*** WILLIS ALAN RAMSEY

(Koch)

When first released, in 1972, Willis Alan Ramsey fit snugly into the mellow-funky vibe epitomized by such inconsequential gems as Michael Hurley's Hi-Fi Snock Uptown and Bobby Charles and J.J. Cale's first album. Ramsey's debut, like Cale's, was on Leon Russell's Shelter label; the Texas singer/songwriter had a grasp of jean-jacket poesy and bluesy finger-picking that let you know he was a proud ruralist. Factor in a cavalier studio approach and a mush-mouthed vocal style and you could consider this debut a sub rosa classic -- shaggy-dog style. If Mudslide Slim was a bit too glossy for you, Willis Alan Ramsey was right there wagging its tail.

Almost 30 years later all those qualified compliments are still valid. Alluring nuggets include a conflation of Mike Nesmith's drawl and Furry Lewis's grumble, some rangy jukebox swing, and a sashay through Ramsey's meal ticket, "Muskrat Love." Although I'll disagree with Lyle Lovett's sticker blab about its being one of the greatest albums of all time, I certainly herald Willis Alan Ramsey's return. Wouldn't be nice if Marc Benno's A&M stuff came tumbling by next?

-- Jim Macnie