Dave Insley’s path to country music seems to be another version of a now fairly common story for many Texas honkytonk musicmakers: Blue collar working parents with an extensive country/western vinyl collection, skip forward to a kid playing in various country and rock bands, then and at some point finds himself trying to mesh punk rock and country into something he could call his own. Somewhere along the way the rock fades and the pedal steel swells aaand another punk rock vet turns honky tonk hero. It’s an odd progression, but it happens so often it has to be natural in some fashion. Hell, here I am as a listener…another punk rock refugee turned country/honky tonk/blues blogger.

While the punk rock sounds have faded away, the DIY ethos are still front and center with Dave. There’s no Nashville address, no New York publicist, and if you send an email to Dave you’ll get a reply; from Dave. West Texas Wine is his third solo release with his backing band, The Careless Smokers. It features 10 tracks with a mix of upbeat originals and obscure covers that range from classic honky tonk to tongue in cheek, but always tight and familiar without feeling worn out. Check out ol-what’s-his-name.

Dave Insley – Beatin’ Ya Down
Dave Insley – Exit 93

Dave Insley’s Official Site, Dave Insley on myspace, Buy West Texas Wine