Shady Groove 2010 Year In Review

Well folks, 2010 is drawing to a close and I feel the need to put a cap on this year in true blogger fashion. With a review and the all-popular "Best of" list. I preferred to make a couple of lists: Top 5 Albums of 2010, Top 5 Songs of 2010, and Top 10 Live Shows of 2010. So here we go. Shady Groove comin' at you one last time for 2010 with a thoughful year review.

When I stopped to think of this year I thought of several ways to approach this review. How do you summarize a year? How do you summarize a year.......in music? After hours of mind expanding thought I realized that 2010, and every year for that matter, is different for everyone. Musical tastes differ. Everyone takes a different musical path to lead them to where they are. So that being the case, this is MY 2010 evolution through music. Totally and completely biased. I leave no mysteries. I write from a Philadelphia, local, folk, gourd-fan point of view. It should be said that I love the complex, the energetic, the earthy, freewheeling, playful, and the weird. Feel free to take my ideas, reply, criticize, comment, love, hate, enjoy them.....

I'll leave you with some "Top 5" lists. There is also a SG Year in Review Podcast. Make sure to download it as well as Top 5 Songs of 2010. Giddy up.

2010 for me saw quite a revitalization of the classic soul and Motown. The funky rhythms that came from that era were fascinating me all year. I found myself diggin deep into these classic artists such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, King Curtis, Wilson Pickett, Arthur Conley, The Isley Brothers, James Brown, etc...As I dug deeper into soul, I also tended to dip deep into the roots of rock and roll, blues, rhythm and blues. Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly. The more I listened the more I wanted to search. The more I searched, the more I heard these classic songs consistently covered by todays artists. An artist cover of another artists song is a powerful endorsement. It is the highest praise that an artist can give another. These are the building blocks of influence on the musical culture. The songs from these artists from our past can be felt and heard in all of the music being released today. Without Chuck Berry we would have no Beatles, no Stones, no Leon Russell. Without Sam Cooke we would have no Aretha Franklin, no Otis Redding, no Isley Brothers. Without the Isley's we'd have no Black Keys. Without Willie Nelson or Hank Williams we'd have no Shinyribs, no Mason Porter.

I found this year important to pay tribute to the greats. Also to note this year is the live music scene, which is booming in Philadelphia and New York, my usual stomping grounds. Shady Groove caught some kick ass shows this year and we hope that will continue into 2011. Look to the list below for the top 10 live shows.

Yours in Rock. Shady Groove out.

Top 5 Songs of 2010:

1. Shinyribs: If You Need the (442) -- Well After Awhile download it!

2. Joe Pug: Speak Plainly, Diana -- Nation Of Heat download it!

3. Mason Porter: Old Freight Train -- Thunder In The Valley download it!

4. The Black Keys: Tighten Up -- Brothers download it!

5. Harlem: Friendly Ghost -- Hippies download it!

Top 5 Albums of 2010:

1. Shinyribs -- Well After Awhile

2. The Black Keys -- Brothers

3. Sharon Jones and the Dapkings -- I Learned The Hard Way

4. Mason Porter -- Thunder In The Valley

5. Joe Pug -- Nation of Heat

Top 10 Live Shows of 2010:

1. Hoots and Hellmouth

2. Cheers Elephant

3. The Black Keys

4. Mason Porter

5. Sharon Jones and The Dapkings

6. The Gourds/Shinyribs

7. Levon Helm

8. The Avett Brothers

9. Leon Russell

10. Joe Pug

Shady Groove Year in Review Podcast 2010: Download it here

the track listing went as follows: Booker T and the MG's - Hang em High ++ Chuck Berry - Roll Over Beethoven ++ Little Richard - Long Tall Sally ++ Arthur Conley - Sweet Soul Music ++ Harlem - Friendly Ghost ++ The Black Keys - Tighten Up ++ Mason Porter - Old Freight Train ++ Joe Pug - Speak Plainly, Diana ++ Shinyribs - If You Need the (442) ++ Mumford and Sons - Little Lion Man ++ Belle and Sebastian - I Want the World to Stop ++ Leon Russell - Dixie Lullaby ++ Dr. John - Big Chief ++ Local Natives - Wide Eyes ++ Talking Heads - Warning Sign ++ The Avett Brothers - Salvation Song ++ Hazmat Modine - It Calls Me ++ Blitzen Trapper - Dragon's Song ++ The Gourds - Luddite Juice ++ Joe Pug - Nation of Heat ++ Mason Porter - Hangman ++ Sharon Jones and the Dapkings - Better Things ++ The Black Keys - Howlin For You ++ Shinyribs - Shores of Galilee

RIP Joe Strummer

Thought I'd give a shout out today to the late Mr. Joe Strummer, lead singer and guitarist from the British punk rock outfit, The Clash. On this date 8 years ago we lost this exceptional musician.

Those that are familiar with The Clash know that calling them simply a punk rock band would be an understatement. Their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly. Joe, along with Paul Simonon, Mick Jones, and Nicky Headon created the rebellious attitude and musical experimentation that had a profound influence on alternative rock. They were dubbed, and widely referred to as "The Only Band That Matters". Their landmark album, London Calling, brought them to popularity in the US in 1979 and has been widely considered as the best album of the 1980's. Being a child of the 80's, I agree 100%.

In 2003, the band was inducted to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. At the band's induction, the Clash was said to be "considered one of the most overtly political, explosive and exciting bands in rock and roll history." In 2004 Rolling Stone ranked them #30 on their list of 100 Greatest Artists of all Time.

Though the band many different musical elements, it is the dub/reggae sounds that really turned me on initially. The incorporation of reggae 'riddims' in such a puck rock atmosphere is intoxicating. Check out this cover of the classic Junior Murvin song, Police and Theives. It is found on their debut album, The Clash. enjoy.

So hats off to Joe Strummer. The man behind the genius of The Clash. You will always be missed.

The Moon and the Sun

Last night something that hasn't happened in 327 years occurred. Well, two events actually occurred last night, but the fact that they happened at the same time created the rarity. I'm talking about the total lunar eclipse that just so happened to align itself with the winter solstice. This hasnt happened since 1683. In addition, there was a minor meteor shower during the peak of the eclipse. All said, this made for an interesting night of moon and star gazing. I was excited.

The winter solstice marks the first day of winter in the northern hemisphere. This occurs when the sun is at its lowest in the sky because the Earth's north pole, with its axial tilt, is pointing away from it. Because of this, today is the shortest day of the year and also had the longest night. Being that last night was the longest night of the year meant that it was also the darkest, which allowed for perfect viewing. The minor meteor shower would not have been able to be seen had it not been the darkest day of the year.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth get between the full moon and the sun, blocking the sun's rays from reflecting off the lunar surface. Not every full moon produces an eclipse but it can only occur during a full moon. There have been 2 full lunar eclipse' in 2010.

Over the centuries, lunar eclipse' have generated much lore and even fear. There are those that think the full moon affects their behavior; or that there is most definitely a physical connection between the moon and humans. To the Athenians in the 5th century B.C., a lunar eclipse was seen as a bad omen. Their superstitions led them to delay the siege of Syracuse, which as a result, changed the course of the war. Christopher Columbus, correctly predicted an eclipse in 1504 and used it to frighten natives on Jamaica into feeding his crew.

Science tells us that eclipses are the simple result of predictable celestial alignments. Research has shown no connection between the full moon and human behavior yet many people still believe in the myths. The fact that these myths have been in existence since the beginning of man leads me to the conclusion that people will always believe in these silly myths. In the words of Stevie Wonder,

"When you believe in things

that you don't understand

and you suffer

Superstition ain't the way"

Hope you enjoyed this lesson in Lunar science. The moon and the sun will continue to fascinate, inspire, motivate, enthuse, and move. Here's a couple of tunes that have been inspired by the moon and its powers.

Also keep an eye out for a moon-and-sun-themed podcast from Shady Groove in the near future.

Podcast #14: A Very Shady Christmas

This year, spend your Holidays listening to the best mix of Christmas music around. Straight from the shelves of the Shady Groove archives comes a smart, sophisticated, freewheeling compilation of the finest nature. We've compiled many of the season's classics along with some not-so-well-known favorites of mine. Listen. Dance. Enjoy.

Download: A Very Shady Christmas

A Very Shady Christmas 2010: Vince Guaraldi Trio - Linus and Lucy ++ The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping ++ Chuck Berry - Run Rudolph Run ++ Clarence Carter - Backdoor Santa ++ Run DMC - Christmas in Hollis ++ Bing Crosby - Mele Kalikimaka ++ Big John Greer - We Wanna See Santa Do the Mambo ++ The Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick ++ Madonna - Santa Baby ++ Brenda Lee - I'm Gonna Lasso Santa Claus ++ Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Merry Christmas Baby ++ Neil Diamond - You Make It Feel Like Christmas ++ Bela Fleck and the Flecktones - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy ++ Paul McCartney - Wonderful Chrismastime ++ Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas ++ The Youngsters - Christmas In Jail ++ Champion Jack Dupree - Santa Claus Blues ++ Booker T and the MG's - Jingle Bells ++ CJ Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band - Zydeco Christmas ++ John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War is Over)

Download Shady Groove's Radio Co-Host Debut Show on 91.9 WNTI

Well folks, I know you've all been anxiously awaiting my radio co-host debut and it is finally here. Listen. Enjoy. Share.

Download: WNTI Co-Host part 1

WNTI Co-Host part 2

If you missed the track listing last time, here it is.

91.9 FM December 7:

Buddy Holly - Down the Line ++ Aretha Franklin - Dr. Feelgood (vinyl) ++ Cake - Opera Singer ++ Old 97's - Bel Air ++ Bob Dylan - I'll Be Your Baby Tonight ++ The Avett Brothers Pretty Girl From Cedar Lane ++ Dr. John - Huey Smith Medley (vinyl) ++ The Black Keys - Everlasting Light ++ Blitzen Trapper - Country Caravan ++ Mason Porter - Old Freight Train ++ Shinyribs - If You Need the (442) ++ The Allman Brothers Band - BB King Medley ++ Wood Brothers - Luckiest Man ++ Toots and the Maytals - Pressure Drop ++ Grateful Dead - Scarlet Begonias ++ Israel Kamaka - Somewhere Over the Rainbow ++ Leon Russell - Tight Rope (vinyl) ++ Hazmat Modine - Yesterday Morning ++ Boz Scaggs - Loan Me a Dime ++ The Gourds - I Come Up > All the Labor.

By the Way...

....here is the playlist that was ripped and rocked on the air:

91.9 FM December 7:

Buddy Holly - Down the Line ++ Aretha Franklin - Dr. Feelgood (vinyl) ++ Cake - Opera Singer ++ Old 97's - Bel Air ++ Bob Dylan - I'll Be Your Baby Tonight ++ The Avett Brothers Pretty Girl From Cedar Lane ++ Dr. John - Huey Smith Medley (vinyl) ++ The Black Keys - Everlasting Light ++ Blitzen Trapper - Country Caravan ++ Mason Porter - Old Freight Train ++ Shinyribs - If You Need the (442) ++ The Allman Brothers Band - BB King Medley ++ Wood Brothers - Luckiest Man ++ Toots and the Maytals - Pressure Drop ++ Grateful Dead - Scarlet Begonias ++ Israel Kamaka - Somewhere Over the Rainbow ++ Leon Russell - Tight Rope (vinyl) ++ Hazmat Modine - Yesterday Morning ++ Boz Scaggs - Loan Me a Dime ++ The Gourds - I Come Up > All the Labor.

You can also check out the playlist HERE

Thanks again to WNTI studios at Centenary College NJ and Mel for the hospitality. Still working on uploading the audio track of the show. It will be up and ready very soon.

_________________________________________________________

In other news, thought I'd bring y'all a bit of 'this day in rock history.' It just so happens that on this day in 1966, 'The Guitar God' himself, James Marshall Hendrix and the The Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded "Foxey Lady" for their 1967 release of the debut album, Are You Experienced. Recorded for Track Records and produced by Chas Chandler, the song is known for its use of the so-called "Hendrix Chord", the dominant 7#9.

Lets pay tribute to this musical genius and one of his masterpieces as seen from a mainstream media point of view. Check out this classic scene from a classic rock n' roll movie. Awesome movie, and a timeless song....

Shady Groove guest host on 91.9 FM!

Thank you to the Faithful Shady Groove-heads out there who caught me on the airwaves in Hi-fi Frequency Modulation this tuesday morning on 91.9 FM WNTI. It was a great show. Host Mel, "Dawnbird", and I conversed at length about our love of good music ........ I also got a chance to shamelessly promote this blog and the podcast, dropping the name every 5 mins!

Check out the short write up on the WNTI website: WNTI Highlights

Or just visit thier homepage.....we're also on there: www.wnti.org

In response to the requests for a replay of the show, I am working on uploading an MP3 to the blog as soon as I can.

Rock on .

Leon Russell....opening act?

Leon Russell

Live at the Keswick Theater

Glenside, PA

11/27/10

Setlist....not necessarily in this order:

--Medley: Jumpin Jack Flash (Rolling Stones)>Papa was a Rollin Stone>Paint it Black intro (Rolling Stones)>Kansas City

--Sweet Little Angel (1930's blues standard > made famous by BB King)

--Dixie Lullaby

--Wild Horses (Rolling Stones)

--Hummingbird

--I've Just Seen a Face (Beatles)

--Tight Rope

--Out in the Woods

--Walkin Blues (Robert Johnson)

--Georgia on My Mind (Hoagy Carmichael >made famous by Ray Charles)

--Stranger in a Strange Land

--Delta Lady

--A Song For You

This show had such a strange billing. They had Leon Russell, one of rock and roll's most gifted songwriter and performers, OPENING for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Nothing against Southside Johnny and his band but Leon should have definitely been the headliner at this show. My guess is that they added Leon to the bill to fill the seats. And fill the seats he did. Now, its not that Southside Johnny was awful; although at times.....they really weren't very good. Every facet of the band was a wannabe replica of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and in every area they were sub par. The Asbury Jukes were not nearly as bad as Southside Johnny himself, who looked and sounded like a pompous, awkward looking uncle trying to belt out rock music. The crazy part is that they have been around since the mid 70's. They have a box set. They have a loyal following. Maybe they were cool back in the day but not so much anymore. Honestly, the main reason that the Southside Johnny show was such a hard pill to swallow was the fact that he followed Leon Russell. And Leon is still cool.

Lets not let Southside put a damper on the overall event. Leon put on a great show, rocking through some of the greatest rock, blues, and R&B standards of our time. He was all business, no nonsense, which I think was a big reason the show was so fulfilling. I don't think he spoke once in between songs, and to some that was a flaw. I don't think so. I like banter just as much as the next one but when you're placed in an opening slot with an hour to perform, its best to give the crowd what they're looking for. And it helps to keep his mysterious, rock-star persona alive and well.

So, hats off to Leon Russell. The coolest 68 year old I have seen in a long time.

Here's a great song off of his self titled album, Delta Lady. I don't really know what is going on in this video....I think its an old PBS special or something. great tune nonetheless...

Shady Groove Podcast #13

Merry Turk-a-lurk-a-durk to ya all!

Here we go....

Shady Groove Podcast 12: Marvin Gaye - Got to Give it Up ++ The Isley Brothers - Twist and Shout ++ Eric Clapton - Willie and the Hand Jive ++ William DeVaughn - Be Thankful For What You Got ++ The Black Crowes - Locust Street ++ Booker T. and the MG's - Green Onions ++ Chuck Berry - Havana Moon ++ Aretha Franklin - Rock Steady ++ The Kinks - Acute Schizophrenia Paranoia Blues ++ King Curtis - Soul Serenade ++ The Dramatics - Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get ++ Wilco - You Never Know ++ Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come ++ The Avett Brothers - Please Pardon Yourself ++ Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come ++ The Gourds - Meat Off The Bone

Download: Podcast #13

Happy Birthday Mr. Young!

Shady Groove would like to give a big Happy 65th Birthday to one of the most influential musicians of his generation, Neil Percival Young.

Neil has been one of the most prolific and singer/songwriter ever and he has a body of work that is surpassed only by Bob Dylan. Since he released his first album with Buffalo Springfield in 1968 up through this year, he has been writing and performing. His work has as a musician has spanned 40 years and 34 studio albums, which is only a portion of his full catalog.

The constant experimentalist, Neil has tried out many different musical styles. He has also been known as Bernard Shakey, Phil Perspective, Shakey Deal, Clyde Coil, Shakey, Joe Yankee, Joe Canuck, and his influence on alternative rock and grunge even led some to dub him "the Godfather of Grunge".

Lets give a tribute to this wonderful songwriter and musician. Tonight's the night to pop on your favorite Neil album and let it spin. I'll start with one of his finest. Check this out from Harvest.

Shady Groove Podcast #12

Still in a Soulfull mood this week.....

Podcast 12 included: Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine ++ Aretha Franklin - I Never Loved a Woman (The Way I Love You) ++ Billy Preston - Will it Go Round In Circles ++ Willie Nelson - Night Life (Live) ++ Gregory Isaacs - Night Nurse ++ Bob Marley - Dewdrops ++ Eric Clapton - Ain't That Lovin' You ++ The Allman Brothers Band - Blue Sky (live) ++ Leon Russell - Dixie Lullaby ++ Stevie Ray Vaughn - Life By the Drop ++ James Brown - Papa Don't Take No Mess ++ The Slickers - Johnny Too Bad ++ The Gourds - Ceilings Leaking

Download: Podcast #12 click here

The King's Debut

This day in music History:

On November 10, 1955, Elvis Presley attended the fourth Country Music Disc Jockey Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Back at his hotel, Mae Boren Axton played him a demo of a new song she had written with Tommy Durden called "Heartbreak Hotel".

The song was inspired by the suicide of a man, who left the note, "I walk a lonely street". Axton, a high school teacher of Jacksonville, Florida, who read the news in The Miami Herald, wrote the song in thirty minutes in 1955.

Presley would go on to record the song the following year and would be his first single for RCA records. This single, released on January 27, 1956 would become the first #1 pop single for Elvis and was the best selling single of 1956. It would skyrocket his career and was his introduction into American music popularity.

It has been ranked number forty-five on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time", and in 2005, Uncut Magazine ranked the first performance of "Heartbreak Hotel" in 1956 by Presley as the second greatest and most important cultural event of the rock and roll era.

Countless people have covered the song in concert. Willie Nelson and Leon Russell had a number one cover version in 1979 on the country charts. The song was Russell's only number one hit on the charts. Former president Bill Clinton even performed the song with his saxophone during his appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show on June 3, 1992.

A groundbreaking song to say the least. Check it out. Rock it out.

Download: Heartbreak Hotel

Rocktoberfest 2010

Shady Groove Podcast 11: Rocktoberfest

This week we pay homage to the wonders of alcohol..

Our weekly podcast included the following baccanalian tunes:

Podcast 11: Hank Williams Jr. & Hank Williams Sr. - There's a Tear In My Beer ++ Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon - Beer Drinking Woman ++ Tom Waits - The Piano Has Been Drinking ++ The Polka Kings - In Heaven There is No Beer ++ John Lee Hooker - 1 Bourbon, 1 Scotch, 1 Beer ++ Shinyribs - Country Cool ++ The Doors - Roadhouse Blues ++ The Gourds - Waxy's Dargle ++ Traffic - John Barleycorn Must Die ++ The Kinks - Alcohol ++ The Gourds - Whiskey and Blood ++ The Doors - Alabama Song ++ The Gourds - Bugs In The Whiskey ++ Van Morrison - Moonshine Whiskey ++ The Gourds - I Like Drinkin'

Download: Podcast 11 Rocktoberfest

Shady Groove Podcast 10

Our weekly podcast.......

Podcast #10 included the following funky fresh tracks:

King Curtis - Memphis Soul Stew ++ Arthur Conley - Sweet Soul Music ++ James Brown - I Got the Feeling ++ Sharon Jones and the DapKings - Money ++ Archie Bell and the Dells - Tighten Up ++ Shinyribs - Shores of Galilee ++ Blitzen Trapper - Black River Killer ++ Jimi Hendrix Experience - Bold As Love (instrumental) ++ Buddy Holly - Baby Won't You Come Out Tonight ++ Dr. John - Junko Partner ++ Dr. John - Stack-a-Lee ++ John Lennon - Oh Yoko! ++ Leon Russell - Shoot Out At the Plantation ++ The Gourds - Burn the Honeysuckle

Download: Podcast #10

Shady Groove Podcast #9

This weeks' podcast included......

Podcast #9: JJ Cale - Call Me the Breeze ++ Dr. John - Blow Wind Blow ++ Jimi Hendrix - Taking Care of No Business ++ Bo Diddley - I'm a Man ++ Buddy Holly - Brown Eyed Handsome Man ++ Old 97's - Victoria ++ Bob Dylan - Mama You Been On My Mind ++ Shinyribs - (If You Need The) 442 ++ Cake - You Part the Water ++ Richard Betts - Hand Picked ++ Bob Marley and the Wailers - Guava Jelly ++ The Mother Hips - Third Floor Story ++ Electric Light Orchestra - Do Ya ++ The Gourds - When Wine Was Cheap

Download: Podcast #9

Kiss all the Nurses...

Fresh off a weekend of extraordinary shows.....

The Gourds

Sunday September 19

Sullivan Hall

New York, NY

New Dues

Luddite Juice

Blankets

Everybody's Missing the Sun (Nils Lofgren)

Grievin' and Smokin' > 30 days (Chuck Berry) > Grievin' and Smokin'

Halleluja Shine

Out on the Vine

Country Love

Tex-Mex Mile

Bridget

All in the Pack > Guns of Brixton > I Fought the Law > All in the Pack

Web Before You Walk Into It

Tearbox

Lower 48

Jesus and Tequila

When Wine Was Cheap

Foggy Blossom (Mechanical Bride)

Michuacon

Mr. Betty

Best of Me

Burn the Honeysuckle

encore:

A Few Extra Kilos

Money Honey

Plaid Coat

____________________________________

The Gourds

Monday September 20

The North Star Bar

Philadelphia, PA

Up on High

Collections

O Rings

Low is the Way

Burn the Honeysuckle

Big Santiago Bust

County Orange

Steeple Full of Swallows

Cracklins

Bean Bowl > My Time Yer Time > Son of a Bum

Wannamakers

Fine Leather Truck

Waterbag

New Roommate

Amazing Grace > Hallelujah Shine

Lower 48

encore:

Love Train tease

Interplanetary Music tease

Honduras

Ants on the Melon

La Bamba tease

The Tinys Variety Hour

Whiskey and Blood

Special Thanks to Jimmy, Kevin, Claude, Max, and Keith for a wonderful weekend of fun-filled dances, thoughtful expressions, and foot-stompin' jams. Sad to see that they have come and gone so fast. See ya next year.

Shady Groove Podcast #8

Our weekly podcast.....

Podcast #8: Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley ++ Buddy Holly - Not Fade Away ++ Derek Trucks Band - Crow Jane ++ The Gourds - Do 4 U ++ Blitzen Trapper - Dragon's Song ++ The Rolling Stones - 2000 Man ++ Derek and the Dominos - Keep on Growin' ++ Bob Marley and the Wailers - Small Axe ++ Jimi Hendrix - Burning of the Midnight Lamp (instrumental) ++ Boz Scaggs - Loan Me a Dime ++ The Allman Brothers Band - Little Martha ++ Dr. John - Mama Roux ++ Hazmat Modine - Dry Spell ++ The Gourds - Hellhounds

Download: Podcast #8

Tasty Shinyribs

The first time I saw Shinyribs on the bill opening for The Gourds I had no idea who it was. Dem good ol' Gourds had rarely had an opening band and because I was solely going to see them, catching Shinyribs beforehand was not a priority. When I arrived shortly before The Gourds went on, I asked someone "who was this Shinyribs band that had opened? Were they good?" He informed me that Shinyribs was simply Kevin Russel's solo stagename. Wow. OK. Now that makes perfect sense. I do love the name and as The Gourds and Shinyribs embark on another east coast mini-tour to NYC and Philadelphia, I will not be missing the opener. So for those of you who still are looking for a bit of info on Shinyribs, here is the bio, most likely written by Mr. Ribs himself.

"The mysterious quantity lurking in the afterglow of yesterweek. A gamey diamond of a find for any fan of the utmost mystical wooden teapot of song known as American Song Bag. A modern day renegade born of the white rice and rain in the lonley, humid southeast of Texas. Raised by Karankawan Wizards. Awarded the congressional medal of the obtuse in 1967 by then President Lyndon Johnson. Inventor of Frequency Shifter used in the growing of medicinal eggs. Educated at Glory Abounds Academy For Isothermal Static. Professor of Economic Threat Access. Steaming with uncertain attributes only seen in the general population during the scotch-Irish domination of Western Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Dangling participle of roots music."

Thought that was lyrically amazing. So if you have the chance, check out the Gourds and Shinyribs, sunday 9/19 at Sullivan Hall in NYC, and monday 9/20 at the North Star Bar in Philadelphia. You will not be dissapointed.

Download: Shinyribs - Weaponized Virus Musket

Shady Groove Podcast #7

Our weekly podcast from Shady Groove.....

Podcast #7 included: Sir Douglas Quintet - She's About a Mover ++ Elvis Presley - Trouble ++ Charles Wright and the Watts 103 St Rhythm Band - Express Yourself ++ David Bowie - Golden Years ++ Eddie Cochran - Eddie's Blues ++ Howlin' Wolf - Do the Do ++ John Lee Hooker - Boom Boom ++ The Black Keys - Sinister Kid ++ Bongos Ikwue - Woman Made the Devil ++ The Gourds - Country Love ++ Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode ++ Pavement - Gold Soundz ++ Eric Clapton and the Powerhouse - I Want to Know ++ The Band - It Makes No Difference ++ Backyard Tire Fire - Tom Petty ++ The Gourds - Cold Bed

Download: Podcast #7

Part II: Philly Folk Fest

Back to the music.

I will mainly talk about what I saw and heard, and what was noteworthy. There were many other artists there and this review is not to take away from those not mentioned. But, as the bands were split up between 4 stages, there is no way to see everything. Stealing the show this year were many local acts. So here we are at an old farm tucked away in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and I have no idea the treasures that will be uncovered.

Thriving on their local presence, the Spinning Leaves kicked off Friday with a bang. They put on a great set, throwing love around like modern day cupids. Their awe-inspiring, comforting vocal harmonies and energetic acoustic guitar parts made me feel as if they were in my living room playing solely for me.

Also noteworthy, but for the wrong reasons, Bonnie “prince” Billy made for one of the only sour points throughout the four days. His long, uninspired, and sometimes downright weird set put most in the crowd to sleep. At a festival of this magnitude there are bound to be some that don’t live up to expectations and this was one of them. What made his performance particularly unsettling was that he was the 2^nd to last performer of the night, which didn’t make it easy for Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams to close the night with authority. I’m pretty sure Bonnie “prince” Billy overstayed his welcome on stage as well, leaving less time for Gandalf to play. Regardless, Gandalf and his Slambovian Circus still put on a classic set. Their often hard-to-pin-down style of music ranges from hillbilly rock to country folk to pink Floyd grandness. They put a nice cap on the first day of music at the fest. But of course, the music did not end; the night sent siren sounds flowing through campsite and tent city till the wee hours of the morning.

Saturday opened again with some great local acts on the camp stage. Mason Porter, a blues, bluegrass, and folk revival band from West Chester, PA really impressed the crowd and me. Their stage presence and originality was manifested prominently as they left the Philly Local showcase stage humming. And left the crowd with something to talk about. Following was the Dave Quicks Trio. The trio is derived from members of the Burndown Allstars (Dave ownes the Burndown recording studio) and Princes of Babylon and immediately evokes comparisons to G Love and Special Sauce. This in itself is not very surprising, given the fact that Princes of Babylon had been brought up on G Love’s Philadelphonic label. What was intriguing was their interesting blend of rock, blues, reggae, and funk that had many in the audience moving to the music.

Jeff Tweedy, best known for heading up the band Wilco, came to town to play a highly anticipated, and also very rare solo acoustic set. Tweedy danced through some Wilco tunes peppered with some other solo stuff.

Erin McKeown had a couple of friends join her on stage. Some very popular and musically talented friends in Teresa Levasseur, Susan Werner, and Natalia Zukerman. These four women had obviously come to play as they rollicked, picked, and downright rocked the crowed as night fell upon the festival main stage. The Harlem Blues and Jazz Band rocked the house next. The swing band brought 37 years of performing wisdom to the stage.

Taj Mahal closed the night out. And for good reason. Taj never ceases to amaze me. He picked his way through 40 years of material ranging from blues, roots, and calypso to rock and folk. I love the fact that he is still extensively touring, doing as many as 150 shows a year worldwide. He is one of the most beloved and prominent figures in rock history and it’s not hard to see why. His stories, banter, and stage presence is captivating to say the least.

Cheers Elephant and Kyle Offidani, local bands and part of the Philadelphia Folk Co-op, both blew me away on Sunday. I had heard of Cheers, never of Kyle. But word around the folksong society was that he was an up-and-coming guitar-picking prodigy and I got a chance to experience that first hand. Kyle, a 23 year old from northern Delaware, ripped up the stage, slapping and picking and doing things to his guitar I had never seen. Especially from someone as young as him. As the rain forced many festival goers under the tent, Kyle pounded away on his guitar. The growing crowd of amazed faces cheered with excitement as he taught them all a lesson. Jaws dropped and hands clapped. Later in a conversation we remarked how a simple twist of fate had brought the rain and the crowd to fill the tent stage while he was playing. Cheers Elephant followed and was probably one of my favorite performances of the festival. If the Kinks and Bob Dylan had a musical child and that child married the Strokes then divorced them to marry Vampire Weekend, that would be Cheers Elephant. Their endless energy and ability to move a crowd was mind boggling to watch. The heart of the band, the hype man, was an unlikely pick. He was a long-haired dude in a suit that rocked the tambourine throughout, crashing the symbols at times and jumping around like a child. I realized that they required his presence after he walked off stage for a second at one point to wipe the sweat that was pouring off his body and the other band members began asking where he was! I will definitely be catching Cheers Elephant and Kyle Offidani again soon.

One of the workshops was called Under the Covers and featured Lee Harvey Osmond, Iain Matthews, Joe Pug, and Joel Zoss. I had the pleasure of catching this workshop put on by the good people at the fest. Although the slated time for this set unfortunately was during the hardest rain that the festival got all weekend it didn’t seem to faze the crowd that gathered to see these folk and rock legends, new and old strut their stuff. Those in attendance caught a quick glimpse of what was to come with Iain Matthews and Joe Pug. The four took turns playing tunes from Neil Young, Gram Parsons, the Beatles and many others. It was truly a treat to see. Joe Pug, the young, super-talented singer songwriter from Chicago lended his bare-boned, heartfelt lyrics to the folk fest stage for the second year in a row. That in itself is a real testament to the respect that his songwriting and performing abilities are garnering from his constituents and that are quickly taking him to the forefront of the new folk movement. His profound, sincere lyrics and energetic delivery brought the feeling of listening to a young-faced Bob Dylan when he first hit the stage at the Newport Folk Festival 40 years ago.

The Oklahoma based, Rockin Acoustic Circus showcased their young skills on the main stage. They captivated the crowd with their fun-filled, dance-folk rhythms and left them wanting more. But the buzz on the festival grounds on the final day was that they could not wait to hear the headliner. The legend that was just named by Rolling Stone Magazine to be one of the top 10 guitarists of all time. I’m talking about Richard Thompson. He graced the Folk Fest stage for the 2^nd time in four decades Sunday night and fittingly closed out this years festival with a multilayered solo acoustic set that brought the house down.

This years’ Folk Fest cannot be summed up strictly by the artists that were there. It cannot be summed up by the campers or the weather. I believe we can recap the festival though, in its most comprehensive sense, by a feeling that I’m sure was felt by many or most of the festivals participants. So here it is: You know when you’re in a groove? Things will kind of be just floating around and you grab a hold of “it” as it’s passing? Duane Allman used to call it “hittin’ the note”. When the stars align and everything is in perfect tune and tone. Now those great grooves are always flying by, but sometimes, sometimes, you can catch one and ride it till morning. That is the folk fest in a nutshell. So put it in your calendar for next year. It is a festival you will not want to miss. This year was the 49^th annual festival. With next year being the 50^th anniversary of this iconic fest, you can bet on some magic occurring.

download: Joe Pug -- Speak Plainly Diana

download: The Gourds -- I Wanna See The Bright Lights Tonight

Part I: Finding the Groove at 49th Annual Philly Folk Fest

Good evening folks! Big things have been happening in Shady Groove Land. For the last 4 weeks I have been frequenting the many festivals, carnivals, and county fairs that the summer has to offer and it has definitely had me feeling like a carney of sorts. So as this past weekend wrapped up my past month of carney living, I found myself at one of the nations oldest Folk Festivals, The Philadelphia Folk Fest. In fact the Philly Folk Fest is now the longest continual running music festival in North America. Beginning in 1962 as a celebration of the folk arts, fans have been heading up to Old Pool Farm in Schwenksville, PA to camp, play, listen, relax, live and learn the best folk music around. DJ Gene Shay was there when it began in 1962 and he was there this year; 49 years consistently serving as master of ceremonies.

This being my first time as a Philly Folk Fest attendee, I was fascinated by the good-natured, non-commercial, environmentally friendly, and overall laid-back feel of the festival. My first impression was of utter surprise at the amount of people that were camping when I arrived on Thursday night. The campsite was PACKED and the festival didn’t even start until Friday. Tent city was in full effect and many of the campers had been there since Monday! Pre-fest, which is what I had arrived for, was an event solely for the festivals campers. And there to kick-off the 49^th annual festival was local hero, Hoots and Hellmouth, who headlined the camp stage that night. The Pre-fest volunteers and campers are notoriously the most rowdy and riotous fans and this night was no different; we were ready to go! Hoots did not disappoint, biting and feeding off the energy of the crowd with a rollickin’, barn-stompin’ great set filled with such amazing energy that is quite honestly, absent from many live bands these days. That really set the mood for the whole weekend. As much as I thought that Hoots’ energy level that kicked off the festival could not be reached again, I was proved wrong several more times throughout the weekend.

For me it was the not simply the bands and artists on the festival program that made the festival so special. I was honestly taken aback by the incessant energy and musical prowess demonstrated by the people in tent city. I would say just about 70% of the people camping had an instrument of some sort. If one had an instrument, they played it. Many brought guitars, mandolins, hand-made dulcimers and drums, tambourines, clarinets, recorders, alto and soprano saxophones, congas, bongos and just about any instrument you can think of. Our campsite was actually directly across from the campsite of Philadelphia Jug Band who came complete with kazoos, washboards, and of course, glass “jugs”. The legendary Jug Band is a group of 60 and 70 year olds who have been attending, camping, and of course playing at the Fest for 40+ years. This band of iconic, folk elders and countless other passerby’s played every night of the festival from midnight to around 3am and drew a crowd each time. It was truly amazing to me the kind of camaraderie and wise musical prowess that was displayed by the group; the kind that only 40 years of playing together will produce. If I had gone to the festival and strictly saw the Jug Band I would’ve been happy. But there is more. So much more…..

Aside from the Jug Band and its followers, one could walk down the roads and trails of the campground and find another jam session happening a few yards away. It seemed that if one had ever owned or played an instrument of any kind they were apt to be jamming at some point during the 3-day festival. Everyone played, everyone sang, everyone drummed, everyone learned, everyone listened. We were all musicians this weekend. It was a spectacular display of good-natured fun and love of music. As I walked around I was many times left speechless by the wonderful happenings that were taking place. Late-night dance parties and jam sessions that lasted till the sun came up were an every night occurrence. Many of the festivals bands on the program were also seen and heard in the campground on numerous occasions. Some bands actually camped with the rest of us. Most of the campsites also had great names such as “Fish Pro Crow”, “Kom Say Hai”, and “Who Hill” to name a few. I honestly cannot say enough about the overall mood and experience of camping. Oh, beautiful tent city, how you quench my thirst. I am left completely satiated.

to be continued..........

Shady Groove Podcast #6

Our weekly podcast from Shady Groove......

Podcast #6: Levon Helm - Tennesse Jed ++ Link Wray - La De Da ++ John Prine - Illegal Smile ++ Chuck Berry - You Never Can Tell ++ The Rolling Stones - Sweet Virginia ++ Cake - Rock n Roll Lifestyle ++ Leon Russell - Out in the Woods ++ Bob Marley and the Wailers - Who is Mr. Brown ++ The Black Keys - Everlasting Light ++ The Wood Brothers - Luckiest Man ++ Beck - Strange Apparition ++ Backyard Tire Fire - Get Wise ++ The Gourds - Hooky Junk

Download: Podcast #6

One of the Most Underrated Artists of Rock History.

Leon Russell is the unsung hero of the 50's 60's and 70's. The ultimate session man, he has played on, produced, wrote, or somehow had a hand in many of the most important albums in rock and roll history. From the time he lied about his age at 14 to land a gig in Tulsa, playing behind Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, to touring in support of Jerry Lee Lewis, to the production and session playing on many groundbreaking albums by Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Ike and Tina, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, The Ventures, Wayne Newton, Sam Cooke, Johnny Mathis and many records with Herb Albert, he has been most influential. He can also be heard in the background playing piano on many songs of the Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" album, as well as playing on many of Phil Spector's monumental records. His friendship with Eric Clapton and George Harrison let to them both playing on his debut solo album. Russell was also a major figure on the legendary "Concert for Bangladesh".

The dude was everywhere. According to acclaimed producer, Jack Nitzsche, Leon was always there "for the solos and the fancy stuff." He has since extensively toured with Willie Nelson and produced early Tom Petty records. But I think what makes this man so cool is his refusal to ever be pinned down to a single genre of music. While others played it safe for the sake of their careers, Leon became known as the perennial rock "ChameLeon", as fans would call it. They loved it, and critics were confused by it. He has dabbled in country, rock, bluegrass, gospel, circus, jazz, etc...the man is a musical genius.

My first introduction to Leon was off of a vinyl copy of his 1971 album, "Carney". On first listen, Russell immediately evokes notions of the eccentric swamp rock of Dr. John. Without a doubt, I was hooked.

Leon is the rock and roll legend that you either love or never have heard of. Probably one of the most underrated names in rock history.....

Going camping this weekend and I can't stop listening to this one...

Download: Leon Russell -- Out in the Woods

Check it out! Podcast #5

This week's podcast from Shady Groove took a page from Bob Dylan's book. Much like his Theme-Time Radio on SiriusXM, we entertained the idea of having a theme. The theme this week was Animals and Insects. Enjoy!...

Podcast #5: The Yardbirds - Too Much Monkey Business ++ The Rolling Stones - Monkey Man ++ Toots and the Maytals - Monkey Man ++ The John Butler Trio - Zebra ++ The Kinks - Apeman ++ Dire Straits - Lions ++ The Gourds - Lion's Mane ++ Howlin Wolf - The Red Rooster ++ Pink Floyd - Pigs on the Wing ++ The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Little Wing ++ The Doors - Dead Cats, Dead Rats > Break on Through ++ David Bowie - Diamond Dogs ++ Levon Helm - Kingfish ++ Sublime - Badfish ++ The Gourds - Ants on the Melon

Download: Podcast #5

Shady Groove Podcast #4: Heat Wave

Our weekly podcast from Shady Groove......

Podcast #4: The Wailers - Simmer Down ++ Toots and the Maytals - Pressure Drop ++ Joe Pug - Hymn #101 ++ The Rolling Stones - Country Honk ++ Delroy Wilson & Inner Circle - Cool Operator ++ Sharon Jones and the DapKings - Mama Don't Like My Man ++ Ray Charles - Hard Times ++ Van Morrison - Moonshine Whiskey ++ The Wood Brothers - Chocolate on my Tongue ++ The Gourds - Flavor on the Tongue ++ Desmond Dekker - 007 (Shanty Town) ++ The Duke Spirit - 007 ++ Dr. John - Right Place Wrong Time ++ Jacob Miller & Inner Circle - Some Guys Have All the Luck ++ The Black Keys - The Only One

download: Podcast #4

Podcast's 1 and 2

For all you big Shady Groove fans out there....

Podcast #1

Podcast #2

Podcast #3

By the way, shadygrove.blogspot.com also has a podcast. There has been three so far. Check back frequently for more.

Here is the most recent one:

Copa Mundial

Copa Mundial!

Hey ya'all! It's been a few weeks but the Shadiest of all shady grooves is back and in action. If you didn't know by now the Copa Mundial; that is the World Cup of soccer is in full effect. As many around the world focus their sights on the African nation of South Africa, we look to the pitch for the most exciting of all tournaments. Each nation that is represented is hoping that their team will be the one, and only one that can take home the Jules Rimet trophy. With the Cup's knockout round quickly approaching, the world is trying to figure out which nation has the edge.

Germany had looked most dangerous before its shocking loss to Serbia. Netherlands, Argentina, and Brazil also looking like they could make a run at it. The US has looked good at times, but since being motivated by a second half, 2 goal comeback vs Slovenia they seem poised to make it to the knockout stage; provided they win against Algeria. Although, many factors in the last few days of the first round could decide which team advances or not. I just hope the US can start the game strong, instead of playing from behind as they usually do.

Not many african nations are having much success, which is a dissappointment to many of the host nation's supporters. The South American nations are doing exceptionally well posting a record of 6-0-3 so far, which is very impressive.

Unfortunately the refereeing has become an issue with several matches outcomes being ill-decided by a referee's decision. The US has suffered significantly following a poor call from a referee in which the US scored a game winner off of a set piece in the 85th minute of the Slovenia game. The call was bogus. Probably a "give back", but regardless it was a poor call. The fact that he remained silent about his incorrect decision instead of admitting he was wrong did not do his character any good. The ref has since been given a poor rating by FIFA and will most likely not be working any more games. I have given him an uncool rating.

Also uncool in my book is the acting that goes on in these games. Many players from every nation could have been given oscars for their flailing antics on the field since the beginning of the cup. Truthfully, they could never get oscar points because most of the dives are so noticeably fake that every viewer in the world knows they are acting. At least make it good acting. It has become the shame of the sport. The not so beautiful game. They need to start fining players for every dive that they take. Screw the yellow cards because they are not working. It needs to be stopped and FIFA really needs to take action.

Now back to the good stuff. All in all I think the play has opened up since the first few games where teams were nervous and content with picking up a draw. We have seen some pretty exciting games and they will only get better. Now that most every game matters there are a lot of nations playing win or go home. It is safe to say that I am definitely having a great time. Lets see some more great goals!

Check out the best goals in the history of the World Cup:

A Visit to Cleveland

So I was just passing through Cleveland and I definitely felt the need to stop at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame to check it out.  First of all, the building is incredible.  What a cool location....in cleveland.  The building is right on Lake Erie; parts of it actually hang over the water.  The same pier also houses a science center, right next door, and the cleveland brows stadium.  In Cleveland though? Cleveland isnt the most happening town.  Its population has actually been on a steady decline over the past 1/2 century, moving from over 900,000 in the early 1940's to a little more than 400,000 today. Regardless, the building was immaculate.  

Why Cleveland? Several other locations were considered; Memphis and NYC being a couple of them. The real reason the Rock Hall landed in Cleveland was most likely the root of all evil today...Money. But, they did also have Alan Freed, the DJ who claimed to coin the phrase, "rock n roll". In actuality he was not the first to use the phrase; though he did bring it to a larger audience.  Plus he organized what is considered the first rock n roll concert, "The Moondog Coronation Ball", in which they sold 20,000 tickets for the 10,000 capacity Cleveland Arena.  Five acts were scheduled that night and they only got through two due to the extra 10,000 concert-goers crashed down the gates and they shut the show down. 

Anyway, the Rock Hall definitely satisfied the soul.  Unfortunately there is always controversy.  Too many bands let in, not exclusive enough, only rock critics involved in the voting.  As far as Im concerned, there will always be people that disagree with who does or does not get into the hall. Here's a few that are eligible that I felt had been left out nonetheless:

John Coletrane

Herbie Hancock

Dr. John

Benny Goodman

Link Wray 

Stevie Ray Vaughn

Willie Nelson

Slim Harpo

Ella Fitzgerald

Albert King

Toots and the Maytals

Dick Dale

Merle haggard

Donovan

The Troggs

John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers

Cat Stevens

Clarence Carter

Jethro Tull

Lee "Scratch" Perry 

Kool and the Gang

James Gang

Joe Cocker

King Crimson

The Faces

Derek and the Dominos

Peter Tosh 

Devo

Those are a few.  If you want to dispute your fav's and voice your opinion, visit: http://futurerocklegends.com/index.php

Rock on.

 

Hittin' The Note

March 12th and 13th 1971, The Allman Brothers Band, who debuted their first album a mere 2 years earlier, took the stage at the Fillmore East in NYC.  What ensued was what is often hailed as one of the best live albums of all time.  It remains one of the Brother's best selling albums to this day.  At the time of its release, a live, double LP, with 2 songs that take up one whole side of the record, was unheard of.  Besides the Brother's being at their musical and creative peak, producing and engineering genius Tom Dowd lended his services to the live shows, skillfully revealing the bands' musical brilliance.  The dual guitar interplay between the legendary guitarists Duane Allman and Dickey Betts are poignantly showcased in what I consider to be Duane Allman's most amazing and captivating work.  There are several (ok, many) points in the Fillmore East '71 shows that are simply so incredible that, when listening, all other things, everything else that is going on in the world at the time, fall to the background, and the band simply takes over your life.  This album is the perfect snapshot in time and it proves once and for all that Duane is the best slide guitar player of all time.  If you want to catch the best american blues rock band at its best, pop in on the turntable, and let it spin.  

They even got 'em on video 6 months earlier at the Fillmore, 9/23/70:

PS.  LISTEN TO IT LOUD

enjoy-

Music for the Unwashed and Well-Read.....

Every so often a band comes around that really grabs your attention.  One that knocks you off your feet.  One that captivates you in ways that no others have done.  The Gourds, from Austin Texas will do that to you.  If the stage is right, things will get rockin' at a Gourds live show.  The band has been bringin the ruckus since the mid 90's and they always seem to leave you satisfied.  I've seen them a good 6 times and they never seem to show a lack of energy.  I've said for years, throughout the hundreds of shows that I have seen live that it is the enthusiasm, not talent, that creates a great live show.  Not to say that the Gourds are not talented.  They are professional musicians.  But it is the energy that gets you hooked.  On top of that the Gourds have a huge, growing catalog of great tunes.  

It's funny to me that they are so relatively unknown.  The reason for that is probably because they don't care for the media or landing a big label or selling out Madison Square Garden. If you think you've never heard of them, you have.  They play the bluegrass cover of Snoop Dogg's "Gin n Juice" that was conveniently misslabeled by Napster and all other download affiliates as Phish.  Those of you that went to college anywhere between 1999 and 2006 know what I'm talking about.  Its on every mix tape and had been requested by every frat boy in the nation at every party.  But alas, Gourds music runs much deeper than that indeed.

Their musical blend of honky tonk, 70's country, tex-mex, early rock, soul wrenching party music is definitely some of the finest roots music out there right now. They are the quintissential house party band.  They are the band that I would love to play at my wedding.  And the people that frequent their events always feel so real, so down to earth, flesh and blood real, that you just want to buy them a drink. I know that anyone that loves the Gourds and attends a gourds show I will like. 

They think of their talent as "music for the unwashed and well-read".  A statement that only deepens my love for the band.  There is something so unforced about their music.  It might seem sloppy at first, but listen further, listen deeper, and you will find wonderful interpretations of the english language, and you'll see that every pause, every note, every yodel, every distinct harmonic pleasure is there for a reason.  Listen and you'll find that these guys are really, really good.  The lineup of Kevin "Shinyribs" Russell (vocals, mandolin, guitars, harmonica), Jimmy Smith (vocals, bass, percussion, guitars, sound effects), Claude Bernard (accordion, keys, backing vocals:, Max Johnston (fiddle, lap steel, banjo, acoustic guitar, resonator slide, mandolin, vocals), and Keith Langford (drums, harmonica, vocals) will never disappoint.  Kevin and Jimmy trade lyrical and vocal duties on stage and on every album, with rarely a bias toward either.  The question is are you a Kevin or Jimmy fan.  Every Gourds fan, whether they like it or not, leans one way or the other.  Even if it is ever so slightly.  

Its hard to put a label on Gourds music.  It all feels so vibrant and flowing.  No single review can put a label on it.  Kevin had this to say about it:

"I am always making up strange, poetical strains to foster contemplation and understanding of what we are and what we do - Rag and Bone Pawn Shop Jalopy, Well Read Neck Rock, Surreal Stomp and Soul, Texas Song Ghetto Tonk. Alas, it is a fool's gambit. The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principal comes into play here, where reality changes as we observe it closer. If one focuses on one aspect of what we do that aspect begins to turn into another layer that may or may not fit neatly next to it. We are full of contradictions and superstitions and conflicts of culture and time. We love to mix all of the music, literature, pop culture and history we love into this bedlam's junk drawer. Maybe that is a term we could use right now for us - "Junk Drawer Sound."

Its not hard to tell why Kevin is the poetical genius that he is.

"We have always explored the English language and taken chances with it. Why play it safe? We did not dream of being Hallmark card writers or journalists or copy editors for owner's manuals. We are not interested in sophomoric confessionals. We avoid Sylvia Plath like the plague. Understand? We are ashamed of Nashville, embarrassed for Billboard Top 40 - so much crap churned out by the money creeps. A wall of mediocrity and emotional shallowness is washed down on the heads of people who just want a song to listen or dance to. But, it could be done so much better, more thoughtful and intelligent. Of course we indulge in the hedonistic pulse on occasion. We are not tea sippers or prudish tight asses. That is not what I am saying here; I am saying very much the opposite. Beyoncé may seem provocative in her image. Musically and lyrically though she is highly conservative and safe. She takes no chances; she does not look even once for a second into her shadow. She is all well lit, sparkly, pretty, sex without the animal instincts, music with no place for the new brain, eh? She is fake and we all know it, but damn, she is so beautiful and shaking that ass, who cares, right? That is where the mainstream has gone. We work to present some alternative to that for some who appreciate it, and as much for ourselves as anyone, really."

I will see the Gourds anytime they come my way.  I own all their albums and plan on traveling to see them in Austin sometime soon.  The Gourds have ensured that their witty and reference laden country rock will turn legend as they grow old.  So buy their albums, go see a show, and find out what real, broadminded, American rock sounds like.