Ear to the Ground doesn't follow rules - not even our own rules. Does that make us anarchists?
"If Only, Aunt Sye" by Minton Sparks from Middlin' Sisters
Another slice of Country-flavored spoken word from Nashville's own Minton Sparks.
"Too Many Cuts" by Pork Chop Willie from Love is the Devil
One of my favorite tracks on this album which is one of my favorites of this year. Well versed and seasoned North Mississippi Blues pushed along by a classically trained violinist who has toured with Mark O'Connor. This is the real deal - steeped in tradition and fully a product of the here and now.
"The Green Door" by Jim Lowe from 1956 Billboard Top 100/Single
A number one song in 1956. What is going on behind that Green Door?
"Lazarus" by The Western Shore from Thunderstorm
A great song from my new friends, The Western Shore. I got to see them play again this past Sunday with a bunch of other newish friends. It was a great night of music. I really love the dynamic that Charlie and Kalee Smyth have been they perform together.
"Alleluia" by Dar Williams from The Honesty Room
Another great track from Dar Williams first full-length album. Almost twenty years old and sounds fresh as ever.
"I'm Joliet Bound" by Sidestreet Reny and Lil' Bell
From what I could tell, this is a cover of a Kansas Joe McCoy song which has been covered by many other people including John Mellencamp on his 2003 cover album Trouble No More. Here the song is given the unique Sidestreet Reny and Lil' Bell treatment. Heave emphasis on the "treat" which this is...
"Don't Go Away Mad" by Little Village from Little Village
I am not someone who keeps up with such things, but I would consider the Little Village album an underrated classic. There is hardly a dud on the album. The genesis of this impressive collaboration (Hiatt, Lowe, Cooder, and Keltner) began in 1987 when all of the above worked on Hiatt's incredible Bring the Family album. In 1991, the stars (and their busy schedules) aligned and this album was born.
"Just Because" by The California Honeydrops from Like You Mean It
Always happy to hear some funky soulful music, I consider The California Honeydrops among my favorite "discoveries" of the year. Discovered in the "new to me" meaning of the word.
"Atlanta Blues" by Young Sidney Bechet from Young Sidney Bechet 1923-1925
Let's jump back about 90 years with legendary Jazz saxophonist Sidney Bechet doing a W.C. Handy song which was in turn adapted from a folk/jazz/blues standard called "Make Me a Pallet on the Floor".
"Anarchy in the U.K." by The Sex Pistols from Never Mind the Bollocks Here's the Sex Pistols
Jump ahead about 50 years, and we close things out with the one and only Sex Pistols. Need I say more? No... I needn't.
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