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
Neko Case “Bad Luck” (2018)
The Song Of The Summer, that unofficial title bestowed on the one intoxicating, exhilarating song each year whose arrival and subsequent omnipresence best define the musical zeitgeist of the steamy, celebratory season finally again upon us today. Or maybe it’s just the tune you’re most likely to hear at the beach. Looking back over the...... Read More
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit “Cumberland Gap” (2017)
Is mainstream success still possible for good bands, such as Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit?... Read More
Brandi Carlile “The Joke”
Following the release of 2018's "The Joke" being an opening act was not something Brandi Carlile had to worry about any more.... Read More
Drive-By Truckers “The Perilous Night”
Both words and music used with powerful force; righteous indignation rarely sounds this good.... Read More