In this segment we briefly turn our focus on some of the individuals featured on this mix and the 1950/51 compilation . Pictured on the cover is the 1952 Cadillac in which Hank Williams died of heart failure on New Year's Day 1953, aged 30 (though he always looked much older than that). His was the first of a series of young celebrity deaths that created legends for all times. Among the more unexpected names in country must be that of Ole Rasmussen , a western swing bandleader who with [...]
After a hiatus of a few months we return to the history of country music. In the last narrative instalment ( Volume 4 ) we noted the rise of female country singers; some of them will feature in this mix, which covers the years 1950-51, and its follow-up, 1952-53. In the course of the 1950s we will also review country's contribution to rock & roll, and discuss some of the artists featured. What follows then is a brief overview of country music in the 1950s. [...]
As before, this album refers to artists and songs featured on both 1940s compilations. The importance to country music of Ernest Tubb 's Walking The Floor Over You cannot be underestimated. It was not the first honky tonk record, nor the first to use the new-fangled electric guitar. But it was the first really big hit to use electric guitar solos, performed by Fay 'Smitty' Smith, and is considered the breakthrough record for honky tonk music, a label that was variously used for different genres, but now [...]
Moon Mullican : Nine Tenths Of The Tennessee River [ purchase ] Nine Tenths of the Tennessee River. I couldn't resist posting this one! ZZ Top : Ten Foot Pole [ purchase ] While working up something for this weeks theme it occurred to me to check and see if any songs on my long list had anyone born on the tenth day of a given month. Pat Benatar, Roger Miller and Rod Stewart all have [...]
As I mentioned yesterday, my attention this year, as far as music goes, has been diverted in a variety of ways. Doing a 2009 playlist seemed to miss the thrust of what my year was all about (and probably redundant with every other blog out there); doing a collection of old yet new-to-me stuff would have missed all the music that wasn't new to me that I spent so much time with. So instead I offer this: a 75-track playlist that comes as close as I can to giving some impression of what my listening year has really [...]
I was in the mood for something different today. I am such a fan of the rockabilly sound. Here is a web site which will fill you in about Moon: Moon Mullican MP3 File yousendit
I defy you to find something wrong with this gem. Even the sax solo works OK. Moon Mullican - Seven Nights To Rock ( buy ) Monday, I'm gonna rock with Jane Tuesday, it's gonna be Lorraine Wednesday, I'm taking Nancy Lee Thursday, it's Jenny Lou and me Friday, I'm gonna jive with Sue Saturday and Sunday, any chick will do...
I´m honoured to present a guest post by Paul, author of the indispensable Setting The Woods On Fire blog. Please leave many a comment, so the Motor City Cowboy might be persuaded to contribute here more often... [...]
If you haven't done so already, make sure to get some Moon Mullican into your life: Moon Mullican – Triflin' Woman Blues ( buy album ) I'm not sure where you come down on triflin' , but I'm with Moon. To hear a stream individual tracks, go here: Hype Machine-STWOF
Remember my post from a month ago about Who Invented Country Rock? (If you missed it, here's a mix of some of the highlights .) Well, it turned out to be the most popular post I've ever done, generating lots of comments and e-mails. So now its time to tie up some loose ends based on all the great feedback generated by the first one. EARLY PIONEERS: (1) Jimmie Rodgers Some readers voiced the opinion that elements of [...]
These days everybody gives 110%. Aside from being unrealistic and mathematically impossible, its very tiresome. Back in the day, Moon Mullican thought giving 90% was remarkable enough to merit a song. I couldn't agree more. Moon Mullican – Nine Tenths Of The Tennessee River (mp3) ( buy album ). For more on Moon, check out Big Rock Candy Mountain . [Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to check STWOF directly for content in the sidebar area not appearing in the feeds.]
If Cajun music has an anthem it is Jolie Blonde (My Pretty Blonde) . The lament of a man who's 'pretty blonde' has left him for another man. Breaux Frères (the Breaux Brothers) were a very popular Cajun band of the mid 1920s. The family band consisted of Cléoma Breaux on guitar, and her brothers, Amédé on accordion, Ophé on guitar, and Cléopha on the fiddle. On April 18, 1929 Breaux Frères recorded Ma Blonde Est Partie (My Blonde Left) in Atlanta, Georgia. The record was an overwhelming hit in Louisiana and got the attention [...]
Any Major Dude With Half A Heart
Star Maker Machine
Pretty Goes with Pretty
Keep the Coffee Coming
Groover's Paradise
For The Sake Of The Song
Setting The Woods On Fire
Old Blue Bus
Music Singles Chart #109
The Killers title new album Battle Born
I’ll Just Leave This Here #161
Knife Party – Rage Valley EP
