★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
The poor man’s Johnny Cash sings tales of the road and other campy country classics and novelties in a jocular, drawling bass. His covers of “Streets of Laredo” and “King of the Road,” among others, add nothing except enthusiasm and corniness to the originals. He’s the country version of the Big Bopper. A goofier, more maudlin Marty Robbins. And why does he wear an eyepatch in later photos? Is it an affectation? A gag? Did he actually lose his eye? Anyway, this album is inessential but inoffensive. Favorite tracks: "Cupid's Arrow," "Uncle Tom."
