(photos by Paul Witt)
Waterloo Records kicked off the release of Robert Earl Keen’s new album, What I Really Mean, with a Shiner sponsored CD release party at Whole Foods Plaza in Austin, Texas. The in-store launched a week of REK promotional apprearances in Austin, San Antonio, College Station, and Houston leading up to the Shiner BASH in Shiner on Saturday, May 14. Robert Earl Keen drew an overflow crowd to the Whole Foods Plaza on the roof of the new Whole Foods across the street from Waterloo Records in Austin. The crowd enjoyed Shiner Bocks and BBQ as REK and the band performed a 45 minute set, followed by an autograph session.
As was the case with REK’s critically acclaimed 2003 Koch Records debut, Farm Fresh Onions, the new project was recorded with his road band, enhancing the listening experience and capturing the excitement of a live performance. Rich Brotherton, who has been REK’s lead guitarist for several years, produced the record, marking his second production effort for REK. Brotherton has been listed among the 100 best guitar players in America by several publications.
“Whimsical storytelling is one of this cheerful Texas troubadour’s gifts” Keen delivers the most commercial country material of his career (Brooks & Dunn-ish on “The Wild Ones,” Big & Rich-like on “Broken End of Love”) without sacrificing the intelligence and integrity that have brought this much-loved cult
figure to the cusp of something bigger and richer.”
-BILLBOARD
‘A- / Americana music’s standard-bearer Robert Earl Keen spins tales funny, rocking and poignant on ‘What I Really Mean.’ This set may finally get Keen the mainstream country audience he deserves.’
-KNIGHT RIDDER NEWS SERVICE
“Few songwriters are as cinematic as Robert Earl Keen – his eleventh album finds the Texas troubadour transforming indelible characters, vivid description, and narrative drive into movies for the ear.”
-AMAZON.COM
“***Keen has always mitigated his soft twang and bluegrass instrumentation with singer-songwriterly gold sounds, but his twelfth album might be his breeziest yet.”
-ROLLING STONE
“A collection of songs filled with emotion, depth, strength, and unique character. This is what makes music worth hearing.”
-HYBRID Magazine
“‘What I Really Mean’ shines as his best vocal performance, an album that showcases his grasp of nuances, boasts his most accomplished batch of songs and his expert command of varied instruments to augment his folk-country sound.”
-DALLAS MORNING NEWS
“Musically, Keen is all over the map. His gospel-tinged “Long Chain,” the Celtic-flavored “The Traveling Storm,” and the Tex-Mex sound of “A Border Tragedy’ reveal his breadth. “What I Really Mean’ should win Keen even more admirers.”
-POP MATTERS
“How can you resist a song about Hank Williams playing Philly in drag, singing of human imperfections, a tear causing his mascara to run down his cheek as he complains that country music if full of freaks? That’s “The Great Hank,” and Keen’s offbeat humor is the first thing you notice.”
-ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE
“Keen’s ability to spin a good story song is considerable, even by the Lone Star standard. “What I Really Mean” is filled with compositional mileposts – “The Great Hank” and “A Border Tragedy” are marvelous songs that embody what Robert Earl Keen is all about, which is having fun. Texas-size fun.”
-WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL
The road goes on forever… and the party never ends as ACountry presents your chance to experience Robert Earl Keen live as he hits the road to celebrate the release of his new album. Enter to win FREE Robert Earl Keen tickets!
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