Traveling_Alone

I decided today would be as good as any to start a music journal. Get my jumbled ramblings on music out there. Maybe somewhere to share some random non-music related ramblings, too.

This thread while focusing mostly on Americana, alternative country, classic country, folk, and blues it will also have an occasional post about completely different genres. From my time spent on the forum so far I've come to the conclusion Americana is probably one of the least discussed genres; so this should come as a challenge and a lot of fun. This journal will also hopefully bring some lesser known artists some exposure, and also introduce people to new bands they may not have otherwise known. At the very least though.. It'll let me do what I love most in life, ramble about music.

Traveling_Alone

Uncle Tupelo is, sadly, most well known for being the band that would later spawn into Wilco and Son Volt. While that's certainly not something bad to be known for, those bands have produced a lot of great music, and some that I consider my favorite music of all time. However, it goes much deeper than the music that these guys would go on to make. Jeff Tweedy, Jay Farrarr and company made some really great music in the early 90s under the Uncle Tupelo name.

The two early Uncle Tupelo albums, No Depression and Still Feel Gone released in '90 and '91 respectively were very punk influenced go (Minutemen influenced specifically) albums. The band went as far as naming a song after the late Minutemen guitar player and vocalist D. Boon. The third full length album by the band, which is named for the five day period it was recorded in, is March 16-20, 1992. This album is entirely different from the previous two and the album to follow. Comprised mostly of traditional folk songs along with some written by the band this album is almost entirely acoustic. Different, but enjoyable in its on right.

Now that I've covered the previous albums lets get down to the task at hand; Talking about what I consider to be the bands true masterpiece. Most people may say No Depression is; and I agree, a truly great album. However, I believe the band really caught something amazing on the fourth and final album, Anodyne. This album finds what I consider a medium between the punk-influenced early albums and the more laid back acoustic music on the previous release. The band adds in a lot of pedal steel guitar and fiddle, which is essential for a good country release, right? While this album has a sound of its own, when you hear The Long Cut you'll immediately think it could have been on one of the earlier two releases. As its a more punked out, heavy song than most of the rest.

A Couple Key Notes:

• On the second track, "Give Back the Key to My Heart" a great cover of the Doug Sahm song, Doug himself is featured doing vocals.
  
• Tweedy and Farrarr both share vocal duties on this album. Doing a great job throughout complimenting one another.

Closing:

This is my personal favorite Uncle Tupelo album, although many will argue No Depression is the best release, in either case you cannot go wrong. It mainly comes down to personal preference. Don't expect a carbon copy of Son Volt or Wilco when you go into this band. And above and beyond all, if you're looking to dig your claws into alternative country this is a great place to start.

Traveling_Alone

4AM Concert Ramblings:

Just got home from a Todd Snider show tonight. Going to write a little about it here.

First time I had been to this particular venue. Place holds 500 people max. Show was thrown on the tour after the cancellation of another show and was basically added last minute in order to fill the date. So the show didn't get the attendance I would have figured. Which was totally cool by me. Got to see Elizabeth Cook and Todd Snider jam out for 2 and a half hours with like MAYBE 100 people in there max.

Cook done Heroin Addict Sister and a couple songs off her upcoming album. One is basically an add on of HAS called Methadone Blues. I'm honestly Yes to Booty, and It Takes Balls to be a Woman.

Todd came out and was the same guy he's always seemingly been. Took requests. Told story's, laughed, joked, and just seemed like an Alright Guy.

Playlist for Todd:

Can't Complain
Beer Run >
Age Like Wine > Beer Run
Hey Hey
Alright Guy
[I Got Fired]
[Cafe Du Monde]
Mr. Bojangles
Vinyl Records
Ballad Of The Kingsmen >
It's Your Thing > You Sexy Thing
All My Life
Too Soon To Tell
[Cash Cabin Studio]
Moondawg's Tavern >
Long Haired Country Boy > Moondawg's Tavern
Is This Thing Working
Stuck On The Corner >
Johnny B. Goode
[That Guy]
45 Miles
Good Fortune
Better Than Ever Blues, Part 2
e:
Play A Train Song >
Georgia On A Fast Train

Overall, fun experience. Would spend another $20 to see him again given the chance.

__________________

“And when at last you find someone to whom you feel you can pour out your soul, you stop in shock at the words you utter— they are so rusty, so ugly, so meaningless and feeble from being kept in the small cramped dark inside you so long.”

― Sylvia Plath