CASEY PHILLIPS: It’s a little strange to be writing a review of this album months after Peewee Moore’s Web site says it was originally released. Still it presents such a fine example of road-worn, cotton-picking outlaw honky tonk that I think it deserves a look.

In the course of a dozen tracks, Moore covers pretty much what you’d expect from a hard-working, blue-collar singer/songwriter. The songs range from sad-sack tales of heartache and loss (“The Leaving Side of Gone,” “Who’s Gonna Miss You”) and drinking (“Whiskey Fuels the Flames”) to mischief making (“Runnin’ With the Devil”) and the obligatory gospel closer (“Walk With Me Sweet Jesus”).

Throughout, Moore bears his outlaw country musical influences like badges of honor on his sleeve. They’re all there, from the baritone somberness of Cash to Steve Earle’s rough, rugged howl. What’s great is how it sounds more like an admiring artist’s homage than a pretender’s posturing.

BARRY COURTER: I don’t hear any pretension from Moore and never have. I’ve been a fan for years, and you are right, he does pay tribute to the greats of real country. You can hear a little Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and George Jones in there as well, and I can’t think of any better company to draw influence from.

While you can hear echoes of others before him, Moore manages to sound real and original, and neither is a small thing. He’s not trying to be anything but himself.

CASEY: I personally prefer Moore when he’s ripping through rockabilly tracks like “Truck Drivin’ Song” to his slower material. When he slips from driving, train chug guitar backing into a riff worthy of Luther Perkins, it just sounds right. Most of the time, Moore sounds like he’s having fun, and that sense of excitement in the music is infectious in the best kind of way.

BARRY: I like the rockabilly stuff as well and you are right about the fun factor. This is a fun record to listen to.

It should be pointed out that all 12 tracks were written by Moore. We should also give much credit to the band. Dud Wash on drums and Ivan Wilson on doghouse bass are solid and Carol Moore provides some very tasty backing vocals. Moore is credited with vocals, guitar and harmonica. Jeff Coppage recorded and mixed the CD.

CASEY: Even if we’re a few months late to the party for “The Leaving Side of Gone,” this is as good a time as any to appreciate Moore’s post-Tennessee Rounder career. It’s just a shame we’re losing him next year to Austin, Texas. Based on this release, though, it sounds like he’ll fit right in there.