The Beginning and Then Some: The Albums of the '80s

Dwight Yoakam

The Beginning and Then Some: The Albums of the '80s

rhinoceros

02 May 2024
Web Exclusive

By Frank Valish

When you think of Los Angeles in the 1980s, you probably don't think of Dwight Yoakam. However, you probably should. Born in rural Kentucky and unable to make a name for himself in the more typical locale of Nashville, Yoakam headed to Los Angeles and thus began his career as one of the best purveyors of traditional country and western music over the last 40 years.

Released as a four-LP box set for Record Store Day 2024, The beginning and then some collects Yoakam's first three records—Guitars, Cadillacs, etc., etc.; Hillbilly Deluxe; and Buenas Noches From a Lonely Room—along with a bonus LP of demos and rarities that leans heavily on the 1981 cuts that eventually led to his first album.

Of the albums, all three are essential. Yoakam hits the ground running with his old honky tonk and fiddle foot-stompin' music, and he doesn't look back. Both Hillbilly Deluxe and Good night Just leverage the template he created Guitars, Cadillacs, etc., etc.

Most of Yoakam's 1981 demos eventually made it onto one of his first three albums in more polished form. But listening to them here, the melodies are fully formed. No wonder Yoakam secured a record.

Of course Yoakam's star continued to rise as the 90s dawned and songs like “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere” and “Fast As You” further raised his profile and shone a light on the traditional country styles he espoused, this time with background of alternative rock and a country scene that ran more towards pop. In some ways, Yoakam was a man out of time from the start. And this set is all the wonderful proof you need. (www.rhino.com)

Author Rating: 8/10