Lyle's first release of original new material in years was a hit with me. I was expecting the Large Band but only bass player Viktor Krauss joined Lyle on the CD. However, having said that, Lyle chose a venerable who's who of fantastic long time studio musicians like Russ Kunkel (drums) and Dean Parks (electric guitar). And especially nice is the reappearance of Kentucky mandolin player Sam Bush, who has been absent from Lovett's last couple of Large Band tours. All in all, the musicians are excellent and the tunes are tight. I do miss the distinctive vocal harmonies of the Large Band back up singers, particularly Francine Reed and Sweet Pea Atkinson. Also notable by his absence is cello player John Hagan, who adds such a distinctive quality to the Large Band. But still, this cd is a celebration of new Lyle Lovett music, and the cd does not disappoint. His first effort on the Lone Star Music label, Lovett begins the cd with a poppy "Cute as a Bug" which will have you tapping your feet and singing along a minute into it. Lyle also presents two new versions of his latest recordings, "Truck Song" and "San Antonio Girl" and they sound great - not neccessarily better or worse than the original, but different. The middle tracks of the cd are all solid from the title track "My Baby Don't Tolerate" to "Working Too Hard." Lovett closes the cd with two vocally powerful Christian tunes, "I'm Gonna Wait" and "I'm Going to the Place," both of which features a sweet choir in the background. Lyle wrote all the material with the exception of one song, "Election Day," so if you are a big fan of Lyle's sometimes funny, sometimes sad but always clever lyrical style, you will enjoy this cd. Lyle's styles have varied from country to jazz to the blues, and this cd is certainly of the country persuasion. All in all a solid, solid effort that I would recommend to the first time Lyle listener and definitely a must to any Lyle fan.

Lyle Lovett breaks no new ground with "My Baby Don't Tolerate" - which is fine with me. Because no one blends blues, country, jazz, rock and gospel - and makes it sound so right as Mr. Lovett.

For his first album of originals since 1996, Lyle sticks with what he knows best - well played strings, snarkily twisted lyrics, and softly crooned vocals. It's everything you love about Lyle - which is why it is such a pleasure to hear him again.

The title track is all southern style blues, with a great vocal and wonderful piano and guitar accompaniment. "You Were Always There" makes some great use of Lyle's jazz leaning, and is probably the closest thing to Lyle straying outside of his traditional box on this disc. The double gospel hit which ends this disc ("I'm Going To Wait", "I'm Going To The Place") are some of the liveliest vocal stylings since "Church", and once again, Sweet Pea Atkinson and Francine Reed contribute exceptional backgrounds. And you're going to love Lyle's dips into Texas swing ("The Truck Song", "San Antonio Girl"), a style that nobody in music at present plays better than Lyle.

It's been a long 8 years without fresh material from this one-of-a-kind artist (okay, maybe 2 of a kind - Rickie Lee Jones is his musical twin). Glad to have him beck recording new material, and can't wait to see him live again - Lyle's shows are also among the best in music.

I am an unabashed Lyle fan so if he's playing, I'm buying. I eagerly counted the days until this CD's release and couldn't wait to get my copy.

So, what's the verdict? Although my favorite CD is still "The Road to Ensenada," this is classic Lyle and will definitely be in heavy rotation in my collection. "The Truck Song" and "San Antonio Girl," both previously recorded for "Cowboy Man," are both clever and fun. "Cute as a Bug" is engaging although a bit frothy. It starts off the CD, which then detours through a number of moods and styles before closing with two rousing gospel tunes.

All of the songs are more than listenable but "In My Own Mind" and "You Were Always There" stand out as the best. Close behind are "My Baby Don't Tolerate," "Nothing But a Good Ride" and "Big Dog."

If you have enjoyed Lyle's music in the past, you will find much to appreciate here. If you are a new fan, after you add this to your shopping cart, don't forget to pick up "The Road to Ensenada," "Cowboy Man" (Lyle's "Greatest Hits" collection), and "Live in Texas." You will eventually want to own all of his tunes, but those will get you off to a good start.

If you absolutely loved "The Road to Ensenada", then this is your disc. Not to say that this is merely a repeat of that release, but the music and tone here are very comparable to Ensenada. And, that's not a bad thing. Myself personally, I prefer Lyle's "Step Inside This House - I Love Everybody - Joshua Judges Ruth - His Large Band" stuff better than what we have here. But, at any rate, I'm a big Lyle fan and I do like this release very much after several listens. "My Baby Don't Tolerate" is the best cut here, as is "In My Own Mind" and "Wallisville Road". There is absolutely no duds on this CD; however the last two songs seem a bit out of place with the rest of the disc. They are like gospel songs, very well done, but just seems out of place from the rest of the songs. "Election Day" and "Working Too Hard" are also very good songs. You can expect this release to be nominated for a Grammy. Lyle's brand of country is refreshing and genuine and this is a very solid release in the many, many great releases by Lyle. Keep 'em coming, Lyle!!!

The first thing you need to know about my relationship with Lyle Lovett is that he is the artist who opened my eyes to the joys to be found on the country side of the charts. I thought any talent there had disappeared after country radio started ignoring Johnny Cash. The second thing is that I'm pretty sure my wife would leave me for him if he'd only ask her. So, it was with a sense of joy, and a bit of hesitancy, that I bought his latest release, My Baby Don't Tolerate.

It's been a while since Lyle put out a studio release that featured new work of his own, after a string of live recordings, soundtracks, and covers. He's played with different sounds over the years - blues, country, folk, and gospel. What you find on this latest release is an artist who seems to be finding comfort in being Lyle, telling his stories, and letting the music set the mood for the poetry of his lyrics. It's an older, more comfortable, and even more mature Lyle.

As a youth, I never could appreciate the joy of poetry - the simplicity of words, the ability to paint a picture, convey an emotion, communicate a feeling - while using an economy of language. It certainly isn't an original thought to think that a lyricist manages to somehow cross that line, but on this album, Lovett certainly builds on his stellar reputation for the craft of song-writing, while finding a new maturity that only comes with the actual passing of time.

There's a lot to enjoy on My Baby Don't Tolerate for different reasons. Cute as a Bug and Wallisville Road are classic Lovett songs - fun, funny, full of energy and ready for radio. Lyle also gives us more gospel, with church-busters like I'm Going to the Place and I'm Going to Wait. It's pure pleasure to hear Lyle work with his musicians and choir in creating such energy. He offers a bit of everything on this release, and any casual Lyle fan will find plenty to enjoy.

But Lyle gives even more for those willing to be patient, with multiple listens and attention to the song and lyric. The Truck Song, at first pass, seems a disposable little country tune, but the lyrics give it a depth and humor that is hard to forget as we meet Old Black. Working Too Hard stands out for the honesty of experiences found in the lyrics, and You Were Always There is a song that allows a moody tone to draw attention to the feeling of lost companionship.

In My Own Mind is perhaps the most well-crafted songs that Lyle has ever produced, as he paints a wonderful picture of a simple life, with simple interactions, and a focus on the beauty that is found in the small things. It is a beautiful, simple song.

Some praise should also be given to the stellar band that has been with him for many years, and their comfort with the material and the artist is easily seen. Lyle is much more than just a one-man band with studio musicians. Stuart Duncan shines on violin, and Viktor Krauss offers some wonderful work on bass among a "large" cast, in talent if not in size.

It's a more subtle CD than other Lovett releases, but perhaps more deep and varied, and certainly more comfortable. He's already done enough in his career to cement his reputation, and it's nice to find an old friend enjoying his music, even if it means he's not surprising his audience. The truth is he's not the young man that surprised so many with his talent and wit when he burst onto the scene in the late 80's, and took us on a wonderful ride through styles and music.

This album is more like an old pair of shoes - they fit, feel good, and besides, why do you need a new pair when this one will do just fine.