Texas-based singer/songwriter
Gary P. Nunn writes dryly humorous country-pop with some honky tonk and Western swing influences (think of
Terry Allen without the artsy influences), and sings in an appealingly old-fashioned voice, one that at times recalls
Ray Price's familiar, warm tones. Songs like the hilarious character study "Hard Partyin' Country Darlin'" and the wry first single "Perfectly Normal" hit the tone exactly right, knowing and snarky without dipping into silliness. (Well, "Hillbilly, Hog-Ridin', Road-Runnin' Man" is pretty silly, but in the best possible way.) Those already familiar with
Nunn's genial, pop-friendly take on traditional country will find
Something for the Trail to be yet another solid album, salted with a few more serious tunes like the heartfelt "Second Thoughts." Newcomers who enjoy this should check out 1998's
What I Like About Texas, a solid best-of, for a look at
Gary P. Nunn's back story. ~ Stewart Mason