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
Raelyn Nelson Band “Sold” (2017)
For the last of what's become four installments on the Nelson family I'll relate that I was driving somewhere recently, had the Outlaw Country station locked in on my Sirius radio (channel 60!), and heard this fierce country/punk rocker of a song, identified at... Read More
Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real “Set Me Down On A Cloud” (2017)
Here’s some more Lukas Nelson, this time plugged in and with band. First, about the band: Since 2015 Promise Of The Real have been the regular backing unit for a guy named Neil Young. In studio and on tour. So there’s that.... Read More
Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real “Just Outside Of Austin” (2017)
Sure, he’s got it in his genes. But Lukas Nelson, Willie’s 29-year-old son, has also got it in his jeans: Sex appeal and star power, to go along with unbridled talent. It’s blasphemous to suggest, perhaps, but maybe even more so than his dad. This guy... Read More
Willie Nelson “Roll Me Up” (2012)
I’ll admit I was definitely late to the Willie Nelson party. Like around 50 years late. My college friend Woody used to go on and on about him, showing back up at school from Houston after every break with some worn-out Willie albums and a couple cases of Lonestar longnecks, ... Read More
Jefferson Starship “Jane” (1979)
The incredible singing of Mickey Thomas makes Jefferson Starship's "Jane" a pleasure worth being guilty over.... Read More
Cee Lo Green “Fuck You” (2010)
Revenge is, as they say, sweet. And yeah, I realize it’s also said that ‘living well is the best revenge’, but I don’t know, that seems like more of a long-term plan. Sometimes, as Otter aptly declared in Animal House, the situation just requires a really “futile and stupid gesture.” My best? In my twenties...... Read More
ZZ Top “La Grange” (1973)
Is the funniest thing about ZZ Top the fact that 2 of its 3 members are famed for their massive signature beards, and the 3rd member who completely lacks one is named – it’s true – Frank Beard? Well if not then it must be their song content. I recently heard ‘Tube Snake Boogie,’ the...... Read More
The Dungeon // Fatboy Slim “The Rockafeller Skank” (1998)
The word ‘literally’ is literally misused most of the time. Generally when you hear it spoken it’s for emphasis and not to be taken, well, literally. Still, on a night in 2001 in the joyous city of New Orleans, I literally…literally…thought I was going to die. There are a lot of great bars in New...... Read More