TCMA’s Best Texas Country Picks Vol. 9 brings together 19 tracks by various artists. Below, Rick Huff considers the collection’s Western imagery, Western Swing, and honky-tonk selections.
Rick Huff’s review
Review by Rick Huff
Well, we’re back to minimal representation of Western in the TCMA’s chosen group, but among the nineteen admittedly fine tracks in their newest collection, at least we do find one with strong Western imagery (used to tell an old story) and one Wills-style Western Swinger. Okay, there’s a Honky Tonk Swinger in the bunch, too.
Fleshing out the theme of leaving a bad relationship, “Cowgirl Blues” from Kendall Shaw contains wagon loads of Western wording. “My boots are worn,” “campfire’s all aglow,” “gonna saddle up – it’s time to ride,” “got my horse and cowgirl hat,” “the sun is prairie wide,” “a lost and distant trail,” “it’s time for me to cowgirl up” and more. Even the good old “you’re all hat and no cattle” rides in. Whatever the arrangement, it qualifies! Next, Bob Wills would be pleased with Dave Edwards’ full-out Western Swing arrangement for “I’ve Got Nowhere To Go But Crazy” (as we’ve pointed out in an earlier review). The Honky Tonker is Eric Lee Beddingfield’s “Too Much Lonesome.”
Hey, Texas?? Yo!! TEXAS!!! You’re also producing top quality Western out there in the wilds. The TMCA has Western producers and performers among its members. Next time pick up on more of it!!
— Rick Huff
Best Texas Country Picks Vol. 9 track list
Track order and artist credits follow the album’s streaming listing.
- Her Old Flame — The Neon Prophets
- What I Know Now — Wes McClelland
- Abilene — J Michael Harter
- Bottom of the Glass — Steve Anthony
- Too Much Lonesome — Eric Lee Beddingfield
- War & Whiskey — Justin Heskett
- Give Love a Second Chance — Grady Keenan
- Still a Hurricane — Justin Headworth
- My Crazy — Chase Kimey
- Cowgirl Blues — Kendall Shaw
- Honey Boy Honey Girl — Laura Linda, George Mercado
- Messed up as I Feel — Greg Strawn
- I’ve Got Nowhere to Go but Crazy — Dave Edwards
- A Bug on the Windshield — Amy Ames
- West Texas Wind — Axel O
- You’re Still Gone — Matt Damon
- Last Night — John Smyths
- More Than Angels — Randall McGuire
- I Think I Really Like This Guy — Kate Russell
More country and Western music
Visit Kendall Shaw’s official website to hear more from the singer of “Cowgirl Blues.” For more reviews, explore Rick’s Sampling the Singles – Fall 2026, his review of Ed Meyer’s Cowboy Dreams, and our Rick Huff reviews archive.
Watch Kendall Shaw — Cowgirl Blues
Watch the “Cowgirl Blues” music video featured on Kendall Shaw’s official website.