With a penchant for Julia Roberts, Savile Row suits and quarter horse studs, it’s easy to see how Lyle Lovett won his reputation as a suave country stylist. You might not picture Lyle at the Battle of the Alamo but he’s definitely officer material.
My Baby Don’t Tolerate is a great set of songs that may prove as resilient as his superb mid-’90s album Joshua Judges Ruth. The jazzy arrangements and sophisticated back-up (including ace musos like guitarist Dean Parks and pianist Matt Rollings) give western swinging “San Antonio Girl” a Steely Dan-like sheen, and Lyle’s love for southern gospel means that “I’m Going To The Place” takes the album out on a nat’ral high.
Cool, considered lyrics and Lovett’s cultured croon are a given. Hank never done it this way.