Band of Heathens “Trouble Came Early” (2016)
When a group literally brands themselves a band of heathens they better have something besides mere paganism to back it up. A song with an opening chord that sounds plucked right from ‘Street Fighting Man’ is a good place to start. The Band of Heathens are another in a seemingly endless line of quality Americana/roots-rock...... Read More
Little Feat “Dixie Chicken” (Waiting For Columbus) (1978)
What band and album was the most played in your freshman college dorm? Kind of a defining characteristic of the times, right? I arrived at Tulane University in the fall of 1979, and moved into the fourth floor of Sharp Hall, where people were trying to establish their identity, at least in part, by what...... Read More
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes “Blowin’ In The Wind” (2001)
Some readers of this esteemed blog expressed some objection to my all-too-casual dismissal of the “voice of a generation," Bob Dylan, within a prior post on the Drive-By Truckers. I’d like to try to atone for that now by featuring what is undoubtedly... Read More
Farrelly Brothers // Electric Light Orchestra “Showdown” (1973); Smashmouth “Do It Again” (2000); Billy Stewart “Summertime” (1966)
Look, with a 2-minute graphic diarrhea scene, you either find it funny or you don’t. In other words, you probably either love Farrelly Brothers movies or hate them. Unimaginably gross, dreadfully inappropriate, off-puttingly dark, hopelessly juvenile? Check, check, check and check. Yes, I love them. I’d guess that the Farrelly’s are probably best known for...... Read More
Steely Dan “Deacon Blues” (1977)
This is a great song, and like most great songs, it’s exceptional for many reasons. I love the easy feel throughout, right from the opening 12-seconds of 10 jazz-inflected, matching guitar and piano chords. I love Donald Fagen and Walter Becker’s typically convoluted, largely indecipherable Steely Dan lyrics – is it about a loser’s mid-life...... Read More
Stevie Ray Vaughan “Love Struck Baby”
The greatest guitarist I've ever heard, or will ever hear. This song changed my life.... Read More
Cliff Nobles & Co. “The Horse” (1968)
Time for another instrumental. A number of years back my friend Messiah threw himself an epic birthday party and hired an even more epic band to play it. I’ve never seen more musicians on one stage in my life – the horn section alone must’ve been a dozen guys – and a spectacular, extended version...... Read More
The Outlaws “There Goes Another Love Song” (1975)
About a love for an Outlaws song that borders on the obsessive... Read More
Bottle Rockets “Happy Anniversary” (2006)
What is a bar band? It’s undeniably hard to describe, even harder to define. But as Justice Potter Stewart famously declared in 1964 speaking then about pornography, I know it when I see it. Or in this case, hear it. The Bottle Rockets are... Read More
Shooter Jennings “4th Of July” (2005)
I could’ve picked a more conspicuous song today: Bruce Springsteen’s ‘4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)’ probably would’ve been the most obvious choice. And though definitely not about fireworks and celebration, another Bruce tune, ‘Independence Day’, might’ve even fit. No go for either one (though when I get my courage up I do hope to...... Read More