I've been meaning to post for some time a little comment on Allison Moorer's latest album "The Duel." Longtime randomness readers will know that I take a moment to gush about Allison's work from time-to-time. For those of you unacquainted, the quick story is that she's Shelby Lynne's younger sister and possesses one of the most lush and powerful voices you'll ever hear. Allison's trying to forge a career in "country" music sans the Nashville machine. Her success has been spotty (she was nominated for an Oscar for her work in "The Horse Whisperer," later dropped from her label and even had a duet with Kid Rock re-cut with Sheryl Crow). Her output, though, has been nothing short of brilliant.

"The Duel" is murky, dark and beautiful. It's a bit more Allman's than her previous work which isn't a bad thing. In spots it literally rocks but more often is that twang/torch style that I adore. What makes me love it, though, is the courage of some of the writing. The title track has her denouncing her diety and the new single "All Aboard" is literally the anti-Toby Keith. Take a look at the lyrics. Simply sardonic. Simply devastating. Simply spot on...

all aboard
bandwagon rides for free
satisfaction guaranteed
fall in line and let it take you farther
hurry up they're going fast
this special offer will not last
all aboard yells the main street barker
all aboard all aboard
all aboard all aboard
sign up and get a flag
wear it proudly you can brag
to the fools who didn't volunteer
some restrictions do apply
watch your mouth and close your eyes
and we allow no yellow foreign queers
all aboard all aboard
all aboard all aboard
a team of old white studs
pulls this rolling country club
climb right on and take a seat
down the beaten path we'll run
high stepping to the drummer's drum
and if you don't like it you can leave
all aboard all aboard
all aboard all aboard
-a. moorer / b. primm

Wow. That's effing brilliant. It's available as t-shirt, too, but somehow I doubt people would "get" it if I wore it to, say, the gym. Or am I not giving people enough credit? What say you?