Turnpike Troubadours’ Out Of Print “Bossier City” Available for a Limited Time
If you’re a recent Turnpike Troubadours convert and never got a chance to own their very first debut album Bossier City, you better jump on the opportunity now because for a limited time they’re making it available to the public once again, with some of the proceeds going to a good cause.
Announced on Thursday (9-1), Bossier City will be available in hard copy form on the band’s website, with part of the proceeds going to victims of the recent Louisiana floods. Released December 11th, 2007 on their own Bossier City label, it finds the band in their nascent form before they really hit it big time in the Texas/Red Dirt scene with their 2010 record Diamonds & Gasoline.
No good public explanation has ever been given of why Bossier City disappeared from major retailers and the merch table a while back, but it may have to do with the fact that their most recent, self-titled album included two songs from Bossier City: the title track, and “Easton & Main.” Perhaps they plan to re-record other selections from the album in the future.
Either way, for those bellyaching that they can never get it, now is your opportunity. And I wouldn’t snooze on it because it won’t be around for long.
Purchase Bossier City from the Turnpike Troubadours
Bossier City Track List:
- Come November
- Bossier City
- Solid Ground
- Easton & Main
- The Shape
- Austin to Ashes
- Angola
- Rollin’ On
- Three Rivers Song
Biscuit
September 1, 2016 @ 6:37 pm
Thanks Trigger I grabbed one!
Led me to wonder: what other country CDs or LPs have gone out of print or mysteriously disappeared that fans would like to see re-released in a limited edition run similar to Bossier City? For me, it would be Sunday Valley’s lone cd, Cody Jinks’ first two CDs, and Buffalo Clover’s releases.
Mike W.
September 1, 2016 @ 6:56 pm
I haven’t been able to find Drew Kennedy’s “Dollar Movie Theater” for a long time now. I know it’s not on any streaming services and I haven’t seen it for sale on Amazon either. That was the album that made me really stand up and take notice of what a great songwriter Kennedy is.
Whiskeytown
September 1, 2016 @ 8:04 pm
Stoney Larue and the organic boogie band – Downtown. Blue Edmondson – the band plays on. Wade bowen and west 84 – live at the blue light. Todd snider – the devil you know. Willis allen ramesy – self tilted. Whiskeytown – rual free delivery.
This is what I can think of off the top of my head.
Spoony
September 1, 2016 @ 11:52 pm
I sure think the Bowen album is available on Amazon, unless there’s more than one he did at The Blue Light.
Whiskeytown
September 2, 2016 @ 10:29 am
Yeah, your right, good catch. I was thinking of Wade Bowen and West 84 Self Titled, West 84. I don’t see it under his discography but Amazon has some copies going for $73-100. Man, there is hardly any info about that album anywhere. I kick myself for not getting it but I have all the songs, just no hard copy.
Klaus
September 2, 2016 @ 1:18 am
I’d add The Cactus Blossoms’ “The Cactus Blossoms”.
Lunchbox
September 3, 2016 @ 10:18 pm
check the local section at one of the Cheapo’s. you might find a used copy
Klaus
September 4, 2016 @ 1:40 pm
Thanks for the tip! I live in Europe and often buying online is my only option.
RD
September 2, 2016 @ 7:24 am
Most of Coe and Jerry Reed.
Whiskeytown
September 2, 2016 @ 7:32 am
Randy rogers – like it used to be and live at cheatham street.
Cobra
September 2, 2016 @ 10:19 am
I have “Like It Used to Be” (hard copy CD and all), but would LOVE to find Cheatham Street
Spoony
September 3, 2016 @ 9:32 am
“Like it Used to be” is available on Amazon as a CD or downloadable mp3 album.
Jack Williams
September 2, 2016 @ 7:42 am
I want that Sunday Valley album so bad. I kick myself for not buying the MP3 version when I had the chance.
I saw Margo in July and was hoping she’d have some Buffalo Clover albums for sale. Nope.
Nameless
September 2, 2016 @ 5:27 pm
If you’re talking about “To Wind and On To Heaven”, someone uploaded the entire album on youtube. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E80apyat2zg) If you talking about their self titled album/EP, good luck. A redditor was kind enough to post it on a file sharing site, but I’m not sure if they still have it up.
Note: I’m not trying to advocate piracy, just posting what I found during my quest of trying to find those albums.
Trigger: If my post does seem like it’s advocating piracy, please delete it.
Whiskeytown
September 2, 2016 @ 8:20 am
Trig, do you know the reasoning behind out of print albums? I get that there may be label disputes and ownership issues, but you would think with the technology we have, we would at least have access to these albums in MP3 format if no legal issues exist. Is this based off the artist, label or both? I would assume the artist would want all of their music available for purchase. Or is it all about money?
Trigger
September 2, 2016 @ 8:35 am
In the case of “Bossier City,” I don’t think there’s any legalities swirling around it because it was self-released. Sometimes when you have an older artist like David Allan Coe for example who had tons of albums out of print for a long time (they were recently reissued), it’s because either the label or the artist’s estate is just not putting the effort out to make sure they’re out there. Especially with specialty labels like Bear Family, there’s really no reason a title should go out of print accidentally.
I think there’s a few reasons artists can choose to purposely pull a title from the market. In the case of “Bossier City,” who knows, but I think they may feel like they can represent these songs better now, and would rather put them on new albums, especially with Evan Felker’s slower writing process. That’s a total assumption though. With Sturgill Simpson and his Sunday Valley stuff, I think he didn’t like it or what it represented, and so he decided to hide it from the world. I also expect at some point that stuff will see the light of day again, but only when he feels like it doesn’t tarnish what he’s doing now. But again, this is just an assumption. I don’t think there is any blanket answer, and goes by a case by case scenario. Sometimes it’s a small label folds, and the master ownership is in dispute.
Whiskeytown
September 2, 2016 @ 9:24 am
Gotcha, I figured it was a pretty open ended question but thought I’d ask. Thanks for the reply.
As a music fan, I like to hear the originals or first takes even if they aren’t as good as the second or final recording. Like others have posted, Bossier City may not be TT best album but it defiantly set the ground work to where they are now. I personally think its a great album but my point is, I like listening to albums like this to appreciate what they are doing now, even if their sound has changed completely. And usually the first albums or early recordings that go out of print are the ones that are stripped down, low production and just have this coolness factor about them. You can’t duplicate that, it just happens.
Wilk
September 2, 2016 @ 10:53 am
I remember reading or seeing an interview with Felker where he stated Bossier City was not even mastered and was recorded in the back of some guy’s house. He said they made it quickly just to have something to sell at their shows. It was also mentioned that him & RC are the only current members of the band on that record.
Rob
September 2, 2016 @ 8:25 am
Like 95% of Drag the River’s stuff, but I’d mainly look for “It’s Crazy”
JF
September 2, 2016 @ 11:38 am
All of Rusty Wier’s catalog. Truly one of the great underappreciated musicians. I have a few CDs I’ve managed to come across, as well as some of the original lps, but I don’t see where any CDs or digital albums can be purchased.
Whiskeytown
September 2, 2016 @ 12:22 pm
Exactly, I would love to have access to his catalogue. I would rather have an actual CD but I’d settle for MP3 Download. Rusty Wier, man, he was awesome, RIP.
Big Z
September 1, 2016 @ 6:51 pm
Luckily I grabbed the digital copy when it was on Amazon. But it is too bad they are not offering it on vinyl. It really is a damn good album!
brent ruedeman
September 1, 2016 @ 7:04 pm
Is this an LP or a CD? Hell, I don’t even have a CD player anymore. Lol
KeepItCountryKids
September 1, 2016 @ 7:08 pm
Great album. I’m not sure why it was taken off shelves, but I’m not sure if it’s due to their latest album. I got my copy by pre-ordering their latest release. The package had a t-shirt, Bossier City, and the new album.
If you don’t have this, grab it! It’s a great way to listen to how much they have grown, yet keep their same vibe.
HaydenLane
September 1, 2016 @ 7:48 pm
This is the best day of my life
Connie D
September 2, 2016 @ 3:01 am
Turnpike Troubadours in Nashville
Grand Ole Opry fans: check out the schedule for Saturday October 22. Two shows 7:00 and 9:30pm.
http://www.opry.com/calendar
If you can’t make the road trip to support the band, plan to listen to the live stream on 650 AM WSM.
Cobra
September 2, 2016 @ 4:02 am
Placed my order for one. Been looking to find this for a while.
hoptowntiger94
September 2, 2016 @ 4:30 am
I was super excited when I first saw this article because I’ve always heard of this out of print Turnpike Troubadours album, but I already have it. I don’t know where I got it. Big Z eluded to the fact it was on Amazon at some point. Maybe I got it there.
Great cause and if it was available on Vinyl I’d pony up, but I have no need for a CD that’s sole purpose would be a coaster on my night stand.
Big Cat
September 2, 2016 @ 5:37 am
Going to buy to support the cause but not offering digital shows just how strange the LP business has become. Honestly I don’t think we have a CD player in the house or in any vehicle. Guess I’ll use my sons XBOX to listen.
Heard before. Great album.
mick
September 5, 2016 @ 10:00 pm
I would have bought it if there was a digital version… it’s too hard to listen to CDs
Corncaster
September 2, 2016 @ 7:05 am
That’s what I’m talking about, good stuff. Thanks Trig, I just ordered the cd. Good cause, too: I lived in Baton Rouge for eight years and still have good friends down there.
Two cobs up.
Zackary Kephart
September 2, 2016 @ 7:08 am
I’ve had this album for a long time (was able to burn a CD at my one record store. Yes I paid for it, I’m not an asshole)
It’s by far their weakest album to date, but if anything it’s fun to see how much they’ve grown since then.
The Senator
September 2, 2016 @ 7:14 am
Always wanted to track this one down, got two copies, one for me, and one for the guy who first introduced me to the Troubadours.
Many thanks for the heads up, Trigger, I’d never have heard of this opportunity otherwise.
Lonesome Loyd Nelson
September 2, 2016 @ 7:14 am
Great album, and they nail the pronunciation of “Bossier.” Working in Bossier City for 22 years.
DimM
September 2, 2016 @ 7:52 am
Sorry for my ignorance, is this a recording with John Fullbright or it’s Evan Felker on vocals?
musicfan
September 2, 2016 @ 10:47 am
I’ve had this CD since I discovered them 5 years ago and I’m almost positive Evan sings lead on all the songs. John was in the band at the time, but I think his contributions were background vocals, songwriting, and instrumentals.
Spoony
September 4, 2016 @ 9:22 am
I only have the mp3 version, from Amazon , so no liner notes available to me, but the song “Austin to Ashes” definitely is not sung by Evan Felker. I really like this album and I at first felt the remakes on the 2015 album were sacrilege, but I’ve grown to appreciate them too.
musicfan
September 4, 2016 @ 1:51 pm
That could be…I have the album at home, but I’m out of town for the weekend. I’ll take a look at the liner notes when I get back.
Also re: this album…at one of their shows several years ago, someone yelled out a request for “The Shape.” Evan stopped, looked at them and said, aghast, “oh no! That’s a terrible song. I hate that song. I’m never playing it again.” So there’s that.
musicfan
September 7, 2016 @ 4:26 pm
Well, the liner notes didn’t provide many details. So, for what it’s worth, here you go:
RC Edwards: Bass
Evan Felker: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Resonator
John Fullbright: Vocals, Mandolin, Slide Guitar, Keys, Accordian, Resonator, Harmonica
Chad Masters: Drums
Casey Sliger: Vocals, Electric Guitars, Acoustic Guitars
For some historical context, anyone interested in booking the band is directed to http://www.MySpace.com/turnpiketroubadours ?
Jim Bob
September 2, 2016 @ 7:54 am
Thank you, country music gods! I’ll be praying at the altar of Bossier City very, very soon
Jack Williams
September 2, 2016 @ 8:02 am
I’m in!
Chris31
September 2, 2016 @ 8:25 am
Trig… You are awesome. Been wanting to get their bison cup for a while now. Just picked up the cup with the CD.
Warthog
September 2, 2016 @ 9:59 am
Thanks for the heads up, Trig. Just ordered mine.
Cobra
September 2, 2016 @ 10:40 am
Trig
Just curious: where are you getting the info that some of the proceeds are benefitting the Louisiana Flood Victims. I’m not seeing it anywhere on the site when I ordered.
Trigger
September 2, 2016 @ 10:56 am
Huh, that’s strange. Yesterday it definitely said as part of the listing that a $1 would go to Louisiana flood victims, but it’s definitely not there now.
Sven_Svensson
September 2, 2016 @ 1:01 pm
I would like to have the Jesse Jennings Debut album as lossless 🙂
Matt S
September 2, 2016 @ 2:19 pm
Can someone with some real solid TT knowledge compare this album to the other three for me? I’m kinda new on the TT train and don’t know anything about this particular one.
Many thanks!
Jim Bob
September 2, 2016 @ 10:41 pm
Not quite as good. Think Felker said something about Bossier City not even having fiddle originally when asked about redoing it on latest album.
That being said, I fucking love it! And there’re plenty of others that’re badass songs-personally love the shit out of come November and solid ground. “Not quite as good” isn’t a bad thing in this case given that their other albums are just so fucking great. The comparison is all that makes it less, but as a standalone album it’s awesome
Matt S
September 3, 2016 @ 6:37 am
Thanks Jim Bob for your thoughts! Really appreciate it. Sounds like I need to grab it while I can.
TheRealBobCephus
September 2, 2016 @ 3:31 pm
Trigger,
Is it worth getting? Recording quality good etc?
Trigger
September 2, 2016 @ 4:39 pm
As some others have said, it might be the weakest of their albums, and now since some of the songs have been re-recorded, some of the best tracks you’ve already heard. The recording isn’t bad, but it’s not excellent. But if you really like the Turnpike Troubadours, I think I would probably recommend picking it up anyway. It’s a part of their history with some good songs. But I guess it just depends on your level of caring about such things. Perhaps I’ll do a vintage album review for it at some point and solidify my thoughts behind it.
CountryKnight
July 31, 2022 @ 9:23 am
Do the vintage album review!
Chris
September 3, 2016 @ 5:49 am
Is this special a CD or vinyl?
Thanks.
andythedrifter
September 3, 2016 @ 5:55 am
I’d like to know this as well. Their website doesn’t seem to say.
Lunchbox
September 3, 2016 @ 10:25 pm
Possessed By Paul James should do this too
HaydenLane
September 6, 2016 @ 9:12 pm
If anyone is on the fence about getting this album, don’t hesitate. The recording quality may not be as good, nor is the songwriting as refined and mature, but it doesn’t matter. It’s a great album.
‘Come November’ was the first song I heard by Turnpike Troubadours and it’s still my favorite. I’d pay $15 for that alone.
Corncaster
September 7, 2016 @ 11:04 am
So mine arrived yesterday. I put it in the CD player in the car, and … the CD was blank.
Pretty disheartening.
Corncaster
September 7, 2016 @ 11:06 am
Mine arrived in the mail yesterday, but the CD was blank.
Pretty disheartening.
CountryKnight
October 29, 2021 @ 5:59 pm
It is a great album. I wish it was on Spotify. “Three Rivers Song” is epic. So is “Come November.”
Trigger,
Do you know why Jason Boland and the Stragglers’ album “The Bourbon Legend” isn’t on Spotify?