The New OK

From 2020 and on compact disc. 'The New OK' by Drive-By Truckers.'

Written (I assume) and recorded just as the covid pandemic and riots were initially spreading and clamping down across the country. Sometimes, upon reflection, those days and memories feel like decades ago.

I've been a fan for years. First heard their sound when Jason Isbell was still in the band. Later I became hooked to their song, 'Zip City.' ..... Rock, Americana, Southern Rock, whatever you want to call their music.

Highlights on this recording are, 'Sarah's Flame' and 'Watching the Orange Clouds.'

There's a line in Watching the Orange Clouds .... "Across the Burnside Bridge there's heads getting bashed and teargas. Boys too stupid to really be proud." .... About the 2020 riots in Portland, Oregon, I assume. Patterson Hood from the band, moved to Portland years ago. I've driven across the Burnside Bridge dozens of times in my lifetime. I can visualize clearly, what and where he was singing of and trying to express here.

Music Fest Northwest

Various musicians and bands playing at Portland's Music Fest Northwest in September of 2009.

One of those compilation discs that you come across while searching through boxes and boxes of used discs in your local record store. You see two or three bands listed that you've heard of and have some level of interest in and take a chance on the rest. Generally for fifty cents or a dollar.

In this case there's Portland Cello Project, Frightened Rabbit, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Portugal the Man and Blind Pilot among those involved.  The only disappointing aspect is it appears that only one of the twenty-one songs is live. The word, "fest" generally gives the impression of live music.

Cool cover artwork though!! It's in cardboard gatefold packaging with more artwork inside.

Favorite songs are 'We Sing In Time' by The Lonely Forest and 'Poke' by Frightened Rabbit, which is the solo live recording.