Hayes Carll - Trouble in Mind

On his new album, Trouble In Mind, the 32 year-old Carll navigates his way through both stormy weather and calm, sun-drenched waters with ease, emerging with songs that melt even the hardest heart in town. Their impact is heightened by the fact that they're songs born of both immersion in the works of his songwriting heroes and plenty of real world experience.

Those elements certainly permeate Trouble In Mind, but there's a much sharper focus to the material, thanks in part, to more time in the studio and some great players sure to be familiar to roots-rock aficionados, including, Dan Baird, Darrell Scott, Will Kimbrough and former Flying Burrito Brother Al Perkins.

Carll's personality, emotional but never too sentimental, mischievous, funny, world-weary and sardonic, imbues every track of Trouble in Mind. Album Description

Poetic genius!

"You be the sinner, I'll be the sin"

Are you kidding me? This man is a genius! His way with words is amazing!

Musically, this is a very typical country sound, with the twang, rhythms and instruments used in the genre. But it's the words that make this an outstanding listen. August 24, 2008

less than expected

Once again, I have used CBS sunday morning tv show as a recommendation for music. it is just so so, nothing really sticks out to recommend the CD, lasted less than 3 days in the truck. July 31, 2008

There is a reason this CD is #1 right now!

I heard Hayes Carll on XMRadio twice and bought the CD - it's outstanding. I saw him in Tampa recently and he is funny, sincere and very talented. Buy and enjoy!! July 23, 2008

Good, solid country, but nothing new or fresh here

Hays Carl is a story teller for sure, and he has a fine eye for catching off-kilter details and nuances that make his characters seem as real as a whiff of warm beer on a morning with a bad hangover. But after half-a-dozen spins, I'm having trouble connecting with the music on "Trouble in Mind." Drunken Poet's Dream seems strangely flat despite its being collaboration with Ray Wylie Hubbard. She Left Me for Jesus wears thin after a few listens. As for everything in between, it's good, solid country with a bit of a modern flair, all well-played, but not really anything new or fresh for its genre.

And about the sound quality of this recording . . . yep, it's not up to the standards on any of the half dozen or so recordings I have from this label.
July 21, 2008

Houston, we have a poet...

The title I stole from another review I read of this CD. I've had this disc in heavy rotation for about 2 weeks now. Excellent stuff. More country than anything on country radio and yet still rockin' as well. If weren't for that geezer show "Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood" I would have missed out on this. July 9, 2008

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