The SteelDrivers - Reckless

I wrote about this album back a few weeks.  I wanted to really digest it before I talked about it in any detail.  I really loved their debut from 2008 and it was something that got me more interested in bluegrass.  This wasn't old school by any stretch of the imagination.  I was really bummed out to learn that vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Chris Stapleton was leaving the band but was thrilled to find out that he is on the new album so the original lineup is in tact for one more record.  Good thing for all of us as this is a tremendous record.  Sorry that I am acting like a fan boy but I love this one.

As good as their debut was, Reckless is even better.  The soul that you hear coming out of the speakers is so instantly attention grabbing that you can't help but turn it up.  These 5 fine musicians and singers are just clicking on all cylinders on this release from the first track to the last. 

On "Where Rainbows Never Die" an old man reflects on what was as he nears the end of his life...

I'm and old man now, I can't do nothin'

Young folks don't pay me no mind

But in my day I sure was something

Before I felt the heavy hands of time

I may be an Oldrockr and this is just starting to hit home for me as I approach my 50's but you gotta hear the song. 



Where Rainbows Never Die


Check out The Price which rages against the lack of justice in 2010...

Mercy ain't got no justice

Justice got a rag tied round her eyes

Oughta be tears rollin' down her face

At the blind tryin' to lead the blind

Rich man rolls the dice

Poor man pays the price

The Price


This album has one standout after another.  Bluegrass for all of us.  I wish the band luck with their new singer and I hope Chris Stapleton releases a solo record down the line.  Just a great, great release.  Check out a few more tracks and then go buy the damn thing!

Angel of the Night

Dirt Road Gypsies - Jump on the Wagon

I like country music.  Pretty much all types from Nashville to Texas to Bakersfield.  What I don't like is this recent saturation of pop music that pretends to be country.  Sorry Idol losers, you ain't cuttin' it.  Taylor Swift?  Time to go back to class.  Rascal Flatts?  Hair gel and spiky hair are so out.  Time to make some real country music. 

The Dirt Road Gypsies out of Dallas, Texas have made themselves a good 'ol country record.  If I lived down there with y'all I be out in some Honky Tonk looking to hear these guys live.  This record is as good as anything I've heard lately out of Nashville.  Just check out the first single with Deryl Dodd "I'm So Out Of Style".  Boots are gonna be out on the dance floor for this one folks.  Good time country music that goes down smooth.  Makes me want a Shiner Bock (which I can't get in NY)!

There's a bunch of cuts that are great.  Some rockers, some slow ones, even a little bit of King George sound.  This is good stuff my friends so turn off CMT and grab this one along with a beer.  Even better, dance your significant other once around the house.  Good times for sure.

Crazy's All They Got


I'm So Out Of Style

Sam Bush

Sam Bush has been playing the hell out of the mandolin for over 30 years, first as a member of New Grass Revival and then as a solo artist.  Sam was my introduction to Bluegrass after discovering how great this stuff is I haven't turned back.  What I have for you is a collection of 4 high quality soundboards.  All of these were originally on bt.etree.org at some point (a great place to get shows by artists that are taper friendly.
The mp3's are tagged with song titles, etc. 

1996-07-06  High Sierra
2002-01-19  Knoxville, TN
2005-08-13  Targhee
2008-09-12  South Carolina

Time to get on that 'ol bluegrass train...

Gov't Mule - Irving Plaza 1998

I've decided to re-up a lot of my old live shows that I had posted on a previous incarnation of this blog.  Sort of share the love type of thing.  The first is the best show I ever say Gov't Mule play.  This one was way back in 1998 and it is an absolute killer!  As much as I like them, there hasn't been a really good ass-kicking since Woody passed.  Always good, never the same.  Anyway, here is a really great audience recording.  Check it out here.


Set: Rocking Horse > Temporary Saint > Thorazine Shuffle, No Need To Suffer, Larger Than Life > She Said, She Said > Tomorrow Never Knows jam, Wandering Child, Kind Of Bird, Towering Fool > Pygmy Twylyte > Blind Man In The Dark > Drums > Blind Man In The Dark, Mule
Encore: Born Under A Bad Sign *, Pass The Peas **, Lively Up Yourself **, Maggot Brain **+> Cortez The Killer **
Setlist Notes: * Danny Louis on keyboards; ** Bernie Worrell on keyboards; + 1st time played

Medicine Bluff

Medicine Bluff is a trio out of Oklahoma playing what can best be described as an updated take on Southern Rock.  They may be part of the current Red Dirt Scene, but this music is firmly grounded in that 70's big guitar south of the Mason-Dixon line sound.  I hear a bit of Blackfoot and even some Molly Hatchet sound in here.  It is most definitely rock music with touch of country all mixed up into a very listenable sound.  Like those hard charging guitar solos?  Check this one out.  In particular I really liked the opening and closing tracks "In My Arms Again" and "Outlaw".  "200 Miles" is another great track with some very tasty guitar.

This one really brought back another time for me.  It may be too country for rock fans and too rock for country fans, but for those who grew up back in the day it sure as hell can fire you up.  I think I need a beer and another listen.  Cranking Les Paul's anyone?

In My Arms Again



Outlaw