Reviews

"Dale Watson's impending departure to Baltimore is about to leave a gaping hole in the local honky-tonk scene. His shows are models of economy and grace that navigate the depths of neon delight and despair without lapsing into cliché – in other words, big boots to fill. Watson himself helps ease the transition on Michael Shane Borden & the Diesel Kings' self-titled Gulftone effort, as he and Borden wax rhapsodic about Ginny's Little Longhorn on "Honky-Tonk Time Machine." The rest of the Diesel Kings' itinerary hits Fort Worth's legendary "Jacksboro Highway," Borden's childhood ("Daisy Red Ryder," for all you Christmas Story fans), and the tabloid rack for "Truckstop Confessions." Somewhere, Dave Dudley is smiling."

- Christopher Gray/ Austin Chronicle

"This is the real thing; twangy trucking songs of the type that may have been done by Red Simpson in his hey-day with a little more Commander Cody twang thrown in for good measure. Dale Watson helps out on the great "Honky tonk Time Machine". Some of Austin's best musicians participate including Dave Biller on lead, Ricky Davis on steel and Billy Dee (Donahue) on bass. Michael Shane has a good voice. "Truckstop Confessions" is top opening number...a real pedal to the metal job. "Jacksboro Highway" seems like the ready made theme for a movie. "Daisy Red Ryder' may be the only ever song to a b.b. gun. Semi spoken, it is just another example of the variety on this album. It is quite a contrast to an almost Kentucky Headhunters style version of "What's the Matter With the Mill." "Heartbreak 101" is an easy rollin' shuffle. "Alcohol of Fame" may be the third song of that title but is a Borden original. "Paradise Ranch" is a Wylie & Wild West style western themed song. The concluding "The Fifth" is a classic drinkin' song. This is a gem; indie country at its finest."

- Yesterday and Today Records

"Great stuff"

John Brookfield/Pathfinder magazine

- Stewart Fenwick/Country Music & Dance magazine

Sam Harris/Country Routes magazine

- Max Achatz/Coutry Circle magazine

This second effort by Michael Shane Borden is such a really fine album. If you like the honky tonk sounds of people like Dale Watson & Co. you’ll find plenty of in this remarkable and overwhelming cd by Mr. Borden. Accompanied by the Diesel Kings (Brendan Ryan on bass, Daren Hess on drums and Tom Umberger on lead guitar) and by a handful of well known Austin studios session men like Paul Pearcy, Brad Fordham, Ricky Davis and Billy Dee Donahue, Michael Shane Borden shows a strong improvement since his debut in 1998. His songwriting is amazing, the voice gained in convinction and warmth and the production is absolutely brilliant. Country ballads, honky tonk and rockabilly influences alternate without a pause with a genuine and sincere feeling and a ‘high octane’ energy. At this point it’s hard to name the best tracks, eleven songs that fit perfectly one another composing an effective vintage tasted record that greatly intrigue and involve. “Truckstop Confessions”, “Jacksboro Highway”, “Honky Tonk Time Machine” (a masterful duet by Michel Shane and Dale Watson), “Heartbreak 101”, “Alcohol Of Fame” and “Paradise Ranch” even with their titles evoke the classic texan dancehalls, dusty buses that drive the musicians to their next gig and the good ol’ sound plenty of pedal steel and twangy guitars. The album cover art is also very beautiful with its fifties and sixties atmosphere. This cd is warmly recommended to the ‘honky tonk addicted’ and to those who want to take a bit of Lone Star State home.

- Remo Ricaldone/lonestar dot com

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