My Ten Favorite Rain/Storm Songs: Thunderstorms and Neon Signs (#2)

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It's almost time to wrap up this look at my ten favorite songs dealing with rain or storms. This, along with the Jackson Browne top ten, were inspired by a discussion about a thunderstorm with a title that paraphrased a Jackson Browne song title. (And I didn't even use that song, go figure!) #2: Thunderstorms and Neon Signs There are two things about this: one, you've never heard this song; and two, you've never heard of this singer. Other than that.... When Wayne "The Train" Hancock burst onto the scene he was hailed as "the second coming of Hank Williams." And, indeed, he sounds so much like Hank on occasion that it's downright scary. On this song, the title track to that stellar debut, he sings about seeing "big black clouds blowing in from the west" and begins looking for the "neon sign" indicating a motel is nearby. It's a classic "on the road" song...and it was from his very first album! I've seen this guy live twice (I'm going to see him at the end of the month, too), and let me tell you, he doesn't quit. I saw him opening for Reverend Horton Heat, then the next time I saw him he headlined...and outlasted about 2/3 of the audience. It was midnight and he was still going. If state law hadn't required the place to shut down at a specific time (because they sell liquor) he'd probably still be playing. Hank III has covered this, but the go-to version is Wayne The Train. Thunderstorms and Neon Signs Written by Wayne Hancock Recorded by Wayne Hancock From Thunderstorms and Neon Signs, 1995 Here's Wayne The Train on Austin City Limits shortly after his debut album was released: