Drive-By Truckers and the Duality of the Southern Thing
Just four days on from the 2024 general election, Hood is holding up that mirror to our society again, as he did back in 2001. It stings even more today than it did then.
No Earplugs
Pertinent Playlist #15: VOTE.
Two songs specifically included for each candidate are “KAMALA (it’s not a matter of if)” by Big Freedia and the Living Colour classic “Cult of Personality.” A couple of dead ringers.
X Push Conspiracy of Punk
X’s punk rockabilly (punkabilly?) identity was on full display, sounding as tight as ever. It’s hard to believe its been 44 years since their debut. Each musician better than you think on stage, it seems that they’ve improved with age.
Sting 3.0 Tour Echoes Early Days
I know what you’re thinking, “Hey, weren’t The Police a trio?” Why, yes, they were. And true fans picked up on several Andy Summersesque guitar licks by Miller and even more Stewart Copelandesque drum fills by Maas.
Isbell and His Mighty 400 Unit Worship at The Ryman
A crowd favorite was the Drive-By Truckers track “Danko/Manuel,” Isbell’s song when he was with that band. It’s a sad tale written about the end of The Band as depicted in ‘The Last Waltz.’
The Handcuffs Set Rock Ablaze
The sound of the ‘Cuffs has matured and evolved since the first release some 16 years ago. On Rails, their fourth studio album, the band visits a glam/indie 70s universe, creating a fresh edge on each track.
The Spirit Power of Johnny Marr
Marr kicked off the show with “Armatopia,” a climate change warning for the world, “So let’s dance to the sound of our time running out / And watch the smoke on the breeze of rising seas.”
Five Eight Premiere ‘Weirdo’ Doc
The most revealing aspect was the band’s brotherhood. Creative and stress-induced differences led to three decades of ups and downs, always overshadowed by forgiveness and strengthened friendships.
The Alarm Reimagine Music Television
For fans of 80s music, it’s about time. The subtitle of the album reads, “Stepping back into the future.” Appropriate for a man who is simultaneously reminiscing and looking forward to what’s next.
Stars Celebrate 20 Years of ‘Set Yourself On Fire’
As Torq sings on the title track, “Twenty years asleep before we sleep forever.” Well, it’s 20 years later and there will surely be little rest as the band is out promoting the anniversary of their third album kicking off in the northeast U.S. then continuing through much of Canada and the U.S. West coast.
NO EARPLUGS 