May 17, 2011 Curb Records finally released the long awaited Hank III album, Hillbilly Joker. The album was submitted to Curb, by Williams, under the title This Ain’t Country. Williams submitted the work, in the early 2000’s; however, Curb refused to release the album, which touched off a series of court battles, between Mike Curb and Shelton “Hank” Williams, and also began a campaign of discontented rebellion, by Williams against Curb that culminated with him leaving the label, on January 1, 2011. Curb refused to release the album and refused to allow Williams to release it, on his own or with another label, and shelved the material intending it to only be heard when they were ready to release it, if ever. Williams’ fans know that the entire album has been available, on bootleg underground recordings, for years. The original title is far less misleading than Curb’s official title, because this music sure ain’t country.
The first song, on the album, is also the title track, “Hillbilly Joker,” and is a cow-punk instant classic. The song is an unapologetic anthem for the country inspired rock that Hank III loves so much. Part punk and part country, with a whole lot of attitude, “Hillbilly Joker” makes you want to jump in a dusty old Cadillac, with a trashy looking woman, and go crazy, on the wrong side of town. The metal inspired song, “I’m Drunk Again,” tells the story of a man whose wife has committed suicide and he is coping with the loss by drinking himself numb. The song has Williams’ voice distorted like the guitars and reveals the hardcore screaming Williams has become known for, during parts of his live show. Finally, “Drink It, Drug It,” is a punk rock charged song about life, as a musician, on the road.
Hank III, despite his constant battles with Curb Records has managed to build a following of diehard fans that follow all sides of the outlaw rebel, with the genes of country royalty. Following his own path has not been the easiest road for Hank III. He has had troubles with the law, his family, and the recording industry. Nevertheless, he has turned out a collection of music that is loved by legions of fans and is a testament to his lifestyle as a hard driving and living hardcore punk rocking country boy. If you are a country music purist or fan of pop country, Hillbilly Joker, is not the album for you. The album is more hardcore punk music, with a country flavor, than it is a country album. However, if you are a Hank III fan and want to complete your collection the album is an excellent example of Williams’ harder edged second and third set, when playing live, stuff. For more on Hank III you can visit www.hank3.com or check him out at www.facebook.com/people/Shelton-Hank-Williams-III/1050311242 for news on tours, merchandise, and all things Hank III. Remember as always, White Bluff, Nashville, and all of Middle Tennessee, keep reading, keep it real, and keep it country.
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