Latest offering from popular Texan, Paul Mateki, sees him changing labels for probably his most traditional country album to date. Of the 14 tracks on the album, 8 are either penned or co-penned by Paul, and range from the lively, Mavericks sounding, "There Go My Heart Strings Again," the banjo laden "Something In The Air" and the patriotic "Come Back Texas" to ballads like "In The Arms Of The One I Love," and the reflective "Don't Love Mean Forever Anymore," as well as the rhumba flavoured "Time Is Short" a song that tells of making the best of the time we have and the title track, "Texasville," a song no doubt inspired by a trip to the Mexican border.

There are two duets on the album with Grand Ole Opry veteran Ernie Ashworth joining Paul on the albums closer, the E.A. penned "Texas Tall," a good fun song from these two friends, that peaked at #25 in the EMS European charts, but deserved to do much better. "Practice For Tomorrow," sees Sylvia Winters stepping up to the microphone with Paul on a solid country, mid paced two stepper, that should also see good airplay.

The best of the rest include a couple of songs from the pen of I. Renie Peterson. "Mighty Fine Dog" is a very catchy, lively tune, enhanced by some atmospheric steel guitar licks from pedal steel wizard Gary Carpenter, that is bound to attract much airplay and must be the favourite for release as a single, while "Montana Cowboy" has Paul bending the tonsils for a bit of yodelling and a mighty fine job he does too. Peterson also provides the opening track, "Texas Shuffle" another that is sure to be on many a DJ's playlist.

His previous outing, the excellent "So Strong" album, saw Paul at the top of the most played artist charts for months. I see no reason why "'Texasville" shouldn't continue that trend. Excellent!!!!

Pauls Website: www.paulmateki.com U.S.O.F.T. Website: www.usoftrecords.com