Album of the Day

Born in Pikeville, Kentucky, Dwight Yoakam channels the honky tonk sound of Bakersfield, California on his major label debut GUITARS, CADILLACS, ETC., ETC. Produced by Pete Anderson, the Reprise collection reveals Yoakam to be both a brilliant writer and interpreter; given heartfelt performances, the originals (“I'll Be Gone,” "It Won't Hurt") and covers (“Honky Tonk Man,” “Ring Of Fire”) mesh seamlessly. At a time when Nashville's slickest and safest ruled the Billboard Country chart, this superb album went to No.1, leading the way for a host of “new traditionalists” (the presence on one track of rocker Maria McKee of Lone Justice offers further proof of Yoakam's maverick spirit). GUITARS, CADILLACS, ETC., ETC. was released 30 years ago today, but its no-nonsense brand of country remains ageless.