May 30, 2012
May 29, 2012
3 Up 3 Down: May '12
3 Up
Tim McGraw - Better Than I Used to Be
Sammy Kershaw did this song first, and at least slightly better, but a good song is a good song. It fits the singer, the singer performs the song more than adequately and the song has some weight and a memorable melody. That might be a low standard, but given the context of today's country charts, this is a modern classic. And honestly, I can't turn the station if it's on.
Easton Corbin - Lovin' You is Fun
George Strait v. 2.0 delivers yet another earworm. This guy has a great voice and seems to have a great ear for songs. Lyrically, this would be completely cheesy sung by someone else, but it works with Easton. Catchy, melodious and accessible to anyone who'd still be caught dead listening to Top 40 radio. I'm hoping his album tackles some weightier subject matter and songwriting, but I can't deny this is a good tune.
Chris Young - Neon
The best real country song getting airplay nowadays. It's rising verrrrry slowly up the charts. Hopefully it will follow the success of Alan Jackson's "So You Don't Have to Love Me Anymore" and prove just too damn good not to play…. even though country radio secretly wishes songs of this ilk would disappear forever. It's poetic, catchy and sung with all the baritone country soul Chris Young possesses ….and it mentions Johnny Lee. Can't ask for much more than that on the airwaves these days.
3 Down
Chris Cagle - Got My Country On
I already reviewed this months ago, and hoped it would die a slow death. Unfortunately, here it is in the top 15 and still rising. You know the script by now: trucks, boots, "what I'm made of" sentiment, cowboy hats, Johnny Cash. Bullshit. Chris Cagle has a decent voice and has released some pretty good songs throughout his choppy career, but this isn't one of them. It's a transparent swipe at getting back to relevance, and it's working. Pure, undiluted garbage.
Andy Gibson - Wanna Make You Love Me
I'll make fun of the pretty Andy Gibson at any given chance. "Old people make me cry" is the opening line. 'nuff said. As listing songs go, this is as vague a thread as possible. He lists what certain people and things make him want to do. Seriously. And it's so Lifetime-reality show ready, it's not even funny. I'm a romantic for the most part, and have even been called whipped by friends at times… but this goes beyond the call of duty in pledging love. Give me a break, Andy. This song makes Chuck Wicks sound like Waylon Jennings. Claim your sack back, Andy.
Hunter Hayes - Wanted
Maybe I'm too old, or too far gone from enjoying most pop-country, but this is nearly unlistenable. Maybe it's just that he sounds so much like Gary Levox, you know… Pavlov's dog and all. Some people say there's no denying Hunter Hayes' talent. Is his talent sucking? Just because one is "proficient" at playing instruments and sings in a voice that is pleasing to young girls, that doesn't mean one possesses a universally appreciated skill-set. I'm pretty funny and I do the Photoshop okay, and I can write a decent review at times, but that doesn't mean I'm the most talented blogger in the blogosphere (far from it). Different strokes for different folks and this stroke ain't for me.
May 28, 2012
A Song for Memorial Day
While you enjoy your fermented beverages and grilled meats, make sure to remember those who died to keep us free.
May 27, 2012
May 25, 2012
10 Best Songs of 2012 So Far
Arliss Nancy - 40's (I can't find anywhere for you to listen to this yet, but trust me... it's about drinking 40's by the shore... it's awesome)
Lucero Family Picnic: To the Best of My Recollection
I can't give an entirely accurate or journalistic report of my trip to the Lucero Family Picnic this past weekend. I went as a fan, not a blogger, so I didn't bother taking note of every song each band played or how well they played it. Also, some beverages (drank from an Arkansas Razorbacks tumbler because it's a dry county and a long story…) may have come between me and clear memories of the evening. What I can say that it was a lot of fun and an experience I'll never forget.
--------------
First of all, I got to hang out with Shooter Jennings. I don't just mean that I got to meet him for a few minutes or shake his hand after the show. My buddy Chad and I got to spend basically the entire evening with Shooter and his band. To the man, they were all extremely cool and friendly. Shooter was a gracious host, despite FTM's history of general unpleasantness towards him (up until recently). I'm guessing Brantley Gilbert wouldn't be as welcoming.
 |
| Austin Lucas backed by Glossary |
We talked music for the vast majority of the night. Shooter is very knowledgable about both the past and present of the career he's chosen. I heard some great tales about Jamey Johnson, Hank Jr and Toby Keith. He played me some of the new Fifth on the Floor album he's producing and some rough cuts of the new Hellbound Glory he's working on. Great stuff.
The tour bus was a busy place. Band members came and went, bringing back boiled shrimp and autographed pics with "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart who was announcing some wrestling matches across the park. Somebody brought Shooter a cool "Outlaw Country" cake for his 33rd birthday and then worked on him to get him to do an upcoming show. Alcohol and music flowed. Members of other bands strolled around nearby. It was all very surreal, to be honest. Chad and I both felt like the experience was somewhere between being on a reality show and the movie Almost Famous.
We watched the first act, John Paul Keith and the One Four Fives from backstage. He put on a great show for the small early crowd. His rockabilly meets roots-rock sound should bring him and his band a bigger name in coming years.
 |
| Hanging out w/Lee Bains III |
Lee Bains III and The Glory Fires were up next. They tore up their short set with their ragged brand of southern rock/punk/soul. I wish there'd been a larger crowd to hear them play tunes like "Dirt Track," "Ain't No Stranger" and "Everything You Took," but this was a late arriving audience. Still, the band played like they were in front of 20,000. I got to meet Lee and a couple of the other members after their show. They were all good guys. Lee came off as a regular guy (with a killer voice) who's thankful to be doing what he loves and eager to get his music out there. You can't help but root for folks like that.
Austin Lucas took the stage after Bains, with Glossary in tow as his backing band. I finally took my lazy self to the front of the stage so I could hear better and wasn't disappointed. Austin sounds great live. His voice is so unique and powerful. There's no doubt about authenticity when you're listening to him. The highlight of his set for me was the charging "Thunder Rail," but it was all excellent. I got to meet Austin and talked with him for quite a while. While the tattoos and on-stage fire might make one think he'd be a forceful, aggressive personality, he was such a laid back dude. We talked music, touring, Brantley Gilbert and Lee Brice (whom he toured with on the Willie Nelson tour last year) and he was more than happy to talk my ear off. I didn't mind it a bit. Such a cool, nice guy… I'd love to hang out with him any time.
I caught 90% of Glossary's show from the front of the stage next. They were bad ass. I've heard that you have to hear Glossary live to truly appreciate them, and it's true. They were intense. I talked to a few people who'd come to the picnic just to see them. They played tunes like "Little Caney" and "Save Your Money for the Weekend" and generally just blew me away. Happily, the picnic grounds had filled up with people a good deal by now.
 |
| Photo by Jamie Darling |
Shooter Jennings came on next and played for an hour and a half. It was a great performance, with his Brooklyn-ite band sounding every bit like they were born and raised in the town where they stood. Shooter and the boys played old favorites like "Fourth of July" and "Some Rowdy Women" along with some Waylon covers and tunes from Family Man. He also played 2 new songs from his Fall '12 album The Other Side that sounded as good or better than anything on Family Man. If I hadn't already been converted to a Shooter fan, this show probably would have done the job.
Farce the Music's unofficial house band, Lucero, finished the night with a blazing 2 hour+ set that had the entire crowd singing along. There's really no point in saying how good they were; I've never seen them play a bad show, or even heard of it …and this felt like a particularly passionate performance. Their current album Women & Work along with the album Tennessee got the most action, but they played a little something from their entire catalogue. Even if we'd only driven through the boonies of Arkansas just to see them, it would have been worth it.
 |
| Lucero rocks the Lucero Family Picnic |
After the final note played, we hung out a while longer with the bands. I met Joey Kneiser of Glossary, but I think I unnerved him a bit for some reason - I can be a bit socially awkward at times so that's probably it. Also met John C. and Roy of Lucero and they were both very cool, and very drunk. Glossary pulled out their mascot fake skeleton for some jokes and pictures. I believe Shooter shared a passionate kiss with it (don't tell Drea!). Shortly later, I met Lucero lead singer Ben Nichols. I'm a man-fan and probably acted as such, but he took it in stride and was funny and friendly.
All in all, the Lucero Family Picnic was a winning experience. Saw some great bands, heard some awesome tunes, met some really good folks. I couldn't have asked for a better time. A special thanks goes out to Shooter Jennings for welcoming us with open arms and being such a cool guy to hang out with!
 |
| That's not very nice, Shooter. |
 |
| Glossary |
May 24, 2012
Scumbag Brantley
Based on this.
*FTM in no way asserts that Brantley Gilbert has ever put the "date rape" drug in anyone's drink. But someone who looks like him surely has.
Larry Lee the Primitive Baptist Reviews: Craig Morgan - Corn Star
(Click title to listen)
I don't get it. Trailer usually sends me vulgar, atrocious songs. This isn't too bad at all.
It's a celebration of a female corn farmer. Other than the descriptions of her in cut-off shorts and a bikini, there isn't anything here that would make a person think sinful thoughts. Don't get me wrong, putting the thoughts of a lovely country lady in tiny clothing in listeners' heads IS right there on the verge of causing your brother to stumble, but if you have a spotless mind like me, it's no big deal.
Every time I hear of a country girl in a bikini, I picture my wife stuffed in one like a pack of Thomasville sausages and don't feel any lust whatsoever. Much the opposite.
My son-in-law, Jerry, a Southern Baptist, keeps giggling every time I play this song, but I can't understand why. This is an honest, straight-forward ode to a hardworking midwestern farmer who just happens to be a comely young lady. I think Craig Morgan is to be applauded for sending out appreciation for the real people who keep this country going. What's funny about that, Jerry?
He just asked if I was listening to the soundtrack of "Debbie Does Iowa." I don't catch his drift, but then, those Southern Baptists are a different sort altogether. They think it's okay to drink, so long as you don't speak to one another in the liquor store.
There he goes again. What in hades is so funny? She's a corn star!
Well, I'll end this review here. I'm still flabbergasted that Trailer sent me something that doesn't have premarital sex, smoking mary wanna, drinking or any other sinfulness in it. This is a great song that I would be proud to play to my own mother, rest her soul.
Shut up Jerry!
B+
May 23, 2012
CMT Awards: Final Slate of Presenters and Performers
 |
| Insane Clown Posse presenting Best Hick-Hop Artist award |
 |
| Christian Bale's stunt double |
 |
| The cast of Bayou Billionaires |
 |
| Criss Angel |
 |
| DJ Jazzy Jeff |
 |
| Survivor winner Kim Spradlin |
 |
| Larry the Cable Guy |
 |
| Lindsey Lohan as Liz Taylor |
 |
| Marilyn Manson performing a tribute to George Lindsey |
 |
| Marty from Madagascar 3 |
 |
| Nicki Minaj performing with The Pistol Annies |
 |
| Rebecca Black presenting Female Vocalist of the Year |
 |
| Andy Samberg |
 |
| Tom Arnold |
 |
| Troy Aikman and Hulk Hogan |
 |
| Waka Flocka performing with Taylor Swift |
 |
| Bruce Willis and The Rock |
 |
| Octomom |
 |
| Old Dirty Bastard hologram |
May 22, 2012
Hank Williams Jr. - Sonny Boy Can Bely
 |
| Hank likes drinking. |
Nov. 7, 2016 Update.... the link to the actual mp3 is long dead, but here's a YouTube of some of the songs, including the below transcribed gem.
Sonny Boy Can Bely
Mehp
Eyuh, this here's Derrick Thomas this here's Hank Williams Jr.
If you don't like me you can kiss my f*ckin' ass baby
w' stick it under your G.D. f*ckin' ass sweetheart
Preacher man says it's the leimb of time
se'ivverman says it's the wind of time
Idjis is up n the stock market's down
Ididitn no fidda when downtown
We're just hillbillies
Live out in the woods ya see
Long daddy grandaddy twenty see
Godda shotgun a rifle and a four wheel drive
I godda nice new jake waitrin' you can survive
country bawoy can survive
I can fly a field all day long
Catchowfit fru bustidawn
Make ar own whiskey an ar own swuk too
You ain makin wu doys caint do
Dikawoos sleepin' in the boys late night
Sleppin boy can bely
(?) boy can bely
Can't scrobbasout can makirun
would them ol boys wedoyin shogun
We said gress we said men
You ain't into that who gives a big damn asshole?
South Alabama
South Alabam'
And ol' Montana who gives a shit who I am?
We can skin a bock n run trahline an a sonny boy can bely
Sonny boy can bely
Sackafin all nay long
Seven black fists from lust till dawn
Beg ar own dissy and all slake too
Loogidain too many w'boy hillbillies cain dewh
badybohs helenas wholesale lines
Counsy boy can survive
Country boy can survive
Can scrogiside cain maikurun
bweenh ol boy wedownda shodgun
say grace we say gyeh
you aingdat who gives a big shit damn, hillbilly
weahh from north California,
South Alabam'
John l well (John Elway) who gives a shit big dev'l man v'lam
n' we can skin a buck n' run a trot line
counsry boy can survie
counsry boy can suvie
Counsry folk can survie
May 21, 2012
Lost Classics: Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels - Live 1973
Lost Classics: Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels - Live 1973
by Kelcy Salisbury
Retro is cool these days. Punks are wearing "Cash" tee shirts, as a shout out to the man who's frequently considered the ultimate symbol of rock-n-roll cool. Hipsters are wearing them for irony. The comic books of my childhood are blockbuster movies. They even re-made Dukes of Hazzard (shudder).
In the rush to embrace "retro-cool" the true pioneers, the ones who influenced the folks who get the credit, very rarely are recognized. I don't see anybody (punks, hipsters or otherwise) wearing "Rodgers" or "Cooke" tee shirts. I'm pretty sure if I started a business making these shirts, I'd be even broker than I am in record time. Personally, I've always embraced retro, always been interested in digging deeper and finding the roots of the music I loved. When I heard Mama Tried on vinyl as a kid, it led me to Buck Owens. When I heard Waylon Jennings sing that Bob Wills was still the king, I dug into Wills, Ernest Tubb, and so on. I'm ashamed to say I didn't discover one of the most interesting, influential and tragic figures in American music until about 1998 or so. Dwight Yoakam had released Under The Covers, an album of songs that had influenced him, and I heard an incredible duet titled Sin City. I had to know who originally recorded it, which of course led me straight to The Flying Burrito Brothers and their seminal album, The Gilded Palace of Sin. The album might have been around 30 years old at the time but the music jumped out of the speakers and grabbed ahold of me. I had to find out more about the band and the man behind the songs, Gram Parsons, who up to that point I knew of only as the writer of the Rolling Stones hit Dead Flowers and a tragically (if not surprising) deceased friend of Keith Richards.
What I found was fascinating. Here was a true country music "outlaw", the father of a movement that gave America The Eagles, a breathtakingly talented songwriter, a man whose (albeit brief) commercial success of the early 1970s helped pave the way for the outlaw movement that was soon to follow, and a tragically flawed human being who left behind one of the all time great stories of a young rock-n-roller's death. A man who did all this, didn't even live to 30, and was largely responsible for Emmylou Harris' career.
Of course even a casual Parsons fan is familiar with his work with The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and his two solo albums, GP & Grievous Angel. Eventually I discovered a recording of an in-studio concert, recorded as part of a 1974 radio tour on Hempstead, Long Island, NY.
The recording is a slice of Americana of the time, as banter between Parsons, Emmylou Harris and the disc jockey is all captured on the recording, right down to Parsons' tongue in cheek takes at live reads of a bread commercial, a brief discussion of the band's new tour bus, a stop in Blytheville,AR is mentioned, and Parsons personality and sense of humor shine through as he seems quite lucid and healthy in spite of his prodigous drug and alcohol abuse at the time. Looking back it's a bittersweet thing to hear a man who would soon be dead, his ashes scattered in the California desert (look up the story, it's well worth the read), sounding so alive, and happy to be so.
The songs are superb. Emmylou Harris never sounded better in her illustrious career than when she was backing Parsons as a member of the Fallen Angels. Parsons himself sounds like the living embodiment of a fallen angel as the songs run the gamut from the regretful "We'll Sweep Out The Ashes In The Morning", the straight ahead gospel of "Country Baptizing", an extremely strong cover of Merle Haggard's "California Cotton Fields", Tompball Glaser's "Streets Of Baltimore", and on a version of "Love Hurts" that puts all others to shame. These songs are primarily covers, but the versions of "Six Days On The Road" & "Cry One More Time" stand up favorably with the originals. Parsons puts his own stamp on the album by playing "Big Mouth Blues" (a song Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones has long covered in concert), "The New Soft Shoe" and my personal favorite, the slightly subversive, definitely wierd, "Drug Store Truck Driving Man".
In summary this is not an album to cherry pick songs from, or to skip songs while listening to. It's meant to be heard as it is, because it was never really supposed to be an album anyway. It's just a group of musicians who loved true country music playing it and having a good time at it, all while having no idea what they were doing that day on Long Island would still be heard and appreciated nearly 40 years later. This might not be the best introduction to Gram Parsons music, although as brief as his catalog is almost any album is as good a place to start as another, but it's a solid addition to the collection of any fan of country, rock-n-roll, or just radio the way it ought to be. Who knows, maybe soon Hot Topic will start carrying "Parsons" tee shirts (oh how I hope not!)
Until next time, enjoy some timeless music and throw on a Gram Parsons record.
----
Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels Live 1973
Available here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
