The Great Alt-Country Post

With the recent death (last year's) of the great No Depression magazine, I felt it was certainly a ripe time to bring forth "The Great Alt-Country Post," basically to tip my hat to such an influential and amazing genre. I will take you through the birth of my personal alt-country beginning and welcome you to share with the readers your experience as well.

Notwithstanding that I felt the death of the genre was inevitable, I believe it is still alive and kicking today. Maybe not with the prowess it once had, but certainly with a significant amount of dignity to the pioneers of it. I aim to tell you something you don't already know about alt-country and more importantly introduce you to some new tunes.

The only place I know where to start is the birth of the one and only Uncle Tupelo. The band started with the "divine" meeting of Jay Farrar and Jeff Tweedy in Belleville, Illinois, a quaint little town, I visited around three years ago. The name sprang from a cartoon a buddy drew of a fat Elvis, born in Tupelo, MS, sitting on a chair. As Greg Kot writes in the masterpiece Wilco: Learning How to Die, the name was further confirmed by two nouns, one being Elvis' birthplace, on a page that sounded great together. At the outset, I would highly recommend this book. Go here to buy it for a mere $11.20.

The band released the monumental album No Depression in 1990, which combined the country twang of Johnny Cash juxtaposed with the head-bobbing punk of the Ramones. The back porch favorite "Screen Door," and brutally honest "Whiskey Bottle" would bloom into a sub-culture uncharted previously. The band would go on the release three more official albums.
Still Feel Gone in 1991 with gems like the beautiful "Still Be Around," the clever "Gun," and class song-esque "Looking For a Way Out."
March 16-20 in 1992 with folkies like speak-for-itself "Moonshiner," moving yet puzzling "Black Eye," and gorgeous protest song "Criminals."
The band's last album Anodyne in 1993 contained tightened tracks like legend nodding "Acuff Rose," masterpiece "Fifteen Keys," and violin induced "Slate."

As certain as death and taxes is the inevitable break-up of an epic band, especially one with more than one lead vocalist. Both bands, Son Volt and Wilco, continued with their created genre. With the first release, Son Volt won the true to life underground battle of the bands. Son Volt's Trace was the beginning point for me. I would venture to say probably my most influential album. Banjo, lap steel, and fiddle made up the release. Jeff Tweedy and Wilco's first album, although a great album, certainly did not have the effect Trace did on UT beloved followers. However, with each release, the respective bands shied away from their creation - the alt-country genre. Slowly each twangy instrument disappeared. Son Volt would release Trace (1995) with gems like "Windfall," "Drown," and "Tear-Stained Eye", and Straightaways (1997) with high points "No More Parades," "Back Into Your World," and "Last Minute Shakedown", by the band's third release the country in alt-country was diminished to more of a form of rock. With Wilco, AM brought sounds of banjo, lap steel, and fiddle with banjo kicking (a song I love but apparently Tweedy hates)"I Thought I Held You," almost comical but catchy "Passenger Side," and "I Must be High." With Wilco's sophomore release Being There, the band had begun its ascent out of alt-country. BT did show a few dying calls of the genre with classics like banjo doused "Forget the Flowers," steel guitar whining "Far, Far Away," and "What's the World Got in Store." By the band's next release, any country hints were under the bridge.

On the cusp of Uncle Tupelo's belligerent break-up, North Carolina's Ryan Adams and Caitlin Cary formed the band Whiskeytown. WT released Faithless Street in 1995 which included such stout tracks as "Midway Park," "Black Arrow, Bleeding Heart," and "If He Can't Have You." Two years later brought WT's first major label debut Stranger's Almanac which, in my opinion, is their most important and enthralling work. With the first pluck of the guitar on opening track "Inn Town," I was hooked. The song then slowly winds through your whole soul, somehow evoking a familiar relation to you and each perfect-timed instrument and harmony. Of course, number two blasts out the gate with banjo, steel, and fiddle with the catchy "Excuse Me if I Break My Own Heart." Other notes are gut-wrenching "Houses on the Hill," sing-a-long "16-days," and "Dancing with the Women."
Adams and Cary next released their swan song Pnuemonia that some claim is their masterpiece. Although I thoroughly enjoy the album, I still have to side with SA. Notable tracks are "Ballad of Carol Ann," "Bar Lights," and "Sit and Listen to the Rain." All good things must come an end, and, you guessed it, she gone. Ryan Adams would go on to record Heartbreaker and Demolition with classics "Come Pick Me Up," and "Hallejuah," respectively. Although he did release a couple hundred more albums, some with hints of country, personally, my interest was lost.

Also, a band that did not receive much spotlight also help pioneer the genre. That band is Blue Mountain. Starting out as The Hilltops, Cary Hudson and John Stirratt started a rockabilly band in the hills around Oxford, MS, and released one album Big Black River (which is available on emusic!). BBR features a few gems like "Broke Down and Busted" and "Mary Jane." Thereafter, John's sister Laurie formed Blue Mountain with Hudson, and drummer Frank Coutch. Blue Mountain released classic Dog Days in 1995; Homegrown in 1997; Tales of a Traveler in 1999; and Roots in 2001. Again, they broke up, but unlike most relationships that end, Blue Mountain reformed in 2007. Midnight in Mississippi was released in 2008 and proved they are far from done or washed up. Songs like "Blue Canoe," "Soul Sister," "Jimmy Carter," "Wink," and "Lakeside" shaped alt-country in the most prominent ways.

Singer/songwriter Richard Buckner emptied his gut-wrenching unique voice upon me around 1998 when I first heard Since. Buckner's collection is loaded with trophies. I would recommend the albums Since, Devotion & Doubt, The Hill, Bloomed, & his self titled album. Songs I would direct you to are: "Faithful Shooter," "Ten Day Room," "Blue & Wonder," "Lil Wallet Picture," "Roll," "Lucky Buzz," "Goner with a Souvenir."

--If you like Buckner, check out Damien Jurado's On My Way to Absence.


Disclaimer: Old 97's obviously should get a mention. However, I have never listened to much of them.

Also, The Jayhawks are also work a mention. I love tunes like "Save It for a Rainy Day," "Blue," and "Waitin for the Sun." See also: Golden Smog (which is a fusing of Soul Asylum, Wilco, and Jayhawks members).

The Bottle Rockets, under the reigns of Brian Henneman (who played in Uncle Tupelo), also shaped alt-country with their half-serious swayers. See "Wave that Flag," "Early in the Morning," and "Get Down River."

Hepatitis C survivor Alejandro Escovedo also assisted in the sculpting of the genre. In all candor, I am not the biggest fan. However, the man is adored by many. I own Gravity, which is a pretty good album. Real Animal, his latest release, sounds promising. Check out "Sister Lost Soul."

Watch more The DL videos on AOL Video

A lull certainly formed, at least in my collection, between the years, but another alt-country legendary band was raising hell in the dark corners of Northwestern Alabama. Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley formed the Drive-By Truckers and immediately stamped their spot in the blue collar, hard-working alt-country scene. Certainly, David Alan Coe must have shown his ten teeth when he popped in Pizza Deliverance for the first time. It all started for your narrator with Southern Rock Opera. "Women without Whiskey," "Zip City," and "Let There Be Rock" perked up my ears. Then, I was privileged enough to see them live and I was hooked when I heard the mecca of all alt-country songs "Outfit." Decoration Day is chock full of southern fried alt-country such as Blue Mountain-esque "My Sweet Annette," Skynard-esque "Marry Me," and Cash-esque "When the Pin Hits the Shell." Such brutally honest songs can't help but make one want to ride backroads with a bowling pin beer between your legs. The Dirty South, in my humble opinion is their finest. I cannot help but obsess over Carl Perkins Cadillac," "Where the Devil Don't Stay," "Danko/Manuel," and "Tornadoes." (CHECK SPELLINGS). The Truckers got high-centered on their next release A Blessing And a Curse which, in my opinion, was sub-par and quite a let-down. "World of Hurt" and "Wednesday" shine through as the only rays of sanity. However, with the departure of their finest vocalist Jason Isbell, the Truckers wenched out of the rut that was Blessing, and bullseyed with Brighter Than Creation's Dark. Ole Stroker Ace is Adam's apple and shoulders above the rest on BTCD. Outlaw country songs like "Three Dimes Down," "Self-Destructive Zones," and "Ghost to Most" prove why Cooley should get more air-play on the albums. Hood brings back the banjo on my personal favorite "Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife." Other highlights include "Righteous Path" and "Daddy Needs a Drink." DBT is no doubt headed in the right direction.

Jason Isbell, departed vocalist of DBT, produced his first solo album, Sirens in the Ditch, while he was still with DBT. Rest assured, the next solo album will be a classic. Now that he has time to produce his own material, Isbell will surely produce more classics like "The Magician," and "Dress Blues."

Deer Tick's debut War Elephant has alt-country written all over it. Reared out of Providence, Rhode Island, Deer Tick is mind-blowing good twang. Check out: "Dirty Dishes," "Ashamed," "Art Isn't Real - aka city of sin" and "Long Time."

Cleotis is a hard to find disc. I am not even sure they had a label or not. These hell-raising boys are the definition of rockabilly. Songs like "Looking Thru a Bottle" are classic. Honestly, I wish I would have discovered these cats in college. Also, "Lord, Have Mercy on the Whiskey" speaks for itself. If you see this at an Arkansas record store, let me know. Subsequently, singer Lance Lamberth formed the band Wooden Stares.

Langhorne Slim somehow juxtaposes his white trash sound with a tiny bit of class. Songs like "Rebel Side of Heaven" and "Restless" are instant classics. Jewels in the rough such as "Collette" and "She's Gone" are great finds after the initial impact of the album. This hill country sounding artist is definitely a genre crosser.

Clem Snide is another alt-country staple. See End of Love album.

Sun Kil Moon, Mark Koselek, or Red House Painters. My personal favorite is Sun Kil Moon's Ghosts of the Great Highway. People swear by Mark Koselek's solo material, and the Red House Painters, but I find them boring. However, SKM's Ghosts is not a bit boring. "Carry Me Ohio," "Glenn Tipton," and "Salvador Sanchez" are ravers. Great, great album. SKM also released April of which I am not a fan. I do enjoy a few rousers on the Modest Mouse cover album, Tiny Cities. See "Neverending Math Equation."

The Avett Brothers bring the torque of rock to bluegrass. Fans have coined them "slamgrass." However, the Brothers can belt out a beautiful harmonic melody on about one half of their collection. Buy any of their albums. Steer away from EP's at first. Favs like "Left on Laura, Left on Lisa," "Go to Sleep," and "Talk on Indolence" will leave you sweating, while "Weight of Lies," "If Its the Beaches," and "Shame" will leave you teary-eyed.

Old Crow Medicine Show - Wagon Wheel and the new album, Tennessee Pusher bring the house with some fearless bluegrass.

Trampled by Turtles - harmonies, banjo's, and happiness. Buy Duluth and fall in love.

Dan Bern fuses Bob Dylan with alt-country. I am not a huge fan of Bern's non-serious songs, but his serious songs are unreal. "Breathe," "Sweetness," "Trudy," and "God Said No" will immediately hook. Great singer/songwriter.

The Tallest Man on Earth - Shallow Grave. Another strange-voiced dude who can yelp with a banjo. See "The Blizzzard's Never Seen the Desert," "I Won't Be Found," and "Shallow Grave."

The Felice Brothers have been praised enough on this blog. They also fuse Dylan with alt country with a dash of Tom Waits. If you haven't discovered them by now its not my fault. See "Frankie's Gun," "Radio Song," and "Whiskey in my Whiskey."

Backyard Tire Fire recently poked their noses in the alt-country scene. BYTF adds a handful of The Band to their alt country smoothie. BYTF sounds a lot like the beginning days of Wilco. Check out "A Better Day," "I Don't Know What To Do," and "Everybody's Down."

Wrinkled Neck Mules are a bit more country than alt, but good nonetheless. I would begin with "Minor Enough" and "Big Dipper."

The Be Good Tanyas. This is one of the few female bands that I absolutely love. These girls can rock out a harmony and a banjo. Blue Horse is a classic. Check out: "Lakes of Ponchatrain," "Rain and Snow," "Littlest Birds."

American Altitude is another hard-to-find album, but a gem nonetheless. AA is more on the mellow side of the tracks, but has delightful melodies such as "A Mountain and a Missile," and "Hung Like a Woman."

Also on the mellow side, Great Lake Swimmers brings the rocking chair tunes of North Carolina. Concentrate on "Your Rocky Spine," and "I Am Part of a Large Family."

Horse Feathers is another slow -tempoed alt-country ditty. However, the Applachain melodies work. See "Dustbowl."

Eric Bachmann. I recently discovered this singer/songwriter and immediately was floored. Like those aforementioned, Bachmann brings a little Dylan to the card game. See "Man O War."

Giant Bear - Nashville alt-country bumpkins GB opened the eyes of many with "Nashville" and "Jim Barton."

Jason Collett - Broken Social Scenester surprised listeners with laid back Idols of Exile. Check out "We All Lose One Another," "Hangover Days," and "Fire."

Josh Ritter - Last year, I was blown away by this artist. JR is an incredible song writer. I am enamored with The Animal Years and The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter. See tunes "Wolves," "Girl in a War," "Good Man," and "Empty Hearts."

These next two came essentially before the genre but nonetheless should appeal to lovers of it.

Robert Earl Keen. I could go on and on. Texas country to be confused with alt-country at its finest. Check out No. 2 Live Dinner, and Walking Distance. Specifically, press repeat on "The Road Goes on Forever," "Gringo Honeymoon," "Coming Home," "Feeling Good Again."

John Prine. Quirky, clever vocals emit from born songwriter John Prine to produce a backroad feel of alt-country. Check out songs, "Illegal Smile," "Please Don't Bury Me," "Souvenirs," "Paradise," the list goes on and on. Prine is a true legend.

Joe Pug - "Hymn 101" should do it for you.

Steve Earle - Check our Transcendental Blues as a start.

Lucero is a Memphis based husky alt-country acts that has been compared to the like of the Boss. If you like DBT, you will enjoy Lucero. Check out "That Much Further West," "Tears Don't Matter Much," and "I Can Get Us Out of Here Tonight."

Magnolia Electric Co. and Songs: Ohia. is slower alt-country. See "Lonesome Valley," "Memphis Moon."

Mason Jennings: the older stuff. MJ also brings the Dylan element and along with his harmonica. See album Use Your Voice.

Sam Baker - Vocally unique Singer/songwriter Sam Baker throws a little twang in his folky rootsy tunes like "Truale," "Waves," and "Orphan."

16 Horsepower. I recently discovered this band while scouring emusic. 16 Horsepower is somewhat of a gothic folk alt-country. Not quite as haunting as Grizzly Bear, but much more listenable and twangy. Hallowing vocals and plucky banjos create a nice mix of alt-country. Check out: "Outlaw Song" and "Single Girl" on Folklore.

Don Chambers and Goat. I recently discovery DC+G as they opened for Drive-By Truckers. I must admit their live show surpassed their studio material. However, I have not purchased their newest cd. Reminds me of a rocking Tom Waits. Check out "Cain" "South" and "Only a Fool."

Peter Bruntnell. Obscure alt-country artist from back in the day, Bruntnell recorded Normal For Bridgewater with Bruntnell's band, along with Eric Heywood and Dave Boquist from Son Volt. He has released four more albums since that 1999 jewel which include: Ends of the Earth, Played Out, Ghost in a Spitfire, and his latest, Peter and the Murder of Crows. Check out: "N.F.B." and "By the Time My Head Gets to Phoenix."

Stretches: Below are albums that have somewhat of an alt-country dash.

Fleet Foxes. Although pigeonholed as "indie," Fleet Foxes no doubt have a mountain background which hints at alt-country or old MMJ. See "Myokonos," "Your Protector," "Blue Ridge Mountains."

My Morning Jacket: The early stuff. Such as "At Dawn," "Just Because I Do," "Dancefloors," "Easy Morning Rebel," "Evelyn Is Not Real," and "The Bear."

The Mountain Goats - nasal indie artist John Darnielle, no doubt, draws a few comparisons to the genre. See "This Year," "Up the Wolves," and "First Few Desperate Hours."

Bright Eyes and Conor Oberst - Indie hearthrob has certainly headed in the right direction, towards alt-country that is. See "Four Winds," "I Must Belong Somewhere," "At the Bottom of Everything" better yet: the I'm Wide Awake It's Morning album, "Make War." Under Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band, see "Get Well Cards," "Sausalito," "I Don't Want to Die (in the hospital)," etc.

Band of Horses clearly echoes remnants of alt-country. See "General Specific," "Monsters," and "Weed Party."

Kings of Leon: Youth & Youth Manhood. Rockabilly tracks like "Joe's Head," "Talihini Sky," and
"Tranny" most definitely have a little Tennessee backcountry between the lines.

Chatham County Line - have a few of these guy's tunes. I need to purchase more. Slam packed with banjo pickin'. CCL borderline on bluegrass.

Bon Iver is labeled as "indie" but undoubtedly has a woodsy sound. See the whole album of For Emma, Forever Ago. I must note that it is very mellow.

Iron & Wine - Sam Beam most definitely has the aforementioned mountain sound. See albums The Creek Drank the Cradle and Our Endless Number of Days. This one also gets a mellow tag.

Bonnie Prince Billy - Rope him in the the above two. See albums I See a Darkness, Superwolf, and Lie Down in the Light.

Okkervil River is another pigeonholed "indie" act. However, tunes like "Singer Songwriter," "Songs of Our So Called Friends," "Calling and Not Calling My Ex" and "Okkervil River Song" are clearly within the genre.

Bands I don't know much about but are nonetheless roped in the genre:

M. Ward - people love this guy, its just a little slow for me. I hear Post-War is the classic.
Marah - See "Dishwasher's Dream"
The Greenhornes
Jenny Lewis
Rilo Kiley
Neko Case
Ola Podrida
Paul Curreri
Radio Nationals
The Gourds
Kathleen Edwards
Scud Mountain Boys
Lambchop

Well, that about does it. Please feel free to add to this list. I love checking out some new alt-country.

Moment of Clarity Songs Mixtape Volume 2

See previous post. for background.










Moment of Clarity Vol. 2

1. The Twist- Frightened Rabbit
2. Breathe- Dan Bern
3. The Bleeding Heart Show- THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS
4. Very Loud- Shout Out Louds
5. All My Friends- LCD Soundsystem
6. Lowdown - My Morning Jacket
7. Girl in the War- Josh Ritter
8. Outfit- Drive-By Truckers
9. Still Be Around- Uncle Tupelo
10. Dry The Rain- The Beta Band
11. Poppy- TV On The Radio
12. When It Hits My Blood- John Vanderslice
13. Fearless- Pink Floyd

New Felice Brothers Track

The Felice Brothers' "Run, Chicken, Run" is available for download at Team Love's site. If you pre-order the new album it will ship on March 30!

Just right click on Mp3 on their website.

New Music Tuesday

Peter Bjorn and John - Living Things



















Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels

Amazon MP3 Free Mp3's from Indie Labels

I usually don't get into this stuff, but this is unreal.



Go HERE to get these songs free!!
Love that Blitzen Trapper song. Dang.

01. Flight of the Conchords - Hurt Feelings
02. Vetiver - Everyday
03. Handsome Furs - I'm Confused
04. Obits - Pine On
05. Red Red Meat - Gauze
06. Vaselines - Son of a Gun
07. Blitzen Trapper - Furr
08. Fleet Foxes - Mykonos
09. Iron & Wine - Belated Promise Ring
10. Daniel Martin Moore - Stray Age
11. Chad Vangaalen - Willow Tree

Jagjaguwar Sampler!!
Bon Iver, Okkervil River, and more.


Anti Records Sampler!!
Neko Case and more.

Secretly Canadian Sampler!! including my favorite tune from War on Drugs "Taking the Farm." Also, Damien Jurado, Throw Me the Statue, Bodies of Water, etc, etc.

Dead Oceans label!! including The Donkeys, Evangelicals, and Bowerbirds

SXSW sampler including Deer Tick

Bar None Records.

Latest Listen: Blind Pilot

Check out Portland's Blind Pilot. It reminds me a touch of the Shins, with a little Youth Group thrown in. It is a solid indie folk-ish album with sporadic instruments such as a banjo. They recently played at SXSW and are going on tour with the Decemberists. Check out a full concert at NPR.


Available at: iTunes, eMusic, Amazon
Website: Artist, Myspace
Sounds Like: The Shins, Youth Group, Wild Sweet Orange
Hail from: Portland, OR

Sigur Ros Takeaway Show!!!

Sigur Ros - Við spilum endalaust - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

New Music Tuesday

The Decemberists - Hazards of Love








Swan Lake- Enemy Mines
















Dan Deacon - Bromst

New Music Tuesday

Bonnie Prince Billy - Beware
There has been quite a buzz around this album, specifically its Americana feel.

Dark Was the Night: The Videos: Yeasayer and The National

Off of the Dark Was the Night album - Wow is all I can say about the Yeasayer - Tightrope

The Yeasayer - Tightrope



The National - So Far Around the Bend

Modest Mouse Live in Oxford, MS at the Lyric

Setlist:

Interstate 8
Satin in a Coffin
Dashboard
Whale Song
Wild Pack of Family Dogs
3rd Planet
Doin the Cockroach
The View
Dramamine
Guilty Cockerspaniels
Baby Blue Sedan
Float On
Black Cadillacs
Ohio
Blame it on the Tetons
Dance Hall
Paper
Good Times Are Killing Me
Paper Thin Walls

_____________
Custom Concern
?
Alone Down There

100 More Tickets: Modest Mouse

The Lyric is selling 100 more tickets for the sold out Lyric show tonight. HERE. He Gone.

New Music Tuesday

Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

Bela Fleck - Throw Down Your Heart Tales from the Acoustic Planet Vol. 3: Africa Sessions

U2 - No Line on the Horizon

Bell X1 - Blue Lights on the Runway

The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Communion

New Felice Brothers due April 7th

The Felice Brothers release Yonder Is The Clock, due out April 7th on Team Love Records.

Confirmed Tracklisting for Yonder Is The Clock is below:

1. The Big Surprise
2. Penn Station
3. Buried In Ice
4. Chicken Wire
5. Ambulance Man
6. Sailor Song
7. Katie Dear
8. Run Chicken Run
9. All When We Were Young
10. Boy from Lawrence County
11. Memphis Flu
12. Cooperstown
13. Rise and Shine

Trampled By Turtles

A buddy told me about these guys long ago, and I should have listened earlier. These cats are playing at Larry's in Oxford, MS, Monday Night, March 2. I'm am, for sure, there.

Trampled by Turtles
Hail from: Minnesota
If you like: Avett Bros; Old & In the Way; Old Crow Medicine Show
Sites: Band Website MySpace
Available: emusic; iTunes; Amazon

"November"


Last time they played at Larry's

New Wilco DVD and New Album in June!!!

Wilco’s Ashes of American Flags DVD will be released April 18 2009 via Nonesuch Records. Their performances range from Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, OK, Tipitina’s in New Orleans, LA, The Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, AL, The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN and the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. Update: Pitchfork reports a new Wilco album in JUNE!!!!

Track Listing:

Ashes of American Flags, Side with the Seeds, Handshake Drugs, The Late Greats, Kingpin, Wishful Thinking, Impossible Germany, Via Chicago, Shot in the Arm, Monday, You are my Face, Heavy Metal Drummer, War on War

Avett Bros Cover The Boss

Double Decker 2009!!

Check out Press Release below: Nice job Mary Kathryn!!!

Robert Randolph and the Family Band will headline at Double Decker Arts Festival


Oxford, Miss,-- Robert Randolph and the Family Band will play at the 14th annual Double Decker Arts Festival, which will be held on the Courthouse Square on Saturday, April 25, 2009.

"We are really excited about this year’s line-up," says Mary-Kathryn Milner, festival coordinator, "We work to provide a line-up that is diverse and has a wide appeal, and I certainly think this year will be no exception to that.”

Robert Randolph and the Family Band's concerts are known for their lively stage performance. The group's sound is inspired by successful 1970s funk bands such as Earth, Wind & Fire and Sly & the Family Stone. The band uses a blend of music genres from guitar-driven rock to sanctified soul. Randolph and the Family Band are known to be a fierce live band through their rock and roll energy and their righteous funk sound.

Frontman Robert Randolph was listed as #97 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list in September 2003. The band members are Marcus Randolph, on drums, Danyel Morgan, bass and vocals, and Jason Crosby, on Hammond organ and piano. The Family Band has opened for Dave Matthews Band for shows on their 2002-2007 tours. Robert Randolph & the Family Band opened for Eric Clapton and was 1 of 4 featured artists on the Music Builds Tour.

The first Robert Randolph & the Family Band album, Live at the Wetlands, was recorded live in 2002. Unclassified was their studio debut album released in August 2003.The last album, Colorblind, was released October 2006.The song "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That" was used in The Game Plan, Grey's Anatomy, Stomp the Yard, Discovery Channel and many commercials for NBC. The track "Thrill of It" made appearances in Saturday Night Football and NBA Live 07.

Other musical performers that will be joining Randolph and the Family Band at the festival include Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Jason Isabell and the 400 Unit, George McConnell, Charlie Mars, The Dynamintes featuring Charles Walker, Kenny Brown, and many more.

The Oxford Double Decker Arts Festival brings together visitors and residents for a daylong celebration of music, food, and the arts. The festival gets its name from the town's authentic double decker bus imported from England in 1994. Attendees enjoy a rich variety of vendors including potters, glass craftsmen, woodworkers, painters, and various other artists, all selected by a jury put together by the Yokanpatawpha Arts Council. A "Taste of Oxford" food court will feature a mouth-watering sampling of culinary treats form local restaurateurs.

Sponsors of the Fourteenth Annual Double Decker Arts Festival include AT&T, Budweiser, Bryon and Kristy Cohron, Coca-Cola, Domino's Pizza, Downtown Oxford Inn and Suites, Magnolia Rental, Malco, Oxford Insurance Agency, Panola Paper Company, Square Books, and Zerk Wilson Golf Carts.

For more information and a schedule of the day's events, check out our website www.doubledeckerfestival.com

Two Great Indie Compilations

1. Knotty Pine Dirty Projectors + David Byrne

2. Cello Song The Books featuring Jose Gonzalez

3. Train Song Feist + Ben Gibbard

4. Brackett, WI Bon Iver

5. Deep Blue Sea Grizzly Bear

6. So Far Around The Bend The National

7. Tightrope Yeasayer

8. Feeling Good My Brightest Diamond

9. Dark Was The Night Kronos Quartet

10. I Was Young When I Left Home Antony + Bryce Dessner

11. Big Red Machine Justin Vernon + Aaron Dessner

12. Sleepless The Decemberists

13. Die Iron & Wine

14. Service Bell Grizzly Bear + Feist

15. You Are The Blood Sufjan Stevens 10:14




Disc 2

1. Well-Alright Spoon

2. Lenin Arcade Fire

3. Mimizan Beirut

4. El Caporal My Morning Jacket

5. Inspiration Information Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

6. With A Girl Like You David Sitek

7. Blood Pt 2 Buck 65 Remix (featuring Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti)

8. Hey, Snow White The New Pornographers

9. Gentle Hour Yo La Tengo

10. Another Saturday Stuart Murdoch

11. Happiness Riceboy Sleeps

12. Amazing Grace Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues

13. The Giant Of Illinois Andrew Bird

14. Lua Conor Oberst + Gillian Welch

15. When The Road Runs Out Blonde Redhead + Devastations

16. Love vs. Porn Kevin Drew



Out today.



War Child Presents Heroes


1. Beck (Bob Dylan - "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat")
2. The Kooks (The Kinks - "Victoria")
3. The Hold Steady (Bruce Springsteen - "Atlantic City")
4. Hot Chip (Joy Division - "Transmission")
5. Lily Allen feat. Mick Jones (The Clash - "Straight To Hell")
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs (The Ramones - "Sheena Is A Punk Rocker")
7. Franz Ferdinand (Blondie - "Call Me")
8. Duffy (Paul McCartney - "Live And Let Die")
9. Estelle (Stevie Wonder - "Superstition")
10. Rufus Wainwright (Brian Wilson -" Wonderful & Song For Children")
11. Scissor Sisters (Roxy Music - "Do The Strand")
12. Peaches (Iggy Pop - "Search And Destroy")
13. Adam Cohen (Leonard Cohen - "Take This Waltz")
14. Elbow (U2 - "Running To Stand Still")
15. The Like (Elvis Costello - "You Belong To Me")
16. TV On The Radio (David Bowie - "Heroes")

Moment of Clarity Songs Mixtape Volume 1.

As I was driving this weekend, I realized that there are some songs that just go hand in hand with driving during sundown or "sunroof days" as I call them. Most of these tracks are very uplifting, surreal, and thought provoking to me, and I hope you feel the same way. Here is the first installment.

1. Forever Young - Youth Group
2. The General Specific - Band Of Horses
3. The Crane Wife - The Decemberists
4. Fake Empire - The National
5. New Kind Of Love - Plants and Animals
6. Couches In Alleys - Styrofoam (Featuring Ben Gibbard)
7. Dirty Dishes - Deer Tick
8. Mountain Girl - Blue Mountain
9. The Weight of Lies - The Avett Brothers
10. Slate - Uncle Tupelo
11. What The Snowman Learned About Love - Stars
12. Falling Down - Tom Waits
13. Chicago - Sufjan Stevens
14. Glósóli - Sigur Ros
15. What Sarah Said - Death Cab For Cutie

Wilco Pre-Sale Oxford, Birmingham

Wilco pre-sale went on sale today at 10:00 A.M. Go here and set up an account (just requires user and password) and it will allow you to purchase up to four tickets in the pre-sale and beat the rush!! Thank you Guy Glorioso, a great golfer, painter, and Mexican friend. UPDATE: Someone just said they are gone now..... Update 2: They are still available.

New Release Tuesday

17 February Tuesday

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - S/T
M. Ward Hold Time
Beirut March of the Zapotec and Realpeople Holland
William Elliott Whitmore Animals In The Dark
Throw Me the Statute - Purple Face EP



Others:
Morrissey Years of Refusal
... And You Will Know Us
by the Trail of Dead The Century of Self
The Appleseed Cast Sagarmatha
Architecture in Helsinki That Beep

Wilco coming to Lyric in Oxford.

The rumors were true. Wilco is playing at the Lyric the Thursday before Double Decker, April 23. Tix go on sale Friday, Feb. 20 at 10:00 A.M. THE SHOW WILL SELL OUT SO GET YOUR TICKETS THEN!!

Animal Collective at Library in Oxford

Wow, just found out Pitchfork fav Animal Collective is playing at the Library Bar in Oxford on Saturday, June 6. Recall they recorded here in Oxford. (And discovered Dent May).

Update:

Modest Mouse in Oxford sold out in 11 hours. Please let me know if you have tickets. I have them, but I already know of three people who need them. email me at radiocureblog@gmail.com

Bonnaroo!!!!

Bonnaroo 2009 June 11-14 Manchester, TN

Bruce Springsteen
Phish (two shows)
Beastie Boys
Nine Inch Nails
David Byrne
Wilco
Al Green
Snoop Dogg
Elvis Costello Solo
Erykah Badu
Paul Oakenfold
Ben Harper and Relentless7
The Mars Volta
TV on the Radio
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Gov’t Mule
Andrew Bird
Band Of Horses
Merle Haggard
MGMT
moe.
The Decemberists
Girl Talk
Bon Iver
Béla Fleck & Toumani Diabate
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Galactic
The Del McCoury Band
of Montreal
Allen Toussaint
Coheed and Cambria
Booker T & the DBTs
David Grisman Quintet
Lucinda Williams
Animal Collective
Gomez
Neko Case
Down
Jenny Lewis
Santogold
Robert Earl Keen
Citizen Cope
Femi Kuti and the Positive Force
The Ting Tings
Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Kaki King
Grizzly Bear
King Sunny Adé
Okkervil River
St. Vincent
Zac Brown Band
Raphael Saadiq
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Crystal Castles
Tift Merritt
Brett Dennen
Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue
Toubab Krewe
People Under the Stairs
Alejandro Escovedo
Vieux Farka Touré
Elvis Perkins In Dearland
Cherryholmes
Yeasayer
Todd Snider
Chairlift
Portugal. The Man.
The SteelDrivers
Midnite
The Knux
The Low Anthem
Delta Spirit
A.A. Bondy
The Lovell Sisters
Alberta Cross

Death Cab and Cold War Kids to play at the Orpheum

Death Cab, Cold War Kids, and Ra Ra Riot are playing at the Orpheum in Memphis, TN, on Saturday, April 11, 2009. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10:00.


Also, don't forget, Modest Mouse tickets at the Lyric go on sale today at 10:00.

It's Official: Modest Mouse at the Lyric!!!

It's official. Modest Mouse is playing at the Lyric in Oxford, MS, on Friday, March 6th!!! TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY JANUARY 29TH AT 10:00AM.

New Music

Andrew Bird - Noble Beast





















Bon Iver - Blood Bank EP























A.C. Newman - Get Guilty

Sabbatical: Updates of Live Shows

Sorry for the sabbatical. I live in a new town, with a new job, and a new house. I have been a little pre-occupied getting acclimated with my new life. Now, you're thinking what do I care. Well, I now live in a music town, Oxford, MS, therefore, you shall reap the benefits of this endeavor. Anyhow, for any locals, here is the upcoming lineup for the Lyric Theater here in O'town.

This is unconfirmed, but I just heard Modest Mouse is playing at the Lyric.

Here is what is confirmed:
Thursday Jan. 29 Lucero
Tuesday Feb. 3 Yonder Mountain String Band
Wed. Feb. 4 Disco Biscuits
Thurs. Feb. 5 Dark Star Orchestra
Thurs. Feb. 12 North MS Allstars
Friday Feb. 13 Girl Talk
Saturday Feb. 14 Old Crow Medicine Show and the Felice Brothers !!!!!!!!!
Thursday Feb. 19 Keller Williams
Monday March 23 Andrew Bird
Wed. April 15 Galactic

Elsewhere in Oxford:

Sat. Jan. 31. Alejandro Escovedo at Proud Larry's
Fri. Feb. 6. American Aquarium at Parish's
Sat. Feb. 7. Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile at the Ford Center
Mon. Feb. 16. AA Bondy at Proud Larry's
Mon. Mar. 2. Trampled by Turtles at Proud Larry's
Fri. Mar. 13. Anathallo at Proud Larry's

Welcome Back Clyde!

Latest Listen: The Donkeys

Pitchfork is actually good for something besides trendy fuzzy or electronic non-listenable tunes! As I was reading Pitchfork's Guest List Best of 2008,which is essentially musician's top albums, I noticed that Craig Finn of the Hold Steady had many similar albums as I did in his top albums. He also had The Donkeys Living on the Other Side listed of whom I had never heard. He made a reference to Grateful Dead's American Beauty in the description, which immediately caught my one good eye. Coincidentally, I had been blasting Grateful Dead through my speakers quite frequently. Thus, Living on the Other Side came to my attention at the perfect time. The album is basically indie Grateful Dead. Even if you don't like the Dead, if you like indie folk/rock, you will enjoy this number. Packed with laid back groovers, The Donkeys should be making waves in the indie community, but I guess no one has found them yet. The album came out in September, therefore, they have not had much exposure. In my humble opinion, this blows what Dr. Dog is doing out of the water.

From: San Diego, CA
Available: emusic, iTunes, Amazon
Sounds Like: Grateful Dead, Dr. Dog, The Band
Favorite Tune: "Walk Through a Cloud"
Tour in South: Birmingham, AL Thursday, January 15, 2009 at Bottletree

Amazon Stereogum Weekly Deal

Beach House's Devotion only $3.99 at Amazon Mp3.

Amazon Mp3 Top 50 Best Selling Albums for 5 bucks

Amazon is offering its Top 50 best selling mp3's for $5.00.

Albums include:

Coldplay, Fleet Foxes, Vampire Weekend, Noah and the Whale, TV on the Radio, etc,
etc. Top 50 for $5.00

Closer Look: The Rural Alberta Advantage

Although I mentioned The Rural Alberta Advantage's Hometowns in "Undiscovered Music," I wanted to place my stamp of approval by these guys. The RAA's, somehow still unsigned, debut is quite delightful. It is remniscent of Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. I seriously would not doubt if this was Jeff Mangum's secret band. I also hear a little Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! and Silversun Pickups, given the lead vocals pitched in a whiny nasal tone. Almost every track is worth a nod. The album begins with one of the finest tracks, "The Ballad of the RAA." The album is pitched in the similar dark-welfare-music-broken-home setting of NMH's Aeroplane. The cd is only available through emusic and the band's website. In sum, someone needs to sign these guys; this is a fantastic album.

Hail from: Take a wild guess....Alberta

Available: Only on emusic and band's website

Sounds Like: Neutral Milk Hotel, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, Silversun Pickups

Best Song: "The Deadroads"

See Video below

Top Ten of 2008

10. Langhorne Slim - S/T
I just discovered LS this year and have been thoroughly impressed. Yet another strange voice I am infatuated with...imagine that. A touch of pop peeks through the album's Appalachian folky core. Think Mountain Goats meets Avett Brothers.



















9. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
I am not a huge electronic fan, but this one is a no-brainer. MGMT blew my mind and continues to ring in my ears almost everyday. It is definitely psychedelic, but very poppy as well. The first half of the album (1-5) blows out the latter half.




















8. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

Bon Iver combines the echoing hallows of Jose Gonzalez but adds a woodsy element that is very unique. Excellent indie folk album.




















7. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive

The Hold Steady is one of the finest indie acts out there. Stay Positive is almost as solid as Boys and Girls in America. There are only a couple of mediocre tunes, but these are overshadowed by the instant classics. Raise your beer bottle and show your metal fingers for Finn and they boys.


















6. Conor Oberst - S/T

Conor continues to prove why he is the Bob Dylan of our time. His songwriting is second to none. I continue to be impressed by his releases, even though this one is without the Bright Eyes moniker. This album is tight from start to finish (minus the kazoo or random horn track). Two of the strongest tracks bookend the album.



















5. The Felice Brothers - S/T
The Felice Brothers continue to blow me away with each disc I get my greedy little hands on. I cannot wait for the new album in March. Although this official release contained many of the tracks I already had on another album, the new ones seemed as familiar as the older ones.

















4. Fleet Foxes - S/T and if you add the Sun Giant EP
FF perfect the art of harmonizing in a way that left Jim James thinking "why didn't I go that route" as opposed to the falsetto disco. I honestly thought MMJ would have sounded something like this by now. Anyway, enough about MMJ, FF stands on its own two (discs). I combined the full length release and EP in order to ratchet it up to number four. While the album is wonderful, I feel the EP needed to be one of the best releases of the year. I am looking forward to seeing them live.





















3. Vampire Weekend - S/T
This album was the breath of fresh air of the year. Unique, unique, unique. Afro-pop or whatever its called, VW delivers. Not a bad song on the disc. Great sunroof album.





















2. Deer Tick - War Elephant

This is the surprise of the year. Deer Tick is tough to describe, which proves their originality. The whole album is fantastic. They master the alt-country sound while keeping it interesting with stellar songwriting and catchy tap-your-boot melodies. I probably have listened to "Ashamed" and "Dirty Dishes" at least fifty times since I purchased this ditty. As the Felice Brothers almost did last year, Deer Tick almost debuted their way into the number 1 spot.























1. Frightened Rabbit - Midnight Organ Fight

Scottish indie rockers Frightened Rabbit gets the nod this year. This is a classic album slam packed with a juggernaut of great tunes that remind us what indie rock really is. My top three tracks are "Old, Old Fashioned," "Twist," and "Backwards Walk." The only track I do not love is "Keep Yourself Warm." I personally am not fond of such profane lyrics; call me a softy. Every other track blows me away. Lead singer Scott Hutchinson's rickety vocal chords wrench the emotion out of his brutally honest lyrics. Lines like "whisper the wrong name, I don't care, nor do my ears, twist yourself around me, I need human heat" prove why Hutchinson and his clever songwriting deserve this top spot. His heart was obviously ripped out and sledgehammered, but selfishly, we reaped and continue to reap the benefits from it.


I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR FAVORITE ALBUM(S) OF THE YEAR IN THE COMMENTS!!!!

Top Albums of 2008: 35-11

35. Annuals - Such Fun I love parts of the album while at times I hear Nickelback.

34. Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer Not a bad release but all in all this one didn't have a thing on Apologies of the Queen Mary

33. Spiritualized - Songs in A&E Interesting release that evokes remnants of Ween and Flaming Lips.

32. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs This is probably the last Death Cab album you will see in a list of mine. I'm just over DCFC.

31. Cat Power - Jukebox Another covers album which has an array of sweet ballads.

30. Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts These guys are weird, but most of the tracks are solid. I hear Flaming Lips with a dash of Annuals.

29. The Black Kids - Partie Traumatic I have said enough about "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You." A handful of others are great too.

28. The Whigs - Mission Control Enjoyed this release. Full of edgy guitar riffs and gruffy vocals.

27. The Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride I almost dug this album as much as Sunset Tree. Dude's got a way with words.

26. Colour Revolt - Plunder, Beg, and Curse These Oxonians know how to wail. Need I say more. As I said previously, Coldplay meets Korn.

25. The War on Drugs - Wagonwheel Blues Sorry for another comparison, but this one is Arcarde Fire meets Dylan.

24. Bonnie Prince Billy - Lie Down in the Light This is probably one of my favorite BPB releases. This is more folky than most of his releases. I am still cracking up from the movie Old Joy in which BPB kind of tries to make a move on his co-star. Hilarious.

23. Fredrik - Na Na Ni Fredrik are the new Stars.

22. Joe Pug - Nation of Heat EP This singer-songwriter can do both impressively. I can't wait for a full album release.

21. Coldplay - Viva La Vida Mainstream or not, this is a great album. Coldplay delivered.

20. The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns I swear Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk is secretly the singer of this band. It's happy at times and very dark at times, but never too slow. Great find of the year.

19. Okkervil River - The Stand Ins Pretty impressive release by spotlighted Will Sheff. These guys are here to stay. Can't get enough of "Singer-songwiter" and "Lost Coastlines."

18. Wild Sweet Orange - We Have Cause to Be Uneasy Birmingham's finest WSO presents us with standard indie rock.

17. Plants and Animals - Parc Avenue This album came out of nowhere and had me bobbing my head at the first note... and second note. "I wanna dance, I wanna dance." Love it.

16. Drive By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark Still not Dirty South, Still not Dirty South, but a great followup to what could have been a disaster after A Blessing and a Curse and Isbell's Departure.

15. Throw Me the Statue - Moonbeams Fine, fine indie pop. I still think their name should be Throw Me the Statute, but oh well. "About to Walk" rules.

14. The National - Virginia EP They touch it and it turns to gold. This EP is chock full of jewels.

13. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges I am still disappointed considering the pedestal I put these guys on, but it is a good album. I vote to get rid of falsetto. Who's with me?

12. Sigur Ros - Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust I have come to love these Icelanders. I must see them live! This release, while I do not dig it as much as Takk, still rocks.

11. The Tallest Man on Earth - Shallow Grave I love a weird voice and great lyrics. Great, Great new artist.

Top Ten coming soon.

Amazon MP3 Deal

Amazon is allowing RC fave Stereogum to pick one indie album per week to offer for a very cheap price.

Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam for $2.99.

Amazon MP3 Daily Deal

New Coldplay Prospekt's March EP is only 99 cents. HERE

Amazon MP3 Daily Deal

The Killers new album Day & Age is $3.99 for MP3 download at amazon.com.

The Shins Oh Inverted World is also $3.99 for MP3 download HERE.

Undiscovered Music: An Arsenal

I have stumbled across a few acts from friends, etc. that seem quite interesting. I am trying to ration my emusic downloads to decide which albums to download. All of these have caught my attention. Thus, if you are in the mood for new music, here is an arsenal of albums that I have sampled and sound delightful. Click on each band name to go directly to myspace page, or check out the sample playing on this site.

The War on Drugs - Wagonwheel Blues (Arcade Fire-esque)

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns (Neutral Milk-ish)

Little Joy - S/T (Strokes-esque)

O'Death - Broken Hymns, Limbs, and Skin (Langhorne Slim/Tom Waits/Avett Brothers/Felice Brothers - ish)

Say Hi to Your Mom - The Wishes and The Glitch (Okkervil River/Wolf Parade - esque)

Coconut Records - Nighttiming (throw back Weezer-ish)

Joe Pug - Nation of Heat EP (John Prine-esque)

Lambchop - OH (Nashville band with a cult following, Neil Diamond/Cat Stevens/Tom Waits-esque)

Ten Kens - S/T (Clap Your Hands-esque)

All of the above titles are available on emusic.

Latest Listen: Deer Tick

Finally I received a breath of fresh air with the drought of tunes as of late. Deer Tick's War Elephant was an immediate trigger pull for when I saw them live. The album lives up to the sound live. I have had to ration my listening so I will not completely burn it out. The album contains the dirt road goodness of alt-country fused with the melodies of indie pop. Trust me on this one.

I chose to post the old album cover because the new one is funny but just ridiculous.

Websites: Artist, Myspace, NOW AVAILABLE ON EMUSIC!!!!
Hail From: Rhode Island
Strongest Tracks: "Ashamed," "Dirty Dishes"

Robert Earl Keen show canceled

Robert Earl Keen show at the Lyric in Oxford is canceled and supposedly will be rescheduled in 2009. Rumor has it he is sick. See link below.

LYRIC

UPDATED CONCERTS

Check the right column under upcoming live shows for an updated index for Oxford, MS; Memphis, TN, and Birmingham, AL.