Week Two

That time again for the second installment of the musical meltdown. Thanks to those who posted their thoughts last week. Keep em’ coming! This week I feel we have a fairly good mix of variety. Remember to be open and honest about everything. Play ball.

1. Old Crow Medicine Show- http://www.crowmedicine.com/ First of all not to be confused with the old Oklahoma band Medicine Show. Not sure where these guys hail from but definitely worth a spin. Kinda twangy with a sure hint of bluegrass. I’ve heard a few songs on the radio and really dig their music. One song comes to mind in particular..a song called “wagon wheel”—check this song out for sure. Let me know anything about these guys you can find..they aren’t scheduled to play in this area but who knows we are a major market and with the right following maybe someone will pick them up.

2. Jay Farrah- http://www.jayfarrar.net/ Yes this is the Jay Farrah from the greatness that was Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt. I believe he still does a gig or two with Son Volt but has been on his own for some time. He has released a few solo projects one of which I’m not sure I care too much for. Its Terroir Blues..its way too mellow with very little to get excited about. Great lyrics but hard to get into. With that said this guy is a pioneer of sorts with a track record of great material. We will cover the Tupelo/Son Volt thing later on but this is a good starting point. Dating back to the late 80’s early 90’s he was working with Doug Sahm and the whole Cedar Creek Recording greats like Lloyd Maines etc.. Check him out!

3. The Duhks- http://www.duhks.com/index.php The Canadian band installation for the week. Pronounced “The Dukes” And no I didn’t find out about this group because they are signed to Sugar Hill(reckless etc..) So you guys can’t say there he goes again… I actually heard some material on the radio and I really like it. Takin’ it back to traditional sounds with some bad ass harmonies..you should check them out..And for all the ladies out there I highly recommend a listen..two girls in the band! Formed in the bitter cold that is Winnepeg Manitoba.

4. Stoney LaRue- http://www.stoneylarue.com/ Stoney is in my opinion one of the best entertainers that you can possibly pay to see. A very good if not great guitar player Stoney can play by himself with an acoustic guitar and just take over an entire audience. Here’s a guy that wears every bit of his heart on his sleeve and gives you everything he’s got. He will never big shot you..always appreciates you as a fan and for that has my A OK(okie)…Has a new album coming out hopefully soon produced by the greatness that is McClure..be looking for it here soon.

5. Shaun Nelson And The Ramblers- http://www.shawnnelsonmusic.com/ Obviously led by Shaun Nelson this is an interesting group. I’ve had the opportunity to be around these guys in some very cool settings. Well cool to me but might appear to be strange to others. Here’s the abbreviated history lesson…Mooke Mayrath(bad ass rhythm) the drummer lived with Jeff Hutchings in Austin and very early on when they were in the band Crazy Chester I had the pleasure of sitting in on some very cool jam sessions(late night). From there due to some band complications Mooke and Shaun started the Ramblers(might not be right but sounds good)..I’ve got both the Ramblers CD and the Crazy Chester and they both combine some very cool well put together songs with a very different touch. Go to their website and check out some downloads to see what I mean. Some of the nicest guys in the world and I really hope they can continue to make a go at this scene with all the talent they have.