“They call her all-beef Patty/ She’s got her eye on my daddy.” So opens the title track of Folk Uke’s third LP, setting an irreverent tone that both exemplifies the duo of Amy Nelson and Cathy Guthrie, and belies their songwriting talents. Assembling a crack band – Mike Stinson, Randy Weeks, and the Jayhawks’ Marc Perlman – plus contributions from their legendary fathers, Willie and Arlo, as well as Lukas and Micah Nelson, the duo kisses and bites. “BJ to the DJ” sways lovingly lascivious, while Willie plays amusing foil to the one-liner laden “Sweet Talker.” The duo harmonizes on Woody Guthrie’s “California Stars” with Arlo on guitar, “Wear You Down” lopes bluesy alongside a hilarious riff-off of Bowie’s “Space Oddity” (“Crowd Control”), and closer “Mic Stand” jams celebratory. Nelson and Guthrie have a blast calling bullshit even as they gleefully step in it.

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This article appears in October 21 • 2016.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.