Bruce Delaney | Flame Dancers

Published: April 6, 2010

Roundup picker Bruce Delaney says in his notes that he’s “been in a lot of jails, a lot of fights, and a lot of car wrecks.” And under “Interests,” he lists “most animals and most kids, if they display a little self-discipline and common-sense courtesy.”

In-between all that, the songwriter and rhythm guitar player delivers the 12 tunes on his new album with a growly, vibrato-y delivery and a sob in his throat. The sound definitely fits the subject matter here, as he sings his own and other’s songs in the rockabilly/country vein of yore.

A snappy shuffle and tappin’ drums open Chan Romero’s “Walkin’ n’ Talkin’,” and there’s a slow country lilt to “Another Shade of Your Goodbye.” I hear the faint echo of a Patsy Cline influence on “Useless You,” with its delicious pedal steel sound, and there’s rockin’ guitar and a great drumbeat pervading “Train of Thought.”

Delaney sings “Anchor Motel” in a sad and plaintive warble, and “Bury My Heart” has a nice country cadence. He’s in love on the guttural and Latin-flavored “Doggone,” and on “Ladies and Horses” he lays down some electric guitar rhythm sure to get ‘em onto the dance floor.

Recorded in Austin in an analog format, the production is fine. You can reach Delaney by e-mailing him at .

– Mariss McTucker