"The Legend" would be legendary songwriter Hank Cochran, of course, and "The Outlaw" would be Billy Don Burns. Desperate Men is a stunning combination of both. Most of the songs on the CD are co-written by Hank & Billy Don, the others were written either soley by Hank or Billy Don, or each with various other songwriters. The songs include both solos by each artist, as well as a couple of vocal collaborations between the two, as well as some vocal turns by Bruce Chanel, Mack Vickery, J.W. Younger, Red Lane & Clinton Gregory. Backing musicians include such luminaries as Owen Bradley on piano and autoharp, and Clinton Gregory on fiddle.

 The most amazing thing of all, is that Desperate Men, was put out during the height of Nashville's newfound love affair with music that was decidedly un-country, moving about as far away from real, authentic, and honest country music as you could get. Since this was a time a little before the internet really took off, and indie labels/releases didn't stand a chance against the marketing power of the major labels in the regular marketplace, it's not surprising that this absolute treasure went virtually overlooked and unheard by most people. 

 For those out there that mourn the loss of country music "like it used to be"...real, honest, raw and heartfelt, the kind that evokes strong images and deep emotions, Desperate Men must have been made to raise our spirits that there are indeed others that do still truly believe, and can deliver the goods. The album is authentic, 100 proof, hardcore country music, jam packed with barroom weepers, honky tonkers, Tex- Mex, hard luck characters, and lots of outlaws.

 Choosing all the highlights on this album of first rate song after first rate song, is nearly impossible, though I have to admit, being a big time sucker for a great outlaw song, my personal favorite tracks are "Dead Or Alive," "Diablo's Highway" and "Woman Be Careful" (probably the best song Waylon never recorded, but nevertheless done to perfection here, with Billy Don, Red Lane and Clinton Gregory sharing vocal duties), which rate among the best out there.

 Hank Cochran does an emotional and heartfelt tribute to Patsy Cline in "Patsy," in his classic Hank style. He'll have you cryin' in your beer in a heartbeat, with the semi-recitative "I'd Better Write That Down," and it's weeping steel. He'll wisk you off on an amusing trip with the Tex-Mex "Way To Mexico." "I Wish It Was That Easy Going Home," with it's lonesome fiddle, is a melancholy weeper where Hank and Billy Don share vocals.

 The slightly bluesy, rowdy, tonky tonker, "No Shortage Of The Blues," finds Billy Don, Hank, Mack Vickery and and J.W. Younger swapping verses, and the listener wanting to hit the dancefloor.

 Billy Don has an amazing knack at being able to convey gut wrenching emotion in "down on his luck" characters, as in "Outskirts Of Desperate," the title track "Desperate Men," and as an aspiring songwriter being told by an old pro what he's up against in "Memories Cost A Lot." 

 Sadly, this stunning gem, Desperate Men, is now out of print. However there are still a few copies floating around out there. Check at your local record shops and stores that carry used CDs. In a personal check around the web, Tower Records still has a limited supply in stock at their site, ( www.towerrecords.com ), as does www.mymusic.com . There are also a few copies, both new and used, floating around through sellers on Amazon and at www.half.com .

 From the CD's liner notes: "Do Not Panic! Do Not Adjust Your Stereo! This is the CD you've been waiting for! There is plenty of red, raw meat in this collection! I thought I was in a time warp as I listened, from beginning to end, and my eyes never once glazed over! If you are now, or ever wanted to be a rebel, a renegade, a singer, a writer, a lover or a fighter, you will LOVE this CD. It is life and love in it's rarest form, brutally honest, hard as nails, and yet, tender enough to put a lump in your throat that you may find hard to swallow! I Love This Album!" - Max D. Barnes 

I'll second that, and I couldn't agree more!! 

Now get out there, track down a copy of this CD, and BUY IT!! Maybe when the realization hits that there really is a BIG demand for real, honest, and truly great country music, someone, somewhere, will do the right thing and please re-issue Desperate Men, giving it, in today's far broader marketplace, a much fairer chance to be heard- one that it justly deserves.

AnnMarie Harrington Take Country Back August 2002