Roots Rednecks and Radicals

The bluegrass revival of the early 2000s has it's roots in music that was bubbling just under the surface years before. In the 90s there were artists laying the groundwork for what would become this musical phenomenon. Gillian Welch, Uncle Tupelo, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams and many other artists were forming the sounds of what was to come. Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings put out their album Revival in 1996 and it is not only a stalwart record, it also introduced the world to this new sound. A sound that would serve as a template for so many artists to come. So join me as I take a look at this incredible piece of art. I hope you dig it! 

Sturgill Simpson is one of my favorite artists of all time. He just does things the way he wants to do them. He's made Outlaw Country, Bluegrass, and Rock records. And now he's trying his hand at Disco/Funk. He's just a weird dude and I love love it. He put this album out under the moniker "Johnny Blue Skies" and released it on vinyl/tape/CD only. Let's take a look at the record! 

I've been such a big fan of Charley Crockett for a long time now and I'm stoked to see him reach new levels in his career. He's super creative, and just a brilliant songwriter. He teamed up with Shooter Jennings for his newest release which really reminds me of Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger. Join me to take a look at this record. I hope you dig it! 

Charlie Parr is a roots musician from Minnesota that has been making music for decades. Over the years he's really created his own style that is based in the American folk and blues tradition. He's playing a show in my hometown (Carson City NV) Friday April 3rd at the Brewery Arts Center and I was super excited to hear he was coming here! We had a great talk about his music, I hope you dig it! 

My hometown is getting a treat. Charlie Parr and The Lowest Pair are coming through to play a show. I had a chance to talk with this dynamic folk duo about their music, and their most recent release Always As Young As We'll Ever Be. I hope you dig it! 

I have five more songs for you lined up this month. As always I like to bring you what's good in the world of new music and I have a great line-up for ya! This month we're listening to tunes from Jeff Tweedy, Jeremy Ivey (w/Margo Price), Courtney Barnett, Father John Misty, and the Milk Carton Kids.  I hope you dig it! 

Colter Wall announced on his Instagram recently he's taking a mental health break from music for the time being. There are few details surrounding this decision. But it's clear he needs a break. I wanted to take a minute and reflect on this decision, and what it means for the broader music industry. 

John Henry is an American folk hero. His mythology goes back to the 1800s and no one is quite sure what part of his story is real, or legend. Nevertheless his story lives on mainly in song form. And his story could not be more relevant today with the advent of LLMs and AI threatening to take people's jobs and change society forever. This week we take a look at some great renditions of his tale from; Johnny Cash, Lead Belly, Rhiannon Giddens/Justin Robinson, Woody Guthrie, Charley Crockett and Drive-By Truckers. I hope you dig it! 

For some reason Country Music has become a space for people who want to run a grift and make a quick buck, and Kid Rock is one of the worst. He doesn't really make "country" music, but the crowd he is going after is the country crowd. In 2015 Kid Rock's career was waning and he was looking for a new move, and that's when MAGA came around. It gave him the opportunity to pivot and build a new audience. And the world is worse because of it.  

Steve Earle is one of America's greatest living songwriters. His career spans decades, and he is widely respected as an incredible artist by so many musicians. His first album Guitar Town got his career started 40 years ago. It reflects the influence of other great artists like Guy Clark, and Townes Van Zandt who were huge inspirations for him.