Spade Cooley & Tex Williams - Western Swing Dance Date with Spade & Tex (CD)

All Music Guide

While the title implies that this is a joint CD of Spade Cooley and Tex Williams' music, it actually focuses more on Cooley's repertoire. Tex Williams and His Western Caravan have eight tracks, while Cooley's band has 19, although four of them do feature Williams who was part of his band for a time. In fact, when Williams was offered a solo recording deal and broke off ties with Cooley he took most of the group with him. Even with all the backstage shenanigans and ego bouts, this budget CD, containing all original recordings, is hardly a comprehensive example of either of the artists work. Cooley's biggest hit, "Shame on Me," is absent, as well as Williams biggest, "Smoke Smoke Smoke" Still, for those looking to save a few bucks this is a good introduction to the sounds of '40s and '50s Western swing, even if there are better compilations available.

- Curtis Zimmermann, All Music Guide