Three legends form one hot band: The fact that Texas music titans Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock--on their first go-round as The Flatlanders in 1972--were completely rejected by the country music establishment is surprising in retrospect but, ultimately, poetic. That each went on to have formidable solo careers is a testament to their talent and determination. Add to this their diverse yet complimentary styles - Joe the street-wise rocker, Jimmie Dale the mystic with the classic country voice and Butch the cerebral folk singer--and you've got a story of one of the most extraordinary kinships in American musical history.
"The combination of the wisdom of Mr. Hancock, the reediness of Mr. Gilmore and the muscle of Mr. Ely is potent." -- New York Times
"Wheels of Fortune is aces in the good old-fashioned way: because its songs are aces. And the performances live up to them, and then some." -- No Depression
"Their instincts are keen, bespeaking creative synergy and combined genius. Finally, the Flatlanders are more band than legend." -- Billboard
"This is country at its elemental best, equal parts whimsy, passion, and revelation." -- Entertainment Weekly
"Full of wry folk wisdom and raw, twangy musical talent." -- People
"The Lubbock, Texas superground still riding high." -- Rolling Stone