Lucero - Music Hall of Williamsburg

Maybe I am getting old. I really like Lucero and Ben Nichol's solo work...on record. It was just too sloppy last night. Too much alcohol, both for Ben and the crowd. Especially the crowd. Seemed like everyone else was having a great time but for me it was just alright. I think in the future I will stick to the records with these guys. But maybe it is just me, getting old and cranky. Maybe.

American Idol

It's a train wreck. My family watches it every year. Time after time. I hate it and most of the contestants are just awful. This year in particular is excruciatingly bad. I usually am reading or grading papers when it's on so I don't always pay attention, but yesterday I was just chilling on the couch and it was just about the most painful thing I have heard. Lock up your daughter's it's the Rolling Stones. How can you take a band that put fear into a generation of parents that their offspring's virtue is at risk just listening to this stuff and reduce it to this? Just horrendous. But then again you knew that. Without hearing it.

The one chick with the dreads was not bad though. Crystal something or other. I kind of like her voice. A little Tracy Chapman meets Janis. She doesn't fit the mould and probably has no chance with middle America but she should be around for a bit. At least she can play a little guitar and has more records to listen to than Lady Ga-Ga or Dave Matthews. I think hearing her sing some originals might not be half bad. I'm just sayin'.

It's Been A While

Thing's have been a little crazy lately so I haven't been keeping up with the blog. I have however seen some shows and heard some great new music. So here is a little catch-up posting.

Shows:
Texas Independence Day at Terminal 5 with Pat Green, Ely Young Band, Reckless Kelly and Rogers Creager

I hate the venue, it feels like you are trapped in a cage to me. The show was OK, Pat Green was his usual party time self but I was disappointed in Reckless Kelly. I expected more but they left me feeling that I could have missed them and not been any worse off. Roger Creager was a surprise though. Ely Young was too high up on the bill for what they've got which is not that much to be honest. Last Year we got Robert Earl Keen and Ray Wylie Hubbard which was way better.

Sam Bush & Solas at BB King's

Sam Bush is just amazing. I've been trying to see him for the past few years and finally got the chance this week. He was just fantastic. I can't wait for the Grey Fox Festival in July to see him again. Solas is an Irish band and they were very much a surprise. Great Sound.





Some new music I am digging at the moment...

Zoe Murth & the Lost High Rollers
One of the better country albums I have heard in a long time. Real country, not that Nash Vegas crap.



Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights
An early entry for album of the year. Think Steve Earle but more subdued. "I Was A Photograph" may be song of the year.



South Memphis String Band - Home Sweet Home
Tasty little slice of acoustic blues. Luther Dickinson, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Jimbo Mathus. Nothing more needs to be said. Just watch the clip.



Check back a few links for the Otis Gibbs. Another great record.