It amazes me that we can actually see songwriters like Robert Earl Keen. Keen's songs are full of colorful character and a rich narrative that contains no ego or pretense. He takes a backseat to his songs and their stories even though they are, in many cases, his own. The unsung, the mundane, the odd, and the lonely in all of us is observed, chronicled, and hitched to Keen's country twang and super-accessible sense of humor. And that sense of humor is what elevates the man above the typical Texan tales. I mean, Xmas wouldn't be Xmas without hearing Keen's "Merry Christmas from the Family." Keen has recorded with Lyle Lovett, Gillian Welch, and The Cowboy Junkies, but remains a little more underground. He deserves more. Let him know.

Robert Earl Keen plays with Todd Snider and Bruce Robinson Sunday, November 1, 8 p.m. at Water Street Music Hall, 204 N Water St. $25-$30. waterstreetmusic.com.