Album Notes

"R.G. Stark of Blue Diamond Shine writes about moral struggles just the same way Gram Parsons once did it, and sings 'em much like Jimmie Dale Gilmore does today. 'That Godforsaken Road' traveled by this five-piece is hard one, but its also going somewhere special. The production is sparse, yet the playing is tight and focused. The song 'Jet Planes and Rattlesnakes' gives a good overview of how Blue Diamond Shines tales describe a world where the modern jet age meets the harsh barren country like, that exists way outside of town. Stark writes the kinds of songs that may bring empathy to the listener one moment, then pity the next. Whatever the emotion, however, one can't listen to this music and still remain unmoved. Blue Diamond Shine is a sparkling example of what traditonal country music is all about." -- Dan Macintosh, The Roughstock Network

"The very real strengths on this Austin group's second album are John Stark's offbeat songwriting, Eric Hisaw's crisp lead guitar and Larry Tracy's lush steel ... Stark's lyrics make the effort very worthwhile on all ten originals, particularly 'Jetplanes and Rattlesnakes' and 'Comedy and Tragedy.'" -- John Conquest, 3rd Coast Music

"Austin-based Country Rock that isn't afraid to get a little surreal. Blue Diamond Shine peppers its sound with dreamy pedal steel slides, rattlesnake rhythms, and a singer who sounds like Chris Isaak with a longer inseam." -- Listen.com ..