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landon kirksey has a new site and that's where most of the posting will happen for now. I'll still be updating thunderstorms, but with less regularity (if that's even possible).

http://fancycomedy.com

Devin.

Just one of those nights where I'm thinking about the past, I guess. Fondly, of course. Wistful...I think it's called wistful.
This is the first song I heard that Devin had recorded and it's a Mariah Carey cover. Of course it is.

Devin (of Devin and the Straights) - My All

buy Devin and the Straights here

new Old 97's, same Old 97's

Which is a good thing. I haven't been able to spend a lot of time with this new record but on the first couple of play-thrus it seems instantly familiar. Like a bar you used to get drunk at a lot and--even though you've moved away and don't really get out as much anymore--you could still find your way to the bathroom and the ATM with you eyes closed.

Man, I miss Town Hall Pub.

Old 97's - No Baby I

buy it here

Okay Willie...

Kenny Chesney? Seriously? I mean we all know that Willie will work with just about anybody and has shown downright fearlessness in both his song selection and producer choice over the years, but Kenny Chesney? Okay Willie...okay...whatever you say.
Here he covers Randy Newman, Guy Clark and Kris Kristofferson--which on paper sounds great, but the best tracks on this record are Nelson three contributions. The production is slick and some of the marketing choices slicker, but in the end it's still Willie and no one could possibly argue that.

Willie Nelson - You Don't Think I'm Funny Anymore

buy it here.

Eleven Hunderd Springs

I'm admittedly late on this band. I've known about them for a while now, but hadn't gotten around to listening to a record until just recently. While normally lumped in with other Texas music acts--a label that no band should be ashamed of--this is decidedly more country and, though I don't like using the word...throwback. That is not to say they are novelty or traditionalist, or any other bullshit label that is invariably applied to No Depression bands. They are a country band, and having been in a fairly different kind of country band myself--one that some could qualify as outlaw...some states anyway--I love to hear a band that can only be described simply as a country band. Great sound, great songs.

Eleven Hundred Springs - See You in The Next Life

buy it here.

Brighter Than Creation's Dark

I've been a huge Drive By Truckers fan for a long time now, as clearly evidenced by this blog. Their newest album, which was released in January, ranks among their finest. Not an easy task considering the departure of singer/songwriter Jason Isbell.

Isbell left an indelible mark on the albums, namely the title track on Decoration Day and another track on that great record, "Outfit." He released a solid solo effort last year and I'm sure he has more stories to tell.

The new Truckers record, however, is Mike Cooley's for the taking. Sure, bassist Shonna Tucker contributes songs for the first time and does a fine job, but it's Cooley who quietly places himself front and center through nothing more than the skill of his songcraft. Whether it's the straight ahead rock of "3 Dimes Down" or the straight ahead country of "Lisa's Birthday" or the simple poetry of "Check Out Time in Vegas," Cooley really hits the nail on the head here.

But to single him out as the standout is slightly misleading given how great this record is...and it really is a record as a whole. It stands as a whole and holds up all the way through, the old fashioned way. Buy this thing now.

Buy it here.

Devin and the Straights on iTunes

That's right, my former band and brothers in arms are releasing a cd nice and proper-like this Saturday night at (where else?) Town Hall Pub in Chicago. If you're in or around town, please come by and celebrate with everyone. I love these people like family and Devin is the legitimate real deal. What's more, you can now get your Devin and the Straights fix direct from Apple on iTunes.


buy it on iTunes