“Choctaw Bingo” by James McMurtry

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Well here we are at Choctaw Bingo.  One complete hell of a song.  Lets pull out the old list of synonyms for unbelievable and amazing.  CB is the semi official anthem of the cross country/alternative country/independent singer/songwriter movement based in Austin or Nashville or maybe at Guy and Susannah’s house, whatever.

I do hereby declare Choctaw Bingo the gold standard by which all profound and profane barnburners are henceforth judged. I was not smart enough for a couple of years to know that McMurtry wrote this, thinking it was Ray Wylie’s.  He does a great version, a at a lesser if not more menacing decibel.  Well, after I heard Choctaw B. at the Cibolo Creek Country Club, which is where this song was recorded live, I changed my ever lovin’ mind.  This IS the one… first, last, and always.  McMurtry’s unique sounding rhythm guitar is excellent, but the sceaming lead electric guitar further accentuates it from more tame versions, and catapults this version to the mountaintop.

It is one of the greatest Americana songs ever written.  I hesitate to say it is the best ever, but it damn sure may be.  Fans of the song may not have heard this live take.  Many of you may never have even heard of the song.  That’s one of the things that HarryShots is for. So, strap yourselves in, give the kids a little benedryl and here goes.  The very best song going…  HL