Re: Joe, Marc'sBrother
Thanks for all the comments. I saw them play Friday night opening for than acting as the backup band for Radney. They were good at the latter. As for their own set, my impression can be summed up as: "gee, just what the world needs another Bared Naked Ladies." No wonder their close to signing a deal with a major. Jim, still cynical and still smilin'
Re: Jon Emery on KUT Radio
Joe writes: There is also a great show on Sunday nights right after "Live Set" by my old compadre Larry Monroe that features Texas artists. Yeah this is great if you never wanna know what artists and songs he plays. What's the point of playing 50 minutes straight of music and then back announcing it all at the same time? This is inconsiderate to most listeners. It's happened to me more than a few times that I tuned in, heard something I liked and never found out what it was because he never seems to back announce. Just one of my pet peeves I guess. Jim
Clip: Kelly Willis
From today's New York Times:
Kelly Willis: Refugee From the Nashville
Factory Finds Her Own Audience
By BEN RATLIFF
Country music often prides itself on how much it can say and still be
taken at face value, but there was a lot of subtext coursing through
Kelly Willis's show on Friday night at the Mercury Lounge. She delivered
a pointed introduction for each song -- from the fact that her current and
former husbands were co-writers of one of them ("that qualifies me to be
a country singer," she joked) to the pride she took in set-list
juxtapositions (placing a morose, oblique song by the English cult
songwriter Nick Drake before "Heaven's Just a Sin Away," the cheery
70's honky-tonk hit by the Kendalls.)
But the biggest subtext had to do with the current direction of her career:
like Steve Earle before her, she is a refugee from the Nashville factory,
giving voice to her own style by going the independent-label,
alternative-country route, and feeling better for it. Three weeks ago she
appeared on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for the first time,
something she was never able to do while she was making records for
Nashville producers.
"What I Deserve" (Rykodisc), Ms. Willis's newest CD, is her fourth
full-length album in 10 years and her first since leaving MCA, where she
was remade from a teen-age rockabilly singer into a full-fledged but
failed country diva. (There was also a hard-to-find EP released by AM
in 1996 that began her crossover.) If the title sounds petulant, perhaps it
means to be: it can be read as a message from Ms. Willis to the world of
mainstream country that she has finally found her own audience without
their help.
On the title track's chorus, she sings: "Well, I have done/the best I
can/oh, but what I've done/it's not who I am."
Her performance at the Mercury could have been read that way too,
backed by a standard hard-country quartet of fiddle, bass, lead guitar
and drums, Ms. Willis sang with a thin, exact voice, as jolting as ice
water. It doesn't have a lot of weight to it, but it cut through the band
like
a laser, with ends of words curling upward and a taut, subtle vibrato
throughout. She's a good songwriter, too, as is her husband Bruce
Robison; together they wrote the bulk of the new record's songs, which
are several degrees darker, more honest and more searching about love
and self-fulfillment than the average commercial country record.
And yet it's still a modest record, not a knockout blow. The strength of
the long set was its overwhelming confidence; though she doesn't stretch
out and deviate from the arrangements and tempos of her recordings,
Ms. Willis does seem centered and on track.
questions, news and a rave
Any of the Nashville folks have an opinion on a band called Joe, Marc's Brother? I'm pretty sure that it's been mentioned here, but what's the general opinion on the new Fountains of Wayne CD? I though there were a couple of pretty good tunes in the Cheap Trick/Cars pop/rock vein. Two tidbits of info gained this weekend. The next Trish Murphy record is now due in July. Jesse Dayton has signed to Columbia and is also expecting to release a record in July. OBTwang: The upcoming Marty Stuart record could be the country record of the year. It's an ambitous project that melds all kinds of country into a very listenable whole and features guest appearances from Emmylou, Ralph Stanley, Johnny Cash and George Jones. Jim, kinda smilin'
Playlist KOOP New American Roots Music 4/23/99
The New American Roots Music Show is heard Fridays from 9 to 10 AM on KOOP, Austin, Texas 91.7FM. It focuses on new releases and recent re-issues in country, bluegrass,folk, blues, cajun, zydeco and whatever else fits. Lots of bad alt.country, bad bluegrass, out of tune f*lk and simply awful blues this week. g Any questions? Jim Artist/Song/Album Bill Matte/Restless Night/Zydeco, Blues Boogie (intro) Jeremy Wallace/Missing You This Morning/My Lucky Day Guy Forsyth/New Monkey King/Can You Live Without Old 97's/Oppenheimer/Fight Songs Fence Cutters/Cannon Ball/EP Red Star Belgrade/Miracle/The Fractured Hymnal Jon Dee Graham/Lucky Moon/Summerland Woody Guthrie/Cocaine Blues/Buffalo Skinners Bad Livers/I'm Using My Bible For A Road Map/Dust On The Bible Tony Trishchka Band/Georgia Pig/Bend Tara Nevins/Pig In A Pen/Mule To Ride Keith Frank/When I Play My Music/Live At Slim's Y Ki-Ki Boozoo Chavis/Who Stole My Monkey?/Who Stole My Monkey? Carl Sonny Leyland/Beer And Boogie/I'm Wise Gary Primich/Mr. Itch/Botheration Mandy Barnett/Falling, Falling, Falling/I've Got A Right To Cry Ronnie Dawson/Waxahachie Drag Race/More Bad Habits Speedy West Jimmy Bryant/Frettin' Fingers/Swingin' On The Strings Foster Lloyd/Whoa/Version Of The Truth (outro)
RE: Radney Foster
Jon asks: Is that the one with Darius "Mr. Bluegrass" Rucker guesting on it? Yup. Also Emmylou and Abra Moore. If anyone has any questions for Radney, let me know. I'm interviewing him tomorrow afternoon before he plays La Zona Rosa tomorrow night. Not that I don't have enough questions of my own... g Jim, smilin'
RE: Mandy B
I wonder if Jon could provide a list of records that have made the country music charts, singles, albums, whatever, that have not come from Nashville based labels in the past, let's say 5 years. Just looking for evidence that the "Nashville machine" doesn't exist. g Jim
RE: Mandy B
Jon is obviously confused. The main reason you aren't hearing Mandy Barnett on your local country radio station is because it is on a label that is not based in Nashville. His unwillingness to provide hard data proves my point. It has NOTHING to do with the music. It all depends on who is paying who. If you think there isn't a machine, I want a hit of that bluegrass you've been smokin'. g Jim, smilin'
RE: Mandy B
Don writes: I think Jon's main point is that the powers-that-be that control country radio (the folks who own the stations and the consultants who help program them)are primarily responsible for what you hear on country radio. That seems pretty obvious to me. Sure, the Nashville-based major labels are the source for the great bulk of what's heard on country radio, but it's the stations who ultimately decide what they are and aren't going to play from those labels. My point, and I think we keep missing each other, is that country radio (which is NOT based in Nashville) and the country music labels are in bed on this together. Believe it or don't, the BIG labels pay the consultants (who control many stations) to get their records on the air. It's not like they send them a Fedex each week with cash in it, but there are under the table deals made in all formats that control what gets played. I know this kinda sounds like the X-Files, but it's true. The more money you throw at the consultants and their ilk, the better response you get. If Sire REALLY wanted to get Mandy Barnett on the radio, they'd hire a big time radio promoter, who would pay some consultant to add her record to his stations and then you'd hear her on the radio. Sire doesn't have the kind of money it takes to play that game at the same level as MCA or Arista. Sure it's called the Nashville machine, that doesn't mean it all happens in Nashville. Some people call it country music, that doesn't mean it's country music either. Jim, smilin'
RE: Mandy B
why didn't the singles off The Key do better? Cos like Mandy Barnett, they were "too country." Jim, smilin'
RE: Mandy B
Like most conspiracy theories, Jim's may be attractive for those who like simple explanations for the complicated doings of the real world, but that doesn't make it right. Well, I don't want to prolong the agony of this too much longer, but I just wanted to point out that I know it's a LOT more complicated than the simple scenario than I described. But I only have so much time to post, unlike a couple of others it seems. There's a ton of behind the scenes politics involved, stuff that we can't know, that explains why "The Key" wasn't more successful than it was and why certain artists get on the radio or get any exposure and some don't. I suggest reading "Get Hot Or Go Home" the story of Trisha Yearwood's rise in the early 90's for a pretty good glimpse at the behind the scene workings of the supposed "Nashville machine." I want to add that I hope Mike is right with his observation that some country stations are leaning towards actually playing country music again. I had to stop the other day to find out what song was playing on a local station cos it sounded almost "alt.country." Turned out to be the latest Dixie Chicks single. Anyone else heard that one? Jim, smilin'
Re: Mandy B
Tiffany says: But Americana does embrace these artists, we just have to make the format grow and Jessie Scott is one step in the right direction in making that happen. Oh please. You've been saying the same thing (Insert Chris or Rob for Jessie at will) for too long now. Americana ain't happening until it can cross artists like Mandy and the Derailers over to other formats. We've been through this before. Americana won't be a REAL format until it has quite a few influential major market stations playing the music 24-7. Wake me up when that happens. In the eyes and ears of a normal music fan, Terry Smith for example, this music belongs on country radio. Jim, yawnin'
Playlist KOOP New American Roots Music 4/16/99
The New American Roots Music Show is heard Fridays from 9 to 10 AM on KOOP, Austin, Texas 91.7FM. It focuses on new releases and recent re-issues in country, bluegrass,folk, blues, cajun, zydeco and whatever else fits. Any questions, contact me off list. Jim Artist/Song/Album Bill Matte/Restless Night/Zydeco, Blues Boogie (intro) Cliff Eberhardt/My Father's Shoes/The Long Road Darrell Scott/My Father's House/Family Tree Tammy Rogers/Mama's Got Some Money/The Speed Of Love Doc Richard Watson/Columbus Stockade Blues/Third Generation Blues R.L. Burnside/See My Jumper/From Mississippi To Chicago Gary Primich/Rootin' Tootin'/Botheration Speedy West Jimmy Bryant/Pushing The Blues/Swinging On The Strings Spade Cooley/I Found A New Baby/Shame On You Big Sandy The Fly-Rite Boys/Play Girl/Radio Favorites Carl Sonny Leyland/Kingfish Boogie/I'm Wise NRBQ/Chicken Hearted/Ridin' In My Car Bad Livers/Jesus On The Mainline/Dust On The Bible Tara Nevins/I've Got A Mule To Ride/Mule To Ride Corey Harris/Nola Rag/Greens From The Garden Mandy Barnett/I've Got A Right To Cry/I've Got A Right To Cry Boozoo Chavis/Dance All Night/Who Stole My Monkey? Foster Lloyd/Whoa/Version Of The Truth (outro)
Re: Old 97s review and other Texas stuff
MPB Dave writes: For the weasels with advance copies is the new record any better than the last (which was terrible)? Dave, Dave, Dave, The last record wasn't terrible (although I'm curious why you think so), it made my Top Ten for that year if I remember correctly. The new record is just as good, IMO. Not as much twang perhaps, but good melodies and LOTS of energy. The first couple of times through I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. Now I listen to it a lot and new things pop up with every listen. (I love when that happens.) Finally got to the Electric Shaver record last night. Full of surprises and great songs. Could be in my Top Ten for this year. As far as Ana Egge, she's a young singer/songwriter based in Austin, with an interesting voice, who's a top notch guitar player and writes touching songs. Not everyone's cup of tea perhaps but I think she's a tremendous talent. Jim, smilin' cause he's already SPENT his tax refund
Re: Old 97s review
Don writes: who thinks that anyone who considers songs like "Time Bomb," "Salome," and "Niteclub" to be mediocrities should have to sit in a corner at Off-Broadway with a duncecap on their head during Twangfest. I think we talk Marie into arranging this, no problem. Jim, smilin'
RE:Sir Doug Sahm:
Matt "Bon Jovi?" Benz asks: Did they have more than one hit? Whitburn lists three hits. The Rains Came was on the chart for five weeks in early 1966 and reached #31. Mendocino was the other hit in 1969. Jim, smilin'
Re: Ricky Nelson recommendation?
BTW the All Music Guide lists a "25 Greatest Hits" from Ricky, that was released on EMI on March 2 of 1999. Anybody seen this? Jim, smilin'
RE: SOTD (was re: Wilco)
Paul Franklin, Brent Mason, Stuart Duncan and maybe Rob Hajacos Aren't these the guys responsible for almost every record that comes out of Nashville? Jim, smilin'
Re: Shaver knicking question...
Sorry the disk came without a cover and I don't have it with me right now, so I can't give you the track listing. I can get them later if you want. What's up with that lame New West web site? Jim
woodstock 99?
31 Acts Announced for Woodstock 99 By DAVID BAUDER Associated Press Writer NEW YORK (AP) -- Limp Bizkit? Korn? Rage Against the Machine? Its not your fathers Woodstock. Thats precisely the point. Woodstock 99 promoters announced a 31-act lineup Thursday geared to teens and 20-year-olds that, so far at least, doesnt include one performer from the namesake festival in 1969. The Dave Matthews Band, Jewel, Metallica and Alanis Morissette are this years headliners for the three-day show, scheduled for July 23-25. It will be held at Griffiss Park, an abandoned Air Force base in Rome, N.Y., about 50 miles west of Albany. Organizers expect a crowd of about 250,000 people for the show, which also features Fatboy Slim, Sugar Ray, Creed, Counting Crows, Rusted Root, the Offspring, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, George Clinton and Willie Nelson. Six acts that played the 25-year anniversary concert, which drew an estimated 350,000 people to Saugerties, N.Y., are coming back: Metallica, Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sheryl Crow, Live and Collective Soul. Three more days of mud, noise and logistical nightmares? said Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich. Wouldnt miss it for the world. Although DMX and Ice Cube are included, the lineup is short on rap acts. Promoters say they expect to add six to 10 more acts. Organizers promise better security than at the first two Woodstocks, which were overrun by gatecrashers. Instead of the flimsy 6-foot chainlink fence that surrounded the Woodstock 94 site, Griffiss will be ringed by a 12-foot plywood fence backed with steel girders. Ticket packages including bus transportation will go on sale April 18, with prices starting at $249.99. _AP-NY-04-09-99 0817EDT
Re: Did I miss something?
Richard writes: Jon Dee Graham, Kevn Kinney and Terri Hendrix live at an Irish pub in the French Quarter during last year's LMNOP Conference in New Orleans and found myself strangely unmoved by all three Can't speak about Kinney, but Graham and Hendrix are Austinites that I'm familiar with. Jon Dee can have his off nights and I can understand how his vocals might seem a bit gruff to the uninitiated. His records and songs are wonderful, his vocals might take some getting used to. Hendrix is another thing altogether. Her brand of bland folk-pop has attracted quite a following locally. I've seen her perform a few times and wondered what I was missing, especially since everyone around me seemed starry eyed in her presence and just a little overenthusiastic about what was happening on stage. Then just gave up as she "wasn't my cup of tea." Strangely this is the same reaction I had with Shawn Colvin and D*r Willi*ms, the first couple of times I saw them. Not an unfair comparison, IMO. Jim, smilin'
Re: FW: Best National Music Trend: Bluegrass!
such deserving acts as the Nasvhille Bluegrass Band, Lonesome River Band, Blue Highway, IIIrd Tyme Out, New Tradition... I'm sure they meant to include Split Lip Rayfield, the Meat Purveyors and the Bad Livers in this list. g Jim, smilin'
Re: Chesnutt (was RE: Stephen Bruton's new one
his Wings album, where you'll not only find the song mentioned above, but lots of other hardcore honkytonkers. Hell, Smilin' Jim might even like it.g Doubtful. Everytime I hear his voice, I think of his little chipmunk face and cringe. g Jim, smilin'
Swing West
Don't know if it's been mentioned here or not but Razor Tie is releasing 3 separate CD's (this week, I think) of swing and country music all recorded in California from the 40's through the 60's, called Swing West. Vol 1 is Bakersfield, Vol 2 is Guitar Slingers and Vol 3 is Western Swing. Some rare stuff, some very familiar stuff, nicely packaged and 20 tracks per disc. I'd be cautious about these only if you've got other similiar type compilations, where there might be some song overlap. But if you need to find out more about this music or are looking for a swinging good time I'd say check 'em. Note: They make it a point to note that there are no Buck or Merle on any of these discs, but I'd recommend them anyway. g Jim, smilin'
Re: Chesnutt (was RE: Stephen Bruton's new one
Don writes: I was thinkin' that he seems to bear more than a passing resemblance to you. I want some of what you've been smokin', bub. You forget, there are a few people on this list that know what I look like. g I've heard many comparisons, but never to ol' chipmunk cheeks. sheesh. Jim, smilin'
Re: The Final Clip
Sad to see ya go, Phil. :-( Y'all come back now, ya hear?
Re: Television Live (and twangless)
I'm probably jumping into this late (sue me, I've been in bed with a fever of 103 the past three days) but Richard Lloyd is indeed a guitar god. The closest I ever got to seeing his fingers fly was a tour that the Heath Happiness Show did with Butch Hancock in 1995. Lloyd was playing with HH, who opened the show then backed Butch during his set. Talk about your mingling of influences and scenes. Great night of music and Butch sure seemed to enjoy the hell out of it. Jim, smilin' and coughin'
Re: Best So Far - 99
The Diva wrote: I PROPOSE IT SHOULD BE A PUNISHABLE OFFENSE TO COMPILE A TEN BEST LIST IN APRIL! Go outside! Get some sun! Kiss a girl xojns Are ballots still open for POST OF THE YEAR!? Damn, I spilled beer all over my computer. Jim, laughin out loud
Re: Welfare Music
Thanks for posting that Marie. Here's a clip from the Bottlerockets interview that ties in with some of what's been discussed here lately, I think. g Jim WM: You don't like roots rock I take it. BH: Oh, I love roots rock, it cracks me up. The whole idea of singling it out and naming it something to insure it never gets on the radio cracks me up. WM: So you are a lot like Jay and the other artists ... you don't want to be pigeonholed. BH: It was a really good name to kill everything. Ok lets call it alternative country. Look at that. Look at the breadth of the stuff that's in there. So if you happen to be an alternative country band with a rock song such as... Like I told you the other night, if Exile on Main Street were to be made today, it would be considered alternative country. So it ain't gonna get on the radio. It will never happen. They'll never listen to it cause it'll be brought to them as alternative country and it wont go. Not on big radio. Big radio sucks. WM: So, you don't think that you guys and Wilco and Son Volt will ever become radio friendly to the point of stardom, wealth, etc? BH: Well, Son Volt, Wilco, Uncle Tupelo have been working at it for over 10 years now. WM: Consciously, do you think? BH: Not consciously, but still you know, they have been drifting around as the icons, the upper echelon. And they've been doing it since 88. Maybe its time to reevaluate. It's been 11 fucking years and no one's had the big breakout hit yet. Tom Parr: Played a lot of college frat parties. All the roots rockers.. it took them years to get deals. BH: We're doing this new album, it's gonna be called alt country, I guarantee it. Then you have bands like the Derailers. WM: Do you like their music? BH: Yeah, I like the Derailers. That's great, but it's a confusing single label to put on the whole thing. WM: What do you think of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences having a category called Contemporary Folk for their Grammy awards, and then nominating Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, Wilco/Bragg EmmyLou Harris in that category? BH: So they're Contemporary Folk now (laughs). What that's gonna do is place these artists way in the back of record stores. I know that cause I went looking for the Lucinda album. I asked the guy at the store, where is it? Well, you go back there, turn left, it's in the back of the store. WM: Ok, so you don't want to be labeled. How would you describe your music to someone who doesn't know you? BH: I would just say, it's a straight up rock band with a guy that unfortunately has a bit of a country accent singing. So that's it.
Re: Welfare Music
John writes: Oh, man . . . check out the alt.country "family tree" on this site. I'm not going to comment . . . but some of the amateur historians out there might find it amusing . . . Steve Earle makes it because he has "jammed onstage w/Bottle Rockets and Uncle Tupelo." Cool. g I especially like the disclaimer: "It will probably wind up being the first of many attempts, but it is fairly comprehensive." Comprehensive??? What he's got around 25 (!) bands there. hee hee. Jim, smilin'
Fleagh or something like that
From Billboard online: Guinness Fleadh Sets Lineup Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Lucinda Williams, and Hootie the Blowfish are among the scheduled performers for some or all of the dates for the 1999 Guinness Fleadh. The four day-long fests, which emphasize Ireland s contributions to music and culture, will host a wide cross-section of bands and singer/songwriters, including Shane MacGowan, Shawn Mullins, the Saw Doctors, Ben Harper, Richard Thompson, John Lee Hooker, the Cardigans, Black 47, and Steve Earle. In addition, each Fleadh will feature performances of Irish poetry, theater, and traditional dance. More artists and special guests will also be added to the bill throughout the spring. The four 1999 Guinness Fleadhs will be held June 5 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco; June 12 at a venue still to be determined in Chicago; June 19 at Suffolk Downs in Boston; and June 26 at Randalls Island in New York. Tickets for each show are available through local Ticketmaster outlets and will go on sale the first week of April.
Re: Joe Williams RIP
My mom this, my mom that. Sheesh yer making me feel old. g I saw Joe with Count Basie and his Orchestra in 1973. Man, they rocked. Jim, smilin' and swingin' ahead of his time
Okeh Wranglers
...are the best new band in Austin this week. And, hell, they're from England. More when I'm sober. g Jim, smilin'
Re: Okeh Wranglers
Ok now that I can see straight g, here's what I saw last night. The Wranglers opened for the Damnations at the Continental and completely won over a pretty tough crowd. If I had to draw comparisons, I'd say they were the UK's answer to the Damnations, with a little bit of rockabilly and honkytonk thrown in. The sisterly harmonies were great, the band was tight and at times, masterful, (the steel player, no matter how old she is g, had some of the guitar geeks up front watching her every move - and I pretty sure they were watching her playing g) the song selection, all though maybe a bit on the kitsch (sp?) side was remarkably varied and the arrangements fairly original. They played much longer than they expected (I counted two long encores, but perhaps they weren't use to the openers at the Continental getting a an hour to play. For those of you in Austin, they're playing at La Zona Rosa next thursday night and I think I talked them into getting up early on Friday for an appearance on the radio. Catch 'em while you can. Jim, smilin'
Playlist KOOP New American Roots Music 3/26/99
The New American Roots Music Show is heard Fridays from 9 to 10 AM on KOOP, Austin, Texas 91.7FM. It focuses on new releases and recent re-issues in country, bluegrass,folk, blues, cajun, zydeco and whatever else fits. First, thanks to Hillbilly Idol, Kate Jacobs and Dave Schramm for appearing on the show last week during SXSW. Each was great in their own particular way. Too much good stuff to fit into an hour this week. The Jimmy Murphy, Ronnie Dawson and Alejandro Escovedo are rocking my world right now, though. Any questions, contact me off list. Jim Artist/Song/Album Bill Matte/Restless Night/Zydeco, Blues Boogie (intro) Foster Lloyd/Happy For A While/Faster Llouder Bill Lloyd/Cool Gone/Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants Pinetops/So Lonesome I Could Fly/Above Ground And Vertical Ana Egge/Mile Marker/Mile Marker Cheri Knight/Down In The Night/It's Heartbreak That Sells Chris Smither/No Love Today/Drive You Home Again Corey Harris/Sweet Black Angel/Greens From The Garden Jimmy Murphy/I Get A Longing To Hear Hank Sing The Blues/Electricity Rex Allen/Out Where The West Winds Blow/Last Of The Singing Cowboys Terry Allen/Red Leg Boy/Salivation Ronnie Dawson/Chili Pepper Mama/More Bad Habits Jon Dee Graham/A Place In The Shade/Summerland Alejandro Escovedo/I Was Drunk/Bourbonitis Blues Foster Lloyd/Whoa/Version Of The Truth (outro)
Re: Kelly Willis
Tom writes: Last Summer when I was in St. Louis for Twangfest I heard a CD compilation in a local record store that included Kelly Willis and Robbie Fulks. Could anyone tell me the title of this? Uprooted on Shanachie. JC
SXSW
Here's my report or most of what I remember: Best sets: Jim Roll backed by the Silos on Wedneday, Fred Eaglesmith Saturday afternoon at the Continental, the Schramms at Yarddog, Beaver Nelson in my living room Tuesday MVP: Walter Salas-Humara (who stole the award from Jonboy) for playing with at least four bands Best P2 moment: Melissa Garland proudly showing me her Zippy the Pinhead tatoo at the BBQ Good conversations with the Weiss Brothers, separately of course g The Alt.country panel was a waste of time. No substance, too much whining, Matt Eskey for President The Meat Purveyors on stage with the Pine Valley Cosmonauts Hillbilly Idol on the radio. Great guys, too. The Flatirons vocalist was a sultry delight. Too much beer, not enough bourbon, The Fastball show was a celebration, the Gourds still suck though. (sorry Laura). Wynn Harris ROCKS! Jacknife's SXSW For Dummies. The one truly amazing thing is how many of you folks I saw on a regular basis. Great minds think alike (as Rebecca said). Thanks y'all for comin by. See ya at Twangfest and remember if you're now thinking of moving to Austin, be sure to visit in August first. Jim, still smilin' still yawnin'
Re: Derailers release date...
Junior writes:A single from the album, "Full Western Dress," will be out in June. Apparently this single memorializes Mark Wyatt's pointy boots. Hey I didn't even know Brian knew Mark. Besides those platform shoes don't count as Western, unless yer talkin', um L.A. g Thanks for the info. Jim, smilin'
RE: B.O.C Re: mo' 70s rock (was Re: iggy pop)
William F. Silvers wrote: Saw B.O.C. twice back in the day, (opened for the Dolls in 1974, headlined in 1977) and my hearing's never fully recovered. Quality metal, yeah boy. Saw a dream show on Long Island in the mid-70's Foghat opened, the original Black Sabbath in the middle and BOC (honetown boys) as headliner. One of the loudest night ever. Also knew someone who lived across the street from Buck Dharma for a while. We used to get a kick out of his wife henpecking him. "OH, Donnn!" Jim, smilin'
RE: Fwd: E-Squared vs. Billboard (fwd)
the chart in question is a sales chart, and the absence of a promoted-to-radio single is utterly irrelevant. Why is this true? It doesn't sound unreasonable that a single being promoted to country radio would have an impact on sales. Yes it is a sales only charts, but a single promoted to radio is not irrelevant to whether or not someone in the business knows the record is out, especially at retail.These things are connected, whether you believe it or not. It was mentioned as to perhaps a reason thet the Billboard editor missed it in the first place. Just another example of radio wagging the dog. The fact that the Kelly Willis record was missed is offered as another example of this, BTW. Jim, smilin'
SXSW doings
Hey in case ya missed it the first time--there's a pre-SXSW party tomorrow night (Tuesday) at my house that starts around 6. Performing in my living room will be Jim Roll, Ana Egge, Slim Chance and Beaver Nelson. There'll be plenty of food and beer and a couple of surprises are in store as well. g Let me know if you're gonna be around and I'll get you directions. Also wanted to let y'all know that special guests on the New American Roots Music show on KOOP (91.7 FM) this week will be Dave Schramm, Kate Jacobs and Hillbilly Idol. Those up at 9AM on Friday (yeah, right) be sure to tune in. Now back to yer regularly scheduled in-fighting... Jim, smilin and dialin
gourds
You probably knew this was coming. g I got my hands on a copy of the new Gourds and it's in the CD player right now. Despite everyone's raving, I still don't get it. Can someone PLEASE tell me what distingushes this band from the ton of other bands that are working the same territory? I find the vocals particularly annoying. The Band comparisons more pronounced, the melodies pretty ordinary (not that you'd actually wanna sing along), the playing better than I remembered them and any sense of adventurousness, veering towards silliness. I don't get the fake hillbilly schtick at all, it just confirms they're making fun of the music or maybe it's a joke that I just don't find funny. The Damnations blow these guys outta the water any day of the week. FWIW, If you wanna see me get excited about something new, ask me about the Old 97's. g Jim, smilin' (really)
Re: **** Louisiana Hayride 50th Anniversary show - April 3rd **** and clip
Mighty grumpy today, ain't ya, Slim? Keep it up and you'll be taking my title away. g Jim, smilin' and decidely not grumpy
SXSW news
From yesterday's Austin Chronicle: If you've sprung for a wristband (currently still available at all Star Tickets outlets, albeit at the increased price of $95), you're most likely interested in the latest on which acts are playing SXSW proper, like say for instance Tom Waits (!!), who has confirmed as a festival showcase as we go to press: Saturday night, March 20, at the Paramount Theatre. Both SXSW and Waits' new label, Epitaph (on which the singer's first album in years, Mule Variations, comes out on April 27) estimate that this will be the stage-shy artist's first public performance (headlining) in eight years. Quite a coup. "Absolutely," says SXSW creative director Brent Grulke. "His first show in years. I understand Jody Denberg may have put the bug in his ear, to which I can only say, 'Thanks.' We should all say thanks to Jody." Word has it that Denberg, who flew out to the Bay Area to interview Waits a few weeks ago, mentioned the conference and suggested the singer come out to preview his new album. Apparently it worked. (Denberg is preparing for SXSW by vacationing in Mexico -- lucky stiff -- so we couldn't thank him or confirm this story.) Grulke says the Waits showcase, which will take place after the last film at the SXSW Film Festival Saturday night (11-11:30pm), will be a ticketed showcase, and that a very limited number of tickets will be made available Friday, March 19, with the rest going to badge- and wristband-holders. Both Grulke and Epitaph admit that not all the ticket details have been worked out yet, but remind fans to look on the festival Web site for updates. Meanwhile, there's Beth Orton who's recently been hospitalized, but is expected to recover and play the fest. Other names that might be of interest include former Dicks leader Gary Floyd, who's playing as part of his new band, Black Kali Ma, Jon Langford among the members of the Pine Valley Cosmonauts (presumably along with other Bloodshot Records acts), and Leon Russell'sspecial showcase guest Willie Nelson (the two will also be taping at Austin City Limits earlier in the evening and at KSGR for a live on-air performance in the afternoon). Oh, take note also of some sneakiness on the part of Social Distortion's Mike Ness, expected to play his showcase solo, before announcing that he's actually going to be backed by Rev. Horton Heat's backup boys. And that reminds me, Seattle's Verbena says their bass player can't make it, and we hear that Foo Fighter Dave Grohl, who produced the band's last album, may fill in. Maybe he'll also pal around with that Krist Novaselic guy who's here with L7.
THE NUGE IS BACK
For Jenni: g Well, that was a short retirement. After announcing his intention to do just that late last year, gonzo guitarist and former radio personality Ted Nugent has decided to trash his AARP card in favor of a full workload that will give him a greater presence on the road and in record racks than he's had in quite some time. Already this year, Nugent is immersed in recording a solo album and a third album with Damn Yankees, both of which are expected to be released before the end of 1999. Nugent is also headlining the Rock Never Stops tour of amphitheaters this summer, which features Night Ranger, Quiet Riot, and Slaughter. Meanwhile, his glory days will be recounted with the late spring release of remastered and expanded editions of his first three solo albums Ted Nugen, Free-For-All, and Cat Scratch Fever along with an Amboy Dukes collection titled Loaded for Bear. A similarly improved version of his best-of set, Great Gonzos, is expected out during the fall. "I hate retirement," Nugent says with a laugh. "I really was planning on retiring; I had a couple of commitments I had to fulfill, like the Metallica New Year's Eve thing [at the Pontiac Silverdome near Detroit], and I did have another record with Damn Yankees. So now I'm doing anti-retirement stuff, I guess."
Re: Kelly Willis song comments
Stuart asks: Who is Damon Bramblett? He's an Austin based singer/songwriter. Good friends with Kelly and Bruce. He's supposedly got a record in the can that was supposed to come out on Watermelon (ha!). I've seen him play a couple of times and he's pretty entertaining. Jim, smilin'
Encyclopedia CD-ROm questions
Jon wrote: Re: Country.com encyclopedia: Walser's in there, and so are Dale Watson, Kelly Willis, Townes Van Zandt, BR5-49, Julie Buddy Miller, the Flatlanders and Foster Lloyd, to take a few randomly-chosen (ha) instances. I have the disk with me today. Jon you need to be more careful with your "facts" especially when you either don't have the material being discussed in front of you or are assuming something based on previous knowledge. Of the above list there is only info Townes and BR5-49 on the CD. FYI-They include Connie Cato (?) but not Lucinda Williams. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know about it. Jim, smilin'
Re: PLAYLIST KOOP New American Roots Music 3/5/99
how long has this been on? Just celebrated 3 years running. Jim, smilin'
RE: A Question [Extremely LONG] and other stuff
Jon writes re the Kenny/Ann-1979, G*rth/Shania-1999 comparison: It's not a bad comparison, especially if you look forward a little bit - 1979 was a low point, followed shortly by the Neo-Trads (Skaggs, early McEntire, et.al.) - but it has its limits; "rules" is a pretty slippery term. Murray and Rogers each had 3 #1s that year (one of Rogers' was with Dottie West), but Conway Twitty did, too, Waylon Jennings had 2, John Conlee had 2, Charley Pride had 2, Don Williams had 2, and Mel Tillis, Moe Joe, and Willie Nelson Leon Russell all hit that position, and when you get deeper into the charts there was plenty of good stuff around (e.g., Emmylou Harris had two Top 10s and another two that just missed). The problem, as it were, is that country music history is generally too complicated to allow for the kinds of general statements about the health of the field that folks often seem compelled to make. I don't think that Wahl was comparing radio play (other people have had #1 records this past year, too, obviously) but was looking at in terms of *sales*, which is what most of the articles I've read have focused on as well; You have G*rth and Shania and then everyone else. And re: McCall on Chesnutt and the Damnations: I guess McCall thought there was some other point; maybe he thought that enthusiasm is a *starting* point for making good music, not the ending point. I wouldn't give the new Chesnutt 4 stars, but I wouldn't give the Damnations TX 3, either, not on a country music scale, anyhow (meaning both albums). Guessing don't count for much g. But I think this goes a long way to explaining why Jon doesn't "get" much of what most people refer to as alt.country, where enthusiasm is *only* the point of making good music. Re: Country.com encyclopedia: Walser's in there, and so are Dale Watson, Kelly Willis, Townes Van Zandt, BR5-49, Julie Buddy Miller, the Flatlanders and Foster Lloyd, to take a few randomly-chosen (ha) instances. I don't have the disk to check, but I'm almost positive Walser is *not* in there. The main problem I have with it is that it's almost exclusively Nashville country based and doesn't take into account non-Nashville acts. I'll keep the disc, though, My dog loves shiny frisbee. g. Jim, not running for president of anything
Pre-SXSW-party!!
Hey folks, I'm hosting a party on Tuesday March 16th for all the folks that are in town early for SXSW, this year. I'll be two making two types of chili and there will also be some live music provided by Beaver Nelson, Ana Egge and Jim Roll. If you're gonna be in town and can make please let me know (of course significant others and friends are welcome), but please contact me before hand so I know how much food to have. The fun should start around 6PM. Hope to see y'all next week. JC
RE: sxsw Under The Sun
Maybe Smilin' Jim can tell us which of these acts are going to be solving their labels' problems. Maybe Jon can explain how playing in a vintage clothes store during SXSW is like playing ar CRS in front of a few hundred radio programmers. Jim,yawnin'
RE: sxsw Under The Sun
Maybe Jim can explain blah blah blah CSRF blah CRS blah blah woof woof. May be I can, may be I can't may be I just don't care, today.
Re: A Question [Extremely LONG] and other stuff
Cheryl writes: Our second question is: Where can I find Merle Haggard's tribute to Jimmie Rodgers? I almost spit coffee through my nose on this one line. LOL! Ya know this name thing has really got me bugged, especially cause I need to name something centered around this"Big Tent" type of music and I can't find a one that's satisfactory. AND I've been looking for YEARS! On another note, been reading some 'zines lately and found some interesting stuff. I recommend Modern Screen Country Music (Shania Twain centerfold inside-I kid you not) for the column by Waylon Wahl that draws comparisons to the country music scene of 20 years ago (ruled by Kenny Rogers and Ann Murray) and today (ruled by G*rth and Shania)? Also, how could Michael McCall give the new Mark Chesnutt 4 stars and the Damnations 3 stars in the new Tower Pulse. Seems kinda backward to me, especially because he doesn't like the D-nations for having more "enthusiasm than expertise." I thought that was the point. I received a copy of "Country.com's Century Of Country Music: The Definitive Country Music Encyclopedia" CD-ROM. Went looking for the Derailers. Not there. Thing is fairly useless. I do understand that David Goodman has a revised copy of Modern Twang coming out. I'll wait for that one. Enough rambling... Did I say "I (heart) Cheryl Cline, today? Jim, smilin
Lawrence Welk (RE: country radio)
half the time I either laugh out loud at the cliches or think, "cripes it sounds like lawrence welk!!". Lots of people have been doing that for as long as I've been listening to country music. On a totally different tangent, I have been listening to the upcoming Spade Cooley record that Bloodshot is releasing soon and my first reaction was "This sounds like Lawrence Welk!" Maybe not as cheesy but the accordion and the western swing arrangements have that "champagne" sound. I must be getting old, though, I kinda liked it. g Jim, smilin'
Re: New Lou Ann Barton (sorta)
Lowell writes: Anyway - I saw this record called Sugar Coated Love - copyeight 1999 so it is very new. It's a very poorly recorded selection of songs from 1977 with her band called Rockola, but the second half has Stevie Ray Vaughan playing lead - early in his career I reckon. What label is this on? It sounds like a bootleg to me. I understand that Lou Ann has a new record coming out on Antone's later this year. I don't think this is it. And YES! the woman can SING! Jim, smilin'
clip: What's wrong with those people?
From this week's Nashville Scene: Soft Bomb Singer gets pleasant surprise On Feb. 9, as Allison Moorer returned home from breakfast with her husband and songwriting partner, Butch Primm, her cellular phone rang. On the other end of the line was Bruce Hinton, chairman of the Nashville division of MCA Records. That got Moorer's attention. In the nearly two years since she had signed with MCA, Hinton had never called her. He opened the conversation by telling the singer that Tony Brown, president of MCA Nashville and the man who signed Moorer to her contract, was in the office with him. "My first thought was, `Oh my God! They're going to drop me from the label!' " Moorer laughs. After all, MCA had been at the center of recent music-industry consolidations, and several artists connected with MCA/Universal had lost their record contracts in recent weeks. Because Moorer's first album, Alabama Song, hadn't sold particularly well, she feared the label might be letting her go. But Hinton's call was anything but bad news. The label exec informed Moorer that her song, "A Soft Place to Fall," had been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The tune, written by Moorer and Nashville rocker Gwil Owen, was featured in the Robert Redford movie The Horse Whisperer. Moorer appeared in the movie as a nightclub singer, performing the song while Redford danced with actress Kristin Scott Thomas. "I had no idea the nominations were coming out that morning," she says. "It had crossed my mind that maybe the song would be in the running to be nominated, but I never thought in a million years that it would actually happen. So when Bruce gave me the news, all I could say was, `Oh my God, you're kidding?' " Last spring, the movie role helped jump-start Moorer's career. But country radio unjustly ignored "A Soft Place to Fall," a languid, melancholy ballad rich with emotion. Apparently, "power country" programmers found it too low-key for their tastes, and they assumed listeners would naturally tune out in search of something peppier. Indeed, there may be no better example of country radio's head-in-the-sand approach to programming. Even Jay Leno, an avowed country music fan, expressed his frustration about this very subject prior to Moorer's performance on the Tonight Show Feb. 15. As the host put it, she's appearing in films, Robert Redford loves her, movie fans love her, music critics love her, and now she's been nominated for an Academy Award. Yet she's still not getting any airplay. "What's wrong with those people?" Leno asked. At least Moorer can feel vindicated in knowing that her nomination will result in a flood of exposure. To top it all off, on Oscar night, she'll perform "A Soft Place to Fall" during the worldwide telecast. That means she'll be seen by millions of people--and, in music-industry terms, that's millions of consumers. People picking up on Moorer in the next couple of months will likely be asking two questions: One, why haven't we heard this outstanding and unusual singer before? Then, once they start thinking about the country music they do hear on the radio, they'll echo Leno and ask, "What's wrong with those people?" There is one way to change that: Call a country radio station and ask the program director to play Allison Moorer. Should he refuse, ask him, "What's wrong with you people?" Then tell him you'll be listening to another station from now on. --Michael McCall
Re: CRS showcases (was: RE: clip: What's wrong with those people?)
Jon writes: the New Faces Show: Allison Moorer Trini Triggs Jon Randall Mark Nesler Chad Brock Shane Stockton Gil Grand Monty Holmes Keith Harling The Great Divide zzz. What makes Randall, Stockton, Harling and the Divide "new faces"? Seems they've been around a while. Or is iyt that because radio doesn't pay attention that they are still "new"? Also the McCall piece suggests once again that the biggest piece of the problem is at the radio end, not the label end). Judging by this lineup, I'd say their strangling each other and loving it. g Jim, smilin' still
RE: CRS showcases (was: RE: clip: What's wrong with those people?)
zzz. What makes Randall, Stockton, Harling and the Divide "new faces"? Seems they've been around a while. Or is iyt that because radio doesn't pay attention that they are still "new"? All of them except Randall are on their first albums, or at least first major-label releases. Kind of the way the Dixie Chicks were counted as "New Faces" last year. I'm not sure why that's such an irritation. Some of those first albums have been out a while haven't they? Sounds like radio's waggin the dog again. If the labels think any of those "new faces" are gonna cause their problems to go away, they are more delusional then I thought. Sounds like more of the same, when they should be going with something just a little bit different. Not jerking any knees, just trying to understand... Jim
RE: CRS showcases (was: RE: clip: What's wrong with those people?)
Ho boy... If the labels think any of those "new faces" are gonna cause their problems to go away, they are more delusional then I thought. Why would you think that they think that, and why would you think I care about whether the labels think their problems are going to be solved anyway? This is a label showcase for radio programmers. The labels are presenting these artists to the radio programmers in the hope that they will get something out of it (Radio play). My point, which you seemed to have missed, is that this is supposed to be a showcase of the best new artists that Nashville has to offer, the future country radio superstars, if you will, (can we agree on that?) and if that is the case, the labels are in serious trouble as the music these acts make, with the exception of one or two, is more of the same that has caused country music's current problems. I'm not sure where the second part of your sentence comes from. Who cares if you care or not? Did I say anything about that? sheesh What are you looking for in the way of a little bit different? Some alt-country refugees? ya know I went to the Americana chart for this and I was disappointed. Alison Moorer is on that chart but most of the others wouldn't qualify as "new", or qualify period if you're talking good music, g so hows about Damnations, Paul Burch and Charlie Robison. Hell Del McCoury might even qualify since they ignored him the first couple of times. g Jim, smilin'
RE: Damnations TX vs tired UT sounds
Slonedog writes:I think too many of the others are flat-out boring. They sort of sound like the Indigo Girls with inferior songs and a banjo. Whoa! I don't hear any of the Girls whitebread folkiness or unbridled (read over the top), er, enthusiasm on the Damnations record. If you've never seen this band live, you owe it to yourself to catch 'em. Maybe the record doesn't do them justice, if you've never experienced them before. Maybe a trip to Twangfest is in order. g Jim, smilin'
David Jo/Harry Smiths
From today's NY TImes: David Johansen: A Man of Two Names By JON PARELES David Johansen s career has traveled back through time: from the 1970s protopunk of the New York Dolls to the straightforward rock of his solo albums, and then, as Buster Poindexter, in rediscoveries of old rhythm-and-blues and party songs. (Lately, Buster Poindexter has led a Latin-tinged band, Busters Spanish Rocketship.) Under his own name at the Bottom Line on Thursday night, Mr. Johansen looked back another few decades, strumming an acoustic guitar and singing blues and hillbilly songs that date back as far as the 1920s. His band was called the Harry Smiths, after the record collector who put together the Anthology of American Folk Music, a trove of songs recorded commercially from 1926 to 1934 and released as a collection in 1952; the anthology was rereleased on CDs in 1997. Smith favored songs that matter-of-factly summed up hard lives and grim events, from heartbreak to murder to premonitions of death. Mr. Johansens 30-song set drew a few songs from the anthology and others with a similar stoic clarity: lesser-known songs by Muddy Waters, Mississippi John Hurt and Bo Diddley along with selections from the more obscure likes of Daddy Hotcakes, Dock Boggs, Sloppy Henry, Louise Johnson and Jim Jackson. Mr. Johansen didnt try to recreate the eerie old recordings. Instead, he treated the songs with affection and respect, singing with an avuncular ease that let the songs speak for themselves. He had chosen bleak songs about solitude, betrayal and loss, but like the old singers he refused to make melodrama out of observations like All the friends I ever had are gone or Ive seen better days but Im putting up with these. Instead, he found gallows humor and quiet sympathy in desperate songs like Peg Leg Howells Low Down Rounder Blues, in which the singer fears others and even distrusts himself. When he got around to a few of his own songs as encores, they seemed sentimental by comparison. The band turned the music into unplugged folk-rock, putting an easy lilt behind banjo or slide-guitar lines from the old recordings. They occasionally tried a modernist touch; in Ramblin Thomass Poor Boy Blues while Mr. Johansen sang in unison with Larry Salzmans dobro, Joey Baron on drums and Kermit Driscoll on bass set up rumbles and thumps. More often, they were a supple string band that could handle Celtic banjo picking (from Mr. Salzman) for an Appalachian song or slide guitar (by Brian Koonin) in a ragtimey blues. Until now Mr. Johansen had been nobodys idea of a folkie, but his rockers insouciance was just right for the songs.
questions
Has anyone heard of any of these bands? What kind of music do they play? This is supposedly a lineup for a Jazz festival that someone is questioning me on and I don't think I recognize any of them. Anybody? Thanks, Jim, still smilin' Gin Draga Hall St. Honkers Jean Kittrell Wooden Nickel Buck Creek Cats N Jammer Blue Street Zydeto Flames Bathtub Gin Jewish Wedding Royal Society Pieces of 8 Marine Corps Uptown Mardi Gras Chicago 6 Donna Landry Gator Beat Horn Band Uptown Big Foot Lavey Smith Dancers Only Dynatones
RE: Waterloo Top 50/Texas Top 10 - 2.27.99
Who is Ginger Mackenzie?? The next Jewel. I kid you not. JC
Brooce
From today's Wall of Sound: Last December, Bruce Springsteen s management released a statement confirming the singer would mount a 1999world tour with his longtime backup group the E Street Band, the first such tour between the Boss and the boys since 1988. The short note said more details of the tour would be announced in the new year. Though its nearly March, not a single date has been announced for what was widely assumed to be a spring-summer tour. But tonight could mark the beginning of a flurry of activity surrounding the reunion, as Springsteen makes a guest appearance on Late Night With Conan OBrien to celebrate drummer Max Weinbergs last show with his new boss before rejoining his old Boss for the E Street reunion. Springsteen performed his song Working on the Highway with the Max Weinberg 7, the Late Night house band, several members of which have played with Bruce in the past. As for the E Streeters 1999 world tour, rehearsals started a few weeks ago, and the first dates are now rumored to be set for early April in Spain. The tour would then wind through indoor and outdoor venues in Europe before wrapping up in the U.K. in late May. A summer tour of U.S., including a long residency in New Jersey, would follow in June, July, and August. To coincide with the start of the tour, Columbia plans to release a single-CD compilation drawn from the recently released four-CD box set Tracks on April 13. The big news for fans is that 18 Tracks will add three songs left off of Tracks, among them two songs which generated considerable comment over their original omission: The Fever and The Promise. The former is a nearly eight-minute soulful ballad recorded May 16, 1973, and performed in concert as late as 1978. The studio recording of the song was even sent to a few radio stations in the mid-70s that were early supporters of Springsteen. Southside Johnny eventually cut a version of his friends song for his 1976 debut, I Dont Want To Go Home. The inclusion of The Promise is sure to both please and surprise devoted fans. When asked in recent interviews why the song didnt appear on Tracks, Springsteen said that he would have put it on had he found what he felt was a satisfactory take. To that end, Springsteen re-recorded a new version of The Promise earlier this month (February 12 to be exact) for inclusion on 18 Tracks. The third new song is Trouble River, an outtake from Human Touch recorded April 6, 1990 that has popped up on a few bootlegs
Rodney
Hey I'm listening to Life Is Messy, Rodney Crowell's record from 1992 and IMO one of the best of the decade. g Anyway, haven't heard from him in a while, have we? anybody know what's up with him? I know he's been producing some lately but I was wondering about his recording career. Thanks, Jim, smilin'
Re: Bingo , Alvin, Fulks and the Hollies (was:TheCountrypolitans)
The next time you see him scream for his dead-on version of Wings' "Jet." I kid u not. Jim, smilin'
Playlist KOOP New American Roots Music 2/26/99
The New American Roots Music Show is heard Fridays from 9 to 10 AM on KOOP, Austin, Texas 91.7FM. It focuses on new releases and recent re-issues in country, bluegrass,folk, blues, cajun, zydeco and whatever else fits. Way to much new stuff this week to fit into an hour. The Biller Wakefield is sure to satisfy fans of guitar twang and fans of RL Burnside should definitely check Clarence Brewer. Hey Hightone was two for two this week. g Any questions contact me off list. Jim Artist/Song/Album Bill Matte/Restless Night/Zydeco, Blues Boogie (intro) Lone Justice/Shelter/This World Is Not My Home Kelly Willis/Time Has Told Me/What I Deserve Damnations TX/Spit Tears/Half Mad Moon Cesar Rosas/Angelito/Soul Disguise Iguanas/Latin Kings/Sugar Town Biller Wakefield/Night In Topeka/The Hot Guitars Of... Boozoo Chavis/Baby Please Don't Go/Who Stole My Monkey Gibson Bros./Another Night Of Waiting/Another Night Of Waiting Steve Earle The Del McCoury Band/Paddy On The Beat/The Mountain Powell/O'Brien/Herrmann/Skillet Good And Greasy/Songs From The Mountain Hillbilly Idol/Mind To Change/Town Country Del McCoury Band/Look Of A Perfect Diamond/The Family Rosie Flores/'59 Tweedle Dee/Dancehall Dreams Hadacol/Pappy/Better Than This Clarence Brewer/Bed Spring Boogie/King Clarentz Foster Lloyd/Whoa/Version Of The Truth
Re: The Eradication Game (Re: Grammyszzzzzzzzz....)
Dina writes: Now, surely Terry doesn't mean to eradicate the Texas Playboys. or the Texas Tornados for that matter. Jim, smilin'
Re: The Eradication Game (Re: Grammyszzzzzzzzz....)
Two words: Bob Seger.
Re: The Eradication Game (Re: Grammyszzzzzzzzz....)
Tar hutt Jeff writes: Jim, try to seek out some ofhis stuff before he became BOB SEGER and I think you might agree. Bleach. Are you referring to Turn The Page? hee hee. To me Seger was an eary day Michael Bolton. Gimme ZZ Top any day. Jim, smilin'
Re: The Eradication Game (Re: Grammyszzzzzzzzz....)
Ya know I can't understand the bile set on the Dead today and the love for Seger. Maybe I'm on the wrong list. g I woulda voted for Journey, but a couple of those guys played with Santana and I think that's worth something, not sure what though. Jim, smilin'
Re: Grammyszzzzzzzzz....
Not to beat a dead horse, but could someone who saw Shania's performance tonight, puh-leeze explain to me what she's got to do with country music? Oh it must be the twin fiddles in the band. g Jim, smilin'
Re: SXSW query: Broken Spoke??
Yep they're part of the CRSF. Jim, smilin' and smilin'
RE: Nick Hornby / Tom Perrotta
from today's Austin Chronicle: "After producers of the upcoming film version of Nick Hornby's High Fidelity (shooting in either Austin or Chicago) solicited every Hickman, McKay, McKenzie and Crowley in town to send their press pack, it was revealed that every Amos, Loeb, Love and Phair were also asked to submit materials for the part."
RE: Grammy high/lowlights
I wonder if maybe his version of Chesnutt's comment was, er, edited (f'r instance, "I recorded it because I'm tired of doing cry-in-your-beer songs that go nowhere on the charts"). Man I'm having a great day. Even Jon's getting me to laugh. g No, really Jon, this is classic. Jim, smilin' NP:Lone Justice - This World Is Not My Home
Re: Gag reflex
Kip writes: Melissa Etheridge, Best Female Blues guitarist.There's a rich giggle. Not as funny as: -- Deana Carter, best female country guitarist. Does she play with her feet? g Jim, smilin'
Re: 50/90
I agree with Dina, although I've heard a lot more than she has. It seems like standard rock-crit snobbery (is that a word? g) that most of the general public just ignores. I would have put a Steve Earle or Dave Alvin record in there, instead of Jimmie Gilmore (which I don't think holds up too well over the years) and as far as Liz Phair, Bjork and PJ Harvey go, I tried, I had to cover my ears. BTW-Who are Goldie, Bloque, Meshuggah and Common? And Kot still seems to think the electronica movement was/is important, what else is new? g Jim, smilin and older than dirt
Re: 50/90
David writes: If what most of the general public ignores is how we determine rock crit snobbery, then it seems to me that the Jimmie Dale pick would be more populist, less elitist, than the Alvin you propose, since I'm betting that Gilmore has outsold him by a long shot. The same may be true of Earle too, though that's also just a guess--more likely, at least in in terms of appreciation by the general public, Earle and Gilmore are equally snobby picks. My point here, and maybe I wasn't explicit enough, is that like most rock critics, Kot probably has listened to Gilmore (and probably only that one record cause it was hip at the time) but not Earle (or he's doesn't like him) and almost definitely not Alvin because he's on an uncool (to rock critics) label . The rock-crit snobbery I was referring to sometimes has more to so with what label a record is on and what other critics think is good, more than the music that's involved. BH! JIm, smilin'
Playlist-KOOP New American Roots Music 2/19/99
The New American Roots Music Show is heard Fridays from 9 to 10 AM on KOOP, Austin, Texas 91.7FM. It focuses on new releases and recent re-issues in country, bluegrass,folk, blues, cajun, zydeco and whatever else fits. Way to much new stuff this week to fit into an hour. The Doyle Lawson Quicksilver re-issues are exceptional and the Snooky Pryor rocks even if he's, what, 78 years young. Any questions, contact me off line. Jim Artist/Song/Album Bill Matte/Restless Night/Zydeco, Blues Boogie (intro) Foster Lloyd/Is It Love/Version Of The Truth Walter Clevenger The Dairy Kings/I'll Return Again/Love Songs To Myself John P. Strom/Wouldn't Want To Be Me/Vestuvia Damnations/Unholy Train/Half Mad Moon Waco Brothers/Hello To Everybody/Wacoworld Kelly Willis/Not Forgotten You/What I Deserve Jimmy Lafave/Because The Wind/Trail Bill Morrisey/Coffee Blues/Songs Of Mississippi John Hurt Snooky Pryor/In This Mess/Shake My Hand Stephen Bruton/Trip Stumble Fall/Nothing But The Truth Doyle Lawson Quicksilver/Thinking About You/The Original Band Del McCoury Band/Nashville Cats/The Family Steve Earle The Del McCoury Band/I'm Still In Love With You/The Mountain Ricky Skaggs/Carolina Mountain Home/Ancient Tones Foster Lloyd/Whoa/Version Of The Truth (outro)
Twangfest (was Re: Half Mad Moon)
Junior writes: We just want to cross our Ts, dot our Is, and let our world famous spokesmodel Mr. Mark Wyatt step up to the plate when everything's in order. Ooo, does Mark get to wear that slinky black dress when he makes the big announcement? I think it would be fabulous with those goofy stacked heel boots he's got. Jim, still smilin' Oh and btw, despite what Matt says, the Damnations are the *best* band in Austin. Is anyone else annoyed by his constant cheerleading for the Gourds or is it just me?
Re: Hangin' with the Stahs!!! (SXSW Film '99)
snip EDtv directed by Ron Howard (attending), starring Matthew McConaughey (attending), JennaElfman, Woody Harrelson and Jon Bon Jovi (attending); world premiere Abilene directed by Joe Camp III, starring Ernest Borgnine (attending) Wow I don't think this town will ever be the same after being visited by Bonjovi, Borgnine and Iggy in the same week. Jim, smilin'
Re: sxsw criticisms (my take)
Kip writes: But I suspect if you're in the Joe Blow Band from Scranton, PA and you try to convince a rep from Hightone to make your set, it's probably not gonna happen. Why not? Isn't the Joe Blow Band any good? Why are they making music then? What's the point of making the trip? If the band REALLY cares about what they are doing you CAN communicate that with people who attending these things. I know I come across as a jaded f*ck sometimes, but really believe that you can make these things work to your advantage, if you TRY. Dale Watson and The Hot Club Of Cowtown both claim to be signed to Hightone after SXSW gigs, btw. I think it would behoove a lot of these bands to simply concentrate on their music and spend less time trying to figure out how they're gonna get the attention of AR. Yep, it depends on what you want out of what you're doing and you need to think about WHY you're doing it. "If you only find the right combination of green and purple, the Right People will bestow their blessings upon ye!". So then you have all these little bands desperately looking for the right combination of green and purple and suddenly it's not about music anymore, it's about green and purple. I'm not sure I follow this. But yeah, if you wanna sell your band, you need to concentrate on things other than music once in awhile. Life can be like that, no? g But when all is said and done, it's the music that matters. And that is not the message these mega-festivals send to the bands.The bands are sent a very different message. What message do you get out of this? oh and welcome to the music business. It doesn't have to be this way, I guess, but it is and until or unless you change it, I think I behooves you to work inside the system. Any day I agree with Jon W and disagree with Nancy is a scary day for sure. Jim, smilin'
Re: sxsw criticisms (preachy)
I just wanted to say I have no arguments with either of Kip's or Erin's stance on this. yeah the music biz can suck, but if you go into it with your eyes WIDE OPEN, it'll suck less. Do the people at these conferences make a lot of money? A qualified yes. They are running a business, providing a service. Whether or not you think it's worth the price they ask you to pay is an individual choice. I know I'm speaking in cliches, but you only get out of it what you put into it. a positive attitude (hell, any kind of ATTITUDE) goes a long way (I'm surprising even myself here g) at these things. I've rambled enough. JC, smilin' NP: Damnations-Half Mad Moon
Time line?
A while back there was some talk here of putting together an alt.country timeline. Did that ever happen? if not does anyone know where I might be able to find such a thing? Thanks, Jim, smilin
Re: Bathroom Grafitti Philosophy
JESUS SAVES! But wouldn't it be better if He had invested? I thought this went: And Gretzsky scores on the rebound!
Re: sxsw criticisms (my take)
Despite what y'all say about SXSW or any event like it, I think that when playing a showcase, or any CSRF like it, it is up to the artist to make the most of what's available. You *do* have the opportunity to get important people out to see your band/act if you take the initiative to let people know you're out there. You can't expect to just show up and draw a crowd. These things are really about networking, getting the word out about what makes you different or better than what else is out there. If you go into it thinking that you've got no shot and no one cares, your probably right. If you work at it and actually have something interesting to say or maybe think of different way to grab some attention, the right folks will find you. These events are good opportunities, if you look at them as a start or continuation of whatever plan you have and if you don't have a plan, then maybe you better reconsider what you're doing in the first place. As to why the larger acts play, it's usually to promote something that their record label is paying for. SXSW is a media event and the labels look at it as a major marketing opportunity. This seems obvious to me, but I guess other folks don't see it that way. g Jim, off my soapbox
Re: Runs in Hoses/ Poor Paul Westerberg
Jenni Writes:yearning for the return of Bic Rock.. When's the next Superchunk record coming out? g JIm, smilin'
Re: wristbands
Sheesh, maybe I outta start a service or something. Anyone interested contact me off list and I'll add you to my list of people who wants one. I think there are four or five already. BTW-I don't think they go on sale for a couple of weeks yet. We've got plenty of time. Don't expect a response right away though. I'm leaving for Nashberg in the morning and I won't be back for a couple of days. Jim, still smilin'
Re: more 1R1R in ND
Babs writes: But I think the majority of readers know the reviewers' tastes well enough, to have something right there instead of having to read the whole dang review... if someone gave every record 5 stars, then you'd take it with a grain of salt. Or at least, I think twang fans are that smart. That's one of the problems with ND. There are so many reviewers it's kinda hard to judge anyone's taste, except maybe Claire O. g You have much higher regard for twang fans intelligence than I do. Boy am I surprised. Jim, sleepin'
RE: more 1R1R in ND
IMO-A rating system igenerally useless, since almost everything is mediocre, everything tends to get three stars and tells you nothing. Jim, smilin' and wondering what Babs has to smile about
Re: Busted; thanks a lot
Um, Terry, the Damnations record isn't out til next Tuesday. I have a couple of harmonicas I can lend you in the meantime, though. Jim, smilin'
Re: Damnations TX (was Re: best so far
Barry writes:BTW--these girls (and the other person) can sing and play so well that I wouldn't rule out Jon liking this one! The other person is Rob Bernard who is also a member of the vastly underrated Prescott Curlywolf. As far as pronunciation, I've heard it's Damnations Tee-X. There was a hard rock band called Damnation that didn't want to give up the name, thus the change. I've been raving about this band for two years now. Glad to see there's finally a band we can ALL agree on. g Jim, smilin'
RE: best so far
Actually, so far "Real" is a contender for me, too. I'm with Chad on that one; disappointing. Can't we all just get along? Here's a version of a review of Real that I wrote. It's in today's Austin Chronicle. Jim, smilin' Various Artists-Real-The Tom T Hall Project (Delmore-Sire) 4 stars The tribute album has had it s highs and lows in the past couple of years, equally dependent on whos being feted and who doing the recognition. This one is one of the highs and for all the right reasons. The only real surprise here is that its taken anyone this long to recognize Tom T. Hall, one of Americas greatest songwriters. The artists appearing on Real The Tom T. Hall Project, range from the venerable, Johnny Cash and Ralph Stanley, to the cream of todays alternative country, Whiskeytown, Kelly Willis and Iris DeMent, to some fine singer/songwriters in their own right, Freedy Johnston and Ron Sexsmith, to some names that most folks probably wont recognize, R.B. Morris and Joel R.L. Phelps. The real strength of the collection is that despite the obvious penchant of each artist putting their own spin on Halls tunes, each songs down to earth nature shines through. Hall has become known as "The Storyteller" and nearly every song hes ever written is a brief vignette, a glimpse of everyday life that may have escaped our eyes, if he hadnt been around to capture it with wit and stylish simplicity. The adaptability of his art is evident in such widely diverse readings as Cashs reverent straightforward, solo acoustic reading of "I Washed My Face In The Morning Dew," Syd Straw The Skeletons lyrical re-writing and high energy rock version of "Harper Valley P.T.A.," Calexicos marichi influenced reading of "Tulsa Telephone Book" and Whiskeytowns perfectly mournful country rock take of "I Hope It Rains At My Funeral." With such divergent styles, one might think that Real-The Tom T. Hall Project is difficult listen, when in fact its pleasure and that proves that tribute albums when done right are still alive and well. I should probably point out that Jon didn't like Rig Rock Deluxe, either. :-)
RE: Sugar Town?
Whitburn says it went to Number 5 for Nancy in late 1966. Funny how I don't remember it since that's my "era". g
Re: Heather Myles Injustice
Don writes: Yep. Heather's much more of a hard country singer. She's more comparable to folks like Conway Twitty, Gene Watson, Mel Street, etc. I'd bet most of the folks who find her "boring" would most likely say the same about those guys. OK, I know we've been over this before, but it hasn't sunk in yet. (I'm a hard headed Italian, if ya haven't guessed yet). What's so "hard" about any of this? I was never really a fan of Twitty (though seeing Dale Watson perform some of his songs made me appreciate him more.) and I can't say I'm overly familiar with the other two, though I know their names, so you may be right. Can you explain? Obviously adding the word hard to country is not like adding it to rock. g Jim, smilin'
Re: Checking in...
Glad to see Steve Gardner back. I thought he'd been swallowed whole by the bluegrass Borg. g I just got a copy of an oldtime album that will only be sold with the paperback version of Charles Frazier's "Cold Mountain." If you haven't read the book, it's awesome. Wait until 3/23 though to buy it because you really have to hear this CD. It's from Dirk Powell, John Hermann and Tim O'Brien and it's the best oldtime CD I've heard in over a year. 18 stunning tracks inspired by the book. Is this right? I received a copy of the record today, but no book. I've heard raves from other sources about it, but has anybody else here read it? Just looking for advice. And while I'm generally not a big Tim O'Brien fan, I think I'm gonna go slip that disc in the player right now. Jim, smilin' now more than ever
Re: Heather Myles Injustice
I'm not wanting to play contrarian again, but I have to jump in on this. I think Heather Myles' problem is that she's only a fair to middlin' singer with a taste for just ok songs and the good songs she chooses have been done better by others (I mean Kiss An Angel Good Morning?-puh-leese). I don't think she's sexy (my dog would look good on a Harley g) and the couple of live performances that I've seen of hers lacked any kind of respectable energy. I know that some folks on this list think her record from last year was great, but I thought it was a yawner. On a broader scope, I think that's the problem with Americana radio. Programmers get excited over some pretty mediocre stuff that leaves the rest of us just shaking our heads and wondering what you're thinking. Jim, smilin' NP: Ronnie Dawson-More Bad Habits (if you wanna talk about energy, let's start here g)
Re: Now Enrolling
Now Enrolling Students for the Jerry Curry School of Aggressive Electicism. You'll love both prog-rock and ragtime, soul bagpipes, scat electronica. Hey you forgot barbershop. Alex isn't gonna like this. Jim, who owns all the Blodwyn Pig catalog, even that live thing that came out a coupla years ago
Blodwyn Pig (was Re: Now Enrolling)
Old Tom writes:Good grief! What's the deal on that live one? I don't have it with me, but i think it's a UK import that I found used for cheap. Sound quality is fair, but I thought it was an interesting pick up for the price. A Head Rings Out was definitely one of my faves of the 70's and not just cos of the pig's head on the cover. g Jim, smilin'
Re: Blodwyn Pig
Just another reason to love P2, other folks who remember the joys of Blodwyn Pig. g I kinda think A Head Rings Out came out on CD on some small, re-issue oriented label in the early part of this decade. Never picked it up though. I have the the disc in my hot little hands right now though and here's the info on it: The Modern Alchemist was released in 1997 on the Indigo label in the UK, marketed by Trojan Sales, which sounds like a mailorder house. There is very little other info on the CD book other than a brief history of the band and some quotes from Abrahams. I picked it up for 6 bucks at Cheapos late last year. Jim, smilin' NP: BP-The Modern Alchemist- Dear Jill (ah the memories) G
