From the opening song of the new album “Sticks and Stones” by Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, it’s clear he doesn’t care what people are saying about him. He may be a recovering alcoholic but he can still sing about boozing it up and having a rowdy good time without any worry about how hypocritical it may sound. His wit and wisdom are what makes this album such a hoot.

On their 9th album, Nelson has moved past the shadow created by his famous father, Willie Nelson and has established his own standard for telling stories about drinking, dancing, debauchery and other earthly pleasures.

Nelson describes the album as “something big and fun to really showcase the band’s talent.  You can listen from start to finish and get the songs to dance to and then the quiet, poignant songs. To me, this album is the perfect setlist.”

The songs on the first half of “Sticks and Stones” are short, loose and laugh out loud funny, he leaves the introspection for the last half of the album after the party has long since reached it’s peak and it’s time to wind down. The album is designed to make you feel good about yourself, no matter what anybody says.