Generic Cowboy Poetry by Baxter Black: A Ride Through Words and Wit
If you’re looking for something that feels like sitting around a campfire with an old friend who’s got stories to tell, Generic Cowboy Poetry by Baxter Black is your ticket. Released back in 1987 (yeah, it's older than some of us!), this self-released gem falls into the genres of Folk, World, Country—and even dabbles in non-music because, well, it’s poetry set to twangy tunes. It’s not perfect, but dang if it doesn’t feel real.
The album kicks off with tracks like “Chicken” and “100 Years Too Late,” both of which stick in my head for different reasons. “Chicken” has this lighthearted vibe—it’s funny as heck, kinda poking fun at life on the ranch. You can almost picture Baxter leaning against a fence post, drawling out these lines while grinning ear to ear. Then there’s “100 Years Too Late,” which hits harder. This one feels wistful, like he’s mourning something lost—a way of living, maybe, or just time itself slipping through fingers calloused from hard work. The lyrics aren’t fancy, but they don’t need to be; they hit where it counts.
Tracks like “Cowboy Logic” and “Why Do Trees All Lean In Wyoming” show off his knack for mixing humor and insight. They make you chuckle, sure, but also think about how much truth hides in those simple words. And let me tell you, “Talk About Tough” will have you nodding along, whether you’ve ever roped a calf or just tried to survive Monday mornings.
What sticks with me most, though, is how raw it all feels. There’s no slick production here—just a guy, his guitar, and a whole lot of heart. Sometimes the recording quality dips, and yeah, some jokes land better than others, but that’s part of its charm. It’s like eavesdropping on someone’s unfiltered thoughts, and honestly? That’s refreshing.
Here’s the thing: listening to Generic Cowboy Poetry isn’t just about music—it’s about stepping into another world. One where cowboys still ride, mules are stubborn, and trees lean 'cause the wind never quits blowing. By the end, you might find yourself wondering why more albums don’t sound like this—messy, heartfelt, and full of soul.
Oh, and here’s a kicker—I bet Baxter didn’t expect folks would still be talking about this record decades later. But we are. Maybe that says something about what lasts when everything else fades away. Or maybe it just proves good storytelling never goes outta style.
