FourProgressiveCountryLandmarks

Pre-cosmic cowboys, early outlaws and toe-tappin’ genre hoppers

MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY GERONIMO’S CADILLAC

MCA, 1972 A stirring debut of off-centre country, gospel and singersongwriter reflection, beautifully played and produced. The title track was later covered by Cher, while The Monkees had already tackled the spritely “What Am I Doing Hangin’ Round?”

WAYLON JENNINGS GOOD HEARTED WOMAN

RCA, 1972 The first of a trilogy of uncompromising LPs that provided an early template for outlaw country. The rollicking title track is a co-write with Willie Nelson, while elsewhere Jennings sings Kris Kristofferson’s “To Beat The Devil” like he’d lived every word – which he had.

DOUG SAHM DOUG SAHM AND BAND

ATlANTiC, 1973

Sahm and a stellar cast steer his signature blend of rock’n’roll, R&B and tejano in an overtly country direction. It’s live and loose, with westernswing fiddle meeting peppery blues. Bob Dylan duets on his own “Wallflower”, and Sahm covers Willie Nelson’s “Me And Paul” with soulful bite.

JERRY JEFF WALKER VIVA TERLINGUA!

A&M, 1973

Walker and the Lost Gonzo Band perform at Luckenbach Dancehall with cocky zest. Half the LP showcases Austinbased songwriters: Gary P Nunn, Guy Clark and Ray Wylie Hubbard, whose “…Redneck Mother” was a robust reply to Merle Haggard’s patriotic – and partially satirical – “Okie From Muskogee”.