Then & Now
Country Rewind, 2019
9/10
The legendary Rex Allen Jr gifted us no less than 50 hits during the ‘70 and ‘80s, and here the icon delivers the appropriately titled Then & Now, where the first half of the listen are tunes cut from ‘84-’85, while the remainder represent Allen’s current musical interests.
“Dream On Texas Ladies” starts with some warm twang as Allen’s rich vocals guide the classic country melodies, and “Running Down Memory Lane” continues the setting with flowing country rock that brings an immediate sing-along quality.
Further along, “Memory Train” moves with an introspective spirit amid soaring backing vocals and aching pedal steel, while the gospel influenced “The Air That I Breathe” glides with a glorious approach of universal beauty. “Sweet Rosanna”, one of the album’s best, then recruits pretty female vocals backing Allen’s expressive pipes on the gorgeous country stunner.
Deeper cuts brings us the swift strumming of the folksy “Bullets In My Gun”, and “Forever Young”, with Juni Fisher, exits the listen with the majestic duet and sublime interpretation of the Bob Dylan tune.
As to be expected with Allen’s work, the quality of the music here is top notch, and the packaging even comes with linear notes explaining some of the songs. Whether you’re a diehard fan or first time listener of Allen, you’ll find plenty to adore on this timeless outing from one of the greatest to ever do it.
Travels well with: Son Of The Pioneers- The Lost Masters; Outlaw Billy Don Burns- The Country Blues