For those wondering what all the fuss concerning Dwight Yoakam is about, this 20-track overview -- think of it as an abridged version of the essential box set
Reprise Please Baby: The Warner Bros. Years -- should be an illuminating experience. It's a scorching disc of brilliantly executed and deeply felt hard country, surveying Yoakam's career, beginning with his 1984 indie EP,
Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc., which evolved into his
Warners debut of the same title. That classic slice of modern country is represented here by the freewheeling title track and an electrifying remake of
Johnny Horton's "Honky Tonk Man." From there the selections hit high spots over the next 19 years of albums, culminating in two tracks from 2003's indie release,
Population Me. There's no arguing with these choices, which range from an electrifying remake of "Streets of Bakersfield," featuring Yoakam's Bakersfield-based spiritual and musical touchstone
Buck Owens, to "I Sang Dixie," a heartrending ballad about an alcoholic's lonesome death on the L.A. streets. Other highlights include Yoakam's searing remake of
Elvis's "Suspicious Minds" (Dwight being Elvis's premier interpreter, it's only fitting that his urgent reading of "Little Sister" be included as well), the sadistic magnificence of "Ain't That Lonely Yet," and "It Only Hurts When I Cry," a lively honky-tonk monument to self-pity, along with inspired covers of
Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and a western swing take on
Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me." The story behind the story is, of course,
Pete Anderson, who imbues these tracks with his rich productions -- which are seamless short courses in country and rock 'n' roll history -- and his dazzling lead guitar work, a second voice to Yoakam's own. This is an excellent primer on one of modern country music's most fascinating performers.
