Damn, It's 2 Early

Damn, It's 2 Early

(KLBJ FM) Both fans and detractors of KLBJ's Dudley & Bob Show will find value in Damn, It's 2 Early, the latest in-studio compilation from the mega-popular morning radio show. First off, there's practically no Dudley & Bob -- practically no talk at all, in fact -- just 23 tracks of local and national acts sharing stripped-down tunes live on the air. This crosses the spectrum from favorite Austin acts (Li'l Cap'n Travis' "Lonesome and Losin'") to forgotten stars (Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe taking on the band's "Photograph"). Most of the performances are executed with precision, the entire compilation sequenced with an easygoing, early-morning mood. The Gourds' cover of Snoop's "Gin and Juice" sits near Bruce Robison's "What Would Willie Do?" while They Might Be Giants are in the same vicinity with their acoustic reworking of the Malcolm in the Middle theme song "Boss of Me." Singer-songwriter Steve Poltz delivers the album's best track in Jewel's "You Were Meant for Me," which he actually co-wrote. Poltz relays a lengthy but hilarious anecdote during the song's bridge about getting drunk in Vegas and deciding to steal coins from a curbside musician until he realizes she's performing his song. Lazy additions like Hayseed Dixie's "Poop in a Jar" keep the disc from being an all-around winner, but all around, Damn, It's 2 Early is pretty damn good.