By John Walker

A few years ago I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with the amazing Todd Snider. Todd has long been one of my favorite singer/songwriters, who I believe is one of the most talented out there today. As I try to do with each artist I speak with, I asked Todd what relatively obscure artists I should check out, since I am always looking for new music to enjoy. After discussing several musicians we both admired, he said a name which had eluded me up to that point…Willis Alan Ramsey. When I told Todd I was not familiar with that one, his face immediately lit up. He grabbed a piece of paper and wrote the name down for me (still have the piece of paper in my office too), saying do yourself a favor and get this guy tomorrow. Todd went on to say he only released one record, it may be hard to find, but it is amazing.

When I got home later that night, I immediately logged onto my computer to see what I could find. Sure enough, way back in 1972, Willis Alan Ramsey had one self titled release on Shelter Records. Just as Todd had also pointed out, several of the song titles were quite familiar, and each was written by Ramsey.

Opening the record is The Ballad of Spider John, which was covered by Jimmy Buffett. Also are songs I have heard covered by Waylon Jennings (Satin Sheets) as well as Muskrat Candlelight which was altered a bit by Captain and Tennille for their popular Muskrat Love.

The fact that Ramsey still lives today and never released another record is astounding, and has helped catapult this record into cult status. Ramsey has supposedly helped others, such as Lyle Lovett, write songs, but has not released any new material on his own. Occasionally there will be whispers of work being done, but nothing has ever materialized.

His vocal delivery contributes to his story-telling lyrics, forming the foundation for great imagery within his music. This is a mellow record you should sit down and enjoy. In a perfect world, we will be blessed with at least one more musical release from this man…until then this must do. And if you don’t believe me that this is a must hear, then just ask the guy who introduced me to the music….I think his name was Todd.

The Ballad of Spider John

01_Track_1.wma Listen on Posterous

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My first job was filling and refilling the ice bin behind the bar at a local tavern at which my mother was a bartender. I was 10 years old. I grew up in a slew of bars that my mother was employed at between my ages of 5 to 18. So I've seen a lot of happenings varying from sad and confusing to just humorous and confusing. Because let's face it - anything that happens in a bar that involves alcohol is always confusing.

And so, anyone else who has spent enough time in a their local pub/tavern/bar/watering hole (depending on your location) will notice some very familiar happenings thrown into this video. I've seen them all in real life, and I think that's why this video is endearing to me

Maybe that says a little bit too much why I am the way I am...

Anyway, enjoy!

- Von

For more info on Left Arm Tan, check out:

www.LeftArmTan.com

www.Facebook.com/LeftArmTan

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By John Walker

After a short hiatus from music, Moot Davis is striking back with a record that deserves to be heard. Man About Town is a not so much a departure from the past for Moot, but more of a branching out to new horizons. He has not forgotten his traditional country roots, those are very much on display here, but he has also included songs which carry more punch and variety than in his prior releases.

After his second release Already Moved On on the Little Dog label in 2007, Moot began to experience what he referred to as road lag or burn out.

“After doing 200 dates a year for 4 years straight, I was beginning to rebel for lack of a better term a bit. I felt like I was losing control of my own destiny. Pete and I were seeing less eye to eye on things, so I know I had to do something different soon. That is why I broke off, got my head straight, and went to New Zealand for a brief acting stint. It was there I was able to work on the songs a bit for this record.”

The “Pete” Moot was referring to was Pete Anderson, the former guitar player for Dwight Yoakam. After Anderson left Yoakam, he met a young Moot Davis. He begin working with Moot and produced his first two records, the first being Moot Davis in 2003. However, Anderson’s mentoring was wearing thin on Moot while touring after the release of his second record.

“You spend that much time touring together, there are going to be moments of tension and not seeing things eye to eye. I appreciate everything Pete did for me, and the opportunity to work with him, but his formula for success just did not fit me. I wanted more control over my direction. It was much more positive than negative, but I needed a change.”

Thus the 6 month trip to New Zealand, then to Austin, Texas where Moot wrote over 80% of the music on this record. It was not a smooth transition, however from the old label to his current situation.

“I would send songs to Pete from time to time, but he never liked any of them. Honestly, we have not spoken since October 2007. So, I knew I had to wait this thing out, continue to work on my music, and then find the right fit for me.”

The search did not get off to a great start. After finally getting his release from Little Dog in August, Moot headed to Nashville with some demos to see if he could work something out.

“Must have been something going on that week in Nashville, I could not get in to see anyone. So, I just headed on back home to try something else,” Moot stated.

This is where a good friend stepped in to help. Moot had actually met Paul Reed in a humorous way.

“When you are on your own, you sometimes let things slip a bit in some areas. I would get the occasional email from people letting me know I need to update my web site, or something like that. Well, after being away from music for a bit in New Zealand, I would still get emails from this guy wanting me to update my site or asking me what was going on. His emails were nice enough, plus they had his phone number and business title listed on each one. I finally decided to call this guy and see what the deal was and why he kept hounding me. We talked for a bit and became fast friends. After the debacle in Nashville, Paul asked just how much it would cost to start our own label and put out the record. We crunched some numbers and the Highway Kind label was born.”

When Moot was ready to put his new record together, he called another friend to get some advice and help. Enter Kenny Vaughan, the electric guitar extraordinaire from Marty Stuart and the Superlatives.

“I had actually met Kenny several years ago while playing with a band on Broadway Street in Nashville. A mutual friend, Andy Gibson, had introduced us. Once Kenny heard the demos we had cut in New Jersey for the new record, he was able to get things rolling by getting the recording time and to help put a band together. We just paid as we went through the project, so it worked out pretty well. I am very fortunate to get the opportunity to work with another great guitar player such as Kenny with my music after working with Pete in the past. Kenny put together a great band for the record.”

Produced by Kenny Vaughan, who of course also contributes on electric guitar, the record features Harry Stinson on drums, Paul Martin on bass, Chris Scruggs on steel and guitar, Hank Singer on fiddle, and George Bradfute on slide guitar. This stellar lineup truly shines throughout the record, accentuating the fine writing and vocal talents which Moot has on display here.

Moot writes all 13 songs appearing here, with each offering an appealing variety of content, story, and sound. Unlike his preceding material, Moot wanted to clearly show his creative independence on this record.

“With the first record I released under Little Dog, I felt a bit out of control, with some of the songs being altered and such. The second was much the same. So with this record on my own label, I wanted to show my true identity more so to speak. I wanted to branch out and not just keep releasing the same type of music over and over. I love traditional country music, and always will, but I wanted to broaden my musical base somewhat.”

The record opens with Rags To Rhinestones, which is loosely based on a story passed on to Moot by another country artist named Dave Gleason. The lyrics describe how a musician reaches the pinnacle of success only to plummet to the depths of despair. Donnie Herron of BR-549 fame, helped out a bit on getting this one written.

Moot states, “Donnie was my landlord at the time I was working on a part of this song. We sat and went over a few parts and he had some great suggestions. I wanted to list him as a contributing writer, but he declined saying he did not do that much. Donnie is a great guy.”

Next up are two songs which give a bit more of a glimpse into the musical life of one Moot Davis.

“Day The World Shook My Hand certainly draws from my experience with Pete. From initially hearing all the things I wanted to hear about my future to the cold reality of what took place, this song describes a few of those experiences.

Rocket actually is derived from an autobiography I once thought about writing. I had the working title ready to go, which makes up the chorus of this song. I just decided to take all those funny stories along with the title and make it a song instead. I like the way it all came together.”

Two songs which perhaps show the largest departures from Moot’s prior releases are Queensbury Rules along with Rust. Each song has a bit more of an edge to them, with Queensbury driven by the electric guitar of Vaughan and Rust having a bluesy Bonnie Raitt vibe. Moot’s vocals shine in each, especially Queensbury where you can certainly hear why he has been compared with Dwight Yoakam in the past. True vocal passion today is hard to find, but it is fully in display here.

Moot also steps into uncharted territory with a duet and his first murder ballad as well. Crazy In Love With You features the talented Elizabeth Cook as Moots first duet partner. Black & White Picture is Moots first step into the dark edges of a murder ballad, and he goes all out with this classic.

“I had never met Elizabeth before, but after buying a new car with satellite radio I heard several of her songs on Outlaw Radio. When I approached Kenny about doing a duet on the record, he asked who I had in mind. I mentioned hearing Elizabeth on the car radio and fortunately Kenny knew her. We sent her the demo, and it all worked out very well.”

Moot has had several requests in the past to write a murder ballad, and the wait was worth it with this 7 minute ballad filled with great imagery and accentuated extremely well with a nice Mexican arrangement.

“I was a bit apprehensive about this one, having not written a murder ballad previously, but I really like the way it came out. My business partner Paul was a bit uncertain about the way the story went, but I told him if I am going to do it, it is going to go all out,” he laughed.

It is difficult to pick a favorite here, each song has something to enjoy, but the two songs which truly stand out are Memory Lane and the closing title cut Man About Town. Memory Lane is another song with vivid imagery, telling a story about a desperate man. The arrangement here has the vibe of a Marty Robbins classic.

“I had actually began writing this one back in 2000. After working on it for a while, I put it up hoping to get back to it soon. Well, about 9 years later while going through some boxes at my parents house I stumbled across it again. I took it out and finally was able to get it where I wanted. I am not a perfectionist by any means, but I want the song to feel good to me. If you mess with it too much, you lose all the good stuff,” laughed Moot.

The bare arrangement on Man About Town with the lone acoustic guitar and steel, allows Moots amazing vocals to paint a captivating picture of an anguished man with whom many may be able to relate. The vocals here simply draw you in, showing the true strength Moot possesses. It is thrilling to hear a voice carry a song so well.

This record certainly should catapult Moots career, and he has high hopes that it will be a breakthrough for him.

“We have already made strides that we have been unable to in the past. We are getting radio play on XM radio, plus added a great partnership with Conqueroo for publicity. My hopes are to be able to open some doors and perhaps open for larger more well known artists to expose my music to a much broader fan base.”

When asked what artist would be the perfect dream, Moot stated “I would love the opportunity to work with Lyle Lovett. I respect his music and musicianship very much. But, we will take it all one step at a time.”

Man About Town is being released on February 21, 2012

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Not much to say in the episode. I'm dealing with a mass exodus of all my files from Mevio to Libsyn. But this episode is filled with amazing music. Enjoy!

Download this episode HERE

Music in this weeks episode:

- Women & Work AND Juniper by Lucero
(from Women & Work)
www.LuceroMusic.com

- Big Girl AND That Old Black Hole by Dr. Dog
(from Be The Void)
www.DrDogMusic.com

- For What It's Worth AND Always by Greenland Is Melting
(from Where Were We)
www.GreenlandIsMelting.com

- Cover It Up AND Anything To Pass The Time by Magic Box
(from Magic Box EP)
www.MagicBoxRock.wordpress.com

- All Is Love AND Isabel by Six Figure TransAtlantic
(from The Owl)
www.SFTA.se

- Good Wife AND Paris Of The Plains by The Grisly Hand
(from Safe House)
www.TheGrislyHand.com

- The Following Moon AND Five Miles or Less by The Memphis Strange
(from Birth of the Strange)
www.MemphisStrange.com

- Every Dog AND The Ballad Of Jean & Me by Robin Zander
(from Countryside Blvd.)
www.CheapTrick.com

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 LifeJive Radio at LifeJive.com

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

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I am fairly certain it has been at least a year since my last post so it's good to be back.  On Sunday, I spent the evening watching the Grammy's and having a tweet off with all kinds of weird people.  For the first time since I can remember, I actually watched the Grammy's. Overall, I thought they did a good job this year and enjoyed The Boss, Bonnie Raitt, Bruno Mars, Adele, The Beach Boys along with the highlight of the night which was "The Civil Wars" 60 second intro.  Hell, truth be told, I even enjoyed Taylor Swift and that massive pile of junk for her stage.  Prior to the airing of the Grammy's we had a number of great Americana bands pickup awards in category 59 "American Roots":

Best Americana Album
Ramble At The Ryan -- Levon Helm

Best Bluegrass Album
Paper Airplane -- Alison Krauss & Union Station

Best Blues Album
Revelator -- Tedeschi Trucks Band

Best Folk Album
Barton Hollow -- The Civil Wars

The best part of the night for me though was making up the name FauxJo for Taylor Swift's guitar. I posted on twitter that her guitar was a "Faux Banjo" after I noticed it had a neck like a guitar and as someone clearly pointed out "She's strumming the banjo -- that's a no no".  I got a number of messages, death threats and over the top rambles to leave Taylor alone.  In reality, I wasn't making fun of her or her guitar but was just pointing out that while it looks like a banjo it ain't a banjo.  No big deal right? After a day of thinking about it, I was even more impressed with Taylor in that how many people that popular have ever even worn a FauxJo? Can you imagine how many FauxJo's are being sold right now? To wrap all of this up, it was a good night for music and a great night for Americana / Folk in that we had some very talented people share a very public stage and do well.  Taylor's a part of that even if you don't want to believe it. Congratulations to Levon and The Civil Wars for a big win and kudos to our AmericanaMusic.org group for getting Americana up as a category! 

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By John Walker

Writers note….sorry for the lack of recent writing…had family issues to attend to. I will be back at least twice a week for a while…including a interview I just completed with Moot Davis…so stay tuned.

TRENT SUMMAR – HORSESHOES AND HAND GRENADES

Watching the Grammys last night made me think back to some of the amazing music I have collected in the recent past that perhaps very few have even heard. There are so many amazing artists out there today who have never received the publicity they truly deserved, so I am going to do my part and push some of these talented people on you over the next few months.

The first record I wanted to get out in front of everyone is Trent Summar’s Horseshoes &Hand Grenades. Many have heard some of Trent’s songs, but never knew he was the original writer. For example, the humorous tongue in cheek song Love You, which Jack Ingram released a few years ago with much success was actually written by Trent and appears on the record.

Summar is an artist who likes to have fun, and it shows throughout his music. He can easily flow from a softer love ballad such as Supposed To Do to a kick ass cover of George Jones He Stopped Loving Her Today which will have you screaming for more.

Here are 2 songs from this great release that each shows the talents here. Guys Like Me has a classic Buck Owens feel to it, and Louisville Nashville Line immediately draws you in with its rousing opening.

Give these songs a listen, then do yourself a favor and find this record. Summar has one other earlier release, plus a live record. He has no recent releases, however, which is driving me crazy. So if any of you know more, or can update me on his current status, please do so. I need another fix…

03_Guys_Like_Me.wma Listen on Posterous

07_Louisville_Nashville_Line.wma Listen on Posterous

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This episode is hosted by my friend Paul Taylor, who hails from Auckland, New Zealand. This is his second time hosting The Americana Rock Mix, and once again he's bringing more kiwi flavor to the show. ENJOY!

Download this episode HERE

Music in this weeks episode:

- Ain't Been To Memphis by All Torn Up
(from EP)
Muzic.Net.NZ Site

- Murder Song AND Love Is Nothing by The Vietnam War
(from The Vietnam War)
www.TheVietnamWar.co.nz

- Cryin' AND Slave To Your Mojo by Heart Attack Alley
(no album listed)
www.facebook.com/HeartAttackAlley

- Hot Tanya AND Broke It Up by The Drab Doo-Riffs
(from Postcards From Uranus)
Facebook Page

- Another Man's Eyes AND You're A Loser by Delaney Davidson
(from Bad Luck Man)
www.DelaneyDavidson.com

- Black Betty by Stomping Nick and His Blues Grenade
(from Punk Blues One Man Band)
www.StompingNick.com

- A Day In The Sun by The Phoenix Foundation
(from Happy Ending)
www.ThePhoenixFoundation.tumblr.com

- The Day Marty Robbins Died by The Johnny's
(from Highlights Of A Dangerous Life)
www.TheJohnnys.com

Ride Your Pony by The La De Da's
(from The La De Da's)
Facebook Page

- Oh My Lover by The Broadsides
(from Many Fouls And Mishaps)
www.TheBroadsides.org

Southwest Gale AND Horse Song by Bernie Griffin & The Grifters
(from Bernie Griffin & The Grifters)
Facebook Page

CHECK OUT MORE BY PAUL TAYLOR at www.95bfm.com - The Border Radio Show where he occasionally does a 2-4 Sunday morning (EST) (Keep in mind he's in New Zealand).

Also, on youtube is 95bfm In Session - recorded at Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios in Auckland.

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 LifeJive Radio at LifeJive.com

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

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This is the third episode of Volume 3 of The Americana Rock Mix: Lo-Fi Videocast. In this episode we'll see a performance by Austin Lucas and Glossary as his back-up band.

This is the third part of a three part series.

Download the episode HERE

See more by these artists at:

www.Glossary.us

www.AustinLucasMusic.com

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 LifeJive Radio at LifeJive.com

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

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In this episode I open some CD submission that I've gotten through the mail and haven't had a chance to check out yet. I take a risk by randomly playing tracks from the unheard albums. I talk about how wrong I was about thinking that I could just walk away from this show, and shout out some friends.

Download this episode HERE

Music in the episode:

- Broken Rainbows AND Something Right by Naked On Rollerskates
(from Lost My Heart In The Battle)
www.Facebook.com/NORSRock

- Inspiration AND Leaving Song by Shurman
(from Inspiration)
www.ShurmanVille.com

- Six Weeks AND Little Talks by Of Monsters And Men
(from My Head Is An Animal)
OfMonstersAndMenMusic.tumblr.com

- Terrified Eyes AND New Friend Jesus by Craig Finn
(from Clear Heart Full Eyes)
www.SteadyCraig.tumblr.com

- To Hell With All My Dreams by Kim Kondrashoff
(from Let The Madness Begin)
- Will Soon Be Gone by Kim Kondrashoff
(single)
Facebook Page

- Broken Record AND Trust Me by Empty Orchestra
(from One More Time, All Together Now)
HereLiesEmptyOrchestra.wordpress.com

- Dying And Diseased (featuring Rachel Brooke) by Last False Hope
(from The Shape Of Bluegrass To Come)
- Darkest Days by Last False Hope
(from Live At The Lobo Lounge)
www.LastFalseHope.tk

Check out these people/sites:

www.NineBullets.net

www.AdobeAndTeardrops.blogspot.com

www.TwangAlliance.com

LifeJive Radio

Outlaw Radio Chicago

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 LifeJive Radio at LifeJive.com

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

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EDIT: Even thought the end credits say "Austin Lucas" this is obviously a "Glossary" set!

This is the second episode of Volume 3 of The Americana Rock Mix: Lo-Fi Videocast. In this episode we'll see a performance by Glossary.

This is the second part of a three part series.

Download the episode HERE

See more by Glossary at:

www.Glossary.us

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 LifeJive Radio at LifeJive.com

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

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This is the first episode of Volume 3 of The Americana Rock Mix: Lo-Fi Videocast. In this episode we’ll see a performance by Austin Lucas.

This is the first part of a three part series.

Download the episode HERE

See more by Austin Lucas at:

www.AustinLucasMusic.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 LifeJive Radio at LifeJive.com

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

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Lydia Loveless
Vaudeville Mews
Des Moines, Iowa
Nov. 15, 2011

Download the episode HERE

Set list:

- Do Right
- Always Lose
- Steve Earle
- Can't Change Me
- More Like Them
- Jesus Was a Wino
- Learn to Say No
- Lost Without You
- Bad Way to Go
- Back On The Bottle
- Paid
- Crazy

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 LifeJive Radio at LifeJive.com

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

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Is The Americana Rock Mix nearing it's end? It's up to YOU to let me know. Send me your feedback about the show at Von@AmericanaRoots.com . Has it run it's course, are people still interested? Give me your opinions. In the mean time, enjoy all of this great music.

Download this episode HERE

Music in this episode:

- Good Friday AND Gone Are The Days by Railroad Fever
(from Things You Lost)
Facebook Page

- Please Don't Run Away AND Reinvent The Wheel by Highway Ghosts
(from Beyond All Help)
www.HighwayGhosts.com

- Been There Before AND Magdeline by Possum Jenkins
(from Carolinacana)
www.PossumJenkinsBand.com

- Soldier AND Santa Fe by The Washover Fans
(from The Habit Suits You)
www.TheWashoverFans.com

- The Weekend AND No Vacancy by The Creak
(from The Creak)
www.TheCreak.net

- City Avenue AND Roger Dale by Southbound Lane
(from This Old Town)
Facebook Page

- What I Want AND Days Of Wine And Roses by Day Of The Outlaw
(from Retribution Waltz)
www.DayOfTheOutlaw.com

- In Our Graves We'll Be Together Face To Face AND Shut My Mouth by Dolly Varden
(from Mouthful Of Lies)
www.DollyVarden.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 LifeJive Radio at LifeJive.com

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

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Evan Weiss (Into It Over It)
Sunday, October 16th, 2011
Neumo's
Seattle, Washington, USA

Download this episode HERE

Set list:

- Humboldt
- Twenty-Two Syllables
- Proper
- Connecticut Steps
- Ravenswood
- Pilsen
- Brenham, Texas
- Augusta, Georgia
- Rearrange My Life

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 LifeJive Radio at LifeJive.com

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

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The show is returning strong for 2012. But we can't forget all the great music from 2011. So, we're listening to the bands in my list of Top 24 of 2011.

Download this episode HERE

Music in this episode:

– Keep It Coming AND Trouble Won't Last Always by Glossary
(from Long Live All Of Us)
www.Glossary.US

- Strike The Motion by Mike Doughty
(fromYes And Also Yes)
www.MikeDoughty.com

- Shine by Fifth On The Floor
(from Dark And Bloody Ground)
www.FifthOnTheFloor.com

– Choir Boys by Micah Schnabel
(from I’m Dead, Serious)
www.MicahSchnabel.blogspot.com

– Song Of Seven Sisters by Have Gun, Will Travel
(from Mergers & Acquistions)
www.HGWTMusic.com

– No Simple Machine by Old 97′s
(from Grand Theatre Vol. 2)
www.Old97s.com

– Don't Let The Bastards Get You Down by The Mallett Brothers Band
(from Low Down)
www.MallettBrothersBand.com

– Used To Be A Cop by Drive-By Truckers
(from Go-Go Boots)
www.DrivebyTruckers.com

– Down By The Water by The Decemberists
(from The King Is Dead)
www.Decemberists.com

– The Grant by Lauderdale
(from Moving On)
www.Myspace.com/LauderdaleMusic

– Sweet Hell by Gin Wigmore
(from Gravel & Wine)
www.GinWigmore.com

– Heart On A String by Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
(from Here We Rest)
www.JasonIsbell.com

– Can't Change Me by Lydia Loveless
(from Indestructible Machine
www.LydiaLoveless.com

– A Broken Heart by Matt Woods
(from Manifesto)
www.TheRealMattWoods.com

– Wessex Boy by Frank Turner
(from England Keep My Bones)
www.Frank-Turner.com

– Usual Suspect by Ha Ha Tonka
(from Death Of A Decade)
www.HaHaTonkaMusic.com

– Put Up A Fight by The Only Sons
(from American Stranger)
www.TheOnlySons.net

– Hate, Rain On Me by Andrew Jackson Jihad
(from Knife Man)
www.AndrewJacksonJihad.com

– Me And Lazarus by Iron & Wine
(from Kiss Each Other Clean)
www.IronAndWine.com

– Two Eyes by Roger Bryan & The Orphans
(from 37)
www.RogerBryanAndTheOrphans.blogspot.com/

– Salsola by Memphis Train Union
(from The Bluebird Sessions)
www.Myspace.com/MemphisTrainUnion

– Too Old To Die Young by Will Hoge
(from Number Seven)
www.WillHoge.com

– Thunder Rail by Austin Lucas
(from A New Home In The Old World)
www.AustinLucasMusic.com

– Dead Run by 16 Horsepower
(from Yours Truly)
www.16Horsepower.com

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It's undeniable that Micah is a master of the "lamenting-a-failed-relationship" song. The "what ifs", "should haves", and "wish I didn't's" of any failed relationship are all present in familiar form. From the opening line of the opening song, "Choir Boys", the tone for the album is set by the line "You've got to be kidding me. Is this really how this is gonna end?". The theme of heartbreak is run straight through to a line in the final track of the album, "This is My Headstone", where he confesses "It takes a better man than me, I guess, to carry all this loneliness. If you want to know my one regret, well, I never really found her".

The songs of heartbreak and spite are entwined with tales of a weary traveling musician, and Micah's disenchantment with religion. All proving entertaining because of the slick lyrics used. At any point, on any song, without fail you can imagine vividly what is being said both upfront and in between the lines.

As for the production, it seems that this album is a little less gritty that it's predecessor. The arrangements are more pop oriented, but it works in a weirdly positive way. The poppy uptempo bass and piano intro of "The Heavy Things" starts you off happily (and later uncomfortably) singing along about the unfortunate death of a friend.

Overall it's the perfect album to listen to if you've just broken up with your girlfriend or feel like sulking over a loss in general. But in a catchy way that could possibly cheer you up. (?)

The digital download of this album made it into my top 24 albums of 2011 (even though it's physical release isn't until 2012). For more info on Micah Schnabel go to:

www.TwoCowGarage.com

www.MicahSchnabel.blogspot.com

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Yeah, yeah. It’s that time of year again. Everyone is doing it, and so am I. My top albums of 2011.

This was a really tough list to gather. 2011 was crammed with amazing music, so that just made the decision making that much harder.

34 people e-mailed and messaged me with suggestions of what my final top number should be this year. Suggestions ranged from “Top 10″ to “Top 53″! That wasn’t going to happen anyway. But the most common number suggested was “Top 24″.

I didn’t implement any rules into this years list. As that was too much of a pain last year. So, it all comes down to what I was personally listening to the most this year.

Hopefully you’ll find an album or two on here that aren’t on anyone else’s lists.

This list is in no particular order.

- Yes And Also Yes by Mike Doughty

- Dark And Bloody Ground – Fifth On The Floor

- I’m Dead – Micah Schnabel (NOTE: Even though the physical album doesn’t get released until 2012, the pre-order instant download makes it a 2011 contender)

- Mergers & Acquistions – Have Gun, Will Travel

- Grand Theatre Vol. 2 – Old 97′s

- Long Live All Of Us – Glossary

- Low Down – The Mallett Brothers Band

- Go-Go Boots – Drive-By Truckers

- The King Is Dead – The Decemberists

- Moving On – Lauderdale

- Here We Rest – Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit

- Gravel & Wine – Gin Wigmore

- Indestructible Machine – Lydia Loveless

- Manifesto – Matt Woods

- England Keep My Bones – Frank Turner

- Death Of A Decade – Ha Ha Tonka

- Knife Man – Andrew Jackson Jihad

- American Stranger – The Only Sons

- Kiss Each Other Clean – Iron & Wine

- 37 – Roger Bryan & The Orphans

- The Bluebird Sessions – Memphis Train Union

- Number Seven – Will Hoge

- A New Home In The Old World – Austin Lucas

- Yours Truly – 16 Horsepower

I don’t have any explanations for my choices to type out to you. I will give my opinions when the show returns on January 5th with episode 126.

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