Review – Hank3 & David Allan Coe “The Outlaw Ways”
The long-rumored, long-anticipated Hank Williams III and David Allan Coe collaboration was a long time in the making and even longer coming. But it’s here, and though some may have been wishing for a few songs or even an entire album, clocking in at over 7 minutes, “The Outlaw Ways” will satiate your Hank3/David Allan Coe collaboration jones just fine.
It is easy to get over-hyped about a pairing such as this. History shows that these collaborations don’t always match the sum of their celebrity parts. Sometimes they fall flat, and sometimes they become part of country music lore, like the legendary pairing of Waylon Jennings and Hank Jr. in “The Conversation.” “The Outlaw Ways” is loosely based around this same lyrical structure, with the two country music Outlaws trading lines and coming together for the chorus. Both Hank Jr. and Waylon are also mentioned in the song. But instead of conversing about Hank Sr., Hank3 and David Allan Coe converse about each other and their friendship over the years, and about the authentic “Outlaw” identity that flies in the face of the faux Outlaw movement on Music Row these days.
“The Outlaw Ways” is no world beater, but it is a fun song with some cool moments in the verses that will be a treasure for the artists’ respective fans. With the most obvious focus being the pairing of the two men and the words, the music of “The Outlaw Ways” could have become an afterthought, but instead it is one of the songs strengths, starting off with a country fiddle riff, falling to half time in the ol’ Waylon style in the versus, and featuring a tasteful steel guitar solo in the middle.
When David Allan Coe was hospitalized after an accident in Florida, and with the recent passing of George Jones, it makes collaborations like this that much more prized and valuable. We let our country music heroes into our hearts and homes because we can connect with them so closely. It’s even more cool when they connect with each other.
1 1/2 of 2 guns up.
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Preview & Purchase “The Outlaw Ways” on Amazon
(6-10-13) UPDATE: “The Outlaw Ways” has just been made available on Red 10″ Vinyl at Hank3’s web store.
Also available on iTunes and Google Play.
DAC: You know your grandpa was one of my heroes Hank Hank3: David you were always one of mine DAC: You know I loved them old Luke the Drifter songs Hank3: Man, how I loved “The Ride.” That song got me all balled up real deep inside. DAC: That’s the same way that I felt, the day that I heard Waylon died. Hank3: Ol’ Jr. once said it best. A country boy can survive. DAC: Yeah I don’t even think you’ve started man. To hit your hellbilly stride. CHORUS Together: It’s The Outlaw Ways, living day by day, it’s in the songs that we play, it’s in the things that we say. Hank3: Might smoke a little, might drink a lot. DAC: Brothers of the road with broken hearts Hank3: If you think you might understand our crazy ways DAC: You might be living The Outlaw Ways Hank3: The ol’ Louisiana Hayride always respected Hank It’s a shame the Opry don’t do the same DAC: With all of them wannabe impersonators at the door Hank3: And they still won’t reinstate the King of Country Music’s name I’ve got my kin folks they can’t take that away from me DAC: 3, you’ve been doing your own thing. Hank3: You know that’s how it ought to be DAC: Yeah you know you could’ve took the easy way out and just rode on ol’ Hank Sr.’s name CHORUS DAC: You put the cunt back in country and the dick back in Dixie too Hank3: Hell you know I was being a rebel, doing what I had to do. Sometimes you gotta do a little more than just kick down their door DAC: You mean like Johnny Cash and “A Boy Named Sue” Hank3: Remember back when you told them to kiss your ass. Then you hit them with that “Longhaired Redneck” too. CHORUS
May 22, 2013 @ 11:40 am
FINALLY
May 22, 2013 @ 11:56 am
Wow.. I listened to the sample on itunes and its just plain awful… I remember when III was great! those were the days. He is less than good now. its a damn shame really…
May 22, 2013 @ 12:13 pm
I felt the same way. The production/mixing also sounds very muddled, with the vocals having a tin can quality to them. Not to mention the fact that Coe sounds completely different from how I remember him (which might be because I haven’t heard any of his recent material). Despite this, I still want to hear the whole thing and I’m awaiting a YouTube post.
Trigger’s right about these collaborations tending to be more about who’s involved than the music itself. Even “The Conversation” strikes me as a bit contrived, mostly due to Hank Jr.s tendency to name-drop his father in about half of his songs, which makes it seem just like another run-of-the-mill single. However, time has been kind to the song for me, as I’ve grown accustomed to it’s style and have even come to like it quite a bit, despite its nature. Lately, I’ve been listening to it every time I want to hear some Hank Jr. We’ll see if this collaboration between his son and D.A.C. stands the test of time.
May 22, 2013 @ 12:40 pm
This may sound like sacrilege, but I was never high on “The Conversation” either. I’m going to go out on a limb and say the words to “The Outlaw Ways” are even less contrived than they were on “The Conversation.”
The CMA has a distinction for songs like this. They call them “music events,” and I think that is how they need to be approached.
As for the production, that is because Hank3 only records using the same consumer-grade D 1600 10 track machine that he’s recorded everything he’s released since his album “Straight to Hell” in 2006. I wish he would upgrade, but that is his thing. He latches on to artifacts, and uses them until they fall apart. As muddy as this may sound to folks, I get similar complaints when I talk about Kellie Pickler or The Pistol Annies about how polished it sounds.
May 22, 2013 @ 12:17 pm
Not to discount your opinion, but on a song that is over 7 minutes, a 30 second clip does even less justice that it normally does. You still may not like the song and that is fine. But I would encourage a full listen.
I think folks need to understand the context of this song and that it is supposed to be a fun collaboration taking “The Conversation” model and doing it their own way. I myself have been guilty of not listening to songs in context and being too harsh on them, wanting every song to be some life-altering event. I think it could have been written a little better and that is why I graded it what I did. But if they tried to make some Grammy-winning song, it probably would have turned out worse.
May 22, 2013 @ 12:35 pm
Wait a minute … you’re encouraging listening to music “in context” with this song, but not the ones on your “Worst Songs of All Time” list? 🙂
May 22, 2013 @ 12:45 pm
From above, “I myself have been guilty of not listening to songs in context and being too harsh on them, wanting every song to be some life-altering event.”
Though that’s not necessarily referring directly to the “Worst Songs” list. In the end these are simply my opinions based on many varying and sometimes arbitrary factors meant to stimulate discussion, broaden musical perspectives, and to create a forum for others to share their opinions.
May 22, 2013 @ 12:55 pm
I’m aware, and I DID notice that when I read your comment. I was mainly kidding and I obviously respect your writing or I probably wouldn’t be reading. I just wasn’t about to let THAT one slip through, even IF you’re admitting it :). And don’t get me wrong: 95% of the songs you chose belong on that list. It’s the 5% that I’M concerned about (and my math might be a little off, so pardon me in advance).
May 22, 2013 @ 12:12 pm
Man, that was all kinds of terrible. Is there a curse where people get worse when they leave curb?
May 22, 2013 @ 12:12 pm
I liked this better when it was “The Conversation” with Bocephus and Waymore.
May 22, 2013 @ 12:21 pm
I’m a big fan of both of them but so far I just don’t get excited about this like I should be. It’s sounds alright but nothing special. I’ll wait for a new Hank album before I spend my money. Too many other great albums out there right now competing for my money and money is slim.
May 22, 2013 @ 12:28 pm
Wow, terrible. Sounded like a midi backing band with heavily processed vocals, that drum sound and that cymbal effect on the chorus is grating. I couldnt even make it to the end. I was already yawning after the first chorus. I realize its a fun song and not supposed to be life altering or anything but sonically this is a major dud. It sounds like a home demo recording someone would make on Fruity Loops before going into the studio to cut it properly.
May 22, 2013 @ 1:15 pm
That’s because Hank3 used the same D 1600 consumer-grade recorder he’s be using for years to record all of his stuff. Though I appreciate the DIY idea behind this decision and in many ways I still think it is cool, the audio quality is beginning to keep people from his music (beyond the content itself). I’m all for DIY recording, but the technology has improved so much over the last few years, there’s no reason he can’t dramatically upgrade the quality by getting some new gear, yet still do it all at home.
May 22, 2013 @ 1:33 pm
Oh I am aware how he likes to record DIY using the same machine. It has been awhile since I listened to his records but do they really sound as bad as this? I don’t remember it sounding like a midi drum machine, fake instrument loops and processed vocals. It all just seemed half assed and thrown together in one night, like a late night home demo session to get some ideas down, not to release to the public.
May 22, 2013 @ 2:02 pm
Alright, so I just did a little sleuthing because so many folks were complaining about the production. I didn’t think it was great, but it definitely did not sound as awful as some are saying. Here’s what I found (sorry, don’t feel like repeating myself): https://savingcountrymusic.com/review-hank3-david-allan-coe-the-outlaw-ways#comment-466983
May 22, 2013 @ 12:28 pm
I think it came out pretty damn good. DAC doesnt sound like he did in his prime, but it is still an awsome song! I wish they would do a whole album together
May 22, 2013 @ 12:29 pm
Is this song for real? I’m confused.
The songwriting is beyond atrocious. The music sounds like something I’ve heard III already use on record…could he have recycled a track? Either way…the production is terrible. I’m a huge fan of Coe but this is hands down the worst performance of his career. To be honest they both sound lost in the track.
It pains me to say this but III’s best days are behind him. Shame on you for giving such a piss poor effort a good review.
May 22, 2013 @ 12:32 pm
…yet I’m getting torched on Facebook for not calling it the best song in years. Just shows you get no points for being honest.
May 22, 2013 @ 1:04 pm
Who in their right minds would criticize you for not praising it more? That’s crazy!
May 22, 2013 @ 11:57 pm
Yes, SHOCKING that someone may have an opinion about music that differs from yours. It’s probably because they are an inferior human being.
May 22, 2013 @ 11:22 pm
Mary Sparr of Bowling Green, KY, aka “Wow,”
If you’re going to take to your stupid little blog and put words in my mouth, probably not a good idea to them come to my site and troll my comments. Never said anything about this track being “historically important,” and never said anything that either alludes to or infers that. You want to take to your stupid little blog to talk shit, more power. The last thing I want to do is get in the way of free pub. But do me a favor and keep my words out of your mouth unless you’re going to represent them accurately. And lo and behold when I poke around, what do I find? Shooter’s flag all over your shit. Tell Shooter you should be awarded 5 scene points for attacking Saving Country Music, and 5 scene points for attacking Hank3.
(This is the point when you take to the internet to tell everyone I’m “unsettled”)
May 22, 2013 @ 12:43 pm
1 1/2 guns up is fair grade. I listened all the way through, and I like it.
May 22, 2013 @ 1:03 pm
People complaining about this song should realize its supposed to be in line with the conversation. It’s almost like the next generation of the conversation. Hanks best days are not behind him. It is unreal his commitment to his brand of music by doing it himself his way. And keep in mind Coe did this for his fans at his age and what he’s accomplished he doesn’t have to do anything anymore. This song is great fun and its two of my all time favorites together. I love it for what it is. Keep it coming hank And thank you DAC.
May 22, 2013 @ 1:58 pm
The problem is that the Conversation was a well written tune. And, the production was cool. This song, however, sounds too contrived. The production is shit.
May 22, 2013 @ 2:04 pm
There MAY be some issues with the production because the download files got degraded or corrupted. Has nothing to do with the lyrics, but may explain why it sounds so bad. https://savingcountrymusic.com/review-hank3-david-allan-coe-the-outlaw-ways#comment-466983
May 22, 2013 @ 1:11 pm
Positive – DAC isn’t rapping
Negative – sounds like the music was done on a Casio.
Conclusion – I want my $0.99 back.
Maybe curb wasn’t so bad for III.
May 22, 2013 @ 2:05 pm
There MAY be some issues with the production because the download files got degraded or corrupted. https://savingcountrymusic.com/review-hank3-david-allan-coe-the-outlaw-ways#comment-466983
May 22, 2013 @ 1:24 pm
I listened to this last night, and wanted to sleep on it before I reacted.
Like any number of people I know, Shelton’s “Straight to Hell” got me into the underground. I still think Lovesick, Broke and Driftin was his finest record, and maybe the best country record of the past couple decades.
That said, there’s been some blemishes on the last few records. And production aside, the context of The Conversation aside, I’m of the opinion that this is a poorly written tune. More, I’d be surprised if Hank wouldn’t agree, considering the gems he’s written in the past. This feels like slumming for both artists, and I know both are capable of 10 times the writing ability of this tune.
My fifth of a dime.
May 22, 2013 @ 1:56 pm
Alright folks, so I just did an experiment for shits and giggles. When I first listened to this song, I listened to it on Spotify. Though I didn’t think the production value was great, it wasn’t so bad that I felt any need to remark on it. I just went and listened to the samples on Amazon and iTunes. They sound TERRIBLE. Regularly the songs samples are uploaded at an inferior bit rate compared to the actual song files, but this sounds even worse, like the files got corrupted or something. So then I downloaded the song on Amazon, and played it right beside the Spotify version at the same volume, on the same system. Though the downloaded version does not sound as bad as the samples, it still sounds like an inferior version of the song. I have seen this happen before when songs get digitally distributed. Files can get degraded or corrupted. I’m not sure if this is exactly what has happened here, but I would encourage everyone to NOT judge this song on the samples, even more so than normal. You may still think it is corny, but I think something might have happened in the upload process. I’m not really in a position to say for sure because I don’t have the original file.
And again, not trying to convince anyone that doesn’t like this song that they should, but the way a song sounds production wise goes a very long way in how we form opinions about them.
May 22, 2013 @ 2:33 pm
So what is the definitive version of this song we should be judging the sound quality on? The vinyl version? I don’t see it translating any better to record considering hes using that same digital home recording unit, chances are its going to be muddier than this but thats just speculation. I paid the .99 on iTunes and since reading this streamed a youtube link and they both sounded pretty sub par, midi like.
May 22, 2013 @ 2:50 pm
Good point though, I definitely considered it, aint the first time quality didnt translate over. But will wait to cast a final judgement I guess. Initially it sounded like DAC vocals were slowed down, still does to me but maybe thats the way its supposed to sound. Hell maybe if theyd ‘pick up the tempo’ a bit itd be less boring of a song.
Also, that has to be a drum machine. I am convinced. Heard too many poorly programmed drums in my time. I dont get it considering he is a competent drummer from what I heard. Plus those vocal effects, is that auto-tune (I know nothing about auto-tune, I am not acuusing) or just some sort of distortion filter? Regardless it sounds unnatural and processed much like auto-tune and distortion does.
May 22, 2013 @ 9:19 pm
Yeah man I definitely agree with you. It coulda been a lot better, and thats hard for me to say cause im a die hard Hank 3 and DAC fan. They both are absolutely great. And yeah Hank 3 is a good drummer. He was the drummer in Arson Anthem. So who knows what happened with the drumming.
May 22, 2013 @ 2:19 pm
The production value is awful (sounds WAY worse than STH), but what’s up with the vocal distortion he’s been using lately? Gettin real tired of that.
There was a time not long ago when these two artists were tied for ‘Greatest Ever’ in
My mind… What happened?? I realize Coe is aging, but that shouldn’t excuse awful
Lyrics like these.
I really want to like this new album he’s got coming out, but this isn’t exactly the
‘Teaser’ track I was hoping for…
May 22, 2013 @ 4:58 pm
Who is that on the cover? Worst cover for any single or album I’ve seen in years.
May 22, 2013 @ 11:23 pm
That’s Hank Williams III and David Allan Coe, so show some fucking respect. So a Shooter troll who works behind an alias is going to complain about ambiguity?
Cowardly.
May 22, 2013 @ 5:06 pm
I’m assuming that III has another badass album on the way and this track was so bad he had to release it beforehand. That’s the only explanation.
May 22, 2013 @ 7:39 pm
I really didn’t have any problem with the vocals or recording quality. I just thought they lyrics were way too lazy. It felt like a laundry list almost. Plus things like rhyming “crazy ways” and “outlaw ways” in the chorus. And considering how good a song writers both of these guys are, that’s the disappointing part.
May 22, 2013 @ 8:35 pm
Wow. Can’t believe all the criticism this is getting. Not the best song I have ever heard but not bad by far. Two guys paying respect to one another. Excellent music. Trigger has it rated correctly. This site seems to be drawing a much different crowd these days. Kinda sickening.
May 22, 2013 @ 9:13 pm
Well I just figured out that some of the comments here are a concerted effort by a Shooter fan to troll this comments section and create chaos; a comment tactic by Shooter’s toadies over and over to curry favor and earn scene points. I don’t understand why if they hate me so, why they can’t just stay on their side of the internet. One of them is about to learn a very, very hard lesson. Line crossed.
May 22, 2013 @ 9:16 pm
I’m kinda “eh” on this one. Never been much of a DAC fan to begin with (I know, I know, that’s heresy round these parts). But it just isn’t that good
May 22, 2013 @ 9:32 pm
I really liked it. I thought it was a fun listen. I can’t believe all the people complaining on here.
May 22, 2013 @ 9:35 pm
Taste is subjective. We don’t all like the same things, I guess
May 22, 2013 @ 9:50 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWsuVuw5JO4
Just in case you hadn’t found it on youtube yet.