HILLS AND VALLEYS (2009)

The Flatlanders - Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock – three of Texas’ most respected singer/songwriters, return with Hills And Valleys, a new album out from New West Records. The three friends pooled their diverse, yet complimentary songwriting talents and co-wrote eight of the 13 tracks on the record, their first in 5 years and only 4th studio album in 30 years. Hills And Valleys was produced by Grammy® Award winning producer Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks, Robert Earl Keen, Terry Allen), who also appears on the album playing acoustic guitar, Dobro, pedal steel and more.

The record kicks off with "Homeland Refugee" which Texas Music declares “...isn’t just the best song ever recorded under the Flatlanders name; it could be the best song any of them have ever had a hand in writing, period – a Woody Guthrie-worthy, state-of-the-nation elegy for the American Dream.”

1. Homeland Refugee

2. Borderless Love

3. After The Storm

4. Wishing For A Rainbow

5. No Way I’ll Never Need You

6. Just About Time

7. Love’s Own Chains

8. Cry For Freedom

9. The Way We Are

10. Thank God For The Road

11. Free The Wind

12. Sowing On The Mountain

13. There’s Never Been

LIVE ‘72 (2004)

New West released The Flatlanders Live ’72. Recorded at the One Knite (where Stubb’s BBQ is now) in June of 1972. The band didn’t even know this recording existed until the spring of 2003. The Flatlanders (Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock) initial incarnation had lasted less than a year. They only played a handful of gigs, maybe 15 or so, mostly in somebody’s living room. The One Knite was an Austin, Texas bar that catered to the down-and-out and had just recently started hosting bands who played for tips. The owner, Gary Oliver, was an amateur recording buff and, for his own enjoyment, recorded many of the bands that played in his club. On the night of this performance, only fifteen or twenty people were in the audience (a good crowd for the ’72 Flatlanders). This set was typical of The Flatlanders at the time – loose, spirited and soulful. Some Hank, some Townes, a couple of Butch’s songs, a couple by Al Strehli. Jimmie did more of the lead singing in those days, Joe sang a few. For reasons no one recalls, Butch didn’t take a lead on this particular night. What Joe thinks is unique about this set is that it exists at all. We think the song list and the harmonies are extraordinary. We’ll wager you too will find some things that pleasantly surprise you. It’s the sound of a ‘one-day-to-be-legendary’ band that doesn’t know the tape is running; it’s the unfettered Flatlanders.

1. The Stars In My Life

2. Honky Tonk Blues

3. San Francisco Bay Blues

4. Long Time Gone

5. Settin' The Woods On Fire

6. Love, Please Come Home

7. You've Never Seen Me Cry

8. Long Snake Moan

9. I Know You

10. Waitin' Around To Die

11. Hesitation Blues

12. Tecumseh Valley

13. Walkin' Down The Line

14. So I'll Run

15. Bring It On Home To Me

16. Joe Blon