo tickets for a job well done.  Guess I was good because I was the proud recipient of Robert Earl Keen tickets.  This is circa 1997??  I had not heard of REK but was eager to get out of the house on Vanessa's dollar.  The coliseum was packed.  The crowd was rowdy.  The lights went down and the stage lit up.  The place erupted in applause and hoots and hollers.  For the next 90 minutes it was like I was at a Beatles concert.  Everyone sang along to every song.  I found myself thoroughly entertained by "Robert Keen, Robert Keen", and I have been hooked ever since.

With Robert Earl Keen's latest release, I remain hooked.  The Rose Hotel, released September 29th, has been on my regular rotation since today.  I know, I know, I am not really unbiased here since I truly worship the man for his singer/songwriter talent, but I have to let you know:  go get this album.  The album satisfies from start to finish.
 
Make no mistake, this is a country album, but REK will entertain any lover of music.  REK is always able to turn an ordinary event and weave it into a beautiful song woven with touches of humor and darkness.

My favorite songs so far include 10,000 Chinese Walk Into A Bar and Wireless in Heaven and have been included here for your listening enjoyment.

REK writes cool, funny, alt-country songs.  I have heard him compared to Elvis Costello of the country world.  I am inclined to agree.

PS.  Meet REK once at a book signing.  Audible Sigh. 

10,000 Chinese Walk Into A Bar by Robert Earl Keen  
Download now or listen on posterous

04-robert_earl_keen-10000_chinese_walk_into_a_bar.mp3 (6191 KB)

Wireless In Heaven by Robert Earl Keen  
Download now or listen on posterous

11-robert_earl_keen-wireless_in_heaven.mp3 (6498 KB)

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