Friday, June 8, 2007

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

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Paolo Conte

Check out this song, "Sotto Le Stelle di jazz" by one of my favorite performers, Paolo Conte. In addition to being a jazz musician, he is a poet, painter, and lawyer and penned a number of classic Italian songs in the late '60s and early '70s as the creative force behind musicians like Adriano Celentano. His raspy voice is one of my favorites.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

the Arcade Fire


In my opinion too many current indie rock bands simply try too hard. The lyrics and music have become forced. It’s like comparing the good Bruce Springsteen to the bad. The good sings- and you believe him. The bad forces un-poetic emotionally driven Americana that barely fills the gaps. I applaud the bands, and singers for that matter, who know how to explore musically- yet stay within themselves. One of these bands is the arcade fire. Before their stint on SNL and postponed celebrity – this band was great. My point- this band is still great. They still push like many indie rock bands, and they do it genuinely and artistically. Lets rewind and go back to their “Funeral” album. This album is pure from start to finish. Listen to the whole thing through, and you’ll feel like you just left a funeral. It is a rollercoaster of sounds and emotions that allows you to transcend your 8 by 8 room for a while. Pick up the cd or check them out on KCRW- they are worth listening to.

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Celebrate Easter with Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band


Nothing makes a better Easter season soundtrack than "Sing Lustily With Good Courage," a collection of 18th & early 19th century Wesleyan hyms and other traditional English folk songs performed by Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band.

Maddy's voice is timeless. The instrumentation is modern-folk with plenty of deference given to the original arrangements. This is a rare jewel and captures the joy of the Easter season perfectly.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Here's a tune to celebrate St. Patrick's day.

Tomorrow make sure that you listen to The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, The Pogues, or whichever Irish folk band you might prefer.



Here are a couple other songs to look for that I think are great to sing, drink, and dance to tomorrow and always at your favorite Irish pub:

1. Isn't it Grand, Boys? - The Clancy Brothers

2. Water is Alright in Tea - The Clancy Brothers

3. Seven Drunken Nights - The Dubliners

Thursday, March 8, 2007

A Not So Serious Video

I know Nick just sent everyone to YouTube to check out some serious videos . . . BUT I thought this was hilarious and hey, it does have the Beatles as a soundtrack. I am just amazed that these are real fotos posted on Google.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007