Notable Quotes

Entertainment Weekly
"This is country at its elemental best, equal parts whimsy, passion, and revelation."
Grade: A-

People
"Full of wry folk wisdom and raw, twangy musical talent."
4 Stars

Rolling Stone
"The Lubbock, Texas supergroup…is still riding high."
3.5 Stars

New York Times
"The combination of the wisdom of Mr. Hancock, the reediness of Mr. Gilmore and the muscle of Mr. Ely is potent."

USA Today
"The group’s collective sense of wit and camaraderie pervades the disc, making any track that comes up a likely winner."

Blender
"Their wise, playful story-songs retain a mischievous vitality."
4 Stars

Details
"Alt-twang’s legendary hard-luck heroes rustle up an oasis for country fans sick of the puss-in-boots mainstream mash of Shania & Co."
3.5 Stars

Esquire
"With the feel of a classic Nashville song swap, the album’s disparate voices and dry wit cement the Flatlanders as the older, countrified Outkast."

Mojo
"Guitars glow, characters shine, egos dim. It’s Buena Vista Social Club with banjos (and a musical saw)."
4 Stars

Billboard
"Their instincts are keen, bespeaking creative synergy and combined genius. Finally, the Flatlanders are more band than legend."

Time Out New York
"These time-tested kindred spirits obviously bask in the pleasure of each other’s company and in the sheer joy of creating music together, making this the rare reunion effort that actually enhances the bands legacy rather than diluting it."

Relix
"Fans of the trio will find Wheels of Fortune to be a continuation of what Ely, Gilmore and Hancock do best: harmonize about life’s laughs and sadness without getting too schmaltzy or too polished. It’s a solid listen."

Performing Songwriter
"Wheels of Fortune is both informed by tradition and thoroughly original, like a Sergio Leone Western or Cormac McCarthy novel. In plainer words, it’s damn good."

No Depression
"Wheels of Fortune is aces in the good old-fashioned way: because its songs are aces. And the performances live up to them, and then some."

Reviews