Dan Hicks

Warm, charming Western swing from one of country's true experimentalists. Released in 1971, Striking It Rich had a combination of folk, jazz, swing and old-timey country that went right over the heads of both the rock and country crowds. But 30 years later, its expert musicianship and highly engaging mix of styles make for a rewarding listen, to say the least.

This isn't as long on ambient whimsy as Where's the Money?, but that's OK--makes a less distracting showcase for an artist who's much better at writing songs than at contextualizing them. I count seven I'd be delighted to hear somebody cover, and it's fun to hear Hicks's own outfit go after them. Best contextualization: Maryann Price's interpretation of "I'm an Old Cowhand." (Grade - B+)