Alright, let’s dive into Hitchhiker Exampler 2, a hidden gem from 1991 that somehow slipped under the radar for many folks. Released by Columbia and tagged under Folk, World, & Country with a heavy lean toward Country vibes, this album feels like sitting on a porch somewhere in the US, sipping something cold while life just kinda rolls by. It's got that raw charm—no frills, just real-deal storytelling through music.
Now, I gotta shout out two tracks here because they stuck with me long after pressing play: “Down At The Twist And Shout (Extended Version)” and “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go (Live Version).”
First up, “Down At The Twist And Shout.” Man, this one is pure energy wrapped in twangy goodness. If you’ve ever been to a small-town dance hall where everyone knows each other, this song nails that vibe. The extended version gives it room to breathe, letting those fiddles and guitars stretch out like nobody’s watching. It’s impossible not to tap your foot or hum along—it’s catchy as heck but still has soul. Kinda makes ya wish you could hop in a time machine and crash some Southern hoedown back in the day.
Then there’s “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go,” which hits different live. There’s something about hearing a crowd cheer and clap along that adds this whole new layer of intimacy. The singer sounds like they’re pouring their heart out right in front of you, no filters. This track isn’t flashy; it’s more like an old friend reminding you how messy and beautiful love can be. By the end, you’re either reaching for tissues or calling someone special just to say hi.
The rest of the album keeps things interesting too. Tracks like “Midnight Train” and “Southland In The Springtime” paint these vivid pictures of late-night wanderlust and lazy spring days. Even quirky little tunes like “Stay (Don’t Be Cruel)” bring a fun twist to the mix. Sure, not every song will blow your mind, but that’s part of its charm—it’s unpretentious, like flipping through an old photo album full of memories you didn’t know you had.
Honestly, what gets me most about Hitchhiker Exampler 2 is how it doesn’t try too hard. Back in ’91, when everything seemed obsessed with being bigger, louder, flashier, this album stayed grounded. Listening to it now feels like finding a dusty record at a thrift store and realizing it’s exactly what you needed without knowing it.
And hey, here’s the kicker—I bet if aliens ever hitchhiked their way to Earth, they’d dig this album too. Cosmic country vibes? Yep, we got ‘em.
