Little Bit of Back Roads Driving, Little Bit of That Old Top Down

I originally planned on writing only about Pat Green because to me his music is good summertime country music. However, rather than probing his unique sound, which in essence is a violation of the feeling his music evokes, I’ll keep it simple and toss out two more names, to go along with PG, to keep you kickin’ it all summer long.

First is Robert Earl Keen. He’s relatively unknown outside of Texas, but is finally starting to catch on with the country faithful. The former college roommate of Lyle Lovett, he really has mastered the honest acoustic storytelling rock of Texas country. He’s even better live. So if you have the chance he’s a must see. Next, I’ll mention Steve Earle. He’s been married 7 seven times, been rich and poor, popular and hated, yet he keeps playing with the unbroken enthusiasm embodied by the persona of his “guitar town.” This guy keeps reinventing himself and his music. His sound never ceases to surprise and entertain. He’s the real deal--not your pretty boy who moves to Tennessee, has others write his songs for him, and captures America with his dishonest Nashville pop.

These three guys are all the real deal. Even if you don’t usually like country music they are worth listening to--they’ll disrupt whatever you’re doing.

Current Repeats:

Pat Green, Carry On

Robert Earl Keen, Gringo Honeymoon

Steve Earle, Steve’s Last Ramble