Katherine Dawn's amazing 2-disc set "25 In TX" is a fabulous collection of music, both studio and live, from 1978-2003. Says KD, "These original recordings were gathered from the boxes in the attic to the CD cases out of my truck. The sources being from vinyl, 45 rpm, cassettes, VHS tape, and .WAV files. No overdubs or do-overs, or auto tune. We just blew the dust off, restored and re-mastered a choice few out of the collection for your music lovin' pleasure...it's real, good, bad, ugly, and it's part of me - and I made it in my own kitchen!" Previous review from Lucky Boyd: I had the pleasure of reading the full biography of Katherine Dawn, and it is an interesting one. I had gone searching for the answer to a question raised by listening to her debut CD, "RHYTHM AND RHYME." My query was one of trying to discern why the music on this collection seemed to capture so much of the intonation and marriage of good country music, classic folk balladry, and an underlying 70's rock influence. I found my answer in the first line of the bio. Katherine Dawn actually experienced the same music I grew up listening to, and she's been able to weave those influences into a sound that is distinct and unmistakably Texan. The opening track is the title cut and it could never have been done so well by anyone who hadn't actually heard Stevie Ray and Billie Holiday, who are mentioned in the song. The chord progressions are Fleetwood Mac influenced and Mark Sinko's lonesome guitar whines flawlessly like a homeless child, giving the song a true balance between great songwriting and proper orchestration. Katherine Dawn also pulls out an old favorite, puts a slight jazz feel on it, and delivers a unique and addictive rendition of "Ode To Billy Joe." Dawn's expression and delivery are masterful on "Perdy Inside" as she is unable to simultaneously hide from her country music and Stevie Nicks influences. As I've said so often, the best part of Texas music is being able to hear so many diverse influences shine through in a single artist's performances. Katherine Dawn becomes another point maker, as her offering is Texas music personified. A personal favorite on this seven-cut treasure is "Old #9" due to the rush of musical memories it inspires. Reminiscent of a good Doobie Brothers tune, enhanced by a New Seekers flair, and wrapped in a Joni Mitchell intensity, it's a true representation of this talented Texas artist. Mark Sinko led the production team on this disc, and he did a fine job. I can't image a Texas music collection without this disc. Katherine Dawn's new project "CATTLEMAN'S CROSSING," is a fabulous continuation of this fantastic musical experience. The disc exudes a maturation of Dawn, both in writing and in performance. Great new sounds from an artist who's quickly becoming a household name in Texas music circles. Get your copies today and be the next big Katherine Dawn fan!