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Recorded in minimalist fashion, often primarily arranged around just Terry Allen on piano, 'Juarez' (originally released in 1976) is a multi-faceted, sometimes cryptic, road-trip across the South West of the United States and into Mexico. It's a compelling, often sordid tale of love, sex, alcohol, obsession and murder. Uncannily wholly inhabiting his characters, much as Randy Newman does, it's a journey you won't forget in a hurry.  Populated by well-drawn, albeit deeply-flawed characters, like a fire or a traffic accident, Allen's disturbingly evocative travelogue from hell will draw you in despite yourself.  
Moody, haunting, desperate, disturbed and unforgettable - as well as boasting one of the great song titles; There Ought To Be A Law Against Sunny Southern California - 'Juarez', now augmented with a newly recorded epilogue in addition to its previous 'Introduction' and 'California', 'Cortez' and 'Juarez' sections is a splendid introduction to one of the great Texan singer songwriters.

Geraint Jones
March-April 2004

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