I once wrote in this space that I don't like alt country . That's not entirely true. What's closer to the truth is that alt country music really frustrates me. Given my general tastes, I should like it more than I do, but much of it strikes me as being either unoriginal or, worse, derivative to the point of being cliche. Nothing is more grating than fake twang! There are, however, many alt country artists and songs that I genuinely like. So I put together a mixed tape of my favorite [...]
Hey guys and gals. Remember all of those Jangly 80's posts that I used to put up here? Well, I thought it would be kind of fun to put together a mixed tape of 1980's "alternative" music in the same vein as those posts. It's all jangle pop, paisley underground, college rock, cow punk and the like. You can get it HERE . Have a good weekend!
Today, the great Tom T. Hall turns 74. If you still need more convincing of Tom T. 's supreme prowess as a songwriter, then check out this sampler mix I found here .
Hey folks! The mighty Aquarium Drunkard blog just did a really nice post about a few compilations I made back in the day. That got me thinking that it would be fun to make another one. So, just for old time's sake, I put together a new homemade compilation featuring some great songs by Cindy Walker . You can get it here .
If you're reading this, then you probably noticed my two recent posts here at STWOF. Despite this flurry of activity, I don't plan to continue posting very much at this location. I'll still be spinning classic country tunes over at My Window Faces The South . It's a Tumblr blog with the same sort of stuff I posted here, but with a few more pictures and links. One difference is that you can't download the mp3s--they just stream. Sorry. I made the change because it's easier to post on Tumblr and I'm lazy. [...]
Hank Williams – When The Saints Go Marching In ( buy )
Stu Smith, 1936-2009 My dad passed away on Christmas Eve. He was a great guy who always got the most out of life. He loved his old sailboat and his old cabin in the north woods (even though it lacked indoor plumbing). He also loved a cold beer and a good tune. To honor his memory I decided to resurrect this blog and post a few of his favorite songs here. Those of you who have spent time with Stu will remember hearing many of them on the boat, by [...]
If you like the kind of music I have posted here over the years, then you'll love this fantastic lost classic from 1972: Bob Martin - Midwest Farm Disaster . Read more about it (and sample some tracks) at Aquarium Drunkard and The Rising Storm And now, for heaven's sake, Buy It! That is all.
Check out my latest blogging venture: Country Song Of The Day . It features one new classic country tune every day of the week. You can't download the songs, but you can hear them (and play them like a juke box) if your computer has speakers.
The album pictured above is "More a Legend than a Band" by The Flatlanders. Much has been written about this amazing and indispensible album. It was recorded in the early seventies by three soon-to-be legends of Texas country music, Butch Hancock, Joe Ely, & Jimmie Dale Gilmore. It has a sound and feel like no other country album and its easily one of my top 10 favorite albums of all time (right up there with Pet Sounds and Highway 61 Revisited). You can read about it here , here , here , here , and [...]
I know a few of you are still checking on this blog from time to time (even though my rate of posting has been reduced to a trickle). I appreciate the loyalty. You never know when the blogging bug might bite again... Anyway, I'm posting today in the hope you might be able to help me find some rare mp3s I'm looking for (all out of print, I believe): The Statesmen Quartet with Hovie Lister – This Ole House Tony Booth – [...]
I just heard a really interesting podcast (from 2006) about how the brain processes music. Towards the end there is a story about how the first public performance of Igor Stravinsky's The Rite Of Spring ended in a bloody riot. The podcast is from the show Radiolab , which is put out by WNYC in New York. Here's a description of the show from the Radiolab site: What is music? How does it work? Why does it move us? Why are some people better at it than others? In [...]
All good things must come to an end, or at least take an extended break every once in awhile. So that's what I'm doing. Long story short: My kids are getting older, my job is getting tougher, and I want to spend more of my free time outside. That means I can't keep Setting The Woods On Fire going at the level you expect. You have no idea how much I've enjoyed putting this website together and meeting the people that I've met as a result of it. I hope you've discovered some [...]
LD from The Adios Lounge sent over this great Tom T. Hall video: The Year Clayton Delaney Died is the quintessential Tom T. Hall story song. Tom T. Hall - The Year Clayton Delaney Died ( buy ) As Tom notes in the video, the inspiration for the arrangement came from Jimmie Rodgers' guitar stye, which fits the song perfectly: Jimmie Rodgers - Blue Yodel No. 8 (Mule Skinner Blues) ( buy )
R.I.P Vern Gosdin , 1934-2009. Here's a good one from old Vern, with a big assist from Emmylou. Vern Gosdin & Emmylou Harris – Yesterday's Gone ( buy ) Also check out Brendan's post about Vern Gosdin at Groover's Paradise .
The music selection: SDQ This past Friday night was the first warm evening of the year up here in Michigan, so I decided to light the charcoal and enjoy some delicious fermented malt with hops (and a slice of orange). I'm writing this post because the evening's music selection, the Sir Douglas Quintet , hit a perfect note for my Spring time festivities. As I kicked back on the patio in my shorts, while taking in the laid-back tones of the SDQ (along with my delicious Bell's Oberon [...]
Not these guys Music bloggers are always labeling bands as "underrated." I do it all the time. Probably because attempting to right the injustices of popular recognition (or the lack thereof) is one of the main reasons why fans want to spread the word about their favorite artists. Today the question occurred to me: What is the most underrated rock band? This one's a natural to put before you, my highly intelligent readers. Tell me, in your opinion, what rock band [...]
Over the years, Jesus has made his way into a ton of songs, many of which are on my i-pod today. Here's the official STWOF Jesus mix: 01. Talladega Nights – Baby Jesus Grace ( buy ) 02. Ernest Tubb - What A Friend We Have In Jesus ( buy ) 03. Tom T. Hall - Me And Jesus ( buy ) 04. Kinky Friedman - High On Jesus ( buy ) 05. Paul Newman - Plastic Jesus ( buy ) 06. The Bad Livers - [...]
Sweet dreams of you Every night I go through Why can't I forget you and start my life anew Instead of having sweet dreams about you You don't love me, it's plain I should know I'll never wear your ring I should hate you the whole night through Instead of having sweet dreams about you Sweet dreams of you Things I know can't come true Why can't I forget the past, start loving someone new Instead of having sweet dreams about you Don Gibson [...]
Setting The Woods On Fire
First Aid Kit – Emmylou
Childish Gambino - "Heartbeat" (Official Music Video)
James Blake – Live Album
Mux Mool
