Released 50 years ago
Wheelin' and Dealin'
Asleep at the Wheel · 1976
32 min · 10 tracks · country music
A vibrant blend of Western swing and traditional country sounds filled with infectious rhythms and engaging storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Miles and Miles of Texas — This track embodies the essence of Texas pride, featuring a lively arrangement and catchy melodies that highlight the band's signature style.
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The Cajun Stripper — A playful narrative about a dancer that captures the spirit of fun and humor found in Western swing, showcasing the band's storytelling prowess.
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Blues for Dixie — This song merges bluesy undertones with traditional country elements, illustrating the band's versatility and deep roots in American music traditions.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and vibrant arrangements, solidifying its place in the Western swing revival.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a lively cover of 'Route 66', setting a brisk tempo that is maintained through the first half.
- Tracks feature prominent use of horns and fiddles, creating a rich texture typical of Western swing.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
- The final track slows down significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the energetic preceding songs.
- 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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8/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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 enjoyment
- short, engaging listening sessions
- nostalgic road trip vibes
- lighthearted background ambiance
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1976, Wheelin' and Dealin' was Asleep at the Wheel's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was establishing themselves as key figures in the revival of Western swing music, building on their growing popularity after performing at various festivals.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Riders in the Sky· The Time Jumpers· Dale Watson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Route 66 2:50
- 2 Miles and Miles of Texas 3:03
- 3 The Trouble With Loving Today 3:33
- 4 Shout Wa Hey 2:46
- 5 Blues for Dixie 3:58
- 6 The Cajun Stripper 2:27
- 7 If I Can’t Love You 2:54
- 8 Lost Mind 3:46
- 9 They Raided the Place 4:05
- 10 We’ve Gone as Far as We Can Go 2:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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