Find A Key

John Prine once did some recording in the legendary Sun Studios of Sam Phillips in Memphis, Tennessee. The resulting Pink Cadillac mostly gets a lot of flak for some reason or other, but I've always had a weak spot for it. Not a perfect record by far, but you can't go wrong with the two tasty songs below for instance.

John Prine - Automobile
John Prine - Down By The Side Of The Road

Reaching Back

As Dylan told writer Bill Flanagan in a recent interview: "My voice cracking here and there wouldn’t bother me, bum notes or wrong chords would bother me more. On September Of My Years, I didn’t fix anything. (...) My voice cracking here or there just might mean it was recorded too early in the day, but it doesn’t hurt the overall effect, it wouldn’t bother me." Just happens to be my favourite song on the Nobel laureate's new Triplicate collection of crooners.

Bob Dylan - September Of My Years

Just The Same

Transmogrified folk/blues koans, as the enthusiastic liner notes aptly call 'em, anyone? Thought so. Mr. Fussell's remarkable What In The Natural World possesses a certain old-timey warmth one doesn't encounter too often nowadays, and that's a joy to behold. Playing this album is akin to visiting a good friend you haven't seen in a long long time. Out now on the always reliable Paradise Of Bachelors imprint, and a surefire contender for many an end-of-year list.

Jake Xerxes Fussell - Have You Ever Seen Peaches Growing On A Sweet Potato Vine?

Electrical Resistance

Ferocious punk rock packed in what's no doubt the coolest album cover of the year. And of course I couldn't resist buying the accompanying t-shirt, why even ask? The Ohms are one more side project of Ethan Miller, the bearded omnivore from Oakland who already made waves with Comets On Fire and the excellent Heron Oblivion. Turn it way up if you dare.

Feral Ohms - God Of Nicaragua

Listening Wind Pt. 2

"Cold winds blow, the rains they fall..." Yup, it's tough out there. As promised, here's a second stormy six pack for your listening pleasure. Lovely artwork once again by Tinca. Enjoy and take care, my amigos da musica.

Tim Hardin - Part Of The Wind
Loudest Whisper - Cold Winds Blow
Moby Grape - Bitter Wind
Freddie North - Cuss The Wind
Jun Kamibuko - Go Through The Wind
Alabama Thunder Pussy - Second Wind

In Bloom

On his fine new ep Night Talks, Mark Kozelek sings a rickety duet with the one and only Kath Bloom, cult artist par excellence. Intriguing to say the least.

Mark Kozelek with Kath Bloom - Pretty Little Flowers

Bothered All The Time

Great blues find: the late sixties recordings of Hayes McMullan, a guy who once played with the legendary Charley Patton. Powerful stuff.

Hayes McMullan - Look-A Here Woman Blues
Hayes McMullan - Kansas City Blues

Blow My Horn

Now here's a great initiative: Hiss Golden Messenger just offered a fine - and free - recording of one of their recent live shows via their Bandcamp page. Live at the Parish, Austin TX was lovingly curated by the Dick of Durham's finest: their trusted soundman Warren Parker. Keep 'em coming, good buddies!

Hiss Golden Messenger - Like A Mirror Loves A Hammer (live Austin '16)

Listening Wind

"Watch the sun's fading ember, hear the wind as she cries..." Presenting a stormy six pack for your listening pleasure. Artwork by the inimitable Tinca; buy some of her stuff why don't you. And stay tuned for part 2. Soon, soon.

Don Covay & The Goodtimers - It's In The Wind
United Travel Service - Wind And Stone
Amon Düül II - Wie Der Wind Am Ende Einer Strasse
Shelagh McDonald - Waiting For The Wind To Rise
Gene Clark - Hear The Wind
King Crimson - I Talk To The Wind

Angels Band

Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley sings the gospel. Can I get a handclap?

Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys - Over In The Gloryland

Capital F

It just happens to be funky friday today, my amigos da musica. High time to get down with the infectuous You Got To Be A Man by Frank Williams and his Rocketeers. It's the soulful year of 1967 and behind the mic there's the James Brown inspired Little Beaver, pride of Forrest City, Arkansas. "You don't have to be an angel to know right from wrong..."

Frank William's Rocketeers - You Got To Be A Man