In this week's episode we're featuring the second album (of three) for Michigan's Larry Ballard: "Honky Tonk Heaven Is A Hell Of A Place To Be" (1976). "Discovered" and produced by the legendary Pete Drake, there is precious little information out there about Larry Ballard's three albums for Capitol in the 70s. The second of those, however, features some of the finest country singer/songwriter material you've never heard of. With audible ties to multiple genres a la Gary Stewart of the same era, it's no surprise to learn Ballard has a background in rock 'n' roll. Once the switch to country came, Drake assembled a fine studio group to back Larry Ballard and the steel strains of Paul Franklin are simply delightful. Pictured in a cafe corner booth on the front of the album nursing a half-empty beer, cigarette in hand staring wistfully out the window, such classic country imagery doesn't lead us astray: "Honky Tonk Heaven" has plenty to like for listeners willing to dig past the big names in the record bin.. and it makes you wonder why Ballard seemingly disappeared after 1977.
The Mavericks - What A Crying Shame
George Jones - Cold Hard Truth
The Country Gentlemen - Joe's Last Train
Jean Shepard - Slippin' Away
All Faron!
Dallas Moore - Tryin' To Be A Blessing
Marty Robbins - Good 'N Country
Peggy Sue - Dynamite!
Herschel Parker
Jason Allen - Something I Dreamed
Ricky Skaggs - Highways & Heartaches
Ray Price - Greatest Hits
The Hanson Family - Rhythm Rides Again
Kelly Spinks - Thank God For Cowboys
Billy Joe Shaver - I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal
Jeff Brown - Wanderin' Man
Cal Smith - I've Found Someone Of My Own
Jerry Webb - Red Lips & Honky Tonks
Highway 101 - Bing Bang Boom
Tony Booth - The Key's In The Mailbox
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