The Derailers

The Derailers were one of those special bands that came out of Austin in the 1990s. Recording for Watermelon, Watermelon/Sire, Freedom, and Pete Anderson's Little Dog labels during their glory years, they blended Bakersfield, California country music, and Fab Four Brit-styled harmonies and backbeats. This 17-cut retrospective covers the years 1995 through 2003 and the six records cut by best friends and musical partners Tony Villanueva and Brian Hofeldt (both originally Oregonians) with whatever rhythm sections suited their fancy -- or they could keep together -- through endless touring and some seriously slim paychecks. Villaneuva left the group in 2003 to become a pastor. Of these cuts, 13 were written or co-written by both or one or the other songwriters. The rest are covers from people like Wynn Stewart, Harlan Howard, Cindy Walker, and Phil Spector. Of course, the two best-known tracks by this killer little roots country & Liverpool band are "California Angel" and "Can't Stop a Train." The former was performed for Buck Owens at his 70th birthday party. But the band cut some other seamless blends as well, including "Lies Lies Lies," "Jackpot" (which blended Buddy Holly into the mix as well), "One More Time," and "Genuine." There isn't a weak track in the bunch, but this set also makes a case for ten tracks on a country album being plenty. In total, though, if you were or remain a fan, then this is for you. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide