Album: What the Hell Was I Thinking

Introduction
"What the Hell Was I Thinking" is a 1997 studio album by the American rockabilly and psychobilly musician Hasil Adkins. Known as the "King of West Virginia", Hasil Adkins was a one-man band who frequently played guitar, drums, and harmonica simultaneously. His distinct raw, frantic, and typically chaotic design of rockabilly and country-blues music significantly affected the psychobilly genre. Released on the independent label Fat Possum Records, "What the Hell Was I Thinking" is Adkins' most enthusiastic operate in his prolific career, covering over 5 years.

Musical Style and Content
The album includes 15 tracks filled with energetic and eccentric efficiencies by Adkins. His music is defined by a raucous and primitive sound that has actually become synonymous with his name. The instrumentation on this album is minimalistic and yet full of raw, unfiltered emotion. Adkins' guitar work is a blend of rock-and-roll and country-blues rhythms, accompanied by his driving drum beats throughout the album.

The lyrics of "What the Hell Was I Thinking" are indicative of the special and eccentric personality of Adkins. As one of the pioneering musicians in the psychobilly sub-genre, his lyrics often focus on wild and bizarre themes, consisting of love, loss, and the supernatural. Tunes such as "No More Hot Dogs" display Hasil's tongue-in-cheek humor and penchant for dark, surreal imagery.

Partnerships and Guest Musicians
The album boasts a remarkable lineup of visitor musicians who added to the recording, revealing Adkins' influence on the musical landscape. These include country-rock artist John Fogerty, who offers support vocals and guitar on the title track "What the Hell Was I Thinking". The song functions as a homage to Adkins' long and remarkable career, reflecting on his personal journey through life and music.

Another standout cooperation on the album is the track "When I Saw You Last Night", which includes Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth. The song is a tender, introspective ballad that showcases a softer and more vulnerable side of Adkins. The contrast to his normal wild sound adds depth to the album's psychological effect.

Other significant partners on "What the Hell Was I Thinking" include famous guitarist Link Wray, Mike Watt from Minutemen, and previous Modern Lovers member Jerry Harrison. These collaborations demonstrate the reach of Adkins' impact throughout categories and the respect with which he was held by his musical peers.

Reception and Legacy
"What the Hell Was I Thinking" received prevalent crucial honor upon its release, with many critics praising the album's raw energy, effective efficiencies, and the unique songwriting ability of Hasil Adkins. The album has actually been cited as a significant influence on the advancement of the psychobilly and rockabilly genres, with its sound straight inspiring many bands that followed in Adkins' footsteps.

The legacy of "What the Hell Was I Thinking" is as crucial as its music. Regardless of his passing in 2005, Hasil Adkins continues to be commemorated as a pioneering musician in the rockabilly and psychobilly scenes. The album works as both a testimony and a homage to this rock-and-roll original's power, eccentricity, and indelible impact on contemporary music.