Hillbilly Joker, Who's Laughing Now?

Hank III's new album release "Hillbilly Joker" is by far both my favorite album of the year, and my least favorite. Let me explain: It would be hands down my all-time favorite release of this year, had Hank III been the one to release it. The conditions under which this album made its "official" debut are nothing short of deplorable.

In 2003, Hank III, then signed by label Curb Records, created an album entitled "This Aint Country" and sent it to Curb's producers. Curb Records, under the general impression that Hank III would be creating nothing but traditional country songs in the same line as his father and grandfather, refused to produce the album. Later, they negotiated a release of Hank's edgy, punk meets hardcore meets outlaw country sound by allowing his harder music to be produced under the band name "Assjack".

For ten years the songs from the original "This Aint Country" album circulated around his fan following underground, which was fitting since Hank the third himself has always been more of an underground artist. However, clearly frustrated with the limitations placed upon him by Curb Records, Hank III broke ties with the music giant and went his own way.

Shortly after he left the label, Curb announced that they would be releasing a "new" Hank III album entitled "Hillbilly Joker". The album was released without any say from Hank himself on May 17, 2011 and according to several write ups found on savecountrymusic.com, Hank has reportedly said to his fans regarding this album "Don't buy it, but get it some other way and burn the hell out of it and give it to everyone."

Despite Hank III's requests to his fans to not purchase this album, it broke the top ten on music charts, and has remained in the top 40. For true long-time fans of Hank III, it is both an exciting event, with these ten year old songs finally coming into production, but also somewhat a slap in the face- given the context with which the album was produced.

The songs on this album are neither new, nor are they solely Hank III, despite being released as both. Fans interested in this album should note that the ten song album is primarily his original work with his band Assjack. Fans enamored with his old school, traditional, outlaw country sound might be disappointed to hear that this album has nothing to do with his usual country sound. I cannot reiterate enough, that this album is really an Assjack album.

If you are a fan of Assjack you will be delighted. Once again Hank has pushed the limits of today's rock and roll sound, by superbly blending together sounds of raw hard-rock, edgy punk, and his iconic outlaw country voice into one delirious sound track. You will find all three sounds on this album, from the hard metal tinged "Ten Feet Under" to the more recognizable punk sounds of "Life of Sin". If you are a supporter of artists pushing the limits, and asserting their freedom, then Hank III is a cannot miss artist, and "Hillbilly Joker" is another fantastic showcase of his incredible musical talent, as well as his personal insight into what makes his fans tick. Even if the songs aren't technically "new". Once again, with the age of these songs, we are reminded that Hank III knew what he was doing when they were written, and he knows what he's doing now. Kudos to you Hank III for walking away and refusing to change yourself. In the spirit of the outlaw country artist himself, I have to say- check out this album in whatever way you can, but if you really want to support this amazing and talented artist, respect his request and don't purchase it. It is definitely worth the listen.