Watch Out! Rodney Crowell – “Fever On The Bayou” [VIDEO]

Rodney Crowell

One of the most memorable scenes from James Szalapski’s extraordinary “Heartworn Highways” is at the end of the country/folk documentary Christmas Day song-along. Fueled by cigarettes and wine Steve Young, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Jim McGuire and others are shown having a raucous guitar pull at Guy and Susanna Clark’s Nashville home. Near the end Rodney Crowell leads the gathered in beautifully delivered “Silent Night.” Crowell renders a tone of beauty that brings a hush to this seasoned (and buzzed) band of new outlaws.

Now a veteran of the country/Americana field he’s hardly coasting. Crowell along with his old Hot Band collaborator, Emmylou Harris won a Best Americana Album Grammy for last year’s “Old Yellow Moon.” He also performed at an Everly Brothers tribute will in LA to pick up the prize. He most recently held court a few well-received sets at South By Southwest.

One track on Crowell’s upcoming album, Tarpaper Sky (April 15) offers a gumbo-flavored track, “Fever on the Bayou.”

The song has been decades in the making. It began as a collaboration between Will Jennings. But, says Crowell “Due to our inability to come up with a suitable last verse, the song lay dormant for twenty-plus years. An off-chance conversation with a friend of mine in which the word Franglais—an improper synthesis of the French and English languages as I understood it—gave me the idea that the last verse should echo the Cajun French I’d heard working on construction crews along the Texas-Lousiana border. Once I had that last verse the recording was a snap.”

Check the lyric video for “Fever on the Bayou” below. Tarpaper Sky will be out April 15 via New West. Pre-order here.

Austin City Limits Announces Inaugural ACL Hall of Fame in Conjunction With Upcoming 40th Anniversary

Austin City Limits

Austin City Limits (ACL) announced today the launch of the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in conjunction with the iconic television series’ upcoming 40th Anniversary. This Hall of Fame’s Inaugural Induction Ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at ACL’s original home, KLRU’s legendary Studio 6A. Recognizing both artists and non-performers who have made the long-running show a music institution, the ceremony will honor the first class of inductees, featuring two legendary music acts, Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, and a pair of individuals who have played an invaluable role in the genesis of the series, show creator Bill Arhos and longtime University of Texas football coach Darrell K. Royal.

Performers for this intimate evening include inductees and Doyle Bramhall II, Mike Farris, Buddy Guy, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Lukas Nelson, Robert Randolph and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Former University of Texas football head coach Mack Brown will participate in the inductions, as well as special guests. More information about performances and additional guests will be announced prior to the event. Details about the physical ACL Hall of Fame will also be unveiled at the ceremony.

Guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan and “Coach” Darrell K. Royal will be inducted posthumously during the ceremony. Willie Nelson, ACL show creator Bill Arhos and Vaughan’s longtime band Double Trouble, featuring Chris Layton, Tommy Shannon and Reese Wynans, will be inducted at the event. The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be an annual event, honoring a new class of inductees each year. This year’s Inaugural ceremony will be an invitation-only benefit for ACL parent station KLRU-TV, Austin PBS.

“There are other Halls of Fame, but none quite like this,” says ACL Executive Producer Terry Lickona. “Austin City Limits has become a unique American institution, in both the worlds of popular music and television. It has such a rich history and legacy that we decided it was time to celebrate and honor the artists and individuals who made it what it is today.”

ACL began broadcasting in 1976 as a live-music show that served to showcase musicians; it has since grown to feature performers of all genres from all over the globe. Since its inception, the Peabody Award-winning series has become an institution that’s helped secure Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. ACL continues its mission of producing great television with the debut of its 40th Season in October 2014. The program airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide and episodes are made available online at http://acltv.com/watch/.

Watch Out! Brandy Clark – “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” 3/24/14 , “Stripes” [VIDEO]

Brandy Clark

Brandy Clark took time from her busy touring schedule to play the The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Clark played a spirited and tight version of her neo-trad country song “Stripes,” from gher debut “12 Stories.” (watch below)

Said Clark: “Performing on ‘Ellen’ was a bucket list item for me, and I was thrilled to be there,” said Clark. “I appreciate her support of new artists and music from all genres, and hope to have the opportunity to return to her show some day.”

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

Happy Birthday Patterson Hood – Top 10 Songs [VIDEO]

PattersonHoodbyAndyTennille

As one of the founders and principle songwriters of the mighty Drive-By Truckers, Patterson Hood has created a wealth of searing narratives and complex and character studies that has put him on a short list of great contemporary songwriters.
On this occasion of his 50th birthday I take a daunting task at my top 10 , in no particular order, from that bounty.

Your’s not here? Add it to the comments.

Based loosely on Ray McKinnon film short “The Accountant”, the song is about family pride, greed and vengeance.

Hood’s great Uncle encapsulates the complexity of war by remarking “I never saw John Wayne on the sands of Iwo Jima” while watching said movie.

Act I of the DBT’s “Southern Rock Opera,” Hood delivers HISTORICAL soliloquy ON growing up Alabama and how George Wallace, Bear Bryant and Ronnie Van Zant shaped the environment.

Dirty South is where I fell in love with The Drive-By Truckers. Here’s one reason why.

Here’s another in acoustic version.

Hood displays his awesome storytelling chops before this excellent cut.

The title track off Hood’s latest. Inspired by the impending mortality of his Great Uncle.

Soulful and rips your heart out.

A delicate beauty that compliments hood’s voice well.

A reflection on Drive-By Truckers touring hard through rough times.

Listen Up! Hillstomp – “Don’t Come Down”

Hillstomp

Portland Oregon’s self-described “junkbox blues duo” has a new song “Don’t Come Down” that offers some of the heat and ramshackle alchemy of Henry Christian (Guitar) and John Johnson (percussion), but with this cut there’s more.

From the guitar loop running throughout and the reverbed, lonesome vocals, there’s a beautiful menace and a work of a deft subtlety pointing to a richness and bravery in flexing their musical brawn.

“Don’t Come Down” is from Hillstomp’s upcoming, 4th full-length release “Portland, Ore” out April 15. The album is their first on Fluff and Gravy Records and features 10 new tracks and is mixed by Chet Lyster of Eels, and produced in conjunction with Kevin Blackwell of Sassparilla.

The record will be available on CD and LP, and can be pre-ordered here.

Watch Out! Johnny Cash – “She Used to Love Me a Lot” [VIDEO]

Johnny Cash - She Used To Love Me A Lot

On March 25, Columbia/Legacy will release “Out Among the Stars,” an album of lost songs recorded by Johnny Cash in the early 1980s produced by Billy Sherrill.

You can now see a video for the album cut “She Used to Love Me a Lot”, directed by filmmaker John Hillcoat (the man behind The Proposition, The Road, and Lawless as well as music videos for Nick Cave, How to Destroy Angels, Depeche Mode, and others)

The video is a collection of snapshots of the American Cash championed in song and deed intercut with shots of the Man in Black himself.

In Hillcoat words from an accompanying statement:

The lyrics seemed to speak to America as it is now, to the nation that loved him and to the great divide he fought so hard against. This divide has only grown exponentially since he died, so we wanted to show America under this stark light and as a homage to the very reason Cash always wore black: to the shameful increase of the disenfranchised and outsiders. At the same time, we wanted to reference the great man’s own struggle and journey from the love of his life to the burnt out ruins of his infamous lake house home, personal photographs, the cave where he tried to take his life but then turned it all around, the place he last recorded in and his last photo before his passing.

“She Used to Love Me a Lot” was written by Dennis Morgan, Charles Quillen, and Kye Fleming. In 1984, David Allan Coe was recorded the song on his album “Darlin’, Darlin”. Listen to the Elvis Costello remix of Cash’s version here.

True Detective Season Two – Top 10 Music Recommendations

True Detective

After 8 all-too-brief spellbinding and perplexingly metaphysical episodes the first season of HBO’s True Detective has finally reached its conclusion. The ending was such a hit that the millions hitting HBO GO service crashed the system for much of the show.

It’s no wonder it’s a hit.

The spirit of the show is reflected in the taunt writing of creator Nic Pizzolatto. Then there’s the stellar performances by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as the dysfunctional Det. Rustin Spencer “Rust” Cohle and Det. Martin Eric “Marty” Hart bound together to catch a dark killer.

Another star of the series was the music selection that provided atmosphere and texture in a way that you hardly realized you were hearing songs by Wu-Tang Clan , Bob Dylan and Austin’s 13th Floor Elevators.

The soundtrack also included a great selection of Americana, country, gospel, and blues. John Lee Hooker and Slim Harpo sit aside Steve Earle , Buddy Miller , Lucinda Williams and Father John Misty.

And then there’s that stunning opening segment backed by The Handsome Family excellent performance of the T Bone Burnett-penned “Far From Any Road.” (below)

I reached out on twitter to ask folks what bands they most would like to hear on True Detective season two. Some of the choices were obvious, some surprising. All great and would fit nicely.

If Nic Pizzolatto stops by (‘sup Nic) I hope he considers some these great artists and allows them to set a tone and allow the greater exposure.

Enjoy and leave you choices in the comments.

Lincoln Durham is a consummate stage performer and brings grit, soul and blood to his craft. Perfect for end credits or a bar fight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5QGl8PgUX8

Elephant Revival’s warm and inviting sound could lull in a audience in just before a particularly gruesome bit of work.

The Ben Miller Band kicked my butt in Nashville and their performance has stuck with me. Bar scene or panning a rugged landscape.

Valerie June. Who am I kidding. Put Valerie June in any segment and she’ll steal the scene.

Lee Harvey Osmond is a master of atmosphere. He’d fit right into a scene needing a slow simmer. Love scene, hands down.

Lindi Ortega is as good as it gets. Her sound is a great fit for an opening credits or as a a pan of the killers quarters.

Slim Cessna’s Auto Club oozes chaos and menace. Add to something violent.

16 Horsepower sounds as old as the hills and as deep as a grave. Opening credits or main character reflective moment.

Hiss Golden Messenger’s darkness is always bolstered by a joyful reverence. Perfect for a moment of hoe or resolution.

Rachel Brooke was born to back a show like True Detective. Her sound is of the ages and has a playful darkness and perfect for a late-night rainy drive away from something unspeakable.

Merle Haggard Live 45th Anniversary “Okie From Muskogee” To Be Released

merle haggard

Merle Haggard and the Strangers’ original release of the of “Okie From Muskogee” was December of 1969. The album went on to win the Academy of Country Music award for Album of the Year and Single of the Year for the Roy Edward Burris co-written ode to small town pride, “Okie from Muskogee.” The album was recorded live in Muskogee, Oklahoma and has been re-released in 1992, 1996, 1997, 2005, and 2006.

You can add 2014 to that list.

On March 25th Capital Nashville will reissue a special 45th anniversary package. The rerelease has been Remastered from the original analog tapes and will include “The Fightin’ Side Of Me,” a live Philadelphia recording that has never been released before on CD or digitally

Hear an up-tempo live version of Haggard’s ‘I Take a Lot of Pride In What I Am’ below.

Track List:
Disc 1
Okie From Muskogee
Recorded Live In Muskogee, Oklahoma 1969
1. Introduction by Carlton Haney
2. Mama Tried
3. No Hard Times
4. Silver Wings
5. Merle Receives Key To Muskogee
6. Mere’s Introduction to Medley
Medley:
7. Swinging Doors
8. I’m A Lonesome Fugitive
9. Sing Me Back Home
10. Branded Man
11. In The Arms Of Love
12. Workin’ Man Blues
13. Merle’s Introduction To “Hobo Bill”
14. Hobo Bill’s Last Ride
15. Billy Overcame His Size
16. If I Had Left It Up To You
17. White Line Fever
18. Blue Rock
19. Introduction To “Okie From Muskogee”
20. Okie From Muskogee

Disc 2
The Fightin’ Side Of Me
Recorded Live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1970

1. Opening Theme: Hammin’ It Up
2. I Take A Lot Of Pride In What I Am
3. Corrine Corrina
4. Every Fool Has A Rainbow
5. T.B. Blues
6. When Did Right Become So Wrong
7. Philadelphia Lawyer
8. Stealin’ Corn
9. Harold’s Super Service
Medley:
10. Devil Woman
11. I’m Movin’ On
12. Folsom Prison Blues
13. Jackson
14. Orange Blossom Special
15. Love’s Gonna Live Here
16. Today I Started Loving You Again
17. Okie From Muskogee
18. The Fightin’ Side Of Me

Watch Out! Beck – ‘Saturday Night Live’ 3/1/14

Beck

Beck Hansen was at his Cali-folk best on last night on SNL. Backed by John Misty’s Josh and Tillman Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Beck’s reverent rendition of “Blue Moon” and orchestral drenched “Wave,” both from his recent masterpiece “Morning Phase,” proves again that when the kitsch is stripped away Beck is a master song craftsman that fits comfortably in the Americana fold.

Alabama Shakes Announce Headlining U.S. Tour

alabama shakes

Alabama Shakes has announced a headlining tour of the U.S. coming this spring. The run will kick off with a two-night stand at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC (April 25 and 26).

A ticket pre-sale begins this Friday, February 28, at 12:00 PM local time. Tickets go on sale to the public on this Saturday, March 1, for all dates except Washington, DC, where tickets will go on sale Thursday, March 6. The band will also perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Suburbia Festival, the Beale Street Music Festival and the Shaky Knees Fest. See below for itinerary or visit www.alabamashakes.com.

The Athens, AL-based band – comprising vocalist/guitarist Brittany Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, drummer Steve Johnson and bassist Zac Cockrell – has been in the studio working on a new album. Further details will be announced soon.

Alabama Shakes – Upcoming Tour Dates

4/25 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club- Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires Fsupporting
4/26 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club- Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires supporting
4/28 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel – Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires supporting
4/29 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel -Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires supporting
5/2-4 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
5/3-4 – Plano, TX @ Suburbia Festival
5/4 – Memphis, TN @ Beale Street Music Festival
5/7 – Northfield, OH @ Hard Rock Live – The Deslondes supporting
5/8 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE – The Deslondes supporting
5/9 – Richmond, VA @ The National – The Deslondes supporting
5/11 – Atlanta, GA @ Shaky Knees Fest