Texas Wild

Texas has never had a shortage of great songs, and Texas Wild asks a simple question: what happens when you hand them to the next generation of Texans? The compilation arrived in 2023 as part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation's celebration of 100 years of Texas state parks, produced by Walker Lukens, with proceeds going back to the land that inspired the music. This deluxe edition expands it into something closer to a definitive statement.

The premise is Texans covering Texans, and the pairings are inspired. Ryan Bingham roughs up the Toadies' "Possum Kingdom." Fat Tony brings in Paul Wall for the Texas Tornados' "(Hey Baby) Que Paso." Adrian Quesada reworks Destiny's Child's "Say My Name," Shakey Graves and Jess Williamson find the ache in Daniel Johnston's "True Love Will Find You in the End," and Sir Woman recruits Ray Wylie Hubbard for "Texas Sun." The Texas Gentlemen tip their hats to Lyle Lovett on "That's Right (You're Not From Texas)." Cumbia bleeds into hip hop bleeds into alt-country and back again, and somehow it all hangs together.

The deluxe edition adds two brand new recordings to the original eleven: Grammy winner Ruthie Foster teaming with the Texas Gentlemen on Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman," and Zella Day taking on the 13th Floor Elevators' "You're Gonna Miss Me." Foster put it best, calling it a chance to celebrate the music and the land that inspired it.

Limited to 1,500 copies worldwide and pressed on recycled pink Bio-Vinyl, a PVC compound made from plant-based and recycled oil feedstock rather than fossil fuels. The package includes a textured lenticular jacket with four interchangeable cover images by acclaimed Texas illustrator Mishka Westell, plus a 24-page booklet of essays on Texas music, Texas landscapes, and the making of the record. A benefit album that actually deserves a spot on the shelf.