Dec 15, 2011
Dec 14, 2011
5 Albums You Probably Missed But Shouldn't Have
by Kelcy Salisbury
Here's another installment of 5 albums that deserve a listen.
1) Red Dirt Rangers - Ranger Motel
The Red Dirt Rangers are probably at least equally as influential, at least in their individual parts, on the "Red Dirt Scene" as the oft lauded Great Divide. With versatile players like Oklahoma music Kingpin Randy Crouch and Brad Piccolo they should be at the very least the sum of their parts and on this outstanding offering they are. Essential tracks are Stillwater, Under The Radar and Pennies From Heaven.
2) Bob Childers - Circles Toward The Sun
Perhaps no single artist has had a more profound influence on the current crop of Oklahoma singer/songwriters than the late Bon Childers (RIP). I'm usually more a fan of his songs as covered by other artists (most notably Jason Boland & the Stragglers) but if you have an interest in the roots of "rootsy" music should own at least one Childers album and this one is a great starting point for the music of the Woody Guthrie disciple.
3) Cory Morrow - Brand New Me
Cory's first album since his personal & religious rebirth brings a renewed sense of purpose and energy to his music. This is Cory's strongest offering in years and yes, he still plays barefoot.
4) Micky & The Motorcars - Raise My Glass
The younger Braun brothers step out of the shadow of Reckless Kelly with their strongest offering yet. The songs all tell a story, one that is at times both heart wrenching and hopeful. The song sequence is perfect and the production is top notch. There isn't a weak spot in the album, which may well be one of the top 3 offerings in country music for all of 2011.
5) Everlast - Songs For The Ungrateful Living
1) Red Dirt Rangers - Ranger MotelThe Red Dirt Rangers are probably at least equally as influential, at least in their individual parts, on the "Red Dirt Scene" as the oft lauded Great Divide. With versatile players like Oklahoma music Kingpin Randy Crouch and Brad Piccolo they should be at the very least the sum of their parts and on this outstanding offering they are. Essential tracks are Stillwater, Under The Radar and Pennies From Heaven.
2) Bob Childers - Circles Toward The SunPerhaps no single artist has had a more profound influence on the current crop of Oklahoma singer/songwriters than the late Bon Childers (RIP). I'm usually more a fan of his songs as covered by other artists (most notably Jason Boland & the Stragglers) but if you have an interest in the roots of "rootsy" music should own at least one Childers album and this one is a great starting point for the music of the Woody Guthrie disciple.
3) Cory Morrow - Brand New MeCory's first album since his personal & religious rebirth brings a renewed sense of purpose and energy to his music. This is Cory's strongest offering in years and yes, he still plays barefoot.
4) Micky & The Motorcars - Raise My GlassThe younger Braun brothers step out of the shadow of Reckless Kelly with their strongest offering yet. The songs all tell a story, one that is at times both heart wrenching and hopeful. The song sequence is perfect and the production is top notch. There isn't a weak spot in the album, which may well be one of the top 3 offerings in country music for all of 2011.
5) Everlast - Songs For The Ungrateful LivingFirst of all, Everlast is not and has never claimed to be country rap (a term that simply makes me ill). He is hip hop with strong blues and country type themes. He has one of the strongest blues type voices in the business. This is his best offering since his seminal Whitey Ford Sings The Blues release. Standout tracks are Long At All, The Crown and I Get By but as with all great albums it should be listened to as a whole. Everlast does an incredible job of blending "everyman" themes and lyrics with true hip hop beats and the very best of blues and country instrumentals.
Dec 13, 2011
Larry Lee the Primitive Baptist Reviews: Sunny Sweeney's Christmas Song
Sunny Sweeney - One More Christmas Beer
Merry Christmas everyone. Notice I didn't say Happy Holidays, but that ain't got anything to do with fighting back against the "war on Christmas." Nope, there's a difference between merry and happy - merry is temporary, happy is lasting… my mother-in-law will be visiting this year, so while I can put on a merry face for Christmas, my holidays will not in fact be very happy.
And I'm even less happy about this Sunny Sweeney and her "One More Christmas Beer." Even in my drinking days, I wasn't so bold before the Lord as to partake of demon spirits during the season of Jesus' birth.
How dare this strumpet, who I shall refer to as "Sinny," use the most Holy of Christian holidays to promote her addiction to alcohol?!? Would she open a beer with a cross shaped bottle opener? Would she fill a baptismal with red wine? Would she take Jim Beam and pretzels at Communion?
Isaiah 5, Verse 22 says "Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks." I'm guessing Sinny never read that verse or others that speak ill of drunkards like this tart. In fact, I'd be quite shocked if this lushy trollop ever opened a Bible that wasn't in the nightstand of her seedy hotel love-nest.
This song will surely cause Christians and those who should be to stumble this holiday season. It will cause those who've sworn off the lifestyle of drinking until they forget how to get back to the Seminary to long for such blissful days. She makes getting tanked to avoid the frustrations of dealing with difficult relatives sound like something pleasurable…. very pleasurable indeed.
I have to remind myself and Sinny that the drunken will not inherit the Kingdom of God. They shall reap hangovers, lost hours and the dirty looks of judgmental aunts.
Do not be filled with wine, in which lies the path to ruin! Be filled with the Spirit my brothers and sisters! Stay strong! No matter how many times that mother-in-law of yours expects you to read her mind about where the Christmas tree should be or says you aren't good enough for her daughter. Those are just examples of what you may experience ….that's got nothing to do with me.
This song, though… it's got bad words, bad behavior and promotion of the sweet escapism of a tempting but ruinous habit.
I give Sinny and this morally corrupt song the full strength of an:
F
Dec 12, 2011
Dec 11, 2011
Dec 9, 2011
YouTube Gems: Fifth on the Floor
From their album Dark and Bloody Ground, here are FTM Mixtape song-donors Fifth on the Floor with "Distant Memory Lane." Like Skynyrd, Hellbound Glory, The Black Crowes? Well, enjoy.
Dec 8, 2011
Dec 7, 2011
Just a reminder
We'll get back to the funny or critical tomorrow, but please remember to get the FTM Holiday Mixtape. An original recording of "Outlaw Shit" from Waylon Jennings that's never been released?!? That alone's worth $5 in my eyes, but for that five-spot, you also get 17 more awesome songs... just for helping abused and neglected kids.
There are only 2 steps:
1. Go here to donate at least $5: Childhelp
Make sure to enter your email address and you'll receive a thank you email from Childhelp. (It doesn't have any credit card info - I checked - so you won't be giving FTM access to extra Christmas spending money)
2. Forward the thank you email tofarcethemusic@gmail.com and I'll reply with a link to download the FTM Holiday Mixtape. It's that easy!
Dec 6, 2011
Help the kids and help your ears: The FTM Holiday Mixtape
Farce the Music is known for venom, sarcasm, snark and criticism. That's how it is and how it shall always be. However, in real life, I'm a nice guy who really doesn't actually hate any of the people I hate on… and I want to use FTM's audience to do something good for a change.
I love kids. I love my kids mostly, but all of them in general and in my opinion, the worst crimes of humanity are those against children. The recent scandals at Penn State and Syracuse weighed heavily on my heart and reminded me that I've always wanted to help out a children's charity. Now's the time.
Help out abused and neglected children by donating to Childhelp and I'll donate some good music to your ears!
…well, I, with help from 18 gracious singers and bands who've been kind enough to donate their songs for the 2011 Farce the Music Holiday Mixtape. (It's not holiday songs, just a holiday mixtape)
This mixtape features great songs from Drew Kennedy, Mike Ethan Messick, The Rankin Twins, Bart Crow Band, Fifth on the Floor and more! There are also several exclusive unreleased songs, including ones from John Moreland and Robert Earl Reed.
Also, for the first time ever, hear Fenixon - the 1996 collaboration between Waylon Jennings and Shooter Jennings. It's a Waylon meets Nine Inch Nails version of the song "Outlaw Sh*t." How badass is that?
All you have to do to get this awesome compilation of 18 songs is donate $5 or more to Childhelp. That's a heck of a deal. Help kids and help yourself.
There are only 2 steps:
1. Go here to donate at least $5: Childhelp
Make sure to enter your email address and you'll receive a thank you email from Childhelp. (It doesn't have any credit card info - I checked - so you won't be giving FTM access to extra Christmas spending money)
2. Forward the thank you email to farcethemusic@gmail.com and I'll reply with a link to download the FTM Holiday Mixtape. It's that easy!
Make sure to thank any and all of the artists on this compilation if you get a chance. They were all very helpful and willing to do what they could for this effort and I applaud them.
A track listing with short descriptions follows. Now go help the kids!!!
FTM Holiday Mixtape
1. Bart Crow Band - Back Down
From their 2008 release, Desperate Hearts, Bart Crow Band gives us this catchy, sly country rocker full of attitude.
2. Larry Hooper - Blue Truck
Great tune from Larry's new album, Between Here and the Stars.
3. Travel by Sea - Glimpse of Day
A band that started out as a collaboration of artists who'd never met in person, Travel by Sea submits this steel guitar-laden gem from their most recent album Two States and the Blindness that Follows.
4. John Moreland - The Future Unfolds
The first exclusive track on the mixtape, The Future Unfolds is an unreleased track from the ever busy Oklahoma singer-songwriter. It's hardly typical outtake quality as you'll hear. John's latest album with his new band The Dust Bowl Souls is called Everything the Hard Way.
5. Robert Earl Reed - Something Wicked
Another unreleased song, Something Wicked is the soulful title cut from the forthcoming album by Mississippi singer-songwriter Robert Earl Reed.
6. Drew Kennedy - Stars in California
From his critically acclaimed album, Fresh Water in the Salton Sea, FTM pal Drew Kennedy sings of soul-searching travels.
7. The Rankin Twins - Million Miles (Acoustic)
A bouncy, catchy tune from The Rankin Twins' recent EP, Silver Lining.
8. The Toby Wayne Band - Strangers
Oklahoma's The Toby Wayne Band gives us this sad lament of a country song, co-written by yours truly and Nashville songwriter Skip Black.
9. 2 Steps Back - Off Romancing
From Lovers & Fighters, 2 Steps Back rocks on this catchy tune that keeps getting stuck in my head.
10. Jeremy Steding - Arkansas Rain
The only song on the mixtape actually set during the holiday season, Arkansas Rain picks through the ruins of a broken relationship. From Jeremy's excellent 2011 album, I Keep on Livin', but I Don't Learn.
11. Ali Dee - World's Gone Crazy
Texas Women alum Ali Dee submits her catchy single World's Gone Crazy. The slickest song you'll hear on this comp, but it's far more interesting than your typical song this commercial sounding. Thanks Ali!
12. Rich O'Toole - Urban Disgrace
Rich donates this awesomely depressing tune from his 2008 album, In a Minute or 2.
13. Josh Grider - Crazy Like You
Josh shows Nashville how to write a female-friendly country song without pandering to the lowest common denominator. From Million Miles to Go.
14. Austin Collins - Bridge Street Lullabye
From Roses are Black, FTM pal Austin Collins gives us this introspective alt-country ballad.
15. Kasey Anderson - Sooner/Later (demo)
An exclusive demo from Kasey's 2010 album, Nowhere Nights. His 2011 release with The Honkies, Heart of a Dog, is one of FTM's favorite albums of the year.
16. Fenixon (Waylon and Shooter Jennings) - Outlaw Shit
Now this is cool… from the semi-mythical unreleased collab between Shooter and his dad (you may have heard of him) in 1996 called Fenixon, here's an industrial-rock meets country take on "Outlaw Shit."
17. Fifth on the Floor - Last Night in Memphis
Southern rockers Fifth on the Floor give us this awesome song from 2009's The Color of Whiskey.
18. Mike Ethan Messick - So Little Left To Lose
The mixtape ends on a decidedly country twang, with Mike's well-written and expertly played song from his 2011 album, The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday.
Dec 5, 2011
John Rich's Songwriting Tips #55
Hey y'all. It's been a while huh. Well, I've got a little time here in the airport, so I thought I'd crap out a new songwriting tip for you. If you're a world traveler like Mr. Big Bad Too-Drunk-to-Fly here, you may wonder where in the hell you can find time to write your latest hit that sounds like everybody else's but with the words arranged differently. Well, airport bars are a f**king wonderful place to jot down sh*t on napkins while you hit on stewardesses and college girls. I just wrote this about an hour ago: "Hot little number from Arizona State/headin' home for holiday break/I'd like to take her in the lavatory/Give 'er a mile high ride on 'old glory'." Hell yeah, there's a patriotic anthem bitches! You never know when a brilliant idea like that might pop into your head. Huh huh, I said head. Man, the mixed drinks at airport bars are strong as a mother. I ain't drunk though, dumb ass stewardess and pilot. That's the last time I fly Southwest…oversensitive f*cks. Where was I? Oh yeah, you can write while you're waiting in the terminal too… I like to just pretend to write mostly, so people won't ask for my autograph or take pictures with me. Get that sh*t out of here, you can buy my autograph on E-bay like all the other peasants. Well, my limo from Nashville should be here in 12 hours or so, so I gotta get a little more drinking in before then. Later, turdburglars.
*not actually written by John Rich
Dec 4, 2011
Top 10 Alternate Titles for Eric Church/Brantley Gilbert 2012 Tour
With the announcement of the 2012 Blood, Sweat and Beers tour featuring Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert and some guys they found at the local pool hall, FTM pondered some more fitting titles for said tour.
Top 10 Alternate Titles for Eric Church/Brantley Gilbert 2012 Tour
10. Aviators and Wallet Chains
09. Affliction Presents: Outfauxs 2012
08. Bud, Regret and Tears
07. The Axe Fratlaws Tour
06. At Least We're Not Rascal Flatts
05. Craftsman Presents: Tools Across America
03. DUIs and STDs
02. Blood, Sweat and Vinegar & Water
01. Spin Hank Like a Top World Tour
Dec 2, 2011
YouTube Gems: JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound
From their album Want More, here's JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound with their cool, soulful cover of Wilco's "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart."
Dec 1, 2011
Top Ten Shortest Books by Country Artists III
10. Shit That Worries Me - Willie Nelson
09. Good Times With Mike - Tim McGraw
08. How To Have Fun on a Sunday Night Without Watching a UFC Pay-Per-View - Brantley Gilbert
07. Artists Not Eligible for Best New Artist Award - Country Music Association
06. How Not to Sully Your Legacy - Hank Williams Jr.
05. Sane, Sober, Lucid Days - Mindy McCready
04. How Many F*cks I Give - Billy Joe Shaver
03. Stuff I Actually Know About Girls - Scotty McCreery
02. How to Distinguish Yourself in Country Music - Hunter Hayes
01. Items I Can Reach on the Top Shelf - Justin Moore
Mike Curb is a Tool
After reading this article, I applied the honesty filter in Photoshop to this old Mike Curb Congregation album cover.
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