A Little Musical VD Help!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of the dear, sweet, gentle readers, I hope this post finds you with the one you love or at least someone you like a little. In honor of the beloved and mass marketed one day year love fest, I’m dropping a Mixed Tape Monday Special Edition VD List.

Click on the link below!

VD Mixed Tape

So, if you are one of those procrastinating types, take this list, hop on iTunes and download these fine tunes; run to your local grocery store, sift through the remaining sappy, mass produced cards and while you’re there pick up some not so fresh roses or other flowers conveniently available for this special day. To top it all off, grab a box of heart shaped chocolates and make your reservations at your local Applebee’s or Macaroni Grill, show that special someone how much you really care.

Great music awaits!

Tune In Tuesday: 6/1/10

Welcome to another addition of Tune in Tuesday!  Today’s musical choices are all from the great state of Texas.  And now, the obligatory cheesy state bravado, that’s right folks, it is Tune In Tuesday Texas style! I’m sure that was not as painful to read as it was to write. 

Step Inside This House

Lyle Lovett

Lyle Lovett is a great songwriter and has had a tremendous impact on the Texas music scene.  Step Inside This House is an album of covers written by fellow Texans.  It is one of my favorite albums that Lyle has released.  He covers songs from artist such as Robert Earl Keen, Townes Van Zandt, Steven Fromholz, and Guy Clark.  This release is a two disc album and is great from start to finish.  Lovett’s vocals add new life to the lyrics of others while staying true to their music and most importantly, himself.

Key Tracks:

Lungs, Rollin’ By, Texas Trilogy (All three songs, thus the word trilogy),

Rivertown

Walt Wilkins

Walt Wilkins is one of the greatest songwriters that you have never heard of.  His music has been covered by the likes of Pat Green and Ricky Skaggs.  Rivertown is one of his earlier solo albums and is filled with musical gems.  He has a really comforting vocal presentation and brings you into each of his songs. 

Key Tracks:

Poetry, One of those Moments, Seven Hillsides, Some Men Fall

Lost Hotel

Wade Bowen

Waco born Bowen is a Texas singer/songwriter who happens to be the brother in law of Cody Canada (Cross Canadian Ragweed).  He co-wrote Pat Green’s hit “Don’t Break My Heart Again” and has released four albums.  Lost Hotel was my introduction to Wade and is one of my favorite albums of his.  His whiskey soaked vocals add an emotional depth to his lyrics.

Key Tracks:

Resurrection, Perfect Silence, Lost Hotel, Broken Reflection (Troubadour’s Prayer)

Soul To Soul

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Not sure what I can say about this album other than it is pure greatness.  Stevie was a genius and this was just one of many ways he displayed his musical prowess.  Life Without You and Change it are in my Top 5 Greatest songs by Stevie.

Key Tracks:

Life Without You, Change It, Lookin’ Out the Window, Look At Little Sister

Carry On

Pat Green

Carry On was Green’s third self released album and one of his finest.  His cover of Walt Wilkin’s “Ruby’s Two Sad Daughters” is amazing and the rest of the tracks are just as good.  I am a huge Pat Green fan but find myself listening to more of his earlier recordings.  This album, in particular, just seems to be more authentic than some of his new releases. 

Key Tracks:

Whiskey, Carry On, Ruby’s Two Sad Daughters, Crazy, Holdin’ On

I’m Good Now

Bob Schneider

A paragon of the Austin music scene, Bob Schneider has got the musical goods.  This is his third solo album.  His funky word play, feel good vibe, and his musical fearlessness make him fun to listen to and even more entertaining to see live.  This album is one of my favorite as well as a favorite of my kids.  And really, there is nothing better than hearing the following words sung from your children when they are all under the age of 5.

I can see god on a cloud in the sky
On top of the world watching the world roll by
With a great big grin and some good cocaine
Jesus by his side in the pouring rain

And then there is another great verse that every kindergarten child should know

 I can see god In Italian shoes
With a beard and a gun and a case of the blues
Smoking a cigarette drinking coors light
With teeth so white they light up the night

It was shortly after this car ride sing along that I received my first of many Father of the Year nominations and subsequent awards.

Key Tracks:

Come With Me Tonight, God Is My Friend, Captain Kirk,

Great music awaits!

Tune In Tuesday: 4/20/10

Today is Tune In Tuesday.  As you might have guessed, I listen to a lot of music.  I listen at work, while I drive, while I drive to work, in the house, driving home, doing yard work, just about anywhere and anything I’m doing involves music. 

Driving is where most of my listening happens during the day and sometimes night.  My vehicle of choice and necessity, I have a brood of kids and 3 dogs, is a Chevy Tahoe, affectionately referred to as the “Ho”.  Aside from the ample space needed for carting afore mentioned brood and dogs, the Ho has a great Bose stereo with a six disc changers.  Six slots of pure musical pleasure. 

Each week starts out with me selecting six random discs from my imposing musical collection.  Once selected, they are inserted into the musical pleasure slots and then I hit the random button. 

The thought behind Tune In Tuesday is that I will tell you what is in the changer for the week and give you a little background on the album, artist and key tracks.

This week, here is what is in the changer:

 1.      Drive-By Truckers: The Fine Print (a collection of oddities and rarities 2003-2008)

This album is a collection of covers, alternate versions of songs from already released albums, and a few odds and ends.  The cover to Tom Petty’s “Rebels” is pretty cool as is their cover of Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone”.  Patterson Hood handles the majority of the vocals on the album.  For me, the stand out cover is Warren Zevon’s “Play it all Night Long”. 

 2.      Steve Earle: Townes

This album is a complete cover of Townes Van Zandt.  “Lungs” is the standout track for me.  Tom Morello (the Nightwatchman, Rage Against the Machine, Street Sweeper Social Club) plays on the album as does Steve’s son Justin. 

 3.      Amos Lee: Last Days at the Lodge

This is the third album by the Philadelphia singer/songwriter.  He has got a voice that just captivates you.  “What’s Been Going On”, “Street Corner Preacher”, and “Baby I Want You” are three really solid songs. 

 4.      Slaid Cleaves: Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away…

This Austin based singer/songwriter has a way with the words.  Lyrically superior to the vast majority of artist out there, his voice is calm and inviting in a way that brings it all together.  “Beautiful Thing: is by far the best track while “Hard To Believe” and “Dreams” are right up there.  This is an album that can easily be listened to start to finish several times.

 5.      Bob Schneider: Lovely Creatures

Another Austin icon, Bob really runs the musical gamut on this one.  “40 Dogs (Like Romeo and Juliet)” is a great song and the most Bob like song on the album.  He gets pretty musically diverse as the album progresses.  “Tarantula” is just pure fun that will have you moving wherever you are.

 6.      State Radio: Let It Go

 This is the third full length album for the Boston based sociopolitical trio.  I’m a huge fan and love all of the music that they have done to date.  Their music is a bond between my oldest son and I can’t ever here it without thinking about him and the trips we have taken to see them live.  “Calling All Crows”,” Knights of Bostonia”, and “Blood Escaping Man” are great but then again, so is the whole album.

So, check them out and let me know what you think.

Great music awaits!

You should be listening to Reckless Kelly!

Reckless Kelly is the rocking alt/country Austin based band via Bend, Oregon, where they originally formed, but moved to Texas as quick as they could.  The band was organized and helmed by Braun brothers, Cody and Willy.  Their father happened to have a western swing band, Muzzie and the Boys, where the boys cut their early musical chops. 

Reckless Kelly’s debut “Millican” was released in 1998 and the title is a reference to Millican Oregon.  The album has one of my favorite songs “Drink Your Whiskey Down”.  In 2000 they released two albums “Acoustic: Live at Stubbs”, a great Austin barbeque joint, and “The Day”.  The live album features covers of Bob Dylan (Subterranean Homesick Blues), AC/DC (You Shook Me All Night Long), and Led Zeppelin (Whole Lotta Love).

In 2003 they switched labels and released “Under the Table and Above the Sun” on Sugar Hill Records who have had such high profile artist as Robert Earl Keen, James McMurtry, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Townes Van Zandt to name a few. They followed up with 2005’s “Wicked Twisted Road” which had three singles “These Tears’, “Stick Around”, and “Baby’s Got a Whole Lot More” that broke the Top 10 on the Texas Music Chart.  In 2006 the live CD/DVD “Reckless Kelly Was Here” was released

In 2008 they again switched labels (Yup Roc Records) and released “Bulletproof” which the band taking umbrage with the current sociopolitical landscape.  The single “Ragged as the Road” peaked at #1 on the Texas Music Chart. 

Reckless Kelly Discography:

• Millican
• Acoustic: Live at Stubbs
• The Day
• Under the Table and Above the Sun
• Wicked Twisted Road
• Reckless Kelly Was Here
• Best of the Sugar Hill Years
• Bulletproof
• Somewhere In Time

Top 5 Reckless Kelly Songs: (in no particular order)

1. Let’s Just Fall (Under the table and Above the Sun)
2. Drink Your Whiskey Down (Millican)
3. Baby’s Got a Whole Lot More (Wicked Twisted Road)
4. May Peace Find You Tonight (Under the table and Above the Sun)
5. American Blood (Bulletproof)

Their music is typical alt/country with guitars (acoustic, electric, & occasional steel), bass, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, and drums.  They have a surprising pop sensibility with catchy hooks and well crafted songs.  It is their ability to take tired themes (love, loss, redemption, etc…) and rejuvenate them with a fresh sound that is a combination of their musical prowess and the gruff, weathered vocal styling of Willy Braun.  They are known for their straight forward musical approach, the connectivity and energy of their live shows, and the fierce loyalty of their fans

Check out Reckless Kelly at www.recklesskelly.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpUXrDrUfDM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko2BRa5o_84

Great music awaits!

25 more albums you should own!

Greetings music lovers,

Today’s blog is about 25 albums you should own and has the following parameters:

•  Album must have been recorded/released prior to 1990
• No duplication of artist
• No live albums or greatest hits (kind of an all encompassing copout to include either)
• Listing of my favorite track from said album (This is not so much a parameter but a mere bonus for your reading pleasure)

Twenty Five albums you should own! (In no particular order):

Artist	Album	Song
U2	The Joshua Tree (1987)	With or Without You
Bob Dylan	Oh Mercy (1989)	Most of the Time
Bruce Springsteen	Nebraska (1982)	Nebraska
Paul Simon	Graceland (1986)	You Can Call Me Al
James McMurtry	Too Long in the Wasteland (1989)	Angeline
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers	Hard Promises (1981)	The Waiting
Guns N’ Roses	Appetite for Destruction (1987)	Mr. Brownstone
The Eagles	Hotel California (1976)	The Last Resort
Pink Floyd	Wish You Were Here (1975)	Have a Cigar
Robert Earl Keen	No Kinda Dancer (1984)	Rolling By
Eric Clapton	Journeyman (1989)	Running On Faith
The Who	Quadrophenia (1973)	Love Reign O’er Me
Elton John	Madman Across the Water (1971)	Tiny Dancer
Metallica	And Justice For All (1988)	Dyers Eve
R.E.M	Document (1987)	It’s the End of the World As We Know It (and I Feel Fine)
The Pixies	Surfer Rosa (1988)	Where Is My Mind
John Mellencamp	Scarecrow (1985)	Minutes To Memories
The Band	Music from the Big Pink (1968)	The Weight
Van Morrison	Moondance (1970)	And It Stoned Me
Lynyrd Skynyrd	Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin- Nerd (1973)	Simple Man
Beastie Boys	Paul’s Boutique (1989)	Shake Your Rump
The Traveling Wilburys	Vol. 1 (1988)	Congratulations
Warren Zevon	Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School (1980)	Play It All Night Long
Townes Van Zandt	Townes Van Zandt (1969)	Lungs
The Rolling Stones	Let It Bleed (1969)	Gimme Shelter
Jackson Brown	The Pretender (1976)	The Pretender

 So, there you have it, another list of musical bliss.  Take your time, check them out and let me know what you think.

 Great music awaits!

Under the Covers: Cover songs you should be listening to

Some songs are so great that everyone wants to sing them and add their own unique style.  Some do it to pay homage to an artist, others feel a certain connection to the song and/or artist, and yet others are just looking to be the next American Idol.

The cover tune is the metaphorical equivalent of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Anyone can do it but not everyone does it right.   To make it right, PB&J requires lightly toasted bread, an abundance of peanut butter on both slices of the bread, and a generous slathering of jelly.  I’m a grape or raspberry fan myself. 

So, let’s get under the covers:

• “Masters of War”                       Pearl Jam
  • Original Artist                   Bob Dylan
• “War Pigs”                                  Faith No More
  • Original Artist                   Black Sabbath
• “Hurt”                                          Johnny Cash
  • Original Artist                   Nine Inch Nails
• “Hard to Handle”                        The Black Crowes
  • Original Artist                   Ottis Redding
• “Chimes of Freedom”                 Bruce Springsteen
  • Original Artist                   Bob Dylan
• “Cortez the Killer”                      The Dave Matthews Band
  • Original Artist                   Neil Young
• “Billie Jean”                                 Chris Cornell
  • Original Artist                   Michael Jackson
• “Paradise”                                   Pat Green
  • Original Artist                   John Prine
• “Hard Sun”                                 Eddie Vedder
  • Original Artist                   Indio
• “Play it All Night Long”             Drive-By Truckers
  • Original Artist                   Warren Zevon
• “Climbing up the Walls”            Erin Ivey
  • Original Artist                   Radiohead
• “Rocket Man”                             My Morning Jacket
  • Original Artist                   Elton John
• “Such Great Heights”                 Iron & Wine
  • Original Artist                   The Postal Service
• “Hallelujah”                                 Jeff Buckley
  • Original Artist                   Leonard Cohe
• “Little Wing”                               Stevie Ray Vaughan
  • Original Artist                   Jimi Hendrix
• “Lungs”                                       Lyle Lovett
  • Original Artist                   Townes Van Zandt
• “Breadfan”                                  Metallica
  • Original Artist                   Budgie
• “Badfish”                                     Jack Johnson
  • Original Artist                   Sublime
• “Hey Ya”                                     Obadiah Parker
  • Original Artist                   Outkast
• Love Reign O’er Me                   Pearl Jam
  • Original Artist                   The Who
• “The Ghost of Tom Joad”          Rage Against the Machine
  • Original Artist                   Bruce Springsteen
• “Levelland”                                 Robert Earl Keen
  • Original Artist                   James McMurtry
• I’ve Got to Know                         Son Volt
  • Original Artist                   Woody Guthrie
• “Signs”                                         Tesla
  • Original Artist                   “Five Man Electrical Band
• “Ruby’s Two Sad Daughters”   Pat Green
  • Original Artist                   Walt Wilkins

So, now that I have lit the candle of thought of great cover songs; let me know some of your favorites.

Great music awaits!

Music you should have been listening to in 2009

Greetings music fans,

 As we eagerly anticipate ringing in the New Year and 2009 comes to a close, I thought it would be entertaining to do a little musical year in review.  Here is smattering of albums that were released in 2009 that you should be listening to.  The list is compiled alphabetically by artist.  This, of course, is for my own personal benefit and helps calm my little OCD head.

 Arctic Monkeys “Humbug” 

Third album for the band with several tracks produced by Joshua Homme of (Queens of the Stone Age), (Eagles of Death Metal) and (Them Crooked Vultures)

Dan Auerbach “Keep it Hid”

Dan is half of the genius behind (The Black Keys)

The Avett Brothers “I and Love and You”

Major label debut produced by Rick Rubin

The Black Crowes “Before the Frost and Until the Freeze”

Two disc set (“Until the Freeze” only available as download) that was recorded in Levon Helm’s (The Band)Woodstock Studio.

The Dead Weather “Horehound”

Yet another reason Jack White is musical greatness

Drive-By Truckers “The Fine Print”

A collection of oddities and rarities that includes a cover of Tom Petty’s “Rebels”

Steve Earl “Townes”

In homage to the late, great Townes Van Zandt, it is an amazing collection of songs, with “Lungs” being my favorite track.

Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard “One Fast Move Or I’m Gone”

Music from Jack Kerouac’s “Big Sur”. These songs were recorded over a five day span with minimal revisions.

Grizzly Bear “Vectatimest”

A diverse collection of songs that will take a few times to appreciate.

Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 “White Lies for Dark Times”

Ben ventures beyond his Innocent Criminals and adds some Texas folks to the band.  Another solid Ben Harper venture.

Patterson Hood “Murdering Oscar (and other love songs)”

Hood, of (Drive-By Truckers), releases his 2^nd solo disc.  Check out “Pride of the Yankees”

Iron and Wine “Around the Well

Two disc set of previously unreleased materials and cool covers.

Jay-Z “The Blueprint 3”

Come on, it is Jay-Z.  What is not great about this?  If you are into Jay-Z, check out his unplugged album with (The Roots) as his backing band.  Pure greatness.

Dave Matthews Band “Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King”

First album since the death of founding member Leroi Moore.  I’m a huge DMB fan and make no apologies for it. 

M Ward “Hold Time”

2009 was a busy and fruitful musical year for Mr. Ward. 

Monsters of Folk (Self titled)

Well, you have Jim James (My Morning Jacket) Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes) and M. Ward.  How could you go wrong?  They brought back the multi part harmony that is reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, & Nash and The Eagles.

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band “Outer South”

This dude has been recording since he was 13.  Dropped the “Bright Eyes” moniker but still exploring and expanding the boundaries of music.

Pearl Jam “Back Spacer”

Great follow up album to their 2006 self titled album.  I saw them live at the 2009 Austin City Limits Music Festival.  Two plus hours of amazing music played with such fervor and with guest appearance by Ben Harper and Perry Farrell. 

Tom Petty “The Live Anthology”

This four disc set is a must have for any Petty fan.  This set spans 30 years of concerts and is absolutely amazing.

Phish “Joy”

Great to see the boys back together and playing nice.

Silversun Pickups “Swoon”

Second full length release that is a gradual departure from “Canvas”

Son Volt “American Central Dust”

From the ashes of Uncle Tupelo, Jay Farrar created Son Volt.  Not a disappointing album in the collection.

Sonic Youth “The Eternal”

After all these years, still making relevant music and inspiring others to do so as well.

Bruce Springsteen “Working on a Dream”

The Boss has been rather prolific in the 00’s.  This was a great way to round out the year and decade.  Saw him in Charlotte NC in 2008.  Amazing!

State Radio “Let It Go”

This is the third full length disc from Chad Stokes formerly of (Dispatch) and company.  A great live band if you ever have the opportunity.

Street Sweeper Social Club (Self titled)

Tom Morello  (Rage Against the Machine), (Audioslave) and (The Nightwatchman) and Boots Riley (The Coup) come together and create revolutionary party jams.

Them Crooked Vultures (Self titled)

Dave Grohl (Nirvana) and (Foo Fighters), Joshua Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and (Eagles of Death Metal), and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin).  Need I say more?

U2 “No Line On the Horizon”

Getting back to the greatness of The Joshua Tree.  Bono and Co. show why they continue to be in the running for world’s greatest rock band.

Wilco (Self titled)

From the ashes of Uncle Tupelo, Jeff Tweedy created Wilco.  Not a disappointing album in the collection.  Funny how that worked out for both he & Jay.

Pete Yorn “Back & Fourth”

I’ve always been a Pete fan but have found a new appreciation for him in the last few years.

Great music awaits!