Joe Ely - Live Shots

Recorded during their 1980 tour of England supporting The Clash, Live Shots is Joe Ely and his band at their rocking best. And while it could merely serve as a live, 'best-of' sampler of Ely's first three records, many of these songs seem to have found a home here. Tracks such as "I Had My Hopes Up High" and "Johnny's Blues" from his debut; Honky Tonk Masquerade's "Fingernails," and "Crazy Lemon" (one of four songs recorded in Texas) from the more recent, Down On The Drag, make the studio versions seem tame by comparison, while a relentless cover of the Blind Lemon Jefferson derivation, "Long Snake Moan," and a swinging "Midnight Shift," which had been recorded by fellow Lubbock native, Buddy Holly, and Ely's duet with Carlene Carter on Hank Williams' "Honk Tonkin'" are electrifying. Read More