On Sundays, when he’s not on the road, Dale Watson and his band play the Texas Big T Roadhouse and host their Chicken S#!t Bingo game. This record captures the fun. It showcases not only a terrific band, but Watson’s natural talent as an MC and gameshow host.

There’s plenty of great music, too. Watson’s lead guitar and Don Don Pawlak’s pedal steel are featured on the honky-tonk of “Lubbock Boy” and “Sit And Drink And Cry.” Trucking songs have always been one of Watson’s fortes, and several, including the wonderful “Birmingham Break Down,” are featured here.

“Deep In The Heart of Texas” (not the classic tune) is swing heaven with Watson adding some octave soloing to the proceedings.

And, no Watson show would be complete without one of the best country songs of the past couple of decades, “I Lie When I Drink.”

In between songs, Watson handles the evening wonderfully. A running bit about Lone Star beer features the band supplying the background for the Lone Star “ads.”

This is the perfect album for Watson fans or someone just introduced to the music he calls Ameripolitan. Of course, 20 years ago it was simply known as country music. – John Heidt

This article originally appeared in VG‘s January ’17 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.