Kinky Friedman hasn’t exactly been gone the last 40 years — he’s been busy writing mystery novels, running for office in Texas, and, apparently, watching Matlock. But a call from his pal Willie Nelson brought him back to writing songs, and that’s led to a new album out today filled with the kind of wry observations that only the Kinkster can provide. Read our review of that and many other recent releases that will keep your eyes and ears wide open, just the way we like ’em.