"I have a pet peeve about that," he says. "That one kills me. There are people who can't sing worth a damn, and who couldn't write a postcard home, who are called singer-songwriters. I feel a closer kinship with the 'No Depression' guys, or the 'Americana' group, or whatever."

To record his most recent CD, entitled "Picnic," the Texas-based Keen enlisted the services of producer John Keane, who had worked with Cowboy Junkies on their 1996 album, "Lay It Down." Robert Earl Keen (it's sometimes hard keeping these "K" guys straight) and the Junkies' Margo Timmins became friends last year, and it was Timmins who suggested Keen record at John Keane's studio in Athens. Timmins also contributed vocals to several songs on "Picnic," including the album's closer, "Then Came Lo Mein," which features her and Keen performing a full-fledged duet.

"You never know about songs," says Keen. "But I told Margo, 'I feel in my heart this is a duet.' And she said, 'Well, I hope so.' (laughs) It turned out great, but I was going totally on instinct. And she was so nice to go with me and play along."

Click for a Q&A with Robert Earl Keen.

Robert Earl Keen likes to serenade sheep, especially when he's testing new material.

Robert Earl Keen's official Website.

Keen discography includes loads of past releases.