Lonely Soul

"My mailman died, my phone won’t ring..." The current issue of Uncut magazine comes accompanied by a crispy collection of songs that inspired Gram Parsons, the late godfather of cosmic American music. All tracks being bona fide country classics, there was only one I didn't own already: a splendid honky tonker called A Broken Heart And A Glass Of Beer by Hank Thompson. My bad, Hank, and cheers. Here goes.

Hank Thompson - A Broken Heart And A Glass Of Beer

Hootin' Like A Horn

"One day I called to see my dear Lorena, I thought she would meet me at the gate, but they took her away to ole Virginy, and left me to mourn for her fate..." No More The Moon Shines On Lorena, a bittersweet tale of love in slavery days, was originally recorded in 1930 by the Carter Family. Nearly fifty years later, mr. Chilton churned out a rather demented take definitely in a league of its own. Find it on the glorious mess called Like Flies On Sherbert, an album you either love or hate. I'm in the former camp for sure.

The Carter Family - No More The Moon Shines On Lorena
Alex Chilton - No More The Moon Shines On Lorena

Quite Contrary

"And Mary waits in silence, imperium nihil est..."

 Current 93 - Mary Waits In Silence

Left Alone

A heartfelt tribute by flamenco fusion veteran Diego Carrasco to the late great guitarist Moraito Chico, who passed away last year. "Que solito me has dejado, Morao..."

Diego Carrasco - Morao Del Alma

Lovely Lena

Out soon on the acclaimed Tompkins Square label: a mighty fine collection of pickings by Lena Hughes (1904-1998). Timeless six-string beauty, originally recorded and released in the early sixties on very limited private press vinyl. Liner notes by the one and only John Renbourn, of Pentangle fame. So what are you waiting for?

Lena Hughes - Pearly Dew

Bouquet For You

I was so immersed in Jonathan Littell's impressive novel The Kindly Ones that I forgot all about you for a while. Ninehundred plus heavy heavy pages later, we can finally ring in the new year with a golden oldie. "Let us be faithful 'til life's work is done, blooming with love 'til the reaper shall come..."

The Stanley Brothers - Gathering Flowers For The Master's Bouquet