For the two or three of you who continue to check this blog despite my not posting anything for weeks at a time, I promise I'll start doing better. I've been helping someone with a book - more on that another time, as publication dates gets closer - and that took all my available time until Christmas. With a little luck, I'll balance my time better now.
Here's a list of recent favorite tracks that ran Tuesday, Jan. 8 in USA Today. One of the acts on the list, Nashvillle singer/songwriter/music critic Jewly Hight has been kind enough to post a free download of her song on her MySpace page. I don't know how long she plans to keep it there, but, if you're intrigued by the sample, please visit her page and get yourself a copy.I've also linked to some other artists' MySpace pages where you can hear the full versions of songs I mention, although in at least one case you may have to search a bit. Enjoy - and let me know what you think.
> Pick of the week:
Just Got Started Lovin’ You, James Otto: Long overlooked member of Nashville’s MusikMafia finally gets his break with a number that finds a Ronnie Milsap country-soul groove shacking up with a Conway Twitty bedroom growl. Otto’s forthcoming album is called Sunset Man, but Lovin’ You makes him sound as if he could keep going all night long.
> The Playlist:
A Savior on Capitol Hill, Derek Webb: Dissident Christian singer’s take on religion and politics expects little and trusts less. Key line: “You can always trust the Devil or a politician to be the Devil or a politician.”
Like a Rolling Stone, Anberlin: Eighties-influenced alternative band’s Dylan reinterpretation is astonishing not only for its audacity but for how well it works.
Draw the Curtains, Will Hoge: Nashville rocker in the Springsteen/Petty tradition convincingly lists the reasons his lover doesn’t need to go home.
Shanty Town, Matt King: King’s patchwork Southern-gothic rock is one of the most original new sounds out of Nashville. On this download-only track, he comes off as part revivalist preacher, part carnival barker.
White Knuckles, Jewly Hight: The only thing more chilling than this song’s shadowy blues groove is Hight’s fearful moan.
Experiment in Terror, RevOrganDrum: Side project from the Reverend Horton Heat gives Henry Mancini the Booker T & the MG’s treatment.
You Got to Move, Marie Knight: Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s onetime duet partner returns with a tribute to the Rev. Gary Davis.
Last Days, Paschall Brothers: Virginia a cappella group keeps the jubilee quartet tradition alive.
Wilson Pickett, Tim Krekel Orchestra: Pickett died two years ago this month and, according to this song written in the soul great’s style, was buried behind Louisville singer Krekel’s home.
Mystery Train, Shawn Camp & Billy Burnette. Two great Nashville talents put a bluegrass spin on Elvis Presley/Junior Parker classic.
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