Both Kinds of Music

Johnny Paycheck - Heartbreak, TN

Thanks to Amanda for the inspiration. 

(Source: Spotify)

On the 35th anniversary of The King’s death, here’s a mix of music from his too short career. 

(Source: Spotify)

The Statler Brothers - Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott?

Cheesy song, but was just reminded of a Statler Bros TV ad from when I was a kid and this song played prominently into it. 

(Source: Spotify)

Most cover albums I can do without. Too straight forward. If you aren’t bringing anything new to the table *cough* like these recent Johnny Cash tributes *cough*, why bother? Not the case with Zoe Muth and the High Rollers’ new EP, “Old Gold”. 

This 6-song set features 5 covers and 1 original. There’s a lot to like about the band’s laid back sound here. It’s uncomplicated - just a singer and her favorite songs. I’ve compiled the originals with Muth’s covers in this playlist.

When you get past the obscurity factor — let’s face it, Charlie Feathers, Dock Boggs and the McGarrigle Sisters aren’t exactly household names — you appreciate how she makes these her own. If we weren’t told these were covers, it’s not something we’d like find out on our own. They sound like songs you’d hear the band play in any set. Not that I’ve seen them play, but I’ve got an active imagination. None of the music feels out of time or out of place; especially given that the newest song, aside from the lone original, is John Prine’s Maureen, Maureen and that dates back to 1984. 

Consider this an Unplugged effort - the sound’s little less honky-tonk and a little more coffee shop, but it still stands out as a fine country album. Muth’s voice has just the right amount of twang that keeps you coming back for more. 

I need an album rating system, but in the mean time I call this an excellent effort: 87/100. 

Zoe Muth & the Lost High Rollers Old Gold is available for $5.94 at amazon and iTunes.

Jimbo Mathus - Burn the Honky Tonk

An unlikely country number from the usually blues drenched Jimbo. 

(Source: Spotify)

I have returned from the Outer Banks. If you ever have the chance to go to Ocracoke Island, you must do it. An amazing place. Just make sure you get off the “main drag” and see the residential parts, such as they are.  

Anyway, here’s a playlist of all the music I posted in July. Can’t post the videos, but grabbed the songs where appropriate. 

(Source: Spotify)

The Flying Burrito Brothers - Wild Horses

Headed to Assateague, VA and the Outer Banks for the weekend. Postings may be scarce!

Any tips on food and/or sightseeing?

(Source: Spotify)

Every other week or so, I ask what you’re listening to. I take those responses and get down to the business of listening. Sometimes it’s easy and I get a specific track. Other times someone just names an artist and I start digging into the catalog. It’s a great exercise because I’ve either never heard of or just aren’t that familiar with about half of the recommendations. And out of that I find some awesome new stuff (Turnpike Troubadours anyone?).

Some recos don’t make the cut, but it’s not that I don’t enjoy them, it’s more of an editorial choice that goes into Tetris-like process of making a mix. 

Anyway, here you go. A 37(!) track beast that spans the ages. Enjoy!

————

Earholes 3 - A C&W Followers Playlist

Mariachi El Bronx – Everything Dies

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Wildwood Flower

Darrell Scott – Candle for a Cowboy

Waylon Jennings – This Time Tomorrow (I’ll Be Gone)

Lucero – I Can’t Stand to Leave You

Guy Clark – She Ain’t Going Nowhere

Hurray For The Riff Raff – Ramblin’ Gal

Justin Townes Earle – Ain’t Glad I’m Leaving

Hank Williams – Dear John

Willie Nelson – Bloody Mary Morning

Jordan Hull – How Are You Gonna Live

J.J. Cale – Call Me The Breeze

Turnpike Troubadours – Gin, Smoke, Lies

Chelsea Crowell – Sometimes Love

Willie Nelson – That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)

The James Low Western Front – Thinking California

Merle Haggard – Tulare Dust

Levi Lowrey – All-American

Doc Watson – Little Sadie

Wanda Jackson – Mean Mean Man

The Devil Makes Three – Tow

The Louvin Brothers – Ruby’s Song

Roger Miller – Do Wacka Do - Single Version

Justin Trevino – Brand New Mister Me

Loretta Lynn – You Ain’t Woman Enough

Beachwood Sparks – Forget The Song

Stephen Stills – So Begins The Task

Clem Snide – Forgive Me, Love

Tom T. Hall – Tulsa Telephone Book

The Steeldrivers – Blue Side of the Mountain

The Stray Birds – My Horses Ain’t Hungry

The Honeycutters – All I Got

Giant Giant Sand – Thing Like That

Lucinda Williams – Drunken Angel

Jerry Jeff Walker – Pickup Truck Song

Sanctified Grumblers – Break of Day

Willie Nelson – Stay All Night

Thanks to the following for their contributions:

hillbillyhaiku/lightninbug/matttman/foucaultvsthemoonmen/fiveoclockworld/opalinedeathray666/goodnighthestia/raggedndirty/texnessa/elcerritoplace/bleakhousetulsa/feelfreeaz/cagednomore/beingateenagerblows/stompnholler/heydarlindoyougamble/simonesecci/pennylane14

Harmonica Frank - Swamp Root

I know it says Swamproof, but that’s just what it probably sounds like to the untrained ear. 

They don’t make ‘em like Frank Floyd anymore - this is some unadulterated hillbilly music. 

(Source: Spotify)