Though you might not hear it on commercial country stations, there is a long tradition of bending the twang to irony and sarcasm (see Kinky Friedman) and just plain silliness (Google Roger Miller or Grandpa Jones). Hayes Carll is the darling of Americana in general and songwriters in particular for keeping the snickers coming. True, he does write some of those songs of pain and confession that tick off all his sorry habits — coupled with the wonder and gratitude that somebody is still willing to have him, of course. But what Carll does best is write funny. Sometimes that means John Prine-ish irreverence, though tracks like “She Left Me for Jesus” tend to take it a little further. His duet with Cary Ann Hearst, “Another Like You” — from 2011’s KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories) — plays out like a verbal duel-turned-hookup that proves once again, with enough lubrication poured on, opposites do attract: “You’re probably a Democrat.” “Well, what the hell is wrong with that?” “Nothing, if you’re Taliban.” Word is Carll is polishing up material for a new album on this acoustic tour, so prepare for fresh yuks.
Sat., Feb. 9, 7:30 and 10 p.m., $20, with Travis Linville, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., 215-928-0978, tinangel.com.
