Jumping For Joy

I'm without a doubt, as the owner of my longtime local record store once said: "A huge Jayhawk guy."

That being fact, you might just think I would have known that Gary Louris released a solo album in 2021. And I did, but not until a week ago. But it's on my turntable now!!

Of all the online things people did during covid, his 'Shit Shows' were my favorites certainly helping me get through a few of those hours. Filled with humor, storytelling and great music. Something that's needed most days.

Jason Isbell

As I've entered my senior years of life, there's a small group of musicians and bands releasing new music in recent years, that I've become a loyal follower of ..... Son Volt, The Jayhawks, The Feelies, The Bats, Yo La Tengo, Hiss Golden Messenger, (maybe one or two others that I'm forgetting) ..... and Jason Isbell!!

On my doorstep today, the new one titled 'Weathervanes' by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

I've refrained from listening to song samples beforehand because I wanted to experience the record for the first time like it was done long ago. By sitting down and taking in each song in its entirety. I'll go out on a limb ahead of time and say it's going to be great. I've come to trust over the past decade(s), the quality and consistency of the songwriting. And I know that I'm going to be 'feeling' the vibe of each song.

Paging Mr. Proust

'Paging Mr. Proust' by The Jayhawks. From 2016.

One of my desert island discs, albums. I've loved every listen, every YouTube video. Full of great songs, harmonies and hooks. In another time, I'd like to think it would have generated. multiple radio hits. You know, a time when there was such things. 

I hear Beatles influences throughout.

To this day, I'm still hearing things that I didn't hear before. Something else to love about it.

If someone were to ask me for an album from the last ten years to purchase, I'd point them to this record. Highly recommended. If I haven't been clear with my opinion, in my eyes, this is an all-time classic.

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.

The Schramms

The Schramms - 'Rock, Paper, Scissors, Dynamite'

A 1992 recording on compact disc and on the Okra Records label.

Americana. Ringing guitars. Rock with little hints of alternative-country. Or perhaps obvious hints. 

From All Music Guide:                                              "Melding pop, folk-rock, and alt-country sounds with quirky wit and a keen intelligence, the Schramms were the brainchild of guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Dave Schramm, who debuted the group in 1987. The band's sound is built around Schramm's guitar work, at once tuneful and wiry, but he and his collaborators create a sound that's edgy but welcoming, with a warmth in the performances that rivals the subtle intelligence of Schramm's lyrics. "

The Stray Birds

The self-titled album from 2012 by The Stray Birds. 

Newgrass, Americana, Appalachia, Woodsongs. If there's an acoustic guitar, mandolin, upright bass, banjo, fiddle and great vocals involved, I'm listening. 

My introduction to The Stray Birds was through their song, 'Feathers and Bone.'
 

The New OK

 Drive-By Truckers - 'The New OK'

I read that the DVT's were on a break from a tour promoting the release of their previous album, 'The Unraveling,' when the world suddenly became crazy with covid lockdowns. So they put together a new album in response. 

I've come to despise this term: "Our new reality" but I'm good with: 'The New OK'

The Car Over the Lake Album

Back to the 70's again. 'The Car Over the Lake Album' by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils. These days this would likely be called Americana.

The songs 'Whippoorwill,' 'Cobblestone Mountain' and 'Gypsy Forest' were once included on actual mix-tapes that were put together and presented to friends. Yes cassette tapes ..... The 'playlists' of the 1970's and 80's.

New Jason Isbell

New song from Jason Isbell titled 'Only Children'. He just keeps writing great tunes!! I've only listened to it four or five times tonight. From his new album to be released next week. One that I'm feeling extreme excitement about. Feels like old times, this anticipation for a new record. And there's nothing quite like the experience of listening to a new album for the first time.

Blue Mountain

'Midnight In Mississippi' by Blue Mountain. From 2008. Americana. Or Alt-Country if you prefer. Part of the 1990's direction taken by bands like Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, Son Volt, Whiskeytown (Ryan Adams), The Jayhawks .... to name a few.

All Music Guide Review
Twangville Review

Songs: Ohia

Self titled album which is basically the late Jason Molina. He recorded under this name and Magnolia Electric Co. Possibly Indie Rock, Alternative Country, Singer Songwriter is my best effort at a description. Terrifically prolific songwriter who recorded in the late 1990's into the 2000's. There are times when you can detect a definite Neil Young influence.

If you're new to his music you'll find a treasure chest of music to discover

Intelligent lyrics and essential listening!!!

All Music Guide Review

Finding My Mojo

Music sampler disc that came with the June issue of Mojo Magazine.

One Bob Dylan recording. One Dylan cover. Mostly Americana offerings from musicians who have some sort of association with or comparison to Dylan.

Like a great radio station with no commercials.

Highlight for me, 'New Partner' by Will Oldham.

Additional Highlight: 'You'll Miss It When It's Gone' by The Skiffle Players.

Kronos Quartet and Son Volt

Sometimes you walk into the little "Friends" shop inside the local public library and they have something cool available to take home at minimal cost. I've found previously owned books, music, postage stamps, art prints and magazines there. Even came across baseball cards on one occasion.

This recording is from 1995. The Kronos Quartet are two violins, a viola and a cello and always choosing interesting pieces of music to perform. No orchestra or voices needed here.

I don't know if this is best called, Modern Classical, Contemporary Classical or Chamber Music. Philip Glass is a modern composer.

Following completion of The Kronos Quartet recording, the compact disc player transitioned to this previously loaded disc from one of my favorite bands, Son Volt. "Notes of Blue" from last year.

Americana or Alternative Country-Rock.

I would have never thought of playing these two recordings back-to-back but for this place and time, it works!!

Vic Chesnutt

Singer/Songwriter from Georgia. His third album from 1993 with additional tracks added when remastered last year on New West Records. Unique voice and style. Haunting in spots, funny in other moments.

My introduction to his music was several years ago on the "Sweet Relief II: Gravity of the Situation" benefit recording of various musicians covering his songs.

One of the bonus tracks on this record is a cover of Bob Dylan's, "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine."

Highly recommended!!!

New Jayhawks!!

A new one from The Jayhawks!! Paging Mr. Proust. A little word association .... You say "Americana" or "Alternative-Country" and The Jayhawks are the first band that I think of. Another collection of great songs!! Guitars and vocal harmonies and the involvement of former R.E.M. members!

I'm not sure of my initial introduction to their music. Probably through my love of Son Volt's sound and the search for related music.

Always an emphasis on songwriting so there's never a danger of filler material.

On my short list for the best new releases of 2016.

Complicated Game

The new one from James McMurtry!!! It took awhile but I finally found it. A journey from Salem to Beaverton, back to Salem and then onward to Corvallis. One hundred thirty or so miles round trip, but worth it. A record store that I'd never visited previously, also being a part of the agenda. I guess I need to acknowledge that my music of preference is becoming a victim of the times. More and more difficult to find in a physical format.

There's typical great McMurtry here. He's incapable of writing a weak song. It's been Twenty Five years since his first album, six years since his last studio album. There's a consistency that I've come to expect and look forward to in his sound. It's present here once again. Maybe a little more use of banjo than usual but that's a good thing here.