Crazy Heart

I got to see Crazy Heart today (it's finally playing somewhere nearby). I reall enjoyed it and Jeff Bridges is excellent. It doesn't hurt that the music is top notch as well. Grab the soundtrack if you get a chance.

Here's Ryan Bingham performing The Weary Kind

New Hendrix Track

You can hear a stream of Valleys of Neptune here. Sounds great.

New Over At Music Fog

Music Fog just might be the best blog out there. So much great music. Here's a few videos they posted over the past few days. Just great, great music.











Give them a visit. You won't be disappointed.

Will they ever learn?

As Washington shudders after Tuesday's stunning turn of events in the People's Republic of Mass. it still remains unclear as to whether the leadership gets it. We are not a far left or a far right country. Most folks are in the middle. This should be a simple concept but it's not.

The Dem's have leaders on the far left. The President while running on a populist agenda is exactly what his detractors have said...far left leaning (the opposite of the last one whod didn't get it either). Speaker Pelosi represents one of the most liberal districts in the nation. Perhaps now they will attempt to govern for all.

Newt Gingrich:

“Pelosi is faced with an enormous challenge because her natural style is to run a very left-wing operation and to dominate her caucus,” Gingrich said. “She is facing the reality that the model she’s adopted is probably not sustainable when you have a country that’s in open rebellion against you.”


It's time to pass healthcare reform that matters.
1) No more denying coverage to the sick
2) Make insurance portable
3) Let working families add their young adult kids.
4) Tort REFORM! Less law suits --> lover costs.

This forces the Republicans to vote or face the public. Lots of winners. Life is good.

It just makes too much sense.

Lucero - Do You Gamble

Here's the new video from their stellar album 1372 Overton Park.

Do You Gamble from Lucero on Vimeo.

And one more for the hell of it.

Can't Feel A Thing from Lucero on Vimeo.

Ray Wylie Hubbard - Drunken Poets Dream

This doesn't even remotely suck. Just an amazing artist.

Chris Knight on Music Fog

Every time I hear him I wonder why it is that so many have never heard of him outside of the "Americana" circles. Just an amazing songwriter. Cheery no. Moving, oh yes indeed.

American Idol

Man does this guy get it right. I would hope that most who watch see it as the train wreck that is truly is. You want to watch the pop tarts fail. I suspect that is not the case for most as sales show for the Carrie Underwood's of the world. Check out this great post over on Corporate Hallucinations. And now to cleanse your musical soul a little Johnny Cash...

You have to admit this makes a point

Is Harry Reid all that different than Trent Lott or Strom Thurmond?

Ben Nichols - Solo & Acoustic

I absolutely fucking love Lucero. Just a great, great band. Ben Nichol's solo album was also a stunner last year. Check out some videos.

Chip Taylor

I totally missed this guy over the years. I got his new one Yonkers, NY for Christmas (thanks Larry) and it is a wonderful slice of Americana. Check it out.

Free Download

Worth checking out...

2009 - The Year In Concerts

I made it to 43 shows in 2009. Not as many as some but more than most I think. It was a pretty good year for me live music-wise but I think I need to slow it down a bit in 2010. Some highlights for me...

Bruce Springsteen - Nassau, Giants Stadium Nights 3 & 5, MSG (E. Street Shuffle & The River Live)

What can I say, I love the Boss. I've seen him too many times to count and this tour (as well as the Magic tour which this was really an extension of) featured some of the best shows I've seen him do. Was it 78 or 80, no it wasn't, but certainly the shows were as good as the BITUSA tour and in my opinion better than either the Reunion Tour or The Rising shows (which were also pretty damn good). Let's hope this is not the end.

Railroad Earth - Boulton Center and Music Hall of Williamsburg

These guys are my new favorite "jam band". The acoustic instruments and the "bluegrass"sound are great. Can't wait for the next show in February.

Texas Independence Day - Terminal 5

Robert Earl Keen, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Charlie Robison and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Can I get a Hell Yeah?

Allman Brothers Band - Beacon Theater

One of the best nights I have seen them. Eric Clapton doesn't hurt either. If this is the end then they are going out on a high note.

Randy Rogers Band - Highline Ballroom

Too rock for Nashville, too country for rock. To it's just right. A great live band.

Steely Dan - Beacon Theater

This is the right venue for the Dan. Great songs, great performance, just a great night.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert - Both Nights

I just found an audio rip of the HBO special. It's funny, I loved being there and Stevie Wonder and Bruce were amazing but much of the others left me pretty ambivalent on re-listening. Somethings are best experienced once and remembered instead of re-lived.

Some Pleasant Surprises:

Patti Smith, The Subdudes & The Cult

Some Disappointments

The Dead, Three Girls and their Buddy (great show but no Buddy Miller - Glad He's better)

It really was a good year. Most of the shows I saw I enjoyed. I was tortured at a few but it was for my son (Buckethead??? Never again) so I can live with it. If you haven't been to a show lately it's time to get out there and see some live music.