Two Gallants are very dear to my heart and I consider their 2nd album 2GS one of the best 10 or so albums of all time, it certainly is for me. But more about that some other time. They also have got a brand new album called We Are Undone out, but I have only listened to that once so I can’t say I have an opinion about it yet. Anyway, here’s one (of the many) most excellent tracks from 2GS – probably the one I like best (but there are days I would choose another one, it’s full of great songs).
Another new discovery for me – as usual, I am late discovering fine artists who have been around for ages. The Cape is taken from his 2004 release Friends
David Mallett is a singer/songwriter from Maine, active since the 1970’s, although I have only recently heard of him for the first time. His songs have been covered by artists as varied as Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Emmylou Harris, Alison Kraus, and, ahem, The Muppets (Garden Song). He’s recorded some more Country influenced albums in the past, but the songs of his I like most are firmly rooted in Folk-traditions. So, fittingly, the two videos I chose to share on here were recorded in a coffehouse in Massachusetts in 2014.
His website is: http://davidmallett.com/
Until very recently I only knew Taj Mahal by name and from his fabulous contribution to Michelle Shocked’s Arkansas Traveler . I am not really the biggest Blues-aficionado but I like some every now and then, especially when it comes to the more rural Folk and Country Blues artists. Then I bought The Best Of Taj Mahal and discovered this gem of a song. It makes me grin from ear to ear when I listen to it.
About time I’m posting a video/song by Dave Van Ronk on here, this one from his fantastic ‘Inside Dave Van Ronk’ (THE album to get if you only get one of his records – and I suggest you do) record. Have been listening to (and enjoying it a lot) this album again these past few days. I really should be writing something about it for this blog, if I could only find the time. Well, someday, I promise. Anyway, enjoy!
He was the inspiration for the Coen Brothers’ film Inside Llewyn Davis btw. – a film I have yet to see I have to admit.
An old fave from waaay back – still as bloody brilliant a track as it was 30 years ago. ‘Nuff said.
Long neglected by me, I haven’t even bought their latest album… But still as absolutely brilliant as ever.
This kind of music has been done more or less exactly like this for ages, but this still sounds as fresh, enthusiastic and downright excellent as you can get. I especially love those twangy guitar solos.
‘May You Always have cows around’. Exactly my words. And what a lot of fun this is.
It’s been a long while since I posted something, but this blog is still alive. Haven’t had the time to write a review, so it’s just another video.
Wussy are the successor-band of The Ass Pony’s Chuck Cleaver: I admired that band, or actually still do, for their exceedingly fine albums Grim, Some Stupid With A Flare Gun, Lohio and Electric Rock Music from waaaay back in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. I can hardly believe it’s been that long, I recently listened to Grim and was still blown away by the sheer class of it. Now that’s an idea for a review.
Anyway, this is a video I found on YouTube and it’s very fine too.
Back Road Bound 