In this episode I talk about my 32nd birthday last weekend, and give out some free plugs for things that I enjoy. Hey everyone needs support in getting their name out there, I'm just helping that along. Also, I have some really great new music in this episode. Guaranteed 99% freshness.

Download this episode HERE

Music in this week's episode:

- Writer's Block AND Syd by Rough Shop
(from Beneath The South Side Bridge)
www.RoughShop.com

- Shift Work AND Wrinkled Neck Mule by Screen Door Porch
(from The Fate & the Fruit)
www.ScreenDoorPorch.com

- Last Rights AND Heart Won't Bend by Branden Barnett
(from Verse, Chorus, Curse)
www.BrandenBarnett.com

Mini-Mix submitted by Matt Pileski
----------------------------------

1 - When The Dust Settles by Parlor Soldiers
(from When The Dust Settles)
www.Facebook.com/TheParlorSoldiers

2 - Drifting Wood by Lincoln Durham
(from The Shovel VS. The Howling Bones)
www.LincolnDurham.com

3 - The Righteous Path by The Drive-By Truckers
(from Brighter Than Creation's Dark)
www.DriveByTruckers.com
----------------------------------

- Snake Bite AND Wicked Son by Matthew Heller
(from Matthew Heller)
www.MatthewHeller.com

- Xtra Tuf Luv AND Blind To Me Now by Last Train
(from Stuckagain)
Facebook Page

E-Mail: Von@AmericanaRoots.com

Voice Mail: 813-458-5270

Website: www.AmericanaRockMix.com
Skype: ARockMix
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ARockMix

Outlaw Radio - Listen in on Monday nights at 6PM CST at www.BlackCountryRock.org/OutlawRadio

LifeJive Radio - Listen twice a week! 10AM Wednesdays and 5PM Sundays on the Avalon channel on at LifeJive.com

NOW BUY MERCHANDISE. Shirts, stickers, mugs, etc. CHECK IT OUT HERE!

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We all know how tough the music business can be. Sometimes it is being at the right place at just the right time that can make or break a career. Others seem to turn their talents over to any direction which leads them to the top regardless of where their heart may be. Then there are those with “the look”…you know the one that can be marketed to sell records despite the obvious lack of talent.

Then there is the state of Texas. Texas is a place that seems to have hidden talent on each street corner. Many artists attempt to step in and ride this as their ticket to success only to be chewed up and spit back out. Why? Because you got to have talent to make it in Texas…there are no easy rides.

Rob Baird left his Memphis, TN. roots behind when he attended college at TCU. He soon found he had a passion to follow his musical talents, and was fortunate to meet up with Frank Lidell of Carnival Music.

“Frank showed me the ropes, and has been very helpful getting me started,” Baird stated. “I also was very lucky to meet Scott Davis while at TCU. Scott has been there ever since for me even though he continues to shine with Hayes Carll too.”

Baird is releasing his second record, “I Swear It’s The Truth”, following up his successful debut record “Blue Eyed Angel”. Baird continues to display his own distinctive vocal and writing talents, plus includes some other talented songwriters material as well.

“One of the great things about being here in Texas is the music community,” Baird said. “They all are open and willing to help each other, which is special in this business. We were again lucky to utilize Hayes’ band on the record, plus I was able to work with Drew Kennedy, Rick Brantley, Ryan Beaver, and Andrew Combs writing a few songs too. They are each great to work with and so talented.”

Baird does a great job of diversification with his music selections here, with a fine mixture of genres. The bonus is he keenly handles each one quite well.

“I have always felt such a balance is a good thing. I enjoy doing ballads as much as a rocker. I just got my first opportunity to see Tom Petty live the other night. In my mind, no one does it better. He has the talent to pull it all off equally well. I just hope I can entertain my fans by always doing the best I can. Music should be fun.”

More Than Willing is the first single being released from the record. You can certainly hear the Tom Petty influence in this upbeat toe tapper, as Baird’s vocals paint a telling picture. This song also has special meaning to Baird.

“My grandfather recently passed away. This song was all about getting back home, and in touch with my life.”

Opening the record is Dreams and Gasoline, which certainly captures your attention right away. The beginning strum of the acoustic guitar is much like opening the door to a brand new car…you can’t wait to jump right in and soak it all up because you can tell right away this is going to be a special memory.

There is honestly no throw away songs here, with each song carving out its own unique place. Same Damn Thing is a well written song telling the story of life on the road. The sparse arrangement contributes a haunting lonesome feeling on Redemption.

Perhaps the highlight for me was a song which would fit quite comfortably within the immortal Blaze Foley or Townes Van Zandt’s song catalog. They each had a special talent for their poignant music that could tug at your heart or tease your mind. Can’t Stop Running slides right into this pocket. The acoustic guitar and Baird’s vocals paint a vivid picture of despair, one that is equally captivating and enjoyable.

Baird closes the record with a cover of Julie Miller’s poignant song I Can’t Get Over You. The opening lone acoustic guitar accompanying Baird’s vocals is a potent combination which drives this song home.

“I am getting ready to go out on the road with another talented artist in Josh Abbott, so I hope we can keep this thing going and find some new fans along the way”, states Baird.

I am sure with music like this, Baird will find his own following growing very soon. So add Rob Baird’s name to the growing list of talent down in Texas. He is earning it the old fashioned way, by writing his own songs and putting out some great music.

Written by John Walker

Dreams_and_Gasoline.wma Listen on Posterous

Dreams_and_Gasoline.wma Listen on Posterous

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http://www.tomattah.com

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The intertubes are ablaze over a recent interview with Vince Gill on the state of country music and well, the music industry in general. I dig the honesty of this article and have long been a fan of Vince (especially after seeing him live a few times out at the Americana Music Conference).  I know he speaks for many (including myself) on his frustration of mainstream country with his quote "I would love to hear someone write a song like (the 1981 George Jones hit) 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' rather than 'You're hot. I'm hot. We're in a truck.' It's just mind-numbing to me." While the slam on mainstream country is not new, I decided to focus more on his thoughts around the devaluation of music.

Vince's next topic is on the value of music and I struggle with this ongoing question on the right price for music.  As fans, we have never had it so good with services like Spotify, Rhapsody, iTunes and Amazon.  It's mind-blowing the amount of music we can carry around in our pocket. Musicians everywhere have the uncanny ability to create and distribute their music independently across the globe with the click of a button.  Many of our beloved bands travel to Europe frequently playing massive festivals and have more access than ever to overseas audiences. Not to mention, the impact of digital recording and the low cost of entry for bands to record now days. Music has been globalized and that can't be overlooked.

However as many bands will point out, music sales alone are rarely enough to pay the bills full time.  Relentless touring, CD sales at shows and merchandise have become the only way to have a chance to keep the dream alive. Digital music has opened a lot of doors for musicians to compete on a somewhat even basis however as Vince notes "The devaluation of music and what it's now deemed to be worth is laughable to me. My single costs 99 cents. That's what a (single) cost in 1960." That being the case, .99 cents in 1960 adjusted for inflation for 2010 would be $7.28 (2010 - http://www.westegg.com/inflation). ; No one will buy a track for $7.28 much less an album for $70+.  It's just not realistic.

There is no magic bullet for the discussion of musician compensation. I have no doubt that creativity and adaptation will continue to lead to some new ideas for adding additional streams.  An example that I mention quite frequently to musicians I talk to is the Bob Schneider Frunk model.  For years now, Bob provides a way for fans to purchase the live show right after it has ended.  In addition, each live show is available at http://www.livetracks.com/bobschneider/ within a few days.  I personally grab a copy after each show I catch. People go to live shows for the event and if they are like me, I often want to capture that night (assuming I enjoyed the show).  One of the more popular new ways to raise funds is Kickstarter.com which has started a revolution with crowd-funding CD/Video projects for musicians. Unfortunately, there is no one answer to this ongoing question as actual artists will point out. That being said, I hope this important topic continues to be raised. I would love to hear about how the unique ways bands have been able to pull in additional streams of income with their music.

Also, I have noticed a few stray comments like "Do it for the art, not the money" which is complete and utter bullshit.  Everyone needs money to survive, so if you do feel this way feel free to send me your paycheck and I'll make sure we kick that out to working musicians.

 Vince Gill Interview by Rich Gienze

2012 finds Mr. Gill, who turned 55 April 12, in transition. His MCA contract lapsed last year and he's realistic about his place in the scheme of things. "I still want to have hit records," he admits. "You never get that out of your system. But in some sense," he says with amusement, "I have been shown the door." He has his issues with today's country, where fashion and gimmicky songs often trump the truth he reveres. "For me, it's lost its traditional bent pretty severely," he says. "I would love to hear someone write a song like (the 1981 George Jones hit) 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' rather than 'You're hot. I'm hot. We're in a truck.' It's just mind-numbing to me. Vince states "The devaluation of music and what it's now deemed to be worth is laughable to me. My single costs 99 cents. That's what a (single) cost in 1960."

That isn't Music City's only new normal. "Income streams are dwindling. Record sales aren't what they used to be. The devaluation of music and what it's now deemed to be worth is laughable to me. My single costs 99 cents. That's what a (single) cost in 1960. On my phone, I can get an app for 99 cents that makes fart noises -- the same price as the thing I create and speak to the world with. Some would say the fart app is more important. It's an awkward time. Creative brains are being sorely mistreated."

Vince Gill's website (@vincegill)

I found this infographic over at CDBaby, however it was made by GrovoLabs.

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Not really much to talk about this week. I've been playing the hell out of "Long Live All Of Us" by Glossary, so that thought something from that would be a great bookend to this episode. Enjoy!

Download this episode HERE

Music in this episode:

- When We Were Wicked AND A Shoulder To Cry On by Glossary
(from Long Live All Of Us)
www.Glossary.US

- Lake Of Fire AND Little Black Star by Hurray For The Riff Raff
(from Look Out Mama)
www.HurrayForTheRiffRaff.com

- Haunted World AND Fucked Up World by Jimbo Mathus
(from Blue Light)
www.JimboMathus.com

- Where Were Your Friends? AND Orphan's Song by Jon Dee Graham
(from Garage Sale)
www.JonDeeGraham.weebly.com

Mini-Mix Submitted by Philip Mander
--------------------------------------

1 - Cashbox by Big Head Todd & The Monsters
(from All The Love You Need)
www.BigHeadTodd.com

2 - Let's Rock And Roll by Bobby Bare, Jr.
(from From The End Of Your Leash)
www.BobbyBareJr.com

3 - That's When It Hit Me by Ezra Furman
(from The Year Of No Returning)
www.EzraFurman.com

--------------------------------------
- You're Dead To Me AND The Burning Barn by The Western Set
(from Country Music)
www.Facebook.com/TheWesternSet

- What The Hell Is Goin' On? AND Snake Farm by Paul Thorn
(from What The Hell Is Goin' On?)
www.PaulThorn.com

E-Mail: Von@AmericanaRoots.com

Voice Mail: 813-458-5270

Website: www.AmericanaRockMix.com
Skype: ARockMix
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ARockMix

Outlaw Radio - Listen in on Monday nights at 6PM CST at www.BlackCountryRock.org/OutlawRadio

LifeJive Radio - Listen twice a week! 10AM Wednesdays and 5PM Sundays on the Avalon channel on at LifeJive.com

NOW BUY MERCHANDISE. Shirts, stickers, mugs, etc. CHECK IT OUT HERE!

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Well, they blew up  the chicken man in Philly last night.  Now, they blew up his house, too... Well now, everything dies, baby, that's a fact.  But maybe everything that dies someday comes back.

Those words and song penned by Bruce Springsteen and first appeared on his solo album in 1982 called Nebraska.  I have noticed this song all over the place lately and spent a few hours perusing the intertubes soaking up anything and everything in it's wake.  I've always appreciated Bruce's artistry and sheer will to keep the music going.  Much of my newfound admiration came from his recent SXSW Keynote speech.  I found his message simply powerful and started yearning for more which led me to the track "Atlantic City". 

This song has it all with love, life, death, money and the mob.  What strikes me is how much this song has been covered by artists like: The Band, Hank III, Rodney Parker, Canvas, Sticks & Stones, The Hold Steady, John Anderson and so many more.  I leave with a few videos from various artists on this track as I'm fairly sure this song will continue to come back.

[Bruce Springsteen -- The Original Video]

[Levon Helm - damn we miss you Levon...]

[Mat Kearney]

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I'm back, after a nice week of vacation. It's always nice to take a break because it makes coming back to do a show that much more refreshing and fun. Hopefully you guys will dig the new music I have in store for you this week!

Download this episode HERE

Music in this episode:

- Cover Your Tracks AND Shake My Skin by Ryan Purcell And The Last Round
(from Pick Me Up)
www.Facebook.com/RyanPurcellAndTheLastRound

- I Need You AND Alimony by Chelle Rose
(from Ghost Of Browder Holler)
www.Facebook.com/ChelleRoseMusic

- That Time Is Gone AND Before We Were Born by The dB's
(from Falling Off The Sky)
www.ThedBsOnline.net

-------------------------------------------

Mini Mix by Mike Hopkins

1 - New York Banker by Todd Snider
(from Agnostic Hymns And Stoner Fables)
www.ToddSnider.net

2 - KMAG YOYO by Hayes Carll
(from KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories))
www.HayesCarll.com

3 - Death To My Hometown by Bruce Springsteen
(from Wrecking Ball)
www.BruceSpringsteen.net

-------------------------------------------

- Gasoline AND Natchez by The Burning Angels
(from The Burning Angels)
www.BurningAngels.com

- Sometimes Wine AND Never Go To Town Again by Sunday Valley (AKA Sturgill Simpson & The High Top Mountain Boys)
(from To The Wind And On To Heaven)
www.facebook.com/SundayValleyFans

E-Mail: Von@AmericanaRoots.com

Voice Mail: 813-458-5270

Website: www.AmericanaRockMix.com
Skype: ARockMix
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ARockMix

Outlaw Radio - Listen in on Monday nights at 6PM CST at www.BlackCountryRock.org/OutlawRadio

LifeJive Radio - Listen twice a week! 10AM Wednesdays and 5PM Sundays on the Avalon channel on at LifeJive.com

NOW BUY MERCHANDISE. Shirts, stickers, mugs, etc. CHECK IT OUT HERE!

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Paul Thorn has created his own niche within the music business during the past 15 years. He has previously released 5 records, filled with great passion and his own captivating songwriting, which has garnered him much acclaim. His last release, Pimps and Preachers, landed him in the Top 100 Billboard chart for the first time.

Thorn’s new release, What The Hell Is Goin’ On?, is a departure from his prior material, since it is a record containing all covers. Thorn selects some of the great Americana artists including Buddy Miller, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Elvin Bishop, Paul Rodgers, James Taylor, and Lindsey Buckingham. Delbert McClinton along with Elvin Bishop make guest appearances on the record as well.

Thorn’s soulful singing is on full display here. His ability to drive a song home is what sets him apart from many others. He truly shines on the Elvin Bishop title cut. This song has so much meaning in today’s chaotic world, and the groove will have you jumping too. Here is a video Thorn put together so you can see for yourself:

Other highlights here include a passion filled version of Taylor’s Shed A Little Light, a driving toe tapper with Rodger’s Walk In My Shadow, and the rockin Bull Mountain Bridge which features guest Delbert McClinton.

Although these songs are covers, they fit comfortably within Thorn’s own catalog. Even he admits these are songs he wishes he had written, since they have always captured his attention over the years. This combination is a welcome continuation to Thorn’s success, and should further solidify his ever growing status as a singer/songwriter.

RELEASE DATE MAY 8, 2012

Reviewed by John Walker

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I'm taking off this week. So, my buddy Rusty Hogan, fellow contributor here at Americana Roots and host of his own podcast  - The Rabbit Podcast, is taking the reins this week, and giving you his version of The Americana Rock Mix.

Enjoy!

Download this episode HERE

Music in this episode:

-Play On AND Celebrate by Larkin Poe
(from Thick As Thieves)
http://larkinpoe.com

-Good Luck & True Love AND New Moon Over Nashville by Reckless Kelly
(from Good Luck & True Love)
http://recklesskelly.com/

-Gunslinger AND Papernews by The Medders
(from The Medders)
https://www.facebook.com/themedderspage

-Don't Come Home When You're Mad At Me AND I Holler Up The Mountain by Greezy Wheels
(from Gone Greezy)
http://www.greezywheels.com

Saints & Liars AND The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee by Pony Boy
(from Pony Boy EP)
http://ponyboymusic.com

Mini-Mix

1- Solitary Man by Johnny Cash
(from American III: Solitary Man)
http://www.johnnycash.com

2- Outtasite (Outta Mind) by Wilco
(from Being There [Disc 1])
http://wilcoworld.net

3- Bible vs. Gun by Will Hoge
(from During The Before And After)
http://willhoge.com

-Nothing Like You AND Rubber Bullets by Skyline Drive
(from As of Now Untitled Upcoming Release)
http://www.reverbnation.com/skylinedrivemusic

E-Mail: Von@AmericanaRoots.com

Voice Mail: 813-458-5270

Blogsite: www.AmericanaRoots.com
Skype: ARockMix
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ARockMix

Outlaw Radio - Listen in on Monday nights at 6PM CST at www.BlackCountryRock.org/OutlawRadio

LifeJive Radio - Listen twice a week! 10AM Wednesdays and 5PM Sundays on the Avalon channel on at LifeJive.com

NOW BUY MERCHANDISE. Shirts, stickers, mugs, etc. CHECK IT OUT HERE!

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In this episode I respond to an issue that a couple of people had with the last episode. The title of this episode should give away my response to that issue. Also, I'm now a strong advocate for getting massages. Awesomeness never felt so good. And in between these segments of talk, I pack in some awesome music with the likes of which I'm pretty have been unheard.

Enjoy!

Download this episode HERE

Music in this episode:

- The Great Despiser AND Stronger Than The World by Joe Pug
(from The Great Despiser)
www.JoePugMusic.com

- Not For The Faint Of Heart AND Gone Is The Darkness by Black Creek
(from Not For The Faint Of Heart)
www.BlackCreek.Bandcamp.com

- Artists And Their Sentiments AND Wealth by Doubtful Sound
(from Coffee Companion (or a Doubtful Sounding EP Volume II))
www.Facebook.com/DoubtfulSound

Mini Mix by Popa Tunes (www.PopaTunes.blogspot.com)

1 - 13 by The Rhythm Hawks
(from Unreleased) but can be downloaded for free HERE
www.Facebook.com/RhythmHawks

2 - Crime Scene Cleanup Team by Tin Horn Prayer
(from Get Busy Dying)
Facebook Page

3 - Hangman by The Legendary Kid Combo
(from Caravansaray)
www.KidCombo.com
- Doors Of Amsterdam AND Dream World by Jack Saunders
(from A Real Good Place To Start)
www.JackSaunders.com

- Falling Apart Makes AND Gingham by The Sparklers
(from Crying At The Low Bar)
www.TheSparklers.com

- Gillian AND Janene by The Illegitimate Sons
(from American Music)
www.TheIllegitimateSons.com

E-Mail: Von@AmericanaRoots.com

Voice Mail: 813-458-5270

Website: www.AmericanaRockMix.com
Skype: ARockMix
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ARockMix

Outlaw Radio - Listen in on Monday nights at 6PM CST at www.BlackCountryRock.org/OutlawRadio

LifeJive Radio - Listen twice a week! 10AM Wednesdays and 5PM Sundays on the Avalon channel on at LifeJive.com

NOW BUY MERCHANDISE. Shirts, stickers, mugs, etc. CHECK IT OUT HERE!

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Apparently I'm in rare form in this episode. I find out some irritating news about the podcast apps that I've been trying to put together for Android and IOS systems, and I got on a lengthy rant about it. Fortunately there's some amazing new music in this episode to distract you from my distraction.

Download this episode HERE

Music in this episode:

- Heavy Chevy AND Mama by Alabama Shakes
(from Heavy Chevy 7" vinyl)
www.AlabamaShakes.com

- Willows AND Cuyahoga River Blues by Will Quinlan And The Diviners
(from Wayfaring EP)
www.IronWeedMusic.com

- Bully AND Devil's Circus by The Only Sons
(from When The New Wears Off)
www.TheOnlySons.net

- Submarines AND Ho Hey by The Lumineers
(from The Lumineers)
www.TheLumineers.com

Mini-Mix by Martin Clark

1 - To Absent Friends by Frank Turner
(from Rock And Roll EP)
www.Frank-Turner.com

2 - Got No Words by Truckstop Darlin'
(from Truckstop Darlin')
www.TruckstopDarlin.com

3 - Rome by Slimfit
(from The Path)
www.SlimfitBand.com

- Weep Themselves To Sleep AND Trash Tongue Talker by Jack White
(from Blunderbuss)
www.JackWhiteIII.com

- Promises AND Daggers by Nena Anderson
(from Beyond The Lights)
www.NenaAnderson.com

- Brickbreaker AND "Some Say..." by Vandella
(from Fire In The Desert)
www.VandellaSound.com

E-Mail: Von@AmericanaRoots.com

Voice Mail: 813-458-5270

Website: www.AmericanaRockMix.com
Skype: ARockMix
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ARockMix

Outlaw Radio - Listen in on Monday nights at 6PM CST at www.BlackCountryRock.org/OutlawRadio

LifeJive Radio - Listen twice a week! 10AM Wednesdays and 5PM Sundays on the Avalon channel on at LifeJive.com

NOW BUY MERCHANDISE. Shirts, stickers, mugs, etc. CHECK IT OUT HERE!

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Over the past few weeks there has been a plethora of some killer new music hitting the street.  I'd encourage everyone to check out Jason Eady's new cd AM COUNTRY HEAVEN which dropped this past Tuesday.  The new effort is a pretty big departure from his past release. This project started with Eady and Kevin Welch as a side project to focus on making music with the old country sound. As the project took off, Eady lined up a stellar array of musicians to help out on the project including the great Redd Volkaert on guitar, Earle Pool Ball on piano, Tom Lewis on drums and Kevin Smith on bass.  The album is a breath of some of the old time sounds that have all been forgotten in this day and age.  It's a great project!

AM COUNTRY HEAVEN is available at iTunes or LoneStarMusic.com.

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In this episode I'm introducing something new. I'm mean, of course, besides all of the great new music that is packed into this show.

Enjoy!

Download this episode HERE

Music in this episode:

- Madison Row AND Boomtown by The District Attorneys
(from Slowburner)
www.Facebook.com/TheDistrictAttorneys

- Southern Family Anthem AND The Long Road Home (feat. Tom Morello) by Shooter Jennings
(from Family Man)
www.ShooterJennings.com

- Where We're Standing AND Goodbye Flowers by The Kernal
(from Farewell Hello)
www.FarewellHello.com

- Hold On AND Hang Loose by The Alabama Shakes
(from Boys And Girls)
www.AlabamaShakes.com

Mini Mix by Eric and Mike of That Much Further West Radio

1 - Tears Don't Matter Much by Lucero
(from That Much Further West)
www.LuceroMusic.com

2 - I Hope He Breaks Your Heart by American Aquarium
(from Dances For The Lonely)
www.AmericanAquarium.net

3 - Better Hope You Die Young by Hellbound Glory
(Damaged Goods)
www.HellboundGlory.com

- This Ain't The Titanic AND Can You Comprehend? by O'Captain
(from This Ain't The Titanic)
Facebook Page

- 40 Miler AND Fine Foods Market (AKA Tim Barry Makes Fun Of Tim Barry) by Tim Barry
(from 40 Miler)
www.TimBarryRVA.com

- Leave This Place AND Spinning Wheel by John Henry And The Engine
(from Spinning Wheel)
www.JohnHenryAndTheEngine.com

- The Golden Rule AND Wasted by Lukas Nelson Promise Of The Real
(from Wasted)
www.PromiseOFTheReal.com

E-Mail: Von@AmericanaRoots.com

Voice Mail: 813-458-5270

Website: www.AmericanaRockMix.com
Skype: ARockMix
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ARockMix

Outlaw Radio - Listen in on Monday nights at 6PM CST at www.BlackCountryRock.org/OutlawRadio

LifeJive Radio - Listen twice a week! 10AM Wednesdays and 5PM Sundays on the Avalon channel on at LifeJive.com

NOW BUY MERCHANDISE. Shirts, stickers, mugs, etc. CHECK IT OUT HERE!

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David Olney has just released The Stone, a continuation of his ongoing thematic mini album series. This one is very appropriate for the current Easter season, with the master story-teller Olney providing 6 characters with deeply intimate differing views of the biblical story.

Kicking this one off is the great spoken word classic Jerusalem Tomorrow, which Olney originally released in 1994 on his Deeper Well record. He has cut the accompaniment back to only a beautiful lone acoustic guitar arrangement of course played by close friend Sergio Webb. Some spoken word songs leave you feeling empty, like the singer cut out the soul from the words, but this rendition is captivating.

Olney also delivers more enchanting points of view from a donkey in Brays, a royalty enforcement officer in the bluesy Brains, a dinner guest at the Last Supper in the poignant Flesh and Blood, the well known story of a thief in Barabbas, and the closing story of a soldier’s bewilderment in A Soldier’s Report.

If you enjoy the purity of acoustic music and great lyrical story-telling, you need to pick this one up. Olney remains at the top of his game, and should be cherished and enjoyed.

01_Jerusalem_Tomorrow.mp3 Listen on Posterous

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I had to take last week off in order to catch up on some things. I'll probably have to do that on occasion. But, we're back on track. Enjoy!

Download this episode HERE

Music in this episode:

- Turn It Up AND How Far by Whiskey Myers
(from Firewater)
www.WhiskeyMyers.com

- Hell Hounds AND Lonesome River by Mosey West
(from Vaca Money)
www.Facebook.com/MoseyWest

- Gently Down Your Stream AND No Money by Natalie Mishell
(from In My Shoes)
www.NatalieMMusic.com

-Two More Shots Of Doubles AND Please Send Me A Postcard by Gene Butler Band
(from The Light Is Always On)
www.GeneButlerBand.com

- Pieces AND Stop Breaking Down by Terry Lewsader
(from The Beanfield Blues)
www.Myspace.com/TerryLewsader

- Straw Man AND Manservant by Michael Rank And Stag
(from Kin)
www.MichaelRankMusic.com

- Things Can't Stay The Same AND The Caspian Sea by Penny Blacks
(from Harbour)
www.Facebook.com/PennyBlacks

- Best Bad Girl AND Not Welcome Here No More by Katie Grace
(from Best Bad Girl)
www.Facebook.com/KatieGraceOnTheBass

- Roll Around AND Young Things by The Roseline
(from Vast As Sky)
www.RoselineMusic.com

E-Mail: Von@AmericanaRoots.com

Voice Mail: 813-458-5270

Website: www.AmericanaRockMix.com
Skype: ARockMix
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ARockMix

Outlaw Radio - Listen in on Monday nights at 6PM CST at www.BlackCountryRock.org/OutlawRadio

LifeJive Radio - Listen twice a week! 10AM Wednesdays and 5PM Sundays on the Avalon channel on at LifeJive.com

NOW BUY MERCHANDISE. Shirts, stickers, mugs, etc. CHECK IT OUT HERE!

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Well, I'm trying to give you guys an episode full of great music. But the self proclaimed master of the house thinks I haven't properly acknowledged him. But the show must go on!

Download this episode HERE

Music in this episode:

- Good Ol' Days AND Bag of Bones by The Washers
(from Tired Eyes)
www.TheWashersMusic.com

- Little Girl Like You AND The Fall by The Statesboro Review
(from Different Kind Of Light)
www.TheStatesboroReview.com

- I Aint Cut Out For Working 9 To 5 AND Lost In Transcription by Suburban Dirts
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It is not often I stumble upon an artist quite like Justin Farren, but perhaps that needs to change. You see, in the world we live in today…one where we need immediate responses and pleasure always at our fingertips…maybe it is time for the succinct storyteller. One that is able to find the positive in any negative daily life situation which may have confronted us at some point, and spin it favorably with a short song.

Well, allow me to introduce to you the immensely talented Justin Farren. His latest release Songs From Spare Rooms is a collection of 16 songs he has written which are packed with tongue in cheek frivolity. Some of these songs are quite short, but they still pack quite a punch.

From the beginning, you can hear the talents flowing in Justin’s ability to tell a story, sing it well, and his bare instrumental arrangements are the perfect accompaniment to truly make each song shine. Many will immediately hear a similarity to early Jason Mraz material, which is certainly not a bad thing at all. Even Justin pokes fun at this in his song Where Did I Leave My Sweater.

This cd is one which will find you singing along …laughing at his lyrics…and sometimes shaking your head in amazement wondering “did he just say what I thought he did?”. Time flies bye while this one is playing…and when it is over you will want more.

So thank you Justin. You have me hooked. Now where can we quench this immediate need for more???

http://www.justinfarren.com/

Reviewed by John Walker

15_Where_Did_I_Leave_My_Sweater_.mp3 Listen on Posterous

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