Radney Foster was a little bit country; Bill Lloyd was a little bit rock and roll. Together, these two former staff songwriters at MTM in Nashville became what was arguably the finest duo in the neo-trad "young country" sub-genré of the 1980s -- sort of a next-generation-Everly-Brothers, with Foster's strong Bakersfield-inspired melody, and Lloyd's perfect harmony combined with great Fender-Telecaster-rockabilly guitar work.
Their first of three albums by Foster & Lloyd, all on the RCA label, debuted in 1987, followed by two more before disbanding in 1990. I suppose it was inevitable, given that the artists were approaching their craft from divergent points. But Radney Foster's solo career, while successful to the tune of six albums, seems to pale in comparison to the whole that was once greater than the sum of two parts. Bill Lloyd, who works as a session guitarist, still inhabits the alt-fringe of the music scene in Music City.
I've got all their albums, of course, but they're all on audio cassette. The one I listen to most is their post-breakup 1996 CD "The Essential Foster & Lloyd." This video accompanies the 1989 tune from their second album "Fat Lady Sings." They've done occasional reunion tours, but it's not the same.
I sure miss those guys.
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