Showing posts with label Elizabeth Cook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elizabeth Cook. Show all posts
Feb 22, 2017
Little Known Facts: Outlaw Country Cruise Edition
Little Known Facts: Outlaw Country Cruise Edition
AKA 'Rubbing It In Trailer's Face That He's Not Going'
AKA 'Rubbing It In Trailer's Face That He's Not Going'
By Jeremy Harris
While at sea, Donald Trump will sign an executive order preventing
Steve Earle from reentering America. Steve won't mind.
Shooter Jennings will be late for at least one show because
Shooter Jennings will be late for at least one show because
Jessi Colter will forget to sign him out of daycare.
The Band Perry are a late addition to the cruise.
The Band Perry are a late addition to the cruise.
Luckily for them they all got the same shift in the kitchen.
There is a waiting list of seagulls that want to play
There is a waiting list of seagulls that want to play
in Chicken Shit Bingo with Dale Watson.
Crew members will have to move the Mojo Nixon swear jar
Crew members will have to move the Mojo Nixon swear jar
to the center of the ship to prevent capsizing.
Nobody will wonder where Luke Bryan is. They also won't give a shit.
Brian Kendrick will not be on RAW on February 27th.
The cruise will last several additional days after
Nobody will wonder where Luke Bryan is. They also won't give a shit.
Brian Kendrick will not be on RAW on February 27th.
The cruise will last several additional days after
Elizabeth Cook overtakes the captain.
When asked if he's bringing any produce aboard,
When asked if he's bringing any produce aboard,
Eddie Spaghetti will hope they mean vegetables.
Brantley Gilbert tried to get on the cruise but you have to
Brantley Gilbert tried to get on the cruise but you have to
have a bank account to purchase tickets.
Pirates around the world have warned each other not to mess with this cruise.
Pirates around the world have warned each other not to mess with this cruise.
Reason: Billy Joe Shaver
Jan 26, 2017
Dec 22, 2016
Farce the Music's Top 20 Albums of 2016
Our "Best Albums of 2016" was voted on again this year by all Farce the Music contributors: Jeremy Harris, me (Trailer), Matthew Martin, Kelcy Salisbury, Kevin Broughton, Robert Dean (and friend Chad Barnette as a tiebreaker).
1. Sturgill Simpson - A Sailor's Guide to Earth
I’m probably in the minority, thinking this record is better than the blockbuster MetaModern Sounds in Country Music. Then again, the Grammy folks grew a brain and made it an “album of the year” nominee in addition to best country album. Sturgill does it his way again, while telling the Nashville suits to pound sand. He’s the baddest ass in music, and we should all thank him. -Kevin Broughton
If you were turned off by this album's not completely inherent country-ness, I highly suggest you revisit this one with an open mind. This may not be Sturgill's best album, but it's damn close. Every song from start to finish is a homerun, making the album as a whole quite the emotional powerhouse. And, of course knowing the context of the album- written as a love note to his son- only helps the listening experience. "Call To Arms" is probably now my favorite Sturgill song and by the time I got to this song on the album, I couldn't sit down. Such a barn-burner, such a wonderful way to end a wonderful album. -Matthew Martin
I’m probably in the minority, thinking this record is better than the blockbuster MetaModern Sounds in Country Music. Then again, the Grammy folks grew a brain and made it an “album of the year” nominee in addition to best country album. Sturgill does it his way again, while telling the Nashville suits to pound sand. He’s the baddest ass in music, and we should all thank him. -Kevin Broughton
If you were turned off by this album's not completely inherent country-ness, I highly suggest you revisit this one with an open mind. This may not be Sturgill's best album, but it's damn close. Every song from start to finish is a homerun, making the album as a whole quite the emotional powerhouse. And, of course knowing the context of the album- written as a love note to his son- only helps the listening experience. "Call To Arms" is probably now my favorite Sturgill song and by the time I got to this song on the album, I couldn't sit down. Such a barn-burner, such a wonderful way to end a wonderful album. -Matthew Martin
Behold world, Sturgill has done it again. Buy A Sailor’s Guide To Earth
right now and help us throw gasoline on the establishment while
Sturgill Simpson is the preaching madman we’ve all been waiting for. Let
his church welcome all those who are lost and share his message: get
weird, or die tryin’. -Robert Dean
2. Cody Jinks - I'm Not the Devil
Another genuinely great country album in a year when the “neo-traditionalists” are gaining traction. Packed with spiritual themes, this record should be an exemplar to any bros out there who’d like to try something real for a change. -Kevin
There's really not a best song on Jinks' 2016 album. It's a steady and moving collection without a single droop in quality, much less a weak moment. Jinks is blessed with a wonderful voice and possibly even better songwriting talents. He'll be a star in this realm of music for years to come. -Trailer
Another genuinely great country album in a year when the “neo-traditionalists” are gaining traction. Packed with spiritual themes, this record should be an exemplar to any bros out there who’d like to try something real for a change. -Kevin
There's really not a best song on Jinks' 2016 album. It's a steady and moving collection without a single droop in quality, much less a weak moment. Jinks is blessed with a wonderful voice and possibly even better songwriting talents. He'll be a star in this realm of music for years to come. -Trailer
3. Lori McKenna - The Bird & The Rifle
We had a casual poll about 2016 music a month or so back. Lori McKenna led the way on the "Best Songwriter of 2016" voting, and it's no surprise. With observant, incisive songs like "OMYM" and the others on her brilliant The Bird and the Rifle, McKenna stays at the forefront of American songwriting. She has the ability to put the listener into a situation they may have never even dealt with and make them think "Yes, this is exactly how that feels!" The Bird and the Rifle is a master-class and for me, "Old Men Young Women" is its centerpiece. -Trailer
We had a casual poll about 2016 music a month or so back. Lori McKenna led the way on the "Best Songwriter of 2016" voting, and it's no surprise. With observant, incisive songs like "OMYM" and the others on her brilliant The Bird and the Rifle, McKenna stays at the forefront of American songwriting. She has the ability to put the listener into a situation they may have never even dealt with and make them think "Yes, this is exactly how that feels!" The Bird and the Rifle is a master-class and for me, "Old Men Young Women" is its centerpiece. -Trailer
4. Brent Cobb - Shine On Rainy Day
Brent’s pleasing voice and well crafted songs combine for a true knockout punch. From top to bottom this is a very strong album and would top many lists in any year. - Jeremy Harris
A terrific breakout album from a kind and humble Georgian, this record’s beauty lies in its simplicity. Yes, Nashville, it’s possible to sing about the joys of rural living without sounding forced, contrived, and stupid. Country music needs more Brent Cobbs. Maybe a dozen. -Kevin
Brent’s pleasing voice and well crafted songs combine for a true knockout punch. From top to bottom this is a very strong album and would top many lists in any year. - Jeremy Harris
A terrific breakout album from a kind and humble Georgian, this record’s beauty lies in its simplicity. Yes, Nashville, it’s possible to sing about the joys of rural living without sounding forced, contrived, and stupid. Country music needs more Brent Cobbs. Maybe a dozen. -Kevin
5. Austin Lucas - Between the Moon and the Midwest
One of two or three genuine country music masterpieces in a year of hearty competition, I wrote in May that “somebody better pack a lunch if he wants to displace this as the best country album of 2016.” Several worthy folks did, yet here’s your champ. Lucas didn’t write and arrange; he composed. The heartache is real, the vocals brilliant. Oh, and as a bonus it packs the finest duet of the year, with Lydia Loveless. -Kevin
One of two or three genuine country music masterpieces in a year of hearty competition, I wrote in May that “somebody better pack a lunch if he wants to displace this as the best country album of 2016.” Several worthy folks did, yet here’s your champ. Lucas didn’t write and arrange; he composed. The heartache is real, the vocals brilliant. Oh, and as a bonus it packs the finest duet of the year, with Lydia Loveless. -Kevin
6. Justin Wells - Dawn in the Distance
The former frontman of Fifth on the Floor lets his songwriting and strong voice shine through in his debut. I would’ve thought Justin’s voice was more suited for the rock style he was accustomed to but with this release he proved me wrong and really showed his full potential. -Jeremy Harris
The former frontman of Fifth on the Floor lets his songwriting and strong voice shine through in his debut. I would’ve thought Justin’s voice was more suited for the rock style he was accustomed to but with this release he proved me wrong and really showed his full potential. -Jeremy Harris
7. Flatland Cavalry - Humble Folks
"Easy on the ears, heavy on the heart" reads the description on Flatland Cavalry's website, and that couldn't be more accurate. Their sound is an easygoing mix of red dirt country, pop melodies, laid back swing, and heartworn folk. And there's so much fiddle. Lord, but I love me some fiddle and I love Laura Jane's fiddling. It's all a perfectly accessible approach but one that doesn't scrimp on the craftsmanship and songwriting. Humble Folks is a great album, well worth your listen. It's a familiar sound, but one that with repeated listens will reveal deeper layers and twists of melody you haven't heard before. These songs are sure to make you think, smile, hurt, and tap your foot. Sometimes all at once. That's what good music does. -Trailer
"Easy on the ears, heavy on the heart" reads the description on Flatland Cavalry's website, and that couldn't be more accurate. Their sound is an easygoing mix of red dirt country, pop melodies, laid back swing, and heartworn folk. And there's so much fiddle. Lord, but I love me some fiddle and I love Laura Jane's fiddling. It's all a perfectly accessible approach but one that doesn't scrimp on the craftsmanship and songwriting. Humble Folks is a great album, well worth your listen. It's a familiar sound, but one that with repeated listens will reveal deeper layers and twists of melody you haven't heard before. These songs are sure to make you think, smile, hurt, and tap your foot. Sometimes all at once. That's what good music does. -Trailer
8. Drive-by Truckers - American Band
There is not a more important album in Drive-By Truckers' repertoire. This is an album written by deep-red-state Southern men about issues that many in this region turn away from. This is DBT taking their implicitly political music and making it as explicit as possible. And, in the process, they made a few fans turn away from them. But, the band didn't back down and, to my way of thinking, we're much better for it. This is the album we needed in 2016, and will continue to need as we move forward. It's ok for us to have differing opinions and as Cooley says, "if the victims and oppressors, just remain each other's others," then where will we be over the next few years. So, this album is an impressive call to arms for everyone to look ourselves and those who differ from us in the eye and figure out how to find some common ground, while also calling bullshit on those who wish to divide us. "What It Means" is already in my top 5 favorite DBT songs and to me, this is the best song of the year. The best song of the year on the best album of the year by one of the most important Southern bands of our time. - Matthew
There is not a more important album in Drive-By Truckers' repertoire. This is an album written by deep-red-state Southern men about issues that many in this region turn away from. This is DBT taking their implicitly political music and making it as explicit as possible. And, in the process, they made a few fans turn away from them. But, the band didn't back down and, to my way of thinking, we're much better for it. This is the album we needed in 2016, and will continue to need as we move forward. It's ok for us to have differing opinions and as Cooley says, "if the victims and oppressors, just remain each other's others," then where will we be over the next few years. So, this album is an impressive call to arms for everyone to look ourselves and those who differ from us in the eye and figure out how to find some common ground, while also calling bullshit on those who wish to divide us. "What It Means" is already in my top 5 favorite DBT songs and to me, this is the best song of the year. The best song of the year on the best album of the year by one of the most important Southern bands of our time. - Matthew
9. Blackberry Smoke - Like an Arrow
Their best record yet, and it straddles the country and rock worlds with perfect balance. -Kevin
Their best record yet, and it straddles the country and rock worlds with perfect balance. -Kevin
10. Caleb Caudle - Carolina Ghost
This is the closest thing to a mainstream country album I've heard and loved in a long time. Best listened to as a whole, but be sure to check out White Doves Wing along with Steel & Stone. This is what modern country sounds like done right. -Kelcy Salisbury
This is the closest thing to a mainstream country album I've heard and loved in a long time. Best listened to as a whole, but be sure to check out White Doves Wing along with Steel & Stone. This is what modern country sounds like done right. -Kelcy Salisbury
Caleb Caudle has given you a gift: it's ok to want to pop on a record
and drink a beer in the yard. You don't have to be at the juke joint, or
pine for the days of the Armadillo in Austin. Nope. This is about as
fucking Americana as it gets: good tunes, simple music and honesty worn
like a badge of courage. The exact thing folks try to do but seemingly
end up sounding like shitty copies of Bruce Springsteen. Carolina Ghost inspires those moments where it’s ok to slow dance to the radio, or just shut up and let the music do the talking. -Robert
11. A Tribe Called Quest - We Got It From Here…
Thank You 4 Your Service
It's a shame that this is Tribes' farewell album. It's as strong as anything they've ever done. I'm going to miss their existence. ATCQ is kind of like the Big 10 of hip hop. I may not like everything they do, but the genre as a whole is better when they're at the top of their game. -Kelcy
It's a shame that this is Tribes' farewell album. It's as strong as anything they've ever done. I'm going to miss their existence. ATCQ is kind of like the Big 10 of hip hop. I may not like everything they do, but the genre as a whole is better when they're at the top of their game. -Kelcy
12. (tie) Jeff Shepherd and The Jailhouse Poets - s/t
Every song Jeff has ever written has came straight from his heart. Knowing this makes you wonder how so much heartache can be packaged in one young man. Jeff finally gets the chance to lay his heartache on the masses with a super strong debut that shows a bright future for the sad song writer. -Jeremy
Every song Jeff has ever written has came straight from his heart. Knowing this makes you wonder how so much heartache can be packaged in one young man. Jeff finally gets the chance to lay his heartache on the masses with a super strong debut that shows a bright future for the sad song writer. -Jeremy
12. (tie) The Sword - Low Country
Stoner metal kings take a slight detour with more prominent 70s & electronic (and acoustic) influences. The results are epic. -Kelcy
Stoner metal kings take a slight detour with more prominent 70s & electronic (and acoustic) influences. The results are epic. -Kelcy
When is the last time you heard an acoustic record
that rips that wasn’t straight country or some guy with a beard in a
flannel? This is a throw back to the 70’s and makes drinking beer super
easy. -Robert
14. Luke Bell - s/t
This was the best debut of year and one of my most listened-to albums of the year. Every song on this album is perfect cowboy Country. Luke Bell is the natural progression through the years from Buck Owens to Dwight Yoakam, and now to Luke. If Paul Cauthen and Luke Bell are the future of Country, then we are going to be A-OK, y'all! "Bullfighter" is a perfect example of Luke Bell's mastery of capturing every day moments in his songs. - Matthew
This was the best debut of year and one of my most listened-to albums of the year. Every song on this album is perfect cowboy Country. Luke Bell is the natural progression through the years from Buck Owens to Dwight Yoakam, and now to Luke. If Paul Cauthen and Luke Bell are the future of Country, then we are going to be A-OK, y'all! "Bullfighter" is a perfect example of Luke Bell's mastery of capturing every day moments in his songs. - Matthew
15. Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial
I've tried to review the album this song is from about ten times this year, but I just don't know what to say about it that would make any sense or sound like I vaguely know what I'm talking about. Just know that it's badass and it was my favorite album of 2016. -Trailer
I've tried to review the album this song is from about ten times this year, but I just don't know what to say about it that would make any sense or sound like I vaguely know what I'm talking about. Just know that it's badass and it was my favorite album of 2016. -Trailer
16. Brandy Clark - Big Day in a Small Town
I'll admit I was a little concerned when Brandy led off this album era with "Girl Next Door," a pop-country tune with a disco flavor. That song eventually grew on me - and the album itself blew me away. Brandy takes the most banal moments of everyday life and makes them sound like plot points in an epic soap opera (in a good way). She finds the unique in the commonplace, dripping a heavy dose of verbal poison in with the sweetness. -Trailer
I'll admit I was a little concerned when Brandy led off this album era with "Girl Next Door," a pop-country tune with a disco flavor. That song eventually grew on me - and the album itself blew me away. Brandy takes the most banal moments of everyday life and makes them sound like plot points in an epic soap opera (in a good way). She finds the unique in the commonplace, dripping a heavy dose of verbal poison in with the sweetness. -Trailer
17. Elizabeth Cook - Exodus of Venus
The most diverse and mature release from Elizabeth to date. Great songwriting and several songs that have a gritty rock sound make this a must listen to album for fans or anyone for that matter. -Jeremy
The most diverse and mature release from Elizabeth to date. Great songwriting and several songs that have a gritty rock sound make this a must listen to album for fans or anyone for that matter. -Jeremy
18. Rodney Parker and 50 Peso Reward - Bomber Heights
Lyricism won the day for me. With Bomber Heights Parker and his band, 50 Peso Reward, have created a masterful, literary, cinematic statement. The album begins with "Steppin' Into Sunshine." The song offers a series of visuals such as "...there is a priceless work and a box knife" that contrast images of beauty and destruction, light and darkness, before the quietly triumphant line "I'm steppin' into sunshine". It sets up the album perfectly. -Kelcy
Lyricism won the day for me. With Bomber Heights Parker and his band, 50 Peso Reward, have created a masterful, literary, cinematic statement. The album begins with "Steppin' Into Sunshine." The song offers a series of visuals such as "...there is a priceless work and a box knife" that contrast images of beauty and destruction, light and darkness, before the quietly triumphant line "I'm steppin' into sunshine". It sets up the album perfectly. -Kelcy
19. Arliss Nancy - Greater Divides
This is the only kind of album I ever want Arliss Nancy to make. I hope they continue to do this exact sort of thing for years to come. The band is tight, the music is wonderful, the songs are as good as any the boys have ever written, and this album is one of their best. - Matthew
This is the only kind of album I ever want Arliss Nancy to make. I hope they continue to do this exact sort of thing for years to come. The band is tight, the music is wonderful, the songs are as good as any the boys have ever written, and this album is one of their best. - Matthew
20. Quaker City Night Hawks - El Astronauta
Quaker City Night Hawks made the driving album of the year with this slice of
Quaker City Night Hawks made the driving album of the year with this slice of
greasy, Texas-fried retro rock goodness. -Kelcy
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Other popular selections:
Paul Cauthen - My Gospel; Margo Price - Midwest Farmer's Daughter; Mark Chesnutt - Tradition Lives; Chris Stalcup and the Grange - Downhearted Fools; Metallica - Hardwired… to Self Destruct; The Handsome Family - Unseen; Jack Ingram - Midnight Motel; Erik Dylan - Heart of a Flatland Boy; Leonard Cohen - You Want It Darker; Courtney Granger - Beneath Still Waters.
Feb 23, 2016
The Outlaw Country Cruise: Drinking, Singing, and Beards
by Jeremy Harris
When I first heard about The Outlaw Country Cruise I was beyond excited. The lineup was in its infancy at the time and preorders hadn't started yet, but my wife and I knew we were going. As time passed the lineup grew and even had a substitution at one time. When the time came, we were loaded up and ready to spend 20+ hours in the car heading south. Ok, maybe that last part sucked. Once there though, that would change.
 |
| Black Oak Arkansas |
Once on board it was time for buffet trip number 1 then off to show number 1. While still docked, Sarah Gayle Meech started things off with her honky-tonk stylings. After her set there was a short break then the launch party began. Weeks before the cruise, some people were debating about whether Sixth Man, who runs the cruise, had make a good decision by selecting The Mavericks to play during this time. It didn't take long to figure out not only was this a good decision, but it was the perfect decision. Who couldn't been better to set the standard and provide the energy to leave Miami better than The Mavericks? Nobody, that's who.
After the sail away party things pretty well flowed as numerous shows took place with sometimes five shows going on at once in different areas. The hardest part about this entire vacation was picking where to be and how long you could be there until it was time to head to the next show. With so many different bands playing there was always something I wanted to see.
 |
| Nikki Lane |
Like… Blackberry Smoke playing an acoustic set with special guests of every act knowing the words to Snake Farm. I'm convinced Ray Wylie Hubbard is very similar to Beetlejuice but instead of having to say his name three times to get him to appear, you say it once then hit the first two chords of Snake Farm. Boom, Ray appears! I heard him at least 5 times doing the song with numerous bands and I wish it would've happened 50 more times. Ray wasn't the only one making special appearances. Hell he wasn't the only one coming up for Snake Farm. He joined Paul Thorn and Waymore's Outlaws (with Shooter Jennings) during one of the best shows of the trip. Roger Alan Wade jumped up and performed a heart-felt version of the Waylon classic "You Asked Me To" and Jesse Dayton also joined in on this show. My god, what a talent. Not only a great song writer, but it'd be hard to find a better guitar player and when he sings George Jones. Damn! Some artists who weren't even booked on the cruise popped in for performances. Jonathan Tyler joining The Band of Heathens was a great surprise.
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| Ray Wylie Hubbard with Band of Heathens |
Several weeks before the cruise, Sixth Man had sign ups for many on cruise activities with limited area available. These included Battle Shots, best beard contest, and listener's lounge interviews with SiriusXM hosts among other great events. The main reason I'm highlighting these events is because these are the ones I participated in. Battle Shots was a no-brainer. A modified version of Battleship where every hit you received results in you taking a shot. The game was played tournament style and on a boat where drinks are very expensive, free drinks are a bonus. Teams were comprised of five players so my wife, my brother in law and myself teamed up with two of London's finest players, Ben and Lucy. Not only did we get about 20 free shots each during gameplay, we won that son of a bitch. What's the reward for winning you ask? A free margarita poured and placed in you hand at that exact moment you think you can't drink another drop, a 'golden' cup, and a $30 gift certificate per player for the artist merch store. Not a bad deal. Shortly after Battle Shots was the best beard contest. I had been asked earlier to enter but I'm not one of those guys that has a beard to be cool. I'm just lazy and don't like shaving. For some reason while drinking numerous shots and getting three invites from Sixth Man staffers during this time it seemed like a great idea.
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| Elizabeth Cook |
Best beard was judged by Sarah Gayle Meech, Rosie Flores and Elizabeth Cook. When each contestant went on stage they were asked for their name and where they were from. I've been on cruises before and I know what reaction Ohio people get. Always one idiot who yells out "O-H" and many other idiots who finish it. Not gonna happen this time. "Hi, I'm Jeremy from southern Ohio and Ohio State fucking sucks!" Guess what.... Rosie Flores is an Ohio State fan. I received her lowest score to that point. I was the 12th person up and she wasn't helping. Sarah and Elizabeth came through for me with respective scores of 9 & 10 for a total score of 27 out of 33. Elizabeth described me as a "party in the front and a party in the back, which led to a drunken turn around.
 |
| Shooter Jennings with Waymore's Outlaws |
 |
| Blackberry Smoke |
In the two listener's lounge events my wife and I attended, we were treated to great happenings. In one show we saw Mojo Nixon interview Jim Dandy from Black Oak Arkansas. These were supposed to be interviews with some acoustic performances. Jim Dandy was so long winded that Mojo barely could speak and only got three questions in during the hour. It was funny watching Mojo squirm trying to get a word in. The other we attended featured Steve Earle interviewing and backing up vocally for Lucinda Williams. What a rare treat to witness this and to hear acoustic versions of songs from her latest album.
You can watch some of the videos Jeremy took here: https://www.youtube.com/user/ohbuffalo38/videos?view=0&shelf_id=1&sort=dd
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