Rafe Stewart introduced me to a whole new genre of music. He has given me countless hours of listening pleasure for this upcoming winter by introducing me to Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Dive by Truckers and Wiskeytown. I had heard of Townes Van Zandt but I did not know that he wrote Poncho and Lefty. I had also heard Copperhead Road by Steve Earle but was not aware of most of his music. I am Steve Earls biggest fan.
Rafe, thanks for filling my mp3 with hours of entertainment. A Texas Rockabilly fan is born. Christmas in Washington- great song.

Tommy Emmanuel

Just this morning on NPR they had a story on this guy. A follow-up on the NPR webite is at:
http://www.npr.org/templa...Id=6124857

A finger picker from down-under -- whoa, that sounds bad. Ah, from Australia.

He hooked up with the late Chet Akins -- which is a good story itself. The audio link wasn't availabe yet -- as I'm writing this -- but well worth a listen.

His official web site has a link on the NPR site listed above. There are also a number of Emmanuel albums and Atkins/Emmanuel albums on the iTunes site.

Rafe's father, Don, introduced me to Steve Earl and Ryan Adams last year. I keep them both at ready on my Ipod. Recently I have been listening to Damien Rice, Jack Johnson and Patti Griffith. I also found an oldie that should be considered a classic as it would stand up to contemporary tunes very well, Loggins and Messina's "Mother Lode". This album didn't receive the airplay the cheesey stuff like "House on Pooh Corner" or "Your Momma Don't Dance" did, but it is their best stuff by far. Listen to the cut "Be Free". It rings true today just as it did over thirty years ago.

Sometime back there was a thread on guitar heros. One can't dismiss Johnny Winter or Alvin Lee as premier strummers in their day. I saw Johnny at the Winter Blues Fest in Billings in February and about 25 years ago in Virginia Beach at a small club. He can still tear it on the guitar up but his vocals are a challenge and he can't belt out "Jumping Jack Flash" the way he used to.

Just saw Guy Clark in concert in Whitefish this last weekend - he just gets better! His new "Workbench Songs" is a winner. He had Verlyn Thompson playing with him - also excellent.
Tom Russell's "The Pugilist at 59" is also good listening.

Brady, I'm thrilled to hear you like the music, reading your post made my day. It's cool to see someone like Mr. Stone who can focus strictly on the music rather than just how popular it is. As far as what I'm listening to, Joe Whalen! I just compiled a CD of Joe's live performances at the book store, and it's a great mix. He plays a lot of Steve Earle, Robert Earle Keen Jr., and Townes Van Zandt, and he's sounding better than ever. Keep it up Joe!

Rafe J. Stewart

I'm listening to a wide mix of stuff...

Goldfrapp, Calexico, Joe Jackson, Lou Reed, Phish, Portishead, Blackalicious, Butthole Surfers, Parliament, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Louis Armstrong..... mostly rock, some jazz, some alternative stuff.

Anything other than opera; I just cant' find pleasure in 98% of opera.

I have been jamming a wide variety of stuff as well, but one disc in particular has kept my interests for a few weeks now...

Drive-By Truckers "Southern Rock Opera"

It's an epic tale of growing up in the the South during the 1970's that is inter-twined with the legendary tale of Southern rock band Lynard Skynard. It's a story of teenage decadence paralled with the self-destructive tendencies of the legendary band. Plus it has a lot of rocking guitars. Good stuff.

I forgot John Hiatt. Good stuff Rafe. Does your name rhyme with cafe?

Remember the MCPD when you become famous.

A great band out of Sheridan, WY called 'Simply Jane' Singer Jana Davis has one of the best 'blues/rock voices ever!

I just picked up the new Jerry Lee Lewis CD "Last Man Standing" this week and it is good. Listening to it urged me to dig out another Jerry Lee classic"live at the Star Club,Hamburg". This is a super live recording of Jerry Lee. A great listen.

By the way "The Killa" turned 71 today. So happy birthday Jerry Lee.

I'm not sure if I should be disturbed by this or not, but the overlap in musical preference between me and the girls soccer team that I'm coaching is quite large.

So to keep it real, and avoid feeling like one of those creepy old people on an eternal quest to stay "cool", I picked up the new Iron Maiden (http://www.amazon.com/Iro...B000H7JD4K) along with the new My Chemical Romance (http://www.amazon.com/Bla...B000I2J5UG).

The Maiden's not bad, but The Black Parade is very good.

Does the new Maiden cover have Eddie? I guess I'll have to look it up, I remember as a teen just staring at and being intrigued by those album covers. Is Bruce Dickinson lead vocals on the new album??

Bridgier, Black Parade is awewsome but I could not help but to think that the marching band into sounded like a Green Day rip off. I see makeup and glam are back in style.

cant forget Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass ...mmm..music.

What about U2, the new album and the collection of hits is very fun!

CCR - Cross Canadian Ragweed

>>Anything other than opera; I just cant' find pleasure in 98% of opera.

If you are like me, the remaining 2% of opera that I only enjoy requires a DVD featuring an Oscar-winning rabbit...

I wouldn't mind going to the Merle Haggard concert in Helena. That sure would make a nice early birthday present. "Bar room,Buddies -- that's the best kind" sounds like a nice folk opera.

HA! Too late! Tickets are SOLD OUT!

Currently listening to everything....I got an iPod shuffle for Christmas.

Diamond Rio is in Gillette tomorrow night at the Camplex.

Long time listener, first time poster. For you Texibillies, I was introduced to Bleu Edmondson and Robert Earle Keen recently and love it. Keen was a college roommate of Lyle Lovitt at A&M in college, as the story goes. He was more party oriented was the difference. Both on my ipod and played regularly.

I'm wild about streaming audio from around the world. While surfing tonight, I found this site. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.


http://www.partytuner.com...page=tuner

The Flower Kings - from Sweden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjFV-r_EbAI

I heard a band called "Grada" on NPR this weekend and LOVED them. A beautiful, lyrical sound from Ireland.

I just listened to the new Robert Plant-Allison Krause CD this morning. Its pretty good...nice morning music.

Dave Weckl -Multiplicity

http://www.youtube.com/wa...3cblJ0iIiE

[This message has been edited by Steve Sullivan (edited 11/5/2007).]

Cake, Spoon, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Kings of Leon, Flaming Lips. A few of the bands that performed together recently at the Monolith Festival- great show.

My very first download off the Internet. Red Necks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer by Johnny Russell. One never tires of the classics.

Come Friday night I'll be listening to Ozzy and Zombie...

Mind's Eye - A Gentleman's Hurricane

Alsion Krauss and Robert Plant -"Raising Sand"

Eagles - "Long Road Out of Eden"

Issues ETC.org

"Call Me the Breeze" - Lynyrd Skynyrd

RTFN!!!

Albums....
Chris and Rich Robinson's "Brothers of a Feather"
Deathproof Soundtrack

Ipod Downloads....
"Brandy, You're A Fine Girl" by Looking Glass
"Looking to Get Right" Masters of Reality
"Grizzly Bear" Traditional Songs of Texas Prison Workers

Kevin Gilbert - The Shaming Of The True

After watching tonights South Park episode...

April Wine - Harder...Faster (1980)
April Wine - The Nature Of The Beast (1981)
Styx - Greatest Hits (1995)
Krokus - The Definitive Collection (2000)
Kansas - Ultimate Kansas (2002)

Had to get my fix.

A song by Lifehouse.."Storm"

Susan Gibson & The Groobees - the band split up sometime ago, but they were darned good while they lasted.

If you're not familiar with their music, here's their track "Miles City" - it's from the CD "WAYSIDE."
http://video.aol.com/vide...1161913561

Shooter Jennings "The Wolf"

is an instant classic for fans of Hank Williams Jr. and the late great Waylon Jennings. In fact, Shooter steals a lot of his dad's music...and this critic says...it's about time! Shooter's first album sucked ____________ (fill in the blank). On his second attempt, he remembed that his daddy was a legend. Thus....making him country music royality, and the heir to all those classic melodies that his pa stole in the first place! He took old Waylon melodies and mixed with new words...turns out that it works pretty well, just ask Hank III. Bottom line: The kid made a great friggin' album! So if you like rock and outlaw country check it out.

Well, that's my seller this week...other stuff I have been listening to lately:
Brooks and Dunn
Motley Crue...Theatre of Pain
Georgia Satellites
Kid Rock....Rock and Roll Jesus
The Rolling Stones....Their Satanic Majesties' Request

Upcoming Shows for the mule:
Supersuckers tomorrow night at the Gothic, and Dropkick Murphy's at the Fillmore on March 5th.

Secret Machines - Now Here Is Nowhere

You know, that Amy Winehouse recording that just won multiple grammys is really kickass...

That said, I also have been listening to Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan Duets recorded around 1968 or so....they sound very well.

Plus, while reading the 1970s class reunion thread, I have regressed into my childhood, and have been listening to some old BTO...I have come to the opinion that "4WD" is the great lost classic of rock and roll, that one day, future generations (X,Y,O, etc.) will discover.

If you like Cross Canadien and Drive By Truckers, you might try Buddy Guy, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ruthie Foster, and the South Austin Jug Band. I especially like OCMS's 'Wagonwheel'. And if you like a little rockabilly/blues, try Taj Mahal - he's wonderful.

Maroon 5!

Pretty disappointed in the Robert Plant/Allison Krauss offerings...

Here's a classic. Growing up on a farm in ND, I used to stay up late on Saturday night to watch Midnight Special with my sister on our only TV channel. The first time I heard this one, I felt like I had just walked on Mars.

http://www.youtube.com/wa...rtT__VfCYo

Oh Yes -- Maroon 5!!!!!!

Nickelback too --

Oh, yes, and I wanted to comment on something I read -- I think it was in Reader's Digest, about good ole' Bob Dylan. Seems he plays for his grandkid's kindergarten and one of the parents asked their son about it and the son said, "You mean that weird old man?"

ALAS!!!!

Good Grief -- must have been the title and homesickness that enamored you, Hal.

If Gibson isn't your cup of tea, then how about Junior Brown? He's hands down the greatest "guit-steel" player alive.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VRMNeoaosQw

Hal -- That was a whole lot better!! Particularly liked the R & R medley -- Thaks

Are you still in Alaska -- Did you ever see White Keys?

[This message has been edited by Belinda Maasch Cook (edited 4/12/2008).]

>>Are you still in Alaska.

Yes, we're still in King Salmon . . . waiting for the break up.


>>Did you ever see White Keys?

Nope . . . from context, I'm assuming that's a band?

Wendy Lee & the Good Ol' Boys at the Red Dog Saloon in Naknek is about as good as it gets around here.

"then how about Junior Brown? He's hands down the greatest "guit-steel" player alive."

I watch the video and he is really good! Wish I could play like that.

Thanks Hal!

I really like Junior's music. After listening to a lot of his stuff, I've come to realize that the man is a darned talented musician.

White Keys was kind of a musical comedy/spoof act that played forever at the Fly By Night in Anchorage. Alot of music and alot of FUN!!!

King Salmon Oooohlala -- Hard Core

I am in Girdwood. Been watching the Freestyle Ski Championships coming down Alyeska Mountain out my front windows. Was really sad yesterday -- one of the boarders hit the cliff on his run and didn't make it. 27 years old -- so today they are just doing one single run to finish off the competition. I think there was a memorial at the top of the mountain. They say Alyeska is one of the most difficult -- if you can ski here you can ski anywhere.

Thanks Hal.

Junior Brown is a great musician, but I love the voice too. I am a huge Ernest Tubb fan as well. My kids just rolled their eyes. I guess if it's not new country or the Disney Channel on XM it just won't do.

Kim said:

> Here's a classic. [...] The first time I heard this one, I felt like I had just walked on Mars. [...] http://www.youtube.com/wa...rtT__VfCYo

Excellent! I had forgotten about Joe Walsh. I need to dig out the CD and rip it. My favorite is the original version of "Life's Been Good".

>> White Keys was kind of a musical comedy/spoof act that played forever at the Fly By Night in Anchorage. Alot of music and alot of FUN!!!

Ah . . . yeah, that sure doesn't sound like the acts they book into the Red Dog.

>> King Salmon Oooohlala -- Hard Core

Well we're not Bethel, but we try ;-)

>> I am in Girdwood.

Ah . . . you have roads . . . I am envious.

When my in-laws asked what I wanted for my birthday last year I told them to send 500 miles of pavement, they didn't come through :-(

Yeah, I read about the young man who died on Alyeska yesterday - that's a shame. There is a clip that often gets shown on the "real-life" crashes & wrecks television programs of someone tumbling down the mountain. I've saw it several times and it seems that person fell for hours.
= = = = = = =

Big Dave,

Ernest Tubb, the old Texas Troubadour himself. I like that old honky tonk music too.

I grew up listening to that old (real) country - Patsy Cline, the three Hanks (Hank Williams, Hank Thompson, & Hank Snow), & etc.

Vocally, Junior Brown sometimes reminds me of Hank Snow. Are you familiar with him? When I listen to him singing "Rhumba Boogie," "Golden Rocket," or "I Don't Hurt Anymore," it seems likely to me that Junior Brown grew up listening to Snow as well.

For those who aren't familiar with Snow, here's a sample, no video, but it's the real deal.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mdOh2i-ycVs
= = = = = = =

I also have to say that the gentlemen Brady mention when he started the thread are also good . . . it is hard to beat the music of Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and Steve Earle. This CD is amazing:
http://countrymusic.about...irdrev.htm

I love Earle's "Mercenary Song" - it has a certain Warren Zevon quality to it.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WHE1dM4hYCw


So . . . anyone in to Tom Waits' music?

:-) :-)

Man, I wish the ice would go out . . . I am more than ready for spring :-)

Ernie Tubb -- yep -- and all those ole greats -- even Slim Whitman who I have to smile and think of "Mars Attacks" -- my Dad has their vinyls. Still love listening to them.

Just heard about the Nenana Ice Classic -- Ice has actually grown an inch overnight! YUK!! My husband bought tickets for the lottery.

I am not a big country western fan, but it seems that the only "concerts" I have ever attended were Westerns here in Anchorage -- Johnnie Cash he and June Carter were the BEST -- Charlie Pride -- Judds and then the one that I wished I never would have gone to Kenny Rogers what a jerk. He was so GREAT to grace us with his presence and made sure we all knew it too.
Even so -- I like his music.

On the other end there was the Carpenters, Bread, CCR, I guess that I have a diverse taste -- I do get easily bored.

If you guys are into alternative country type stuff, (drive-by truckers, steve earle, towns van zandt, etc.....
you should check out Bonnie "Prince" Billy or Palace Music. Also check out (smog) or Bill Callahan. Very, very good music.

For Bonnie "Prince" Billy I would recommend "I see a darkness" (johnny cash covered the title song on one of those American series albums), "Greatest Palace Music," or "Master and Everyone"

For Smog check out "'neath the puke tree," "A River ain't to much too love," or under Bill Callahan "Woke on a Whaleheart."

All albums that get much time on my stereos.

I saw John Prine last night on Austin City Limits. I will have to break out my old CD's and load Prine. He is awsome. I can not remember the name of the song but it goes "No all Humans are Human".
Something like that. It is a great song.

I haven't listened to Prine for years - he's a talented song writer no doubt about that.

Brady - are you familiar with Steve Goodman? He's been dead for 20-30 years now - his writing style used to remind me of Prine..

We watched a DVD the other day of a performance by Richard Thompson on Austin City Limits - he's also a great song writer.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tF61W7SGNxU
= = = = =

Here's one I thought of when pulmonade mentioned ALT country.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=f1XcY8nAdsM

HA! Gin and Juice! I have been listening to that a lot lately. This "version" is better, though, Hal...

http://www.youtube.com/wa...CAM3C3dpIA

I am a big fan of both traditional country and alt. country...Junior Brown rocks! Anybody here fans of the Waco Brothers?

Whiskeytown- Inn Town keeps geting repeated on my ipod.

Before you die, check out The Band's likeness, Grinder's Switch with Garland Jeffreys. Great stuff.

I am absolutely a fan of Led Zeppelin's work, but Allison Krause is much more talented than Robert Plant. Raising Sand is all the proof one needs to reach that conclusion. There isn't a single track on the CD worthy of a repeat.

How Long is the one song I like off the new Eagles cd. I'm trying to like the rest of the CD. I really, REALLY want to. It just drips- no, DROOLS out of the speakers like elevator music. There's no life in it.

Allison Krause is unbelievably talented - I was also disappointed with the duet thing she did Plant. I wasn't terribly impressed with the Emmylou / Knopfler duets either. Again, two extremely talented people, but it didn't seem to me that they fit together well.

The Waco Brothers have to be the best alt country band to ever come out of Chicago.

So what about Southern Culture on the Skids or the early Kentucky Headhunters?
= = = = =


In closing - there's always Waits, Zevon and the Heads
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2tPymxhwaEE
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nhSc8qVMjKM
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FzEadbTCKDA

The new Black Crowes album..."Warpaint" is damn good!

http://www.notonthetest.com/

[This message has been edited by Chad (edited 4/14/2008).]

The Essential Clash.

How about the Clash? One of the greatest bands of all-time, or what?

I am a big fan of Big Audio Dynamite, and the Mescaleros (followup bands after the Clash breakup)....particularly, BAD's "Medicine Show"...I love that song!

Back to the alt. country. theme....why oh why has no one mentioned Robbie Fulks' debut album, "Country Love Songs"?!?

Down at the Globe-It's party time. Old Lamplighter Days!

Smokin' Joe Kubek ... Bnois King
Blood Brothers

Topical tunes??

http://youtube.com/watch?v=esl2NNOtHQE

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qg-VuZStCEA

Primus-
Motorhead-

Dan, have you seen that cell phone comercial. "The Ace of Spades"

The Real Mckenzies & The Dropkick Murphys

yep - funny

I am listening to "Not The Same old American Crap Part 1" Compiled by Shea Stewart. Anything Rafe Stewart downloads for me and anything Don Stewart burns for me. These guys are like Empire Records. Thanks Stewart family.

Drive by Truckers- I just got there live DVD. Awesome. Anything that Jason Isbell does is awsome. I want "Outfit" played at my funeral. To bad he left the group. 400 Unit is his new group.

Shea, "1952 Vincent Black Lighting" is a great song and Richard Thompson is a true guitar hero. He was named to Rolling Stones top 100 all time guitarists. You tube has his version.

[This message has been edited by Stone (edited 5/27/2008).]

www.twang. Country music with a bite. With MC's own John Regan on drums.

Megadeth's "United Abominations."

Was watching America's Got Talent and there were brothers playing fiddle and I remembered DOUG KERSHAW!! Anyone else like fiddle?

Flobots

http://www.youtube.com/wa...fX6VYn48KE
http://www.youtube.com/wa...8xTOadn1n0

An average band might namecheck Mumia and Leonard Peltier - but anybody who recieves PERMANENT DIVIDEND CHECKS is definitly going to enjoy a band that talks about Mossadegh and Arbenz.

Brian - Is the Megadeth any good?

[This message has been edited by Bridgier (edited 6/17/2008).]

Billy Bragg and Wilco. Lyrics by Woody Guthrie.

Ryan Adams
Daniel Lanois

Lessee....what is on the 6-CD changer right now?

Going from recollection here....

Rhett Miller - The Instigator

Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash - Duets (I think this might be a bootleg)

The Waco Brothers - Freedom and Weep

Van Morrison - Down the Road

and a couple of compilation CDs, including one sent to me by mc.com's very own Mule Train

Stone, I listened to some Wilco on the radio earlier this evening - good stuff.

I've been listening to old stuff lately. Some John Prine, Johnny Cash, Talking Heads, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Springsteen, Willie . . . just an odd mix. Even some Utah Philips.

Also some Anita Baker - jeez that woman can sing. It's too bad that her personal life has kept her from recording more.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Blues; awesome young artist. Listening to all his albums, kind of a marathon.

Satriani's latest -- disappointing, frankly. Too much studio; too little Satriani-esque fireworks.

Old ELP; just as good as it ever was.

James Gang; Live. What an amazing album. Probably Joe Walsh's finest performance hours, IMHO.

Via Sirius, the latest Metallica. Beats the living whatever out of Saint Anger, but.. meh.

As for me, been working the blues for a while, currently committing the "BB Box" to memory. I don't think I'm depressed enough to ever be a blues master. But I like playing them anyway.

The new DBT's.

The song that seems to calm my infant son down the best is 'Halo' by Beyonce. It's not my favorite, but it is some of her better work. She reels in her voice more than she has in the past and it works for her. Whatever keeps Duncan happy is fine by me.

My oldest son, Kasey, is a huge AC/DC fan. 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' is his favorite song. (Watching a 5-year old rock out and play air guitar in the back seat of the car is good times, let me tell you. ) He's also into Foo Fighters, Lady GaGa and Kevin Rudolf.

Listening to "Heaven and Hell - the Best of the Mekons". Now, there's some killer 1980s music!

EMPIRE OF THE SENSELESS!!!!

Definately "The Fray"...some of the best lyrics and music. I also enjoy some Beyonce and Safety suit.

Blaze Folley

Neko Case, Bottle Rockets and Metallica's Death Magnetic. The day that never comes and Broken beat and scarred are my favorite songs. Long live Metallica.

Hey Brady . . .

What do you think of Steve Earle's new CD, "Townes"?

Have you listened to any of Justin Townes Earle's stuff?

I've been listening to some of Jamey Johnson's music lately. There's some good things on that album/CD he released last summer. The song "In Color" got some airplay up here last fall.

This track is gaining a little attention this summer:

Hal, I have not heard Steve Earle's new one yet but my friend Rafe says that it is good. It is on my must have list. Yes I have listened to JTE stuff. I think that it is very good. However, it had to grow on me slowly. As many things do now days. I will give Jamie Johnson a listen thanks for the tip.

Have you had a chance to listen to the music that was presented to you at Utza?

I am very disappointed when somebody that I listen to begins to receive mainstream attention- Like Ryan Adams or now Jason Isbell. It reminds me of when Dave Mathews became mainstream.

Most musicians would argue that point all day. Mainstream attention pays the bills. You can only play so many smokey bars over the years, for $80 a night, before you give up and get a real job. Mainstream attention means you get to play for much longer, exposing more people to your music. I think it's what they all strive for. I would think if you like a group, or solo artist, you want them to thrive, if only to see what they come up with next, minus the crushing pressure of survival. I very much enjoyed seeing the first 2 shows that Queensryche ever did in front of a crowd. It was my little secret for a while, and it made me appreciate them even more when they hit the big time. I was there when it started, and I got to watch them explode nationwide. I was never bummed out that my "secret" got out.

Brady, I've just heard a couple tracks off of Earle latest, but it's good stuff.

Yes I've listened to the Open Mic CDs. Great music. There are some darned talented folks in Miles - the music on those CDs is astoundingly good.

Those of you who've yet to take in these Open Mic sessions are really depriving yourselves of a treat.



Some friends of ours here formed a three-piece garage band - they practiced and rehearsed all winter and their hard work paid off. They held their debut performance a few weeks ago in the bar area at one of the lodges and they sounded good. Played some solid rock and noodled around a bit with some jazzy things as well.

They chose a great name for a bar band and call themselves "The Burnt Merkins."

No one is certain about the "Burnt" part . . . if you are unfamiliar with the word Merkin, google it - it's a good one ; -)

Matt, I agree with everything that you say and I envy you on seeing Queensryche at an early age.
However, as I say Mainstream I do not just mean becoming popular. I mean the act of hiring a producer to make your complicated music more elementary and more appealing to the masses. Computer generated crap and guess what country music lead the way in computer generation of vocals. Just ask Mutt Lang. Now computer voice enhancement is used by 99.9% of all recording artists.
People need to watch the documentary The Day the Music Died". They take a model that cannot sing and they have her sing some songs. It is so unbearably bad- she is not even close to being on key. Then they run her vocals back through the computer and it rights her tone and pitch to match the music and whalla- a POP star is born.

The Dave Matthews Band lost its edge- its bluesish jazzish edge that they used to have and sold out. Now instead of ten minute jam sessions with awesome Blues rifts, Jazz styled percussions, odd vocals and poetic lyrics we have a three minute pop song with some melody and some lyrics about nothing. In my opinion they have lost their political and artistic edge but you are right they have made more money and are more palatable to the masses of ignorant consumers. Not to mention that they were already popular and rich before they did this.

All good points Stone. Have you ever heard Tim McGraw sing without the benefit of a computer "massaging" his voice? My God! The world would be shocked at his total and complete lack of vocal talent. He picks good songs, and has great musicians backing him. But his vocal "talent" could be carried in a small thimble.
I hope my story about Queensryche didn't come off as bragging. I got lucky. I stumbled into a bar in Kent Washington on the right night.
The pressure of money has changed every artist out there in different ways. Some good, some not so good. But I think you are being too hard on Dave. We don't know if his music suffered because of fame, or he just ran out of creative juices, a very natural occurence in the business. The sophomore jinx destroys some promising careers. Obviously his was not a sophomore jinx, but the well of genius is going to run dry someday. Shortly after my divorce, when I was drinking heavily, I felt I was writing some pretty good songs. It was just flowing out of me, just like the booze was flowing in. Nothing ever happened with them, but that story is not news. Now that I am happy, I can't write squat. Nothing. Nada. I know nothing of Dave's life away from music, but the influences that allow one to write great music are certainly broad, and subject to change. And I am not implying that anything I wrote was great. Nor am I going to drink heavily again to try and write that #1 hit that puts about $10 million in one's pocket.

[This message has been edited by Matt Schmitz (6/27/2009)]

Matt, I respect song writers, you included. There are very few artist that I enjoy that are not song writers and write most of there own material. But a great vocalist with there own style can make a song writers life easy. George Straight does not write songs but boy can he deliver your song to the public and a pay check to your wallet. But for the most part, these days, I prefer to listen to singer/song writers.

Hal, I finally got around to listening to Jamey Johnson. Hell ya I heard this guy he was on the CMA's. I just did not put the name with the face.

He wrote "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" but I will not hold that against him. He has some soulful songs and a deep voice.

>>He wrote "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" but I will not hold that against him.

Yup . . . he's done some commercial stuff to pay the bills ; -)

But even so, I like his music. I've heard some suggestthat he is merely imitating Waylon or David Allen Coe . . . maybe he is, I don't know about that. But, since I enjoy their music too, I can live with it, if it is true.

I have this playlist on my iPod that I have listening to in my truck as of late:

"Atlantic City" - The Band
"Celluloid Heroes" - The Kinks
"Lilly, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts" - Bob Dylan
"Only You Know and I Know" - Dave Mason
"Johnny Cash" - Ry Cooder
"Redneck Friend" - Jackson Browne
"Forty-Four Blues/How Many More Years" - Little Feat
"Johnny Billy Goat" - Boozoo Chavis
"Guantananera" - Joan Baez

All the original studio recordings. The songs seem to go together well. Gets me around town.

Little Feat - Reminds me of "Waiting for Columbus" a great live album. There's a cool version of "Dixie Chicken" on that one.

Go For a Soda by Kim Mitchell and The Boys in the Bright White Sportscar by Trooper.

Best terrible songs ever.

The Avett Brothers- I cannot get enough of them.
The Waifs- my wife and kids love them and Nekko Case-I to enjoy getting in touch with my feminine side once in a while.

Dan Auerbach- good stuff with great guitar.

Hal, I finally found time to listen to Steve Earle's new CD, "Townes". Excellent- thanks Rafe.

Matt, I owe you an apology, I recently purchased the new Dave Matthews CD it harkens back and is fantastic. The horns and the percussions spot on. I guess we all must eat crow once in a while.

Stone,

I heard Case on NPR a few months ago and I'm interested in getting an album. Do you have a suggestion?

I'm not certain about Nekko Case . . . just not my cup of tea I guess.

"Townes" is good.

I've been listening to an odd mix lately. Willie, Merle, Diana Krall, Bill Evans, Stan Getz, Nanci Griffith, Iris Dement, Zeppelin and Tull.

Also:
The Brandenburg Concertos (Berlin Chamber Orchestra / Peter Wohlert)

Vivaldi's The Four Seasons (English Chamber Orchestra with Nigel Kennedy on the fiddle)

John Prine
Album is Fair and Square
Song is Morning Train

Great lyrics:

"...If there's really a hole in that big blue sky
Then move it on over, and let me by..."

"...Constantinople is a mighty long word
Got three more letters than- mockingbird..."

The whole album is good.

Hal, in college my friends and I decided to skip class for a few days and play chess. While playing we would listen to Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. I especially liked "La primavera" but for some reason we always had to stop because of the munchies. I wonder why I flunked out of school?

: -) : -)

Brady if you get a chance listen to the 4 Seasons with Kennedy playing the violin.

I don't what he's doing now but at the time he sat in that session he was a Punk classical violinist. He brought a nihilist, Punk type energy to the music - it's pretty darned good stuff.

Thanks for the tip Hal- I'll do that. BTW I miss reading you in the political posts- you must have tired of bashing your head against the brick wall of tardness.

Hal, I think that you would like Blaze Folley. Google him, he has an interesting story and his music is as raw and down to earth as you can get.

Heath, I agree to agree with you that John Prine as good as it gets.

[This message has been edited by Stone (9/10/2009)]

Jessica Lea Mayfield

Hayes Carll

To my wife's annoyment, I just listened to "Who's Next" in its entirety this morning whilst frying bacon. Some albums just never get old.

I have to admit I am getting old...my arm is sore from doing windmills during "Bargain".

Some early Allman Brothers. Probably one of my all time favorite albums is "Brothers and Sisters." It might not be the best rock & roll album ever pressed, but the memories I have of listening to it with old friends puts it high on my list.

"Idlewild South" is good too.

I've also been listening to some tracks from the James Gang -which then, of course, got me to listening to other Joe Walsh tunes.

Pieta Brown-daughter of Greg Brown

Dave Matthews-Live at Red Rocks
U2-early years
Marty Robbins-cowboy ballads
Daniel Lanois-Acadia

The new Transatlantic album "The Whirlwind" is amazingly good. It is on the European charts right out of the gates. I've been enjoying that along with Karmakanic's "Who's The Boss In The Factory."

I just never get tired of listening to the Mekons....what a killer band. Any fan of both the Clash and insurgent country in general, who has never heard of them, I highly recommend picking up a disk....the Heaven and Hell compilation I recommended earlier in this thread is a great compilation, although you could not go wrong with the albums Fear and Whiskey and Rock and Roll.

I love...love TRAIN!

Marty Robbins was great.

I've been reliving the 80s with the B-52s. I tend to live in my own private Idaho.

Porcupine Tree's "Anesthetize" DVD. Woah, so cool!

I've been enjoying Roseanne Cash's "The List", Corb Lund (Canadian country rocker), some Kris Kristofferson, the Dazed & Confused soundtrack, Merle Haggard "20 Number Ones" and Tom T. Hall's Greatest Hits. A bit all over, but fun.

Dave, I like your choices.

The Black Keys
The Deadstring Brothers- Sao Paulo
Uncle Tupelo
Chris Knight

Just revived the ole' Poison Greatest Hits, the new Ozzy "Scream" and anything Marley!!

Just got back from a bluegrass/newgrass festival in Winfield KS, 4 days of music with 15000 of my new best friends. What a great time!!!The best band there was The Greencards, also check out The Wilders.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOBRW6UuzaI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW_HUP_-5Vo

along the "anything Marley" vein-
been listening to Dred Zepplin lately
also really enjoy Gretchen Wilson's cover of Heart's "Barracuda" shes wasting her voice on pop-country

Cool. The Kentucky Headhunters might just make me like country music.

Avett Brothers "I and Love and You"
Jerry Lee Lewis "Mean Old Man"
Hank Williams Jr "Major Moves" "Rowdy"
Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs "God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise"
Jesse Dayton "Country Soul Brother"
Stones "Exile Deluxe"

I went up to hunting camp this past weekend, where they still have an old stereo with a turntable. So, I took up a stack of my old LPs, which I haven't played in 20 years (I have them on a shelf in my basement).

I got to listen to:

Neil Young - This Note's for You
Stephen Stills - Manassas
Slim Harpo - The Best of
George Thorogood - Maverick
Beatles - VI
Hank Williams, Jr. - Strong Stuff

It was great listening to these old records....and singing "Twodot Montana" at the top of my lungs at midnight...

Oh I've climbed up the Rockies and swam down the Snake
spent winters trappin' in the Mo-ssouri breaks
This ain't the first time I've been in a jam
I'm from Twodot Montana, and I don't give a damn

Jessica Lea Mayfield's new album Tell Me.
The Black Key and or Dan Auerbach.
Crowfield and Dan Zanes.

..Just got my new bought album entitled "If Not Now, When?" by the band "Incubus"..And currently listening to "Adolescents", one of their 12 tracks (including the Bonus track)..

Oh, how I love their style in music.. Very unique indeed!


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