Losin' Lately Gambler
Corb Lund · 2009
42 min · 12 tracks · country music
A blend of traditional country storytelling wrapped in modern melodies and spirited instrumentation that captures the essence of Western life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Steer Rider’s Blues — This track encapsulates the spirit of rodeo culture through witty storytelling and vivid imagery, serving as a signature example of Lund's lyrical prowess.
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Talkin’ Veterinarian Blues — With its humorous take on rural life and relatable characters, this song showcases Lund's knack for blending comedy with heartfelt emotion, making it a standout track.
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It’s Hard to Keep a White Shirt Clean (for Willie P. Bennett) — This tribute to fellow musician Willie P. Bennett combines reflective lyrics with an infectious melody, highlighting Lund's ability to honor his influences while remaining authentic to his style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional storytelling with modern melodies, showcasing strong craftsmanship but limited broader influence.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a lively tempo, while the latter half features slower, more reflective songs that create a noticeable shift in mood.
- Several tracks incorporate storytelling elements, with lyrics that paint vivid pictures of Western life and culture.
- Instrumentation varies across tracks, with traditional country instruments like banjo and fiddle appearing alongside modern guitar arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo storytelling flow
- heartfelt vocals for reflective moments
- for road trip vibes
- easy sing-alongs with friends
- warm background for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Losin' Lately Gambler' was released in 2009, Corb Lund had established himself as a prominent figure in Canadian roots music, following his critically acclaimed album 'Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier!' from 2007. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into themes of Western culture and personal narrative, solidifying his unique voice within the Americana genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sturgill Simpson· Kacey Musgraves· Jason Isbell
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Horse Doctor, Come Quick 3:55
- 2 Steer Rider’s Blues 3:00
- 3 A Game in Town Like This 4:21
- 4 Alberta Says Hello 3:22
- 5 Talkin’ Veterinarian Blues 3:40
- 6 It’s Hard to Keep a White Shirt Clean (for Willie P. Bennett) 2:33
- 7 Long Gone to Saskatchewan 3:31
- 8 Devil’s Best Dress 2:32
- 9 The Only Long Rider I Know 3:58
- 10 Chinook Wind 3:30
- 11 This Is My Prairie 3:48
- 12 Rye Whiskey / Time to Switch to Whiskey (live in Australia) 4:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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