I realized that I couldn’t keep up with maintaining a freshness with the old design. This is a much lazier, more simplified style that works more for me. Although I wish I had more time I could devote to this site, I simply can’t. In the next few weeks, I’ll be changing stuff around so it’s easier to find what you’re looking for.
Man, what a great recording of a lively set by the multi-instrumentalist Ricky Skaggs. I’m listening to it now and am still amazed at the recording quality. Skaggs, of course, sounds great as does the backing band. This was recorded for a radio show called “Silver Eagle Cross Country.” I have no history of this set, this radio show, or even what station it was broadcast on. If anyone does, please comment.
In the meantime, go to Wolfsgangs Vault to stream the concert.
This is one of the most significant bootlegs in my past. Click here for my review.
It’s The Beatles.
In the studio.
There’s nothing more I can say.
My wife and I recently attended a charity event in Nashville, TN. It was a rare occasion for us to have the opportunity to see Alison Krauss & Union Station (featuring Jerry Douglas, of course) in such an intimate and personal setting. Although the auction cut short Union Station’s set, it was still well worth it.
And I finally got my “Paper Airplane” LP signed by all band members!
This is a video of them performing “Dimming of the Day,” a devastating song. Sorry for the early shakiness in the video.
Here’s a clip of “Ghost in This House.” I hate clips and kick myself for not recording the full song. But when you’re at an Alison Krauss concert, it’s hard to concentrate on anything but the performance.
And some pictures…
Childhood holiday memories remain some of the most vivid and lasting memories a person will ever have. As I watched my children yesterday tear into their gifts and laugh with happiness and scream with giddiness, I remembered opening my first vinyl record when I was a child.
Sadly, this is a memory most children today will never have. At best, you may hear someone twenty years from now say “I remember my first download was…”
Hardly the same mystique.
Worse yet, to the iPod generation, being given an album is a foreign notion. Instead, they get download cards which they can spend on individual songs, television shows and movies, and apps (I hate that word… stupid Apple). So your favorite Uncle doesn’t really get the chance to gift you an album, he can gift you the “potential to download” an album.
A sad state of affairs.
I remember as a child opening albums from artists I had never heard of. These were gifts from a relative who thought I should listen to the record because they thought I might enjoy the record. And because music wasn’t as prevalent then as it is today, I would always listen to what I was given. It was a hit and miss affair. Some were great, some were good, and some never got a second spin. But the fact is, I listened to every record I was given.
Now, as an adult reflecting on my childhood, I associate certain albums with specific people or Christmases. And not just the album in its entirety, but every song from that album, as well as the cover art.
The physical gift is a reminder of the person who gave it to me.
You won’t remember whose download card you used to download the new Katy Perry mp3s. At least, you won’t remember in ten years.
But it’s easy to look at an album and remember the experience of receiving the album. The person who gave the album to you will forever be associated with the record. And that’s a priceless gift.
So go ahead, give an album to someone. Recommend music to a favorite niece, nephew, son, or daughter.
As for me… what was my first album? I received two the same day: Duran Duran’s Rio and Iron Maiden’s The Number of the Beast. And yes, I still listen to them on occasion (the latter more than the former).
My admiration of the Drive-By Truckers has been well documented on this site. So it’s always a joy when I run across a live performance from theirs I haven’t heard. The Truckers don’t stick to one set list during a tour. They just play whatever they feel like on a particular night. I love this show, then, for several reasons: 1. It’s a good recording and 2. I love the set list. ”Where the Devil Won’t Stay” and “Space City” are two tracks that the Truckers didn’t play often during their most recent tour. Couple that with the newer tracks of “Used to be a Cop” and “Mercy Buckets” and you’ve got a damn solid show.
Download or stream this concert from the Internet Archive.
The great Sam Bush plays an outdoor concert in Tupelo, MS. If you don’t know Sam Bush, you should give him a listen. He’s often regarded as one of the musicians to push Bluegrass beyond its traditional roots and merging it with outside influences such as rock and jazz. Always an innovator, he’s one of the most sought after collaborators, having played on albums and tracks with Lyle Lovett, Ricky Skaggs, Garth Brooks, and Neil Diamond (among many others).
Although he doesn’t view himself as such, Sam Bush is a musical giant. His influence on other musicians is far reaching and as important as the music he has created. And he’s pretty spry for a nearly sixty year old man. Oh, and he’s an avid Cardinals (baseball) fan… which is a good thing…
Download or stream the concert from the Internet Archive.
Grammy nominee Ryan Shaw is a young R&B singer whose style is reminiscent of the great soul singers of the past. Although his voice doesn’t have the depth of say Marvin Gaye (who does?), Shaw still excels at emoting without being over-the-top or schmaltzy. Listen to this NPR Mountain Stage concert and see for yourself. He’s a quality talent that continues improving. His songwriting chops will also improve with experience. Even though he’s not quite at the level of his musical inspirations, it’s refreshing to hear a genuine soul singer interested in producing quality music.
Go here to hear the five song set list.
Many regard this song as the best country song ever written. That, of course, is debatable. Few would argue, however, that George Jones is one of the top male country singers to ever walk this Earth. His voice is like smooth vodka… it goes down easy, but it has quite a kick. Full of emotion and truth, George Jones is truly an American music institution.
Enjoy… I have no idea when or where this clip was performed.
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