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.
Tommy Overstreet & The Nashville Express - There'll Never Be Another First Time
Ray Price - Sometimes A Rose
George Jones - Love Bug
Mel Tillis - Stateside
James Carothers - Still Country, Still King: A Tribute To George Jones
Justin Tubb - Justin Tubb (Self Titled)
Kristyn Harris - Down The Trail
Wayne Kemp - Wayne Kemp (Self Titled)
Laura Cash - Awake But Dreaming
David Ball - Thinkin' Problem
Merle Haggard - A Tribute To The Best Damn Fiddle Player In The World
Tracy Byrd - Love Lessons
Dolly Parton - The Grass Is Blue
Bobby Marquez - The Cowboy Way
Weldon Henson - Honky Tonk Frontier
Starday Country & Western Golden Hit Parade
Jack Guthrie - His Greatest Songs
Randy Travis - Old 8x10
Skeets McDonald - Call Me Skeets!
Jim Owen - A Song For Us All: A Salute To Hank Williams
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