If you were casting a Netflix series centered around an iconic Texas singer-songwriter, you could do worse than picking Hayes Carll for the lead. The only question is whether the story would be a lyrical drama or an absurdist comedy. Since emerging in the early 2000s, Carll has handled both storylines with grit, grace and a craggy drawl that sounds like he’s weathered a thousand and one wasted days and nights. He has, but he’s transformed the image of the honky-tonk poet on the strength of songs that hope to live up to heroes like Townes Van Zandt and co-conspirators like Ray Wylie Hubbard. The best of his off-his-rocker satires and pensive longings make good on those hopes.
True Believers: Contrary to its name, Band of Heathens is nothing if not faithful to the blues and country spirit of Austin rock & roll. Don’t miss the Heathens’ opening set.
Watch the video for Carll's "The Magic Kid" below:
Hayes Carll
8 p.m. Tuesday, April 18. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Avenue. $20 to $35. 314-773-3363.
