tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80323232011-04-21T14:44:05.988-07:00David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.comBlogger3641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153932199958117872006-07-26T09:40:00.000-07:002006-07-26T09:43:19.980-07:00

Don't worry, the Ramblings will live on, but I'm moving it over to TypePad because you can only milk so much out of this free blogging thing.You can find all the goods at my new blog:http://www.houstonramblings.typepad.com/ramblings/I anticipate some other features (and perhaps a baby blog?) in the very near future. In the meantime, so long Blogger - we hardly knew ye!

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153836998202733872006-07-25T06:53:00.000-07:002006-07-25T08:00:34.816-07:00

This year so far has sorta been the Year of Restraint: Allison Moorer released a 30-minute, ten-song album and Drive-By Truckers' new one topped out at 11 songs.So it's a great pleasure to find that The Drams' new album Jubilee Dive is a 14-song, 68-minute opus, complete with sprawling rockers and epic ballads. I'm completely vexed why this record hasn't received more attention thus far, but

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153495943947282412006-07-21T08:21:00.000-07:002006-07-21T08:34:07.093-07:00

You can hear DBT's show from Washington's 9:30 Club over at NPR. Included in the setlist is a cover of the Stones' "Moonlight Mile" - groovy.In related news, New West has released a video of Jason Isbell's "Dress Blues," a new song that DBT has been performing lately. The video was shot at Stubb's back in April (download it here).And one final DBT note: the Truckers will be taking a brief swing

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153490372874429392006-07-21T06:49:00.000-07:002006-07-24T12:06:51.836-07:00

...you could pre-order from Undertow Music. According to the email I received all orders placed by 4pm CDT Friday will be shipped this week. Otherwise, copies will ship on Monday.The Drams will also be performing at Tower Records in Dallas on Tuesday (7pm) and over at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton on Thursday, July 27. Then they are off for a U. S. tour before - hopefully - heading back to Texas for

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153424770746609752006-07-20T12:36:00.000-07:002006-07-21T06:48:58.246-07:00

Emmylou Harris & Linda RonstadtMunicipal AuditoriumSan Antonio, TX (1999)Touring in support of their collaboration Western Wall, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstandt chose an unlikely - and gorgeous (the Municipal Auditorium is surprisingly lovely and intimate) - venue for this unique show. Backed by such talents as Buddy Miller, Bernie Leadon and Greg Leisz, these two performers put on a terrific

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153423765643821512006-07-20T12:25:00.000-07:002006-07-20T12:29:25.646-07:00

Allison Moorer3rd & LindsleyNashville, TN (2001)Any occasion to see Allison Moorer live is cause for celebration, but catching on her then-home turf was really something. With the incomparable Kenny Vaughan ("Cult of Kenny"!) on guitar and Lonesome Bob sitting in for a few duets, this show set the standard for all of her other shows I've seen. Stone sober (following the previous night's

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153423450288092862006-07-20T12:19:00.000-07:002006-07-20T12:24:10.290-07:00

Steve Earle & The Dukesw/ Buddy and Julie MillerVerizon Wireless TheaterHouston, TX (1998)I've seen Steve Earle many times in concert, but this version of the Dukes - Buddy Miller, Kelly Looney and Brady Blade on drums - was one of the best. Though Earle has solidified the Dukes lineup over the last few years, he pretty much stole two-thirds of Emmylou Harris' Spyboy (Miller and Blade) for this

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153423087193502912006-07-20T12:10:00.000-07:002006-07-20T12:18:45.076-07:00

Tift MerrittAntone'sAustin, TX (2002)Wandering the streets during the first year of the Austin City Limits Festival, we see Tift Merritt's name on the marquee of Antone's. Already familiar with her first record Bramble Rose, we were primed for a good show after an already long day of music. Man, what a show! In contrast to the laid-back vibe of that first album, Merritt rocked a half-full house

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153410304534414212006-07-20T08:39:00.000-07:002006-07-20T08:45:51.323-07:00

Lucinda Williamsw/ Patty Griffin & Michael FracassoGruene HallNew Braunfels, TX (2001)Supporting her 2001 record Essence on a pre-release tour, Lucinda Williams played Gruene Hall on a gorgeous late-April day. I nabbed a spot right up front, and Gruene Hall is a truly unique and intimate experience. A rare treat, coupled with the added bonus of seeing Patty Griffin before she was a big deal. At

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153409678309268292006-07-20T08:31:00.000-07:002006-07-20T12:29:59.543-07:00

Dwight Yoakamw/ Allison MoorerThe Ryman AuditoriumNashville, TN (2001)What else can you say? Dwight Yoakam and opening act Allison Moorer under the hallowed roof of the legendary Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman is every bit the religious experience everyone says it is, and I had a killer seat (second row, center). Dwight was supporting his Tomorrow's Sounds Today album, and it was one of his last

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153409366325581902006-07-20T08:20:00.000-07:002006-07-20T08:39:29.320-07:00

Neko Casew/ Andrew Bird & Anna Feremin's Trigger GospelRudyard's PubHouston, TX (2000)A club show with more musicians in attendance than audience members, Neko Case kicked off the support of her second album Furnace Room Lullaby in high style with two excellent opening acts. The depressing attendance was offset with stellar performances, but I suspect Neko still holds this show against Houston

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153408613342758962006-07-20T08:01:00.000-07:002006-07-20T08:16:55.286-07:00

Just to pass the time, I thought I'd recount some of my finest concert experiences over the years. At one time, I kept a comprehensive list of all the concerts I'd attended, but I've long since misplaced it. So these are the ones I remember - some because of the show, some because of the circumstance.So look for 'em in the coming days.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153317637263664122006-07-19T06:55:00.000-07:002006-07-19T07:02:42.916-07:00

Oh man, I totally had this weird dream last night about a new Gillian Welch album (no shit, I actually dream about stuff like that). Alas, no such album exists today. However, the rumblings are that there will be one in 2006. I should hope so, since it's been three years since Soul Journey. Welch and David Rawlings have trimmed back their touring schedule for the moment, so hopefully that is an

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1153286381533070222006-07-18T22:10:00.000-07:002006-07-18T22:21:39.216-07:00

Usually I have to struggle, post, beg, borrow and steal to get a hit or two off Google. Yet here I sit as, like, the fourth or fifth hit for "the drams jubilee dive". I'm not gonna lie to you - I haven't heard the whole thing. But from what I can tell (check out four tracks here), Jubilee Dive is easily poised to be one of the standout records of the summer. And I can hardly find anything about

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1152712095671941462006-07-12T06:45:00.000-07:002006-07-12T06:48:15.683-07:00

...for list-making. The year's half over so I thought it would be a good time to run down my "Top Albums of 2006 (So Far)." We'll see at the end of the year which ones stick it out.Drive-By Truckers – A Blessing And A CurseAllison Moorer – Getting SomewhereRhett Miller – The BelieverCentro-matic – Fort RecoveryChris Knight – Enough RopeNeko Case – Fox Confessor Brings The FloodTeddy Thompson –

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1152707804461831902006-07-12T05:35:00.000-07:002006-07-12T05:36:44.473-07:00

So you thought maybe - just MAYBE - the Hamden decision from the Supreme Court would bring the Bush Administration in line with oh, I dunno, the law. Wrong, Sucka!http://lawculture.blogs.com/lawculture/files/NSA.Hamdan.response.schumer.pdf

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1152398053976465022006-07-08T15:29:00.000-07:002006-07-08T15:35:25.606-07:00

The Drams have recently updated their MySpace site with four full tracks from their upcoming release Jubilee Dive. This is shaping up to be the album of the summer - can't wait to hear the rest of the record! Due July 25 on New West.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1152397779467951432006-07-08T15:27:00.000-07:002006-07-08T15:29:39.476-07:00

Click here for a ridiculous time-waster than is both hilarious and has a pretty decent payoff for winning (hint: it's an unreleased track that you haven't heard before). What will New West Records and DBT think of next?

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1152289373355844002006-07-07T09:17:00.000-07:002006-07-10T08:56:41.090-07:00

I can’t remember a time in recent years when so many of my favorite Southern authors had new novels coming out. Here’s a quick rundown:Tom Franklin - SmonkAuthor of Hell At The Breech and the short story collection Poachers, Franklin has a new book Smonk due in late August. Sure to be violent and very entertaining.Daniel Woodrell – Winter’s BoneNot a Southern novelist per se, Woodrell has penned

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1152287304538882282006-07-07T08:36:00.000-07:002006-07-07T08:49:28.746-07:00

I don't have time to get in a big thing about it right now, but I wanted to let you know that Chris Knight's new album Enough Rope will be released on Tuesday and is available from his website right now (I received mine within, like, two days of ordering it). I've been a fan of his for a while - I have all three of his previous CD's - but Enough Rope is hands-down his best yet. A combination of

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1152286067783419682006-07-07T08:23:00.001-07:002006-07-07T08:53:08.096-07:00

So I’m checking out this new Fender ’62 Custom Tele at Fuller’s this week (ahem - birthday coming up), which another fella was also eyeing. He ended up buying it, but he was kind enough to pass me a copy of his new CD. So I check this guy out on the web, and he’s actually a bit of an up-and-comer on the Texas circuit, opens a lot of shows at the Firehouse Saloon here in Houston. His name is Rich

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1152279158497980482006-07-07T06:29:00.000-07:002006-07-07T06:32:38.510-07:00

This article is kind of a hoot, especially if you've got a friend or two that go running from the room if they hear a pedal steel. Obviously, that's not as big a problem down here in Texas than wherever this poor dude is from - the comments from his compadres are pretty harsh, a veritable caricature of Northern carpetbagger twang bias.Enjoy!http://www.popmatters.com/columns/gilstrap/060707.shtml

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1152192453974502832006-07-06T06:15:00.000-07:002006-07-06T06:28:41.350-07:00

Here is a small - yet important - point about the latest glaring example of hypocrisy in the right-wing universe:http://debrahaffner.blogspot.com/2006/06/rush-limbaughs-hypocrisy.htmlI know Limbaugh went on his stupid show and tried to "diffuse" it with humor (or a lame attempt at it), but where's the outrage from his loyal minions? It reminds me of compulsive gambler Bill Bennett and the free

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1151618574039797612006-06-29T14:59:00.000-07:002006-06-29T15:10:13.250-07:00

The Supreme Court has taken a big step toward demanding the crown that King George has been parading around in for the last few years. Now he'll have to settle for being just a, ya know, President. Detailed analysis here.BTW, think I'm being a liberal alarmist jerk? Read this - this Administration has people working round the clock to grab as much power as it can.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1151506981137490992006-06-28T07:39:00.000-07:002006-06-28T08:05:28.326-07:00

Dark Horse Comics has completed its revamping of their Star Wars comics franchise with the release of Star Wars: Legacy, which takes place about 150 years after Ep. VI. Along with the recent Knights Of The Old Republic (which pre-dates Ep. I by 2,500 years or something) and Rebellion (which is set between Eps. IV and V), Legacy rounds out Dark Horse's current offerings in the Star Wars

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1151442144987970052006-06-27T13:46:00.000-07:002006-06-27T14:02:25.116-07:00

Well, just you think things in RightWingWorld couldn't get any more unhinged, the entire gasbag population launches a coordinated series of screeds aimed at criminally prosecuting the New York Times. The Weekly Standard outdoes itself with this little piece of bizarro-world logic:"Such leaks cause harm of a more general but no less consequential sort. In waging the war on terrorism, the United

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1151435364178494682006-06-27T11:57:00.000-07:002006-06-27T12:21:52.956-07:00

Rising from the ashes of the late, great Slobberbone, The Drams are the latest vehicle for the songwriting talents of Brent Best. Reuniting with drummer Tony Harper and guitarist Jess Barr, Best has also recruited a bass player and keyboardist for the new outfit. Their first record Jubilee Dive is due on July 25 from New West Records. I can't tell you precisely what the new sound is like - billed

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1151022932221898052006-06-22T17:31:00.000-07:002006-06-22T17:36:55.623-07:00

You can check out Allison Moorer's new video for "Fairweather" here. It ain't gonna win an MTV Video Award or anything, but it's swell to see that even an indie label like Sugar Hill can pony up a few bucks for a cool little video like this.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1151015904783556322006-06-22T15:16:00.000-07:002006-06-22T15:38:25.223-07:00

Caught up in a rather odd and troubling scandal, DailyKos is now on the offensive against The New Republic.All of this is unfolding against several rounds of mainstream blog-bashing (here and here), following the big YearlyKos convention in Vegas two weeks ago. Personally, I would love nothing more than to see DailyKos discredited - I find very little useful "information" over there and the

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150995237186757452006-06-22T09:52:00.000-07:002006-06-22T09:53:57.200-07:00

Congress is not. Dobbs is pretty conservative, but I give him credit for calling it as he sees it:http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/06/20/dobbs.june21/index.html

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150988802326824422006-06-22T07:58:00.000-07:002006-06-22T08:06:42.373-07:00

Shocking, isn't it?http://americablog.blogspot.com/2006/06/did-george-bush-deface-american-flags.htmlIt's okay though - he's The Decider. He'll decide what qualifies as abuse of the flag.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150946922619801622006-06-21T19:46:00.000-07:002006-06-21T20:28:42.646-07:00

So I've already had a chance to check out the aforementioned Gram Parsons documentary Fallen Angel, released on DVD yesterday. A 2004 production by the BBC, the film is really quite excellent, full of revelations even for a die-hard Gram fan like myself. Placed in context of his friends, and more particularly his family, the famous drunken stunt by Phil Kaufman seems pretty stupid (if you don't

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150933249301418242006-06-21T16:24:00.000-07:002006-06-21T16:40:52.736-07:00

"So why is it that My Lai has become a byword for brutality while Hue is a footnote? Why will Menchaca and Tucker be forgotten while incidents like those under investigation — or the grotesque theater of Abu Ghraib — will persist, fester, be written about, analyzed, become vehicles for critiques of U.S. policy, the military, or the whole of American culture?By rights these incidents should

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150928736829232372006-06-21T15:08:00.000-07:002006-06-21T15:25:36.920-07:00

Here's some compelling "he said/she said" between The Weekly Standard and Glenn Greenwald's Unclaimed Territory regarding Newsweek's claim - largely unreported in the MSM - that the Bush Administration missed its chance to take out Zarqawi back in 2002.You decide.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150844086167362452006-06-20T15:52:00.000-07:002006-06-20T15:54:46.176-07:00

... from those quaint days of illegal NSA wiretapping. If this article doesn't convince you that our great nation is on a dangerous path to destroying our implicit right to privacy, you are beyond hope.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150824483754468982006-06-20T10:17:00.000-07:002006-06-20T10:28:44.160-07:00

Today marks the release of two long-delayed releases that should kick off a modest resurgence in Gram Parsons worship.First, Rhino is releasing a 3-disc set called The Complete Reprise Sessions, which includes the entire albums GP and Grievous Angel (long available as a single CD set), plus interviews and alternate takes. This follows a retrospective from a few years back called Sacred Hearts &

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150812193097612872006-06-20T06:47:00.000-07:002006-06-20T13:51:36.366-07:00

I can't fucking believe that with all that Congress has (or should have) on its plate, its most significant legislative contribution might be the passage of an inane and utterly un-American Anti-Flag Burning Amendment. How wonderful that an almost two-thirds majority of Senators believes that scoring cheap political points is more important than preserving the essence of the U. S.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150732830648653222006-06-19T08:52:00.000-07:002006-06-19T09:29:07.573-07:00

Cool article about Allison Moorer on MSNBC. A couple of nice pics, too (dig the bohemian Greenwich Village look).

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150491093527346752006-06-16T13:11:00.000-07:002006-06-16T16:23:28.223-07:00

I'm bored out of my ever-livin' skull. But my pain is your gain because I've compiled some handy links to reviews of Allison Moorer's brand-spanking-new record Getting Somewhere. I know, I know - there's positively no end to the ways my blog enhances your life!Harp MagazinePopMattersUSA TodayDallas ObserverNashville ScenePhiladelphia InquirerGenerally very positive, with the occasional dissension

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150409433788592722006-06-15T14:43:00.000-07:002006-06-15T15:12:33.666-07:00

Nothing bothers me more about modern political "discourse" like the simplicity - and often stupidity - of arguments about complex issues. This gripe extends to both conservatives and liberals, who way too often favor polarization over pragmatism, leaving the rest of us out of the debate entirely.The U. S. prison at Guantanamo Bay is just such an issue. The Left (capitalized, just the way National

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150206585055201032006-06-13T06:30:00.000-07:002006-06-13T06:49:45.150-07:00

June 13 has arrived, which means you can trot your happy ass down to your local record store and pick up Allison Moorer's latest masterstroke Getting Somehwere. The reviews fall into two predictable camps: those who loved The Duel but seriously do not like this record, and those who loved The Duel, love Getting Somewhere and probably just generally love Allison Moorer (hey, me too!).In the

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1150143864094601582006-06-12T13:04:00.000-07:002006-06-12T13:24:24.226-07:00

So the sad news going into Season 3 of HBO's Deadwood was that the show was apparently to be killed after this season, possibly leaving some dangling plot threads (since the season had been wrapped by that point) and certainly leaving some disappointed fans. I think HBO finally decided to take a stand against the lengthy hiatuses of shows like The Sopranos and Deadwood, and the decision to not

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149864075362652602006-06-09T07:40:00.000-07:002006-06-09T07:41:29.793-07:00

New interview with Allison Moorer over at PopMatters.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149860085101306602006-06-09T06:20:00.000-07:002006-06-09T06:34:45.216-07:00

If you want to see read some more bizarre rambling parading as coherent conservative thought, head over to Real Clear Politics and check out this wacko editorial by Tony Blankley. In his rant about the media coverage of Haditha (and implicitly the military in general, at least in Tony's mind), Blankley spits out this nugget:"At journalism conferences, the question is often brought up whether a

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149694417376232532006-06-07T08:32:00.000-07:002006-06-08T18:31:12.296-07:00

Or didn't we already know that. Here's some further evidence:http://www.crooksandliars.com/2006/06/07.html#a8614

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149689059927820302006-06-07T07:01:00.000-07:002006-06-07T07:07:43.406-07:00

So DeLay's wife is probably a crook, too. I know, I know - you are shocked beyond belief:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/06/AR2006060601320_pf.htmlHilarious money quote:"Tom DeLay has never taken an official act that was not based on his strongly held principles." I guess a desire to make big piles of money could be a strongly held principle.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149650700826901672006-06-06T20:12:00.000-07:002006-06-06T20:25:00.933-07:00

This evening I was listening to Aimee Mann's The Forgotten Arm for the first time in maybe six months or so. Though I ranked it at Number Three on my Top Ten of 2005, I have to say it's really one of only a couple of selections from that list that I really still reach for. Along with the also-underrated Ryan Adams' Cold Roses (#6) and maybe Over The Rhine's Drunkard's Prayer (#4), The Forgotten

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149646052375972592006-06-06T18:57:00.000-07:002006-06-06T19:08:08.426-07:00

This is actually a pretty big week for some awesome DVD's of some classic movies. Here's a rundown of what Amazon is sending me this week:Dazed & Confused: Criterion EditionYes, the great Richard Linklater's greatest film gets added to the venerable Criterion Collection. The DVD nerds are wetting themselves with excitement (here and here). That's a heckuva good price at Amazon for a Criterion

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149637866898744822006-06-06T16:48:00.000-07:002006-06-06T16:56:08.006-07:00

A new BBC Radio interview with Allison Moorer here.She performs a really stunning acoustic version of "Where You Are" from the new record and talks pretty openly about a number of personal topics. Good stuff.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149619357779320372006-06-06T11:37:00.000-07:002006-06-06T11:42:37.816-07:00

Dylan, The Beatles, The Stones... Billy Preston played with 'em all. A Houston native who went on to international successes with the pioneers of rock and roll. God rest his soul.He could most recently heard on I Believe To My Soul - one of my Top 10 albums from 2005 (in case you forgot).

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149608096221060182006-06-06T08:21:00.000-07:002006-06-06T08:35:29.136-07:00

If you'd like a window into what passes for "conservative debate" on the issue of torture, take a gander at the talkback over here. Never mind how many homophobic quips make their way into any comments regarding Andrew Sullivan. What's really telling is how any issue (in this case, the decision to remove prohibitions against humiliation from the Army Field Manual) surrounding detainee abuse

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149595813830781402006-06-06T05:07:00.000-07:002006-06-06T05:10:13.846-07:00

National Review columnist John Derbyshire digests Ramesh Ponnuru's book Party of Death. I think Derbyshire is going to get his NR membership card shredded. In any case, it's an intelligent deconstruction of the book and the Right To Life movement.http://www.newenglishreview.org/custpage.cfm?frm=3190&sec_id=3190

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149563037523880592006-06-05T19:32:00.000-07:002006-06-05T20:25:08.726-07:00

So here's a particularly nasty, inartful review of Allison Moorer's Getting Somewhere published in this week's Metro Pulse (some Knoxville weekly rag). I don't take much stock in reviews that just dance around what they specifically dislike about the music, but I thought this piece o' shit deserved a hearty fanboy rebuttal. Here's the original "review" by Leslie Wylie:"The comparison is painful,

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149538867771422702006-06-05T13:09:00.000-07:002006-06-05T13:24:23.740-07:00

So as the atrocity in Haditha makes the rounds on the cover of the news magazines, what does King George pull out of his hat to distract from his litany of failures? What else - a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage! Oh, is it an election year? Gee, I hadn't noticed.This would all be very disheartening, except that I take some solace in the belief that Bush is continuing to destroy the

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149354366209019882006-06-03T10:00:00.000-07:002006-06-03T18:52:07.733-07:00

Here's an excuse to publish a new photo of Allison Moorer - head over to her newly updated website and check out the Gallery. On Page 2, there's a bunch of new publicity shots.Don't forget that her new record Getting Somewhere will be released on June 13. You can pre-order an autographed copy over at Sugar Hill's website and at Miles of Music.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149305859282948042006-06-02T20:22:00.000-07:002006-06-02T21:26:19.850-07:00

Summer's here and the time is right for dancing in the streets. Here's some tracks to get yer feet kicked up:"Work To Do" - Allison Moorer"Lubbock of Leave It" - Dixie Chicks"World Wide Suicide" - Pearl Jam"Red Staggerwing" - Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris"Turn It Again" - Red Hot Chili Peppers"News Blackout" - Tim Easton"Different Drum" - Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs"Cruel" - Calexico"The Man

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1149012181082675172006-05-30T10:56:00.000-07:002006-05-30T19:04:51.446-07:00

To be released on August 8, Todd Snider's latest album The Devil You Know has received an early release to digital outlets (iTunes, Rhapsody, etc.). I've only listened to about half the record, but on first impression Todd's in top form, rivaling the greatness of his last record East Nashville Skyline. UPDATE: So I'm swinging around the 610 Loop at 5:30 this evening, and the closing track "Happy

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1148876012437802352006-05-28T21:08:00.000-07:002006-06-02T19:50:00.296-07:00

Allison Moorer's official site has received a makeover. Looks damned fine! Check it out.Allison appeared Thursday in Philly opening for World Party at Penn's Landing. She performs five songs acoustically (including a duet with hubby Steve Earle). You can listen to the performance here.06/02, UPDATE: A very cool and interesting with Allison here.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1148616271792673922006-05-25T20:57:00.000-07:002006-05-25T21:05:17.313-07:00

Let’s be honest – there’s really no point in me “reviewing” the new Allison Moorer record Getting Somewhere. I’m not doing you any favors pretending that I can cast a critical judgment on the work of probably my favorite recording artist. As evidenced by the many Allison-related posts – from the hopefully useful to the utterly inane – on this blog, my objectivity has long since left the building.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1148525318253866752006-05-24T19:47:00.000-07:002006-05-25T19:35:07.556-07:00

...that Allison Moorer lost her guitars in her divorce. That is seriously fucked up. If she needs a spare, have her contact me.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1148442977756859042006-05-23T20:40:00.000-07:002006-05-23T21:10:08.196-07:00

There’s fine line between art and pop art. The former can often resemble the proverbial falling tree in the forest; the latter requires someone to hear it hit the ground. The Dixie Chicks’ new album Taking The Long Way arrives weighted down by all kinds of questions, but the one on everyone’s mind (save, maybe, theirs) is whether they can sustain multi-platinum status without the support of

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1148340800385956632006-05-22T16:28:00.000-07:002006-05-23T04:37:30.046-07:00

Okay, Sugar Hill Records has finally gotten their Allison Moorer pre-order straightened out. Order now and get an autographed booklet. They've also added "Hallelujah" to their previewed tracks, but why listen to three tracks? You can listen to the entire album over at CMT!The same three tracks - plus Allison's contribution to the Randy Newman tribute CD - are available on her completely updated

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1148011886401957622006-05-18T21:03:00.000-07:002006-05-25T21:16:33.506-07:00

CMT is hosting a "Listening Party" for the forthcoming Allison Moorer album Getting Somewhere. You can access it by clicking here (then simply click the "Start Listening" link).First, second, third and fourth impressions to come very shortly, but I'll just say this - it so far exceeds my fairly high expectations, and I'm giddy as a schoolgirl about the results of Steve Earle's production.But make

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1147816825299459712006-05-16T14:56:00.000-07:002006-05-16T15:00:25.310-07:00

Bush's otherwise forgetful address on immigration last night will most likely be remembered as the moment when his base finally abandoned him. Plenty more bitching over at National Review.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1147748919290894962006-05-15T20:05:00.000-07:002006-05-16T05:12:04.273-07:00

A little hat tip to Andy over at the Allison Moorer chat board for tracking down this cover from the new Harp magazine, on sale May 23.Featured on the fold-out cover are Allison (third from right) and a bunch of no-names like Michael Stipe and Emmylou Harris. Pretty cool.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1147748415637904832006-05-15T19:56:00.000-07:002006-05-15T20:00:15.640-07:00

I missed this, but Jack Ingram has a #1 hit with "Wherever You Are". It's no secret to Jack fans that this song is a total sellout, but I have to give him and the folks over at Big Machine (ahem, Toby Keith) a lot of credit - they've broken Jack Ingram as a legitimate Nashville act.Good for Jack - Lord knows he's earned it!

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1147235276117146692006-05-09T21:12:00.000-07:002006-05-09T21:27:56.213-07:00

When John Frusciante rejoined Red Hot Chili Peppers prior to recording their hit record Californication, the appearance – and perhaps the reality – was that the Chilis had graciously extended a merciful hand to the returning guitarist, who basically spent his time off from the band as a full-blown junkie. Responsible for the fretwork on the band’s biggest album Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Frusciante

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1147205632837778942006-05-09T13:01:00.000-07:002006-05-09T13:13:52.933-07:00

Andrew Sullivan published this piece in Time magazine this week, and it has sparked a number of interesting letters and responses on his blog.I especially like his response to a reader here. He seems to grasp that "tolerance" is not a virtue or moral value or personal code - it is the fundamental neutrality of our laws in a civil society.Andrew is using the term "Christianist" to describe those

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1146422731209343342006-04-30T11:28:00.000-07:002006-04-30T11:45:31.383-07:00

Well, I'm back from my little roadtrip to Austin. I spent the afternoon at The Ginger Man, sampling some beers and pumping fivers into the jukebox (which actually - finally - has some new tunes, but the card for Let It Bleed still has all the tracks listed out of order). Then it was over to Stubb's to catch DBT with The Drams opening the show. I was, of course, right up front so the sound wasn't

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1146139043133634202006-04-27T04:39:00.000-07:002006-04-27T04:57:23.213-07:00

Boy, what a bunch of babies. I'm referring to the the largely indifferent critical response to the new duet record from Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris. I guess the music intelligensia was collectively expecting All The Roadrunning to revolutionize duet records or something, because it has been greeted with a good deal of disappointment.But All The Roadrunning is a pretty terrific album.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1145937874111337902006-04-24T21:03:00.000-07:002006-04-24T21:07:17.820-07:00

There's a groovy little interview with DBT's Mike Cooley over at PopMatters.I'll send you on your way with this closing exchange...Q: "You have a reputation for being a bunch of rabble-rousers, with a bottle of whiskey on stage and such. Is it tiring to be seen that way?"Cooley: "Being seen that way doesn't get tiring, actually doing it wears my ass out."

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1145647274524802332006-04-21T12:06:00.000-07:002006-04-21T12:21:14.663-07:00

Nothing much going on today. Currently enjoying:Drive-By Truckers - A Blessing and a CurseWell, duh, but man, I'm loving the new record.South Park - "A Million Little Fibers"Trey and Matt are clicking on all cylinders this season, and this Towelie-focused episode was pretty hilarious.All those DBT photos over at Flickr (see right).The Faces - Good Boys When They're AsleepYeah, Rod was on American

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1145380839643466982006-04-18T10:18:00.000-07:002006-04-18T10:20:39.653-07:00

Nothing sums up Bush's flaws as President like his blind and misguided loyalty to Donald Rumsfeld. Proving yet again that he believes that being wrong is a virtue if you stick to it long enough.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1145288862722306262006-04-17T08:28:00.000-07:002006-04-21T12:06:08.766-07:00

No doubt you've heard this story, but let me tell it one more time:I was once staying the weekend at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. As my wife and I headed downstairs to catch Neko Case at The Derby, we ran into Solomon Burke. Mr. Burke was being wheeled down (apparently, his generally enormous size requires the use of a wheelchair most of the time) by three striking young ladies in sequins

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1145032724053411652006-04-14T09:23:00.000-07:002006-04-18T10:22:28.680-07:00

Don't forget that the new Drive-By Truckers album A Blessing and a Curse will be released this coming Tuesday, April 18. In fact, you're listening to it right now!If you'd like to download the Quicktime player to stream directly to your desktop, click here. Otherwise, have a Happy Easter and a great weekend!!

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1145020973669686002006-04-14T06:14:00.000-07:002006-04-14T06:22:53.680-07:00

I had the chance last night to catch Elvis Costello on his current "Symphony Tour." Accompanied by the Houston Symphony, the evening began with a performance of his ballet composition Il Sogno. Then Elvis and his keyboard player Steve Nieve joined the symphony for some surprising renditions of his tunes. You can hear similar versions (plus a bonus disc of Il Sogno) on his new release My Flame

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1144873686903709042006-04-12T13:23:00.000-07:002006-04-12T13:28:06.916-07:00

I haven't really made a big deal of it on the blog - don't I hype enough for you already? - but Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris are FINALLY releasing their duet record All The Roadrunning on April 25. Apparently recorded over the course of a few years, the record will be accompanied by a substantial tour. I downloaded two preview tracks from iTunes, and they are simply outstanding.Only $10.98

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1144865559280626132006-04-12T10:54:00.000-07:002006-04-12T11:12:39.383-07:00

I was pretty amused by an article in the latest Entertainment Weekly about how country radio programmers have generously decided to more or less ignore the new Dixie Chicks single "Not Ready To Make Nice." Apparently, in their infinite wisdom, the assholes over at Clear Channel, et. al., have decided that they'll hold out for subsequent singles, presuming that those will be less confrontational

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1144849713984947982006-04-12T06:43:00.000-07:002006-04-14T06:38:15.186-07:00

Finally, a great idea for a tribute album that might actually turn out pretty good. Sound clips are now available over at Tower Records and CD Universe (better price at CD Universe).You can hear the Tim O'Brien track in its entirety over at Sugar Hill's listening room."Rednecks" is sure to spark some controversy because a) Steve Earle is singing it and b) irony is dead.UPDATE: Even better, you

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1144796993099216752006-04-11T16:04:00.000-07:002006-04-11T16:11:37.950-07:00

You can catch a 30 second clip from Allison Moorer's new album Getting Somewhere. Download the April Sugar Hill podcast (Episode 4) here, then skip ahead to about the 7:20 mark.The featured clip is from the track "Fairweather" and is the lone co-write on the record (with Steve Earle). Also features Earle on the noticeable Moog. Pretty difficult to judge the merits of the song just from the brief

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1144708119019066622006-04-10T15:12:00.000-07:002006-04-11T16:10:59.816-07:00

No Allison news to report today, but I thought I'd highlight some lyrics from her upcoming record Getting Somewhere (due June 13). Reading through the lyrics on the new album, it's striking how well these songs appear to respond to the songs from her last record The Duel. Whereas The Duel was a sometimes grueling meditation on the loss of faith, Getting Somewhere appears to be nearly universally

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1144619302980323182006-04-09T14:43:00.000-07:002006-04-09T14:49:59.740-07:00

This Fender bass (with a reverse headstock) is pretty fuckin' cool - so is Shonna Tucker.The new album from Drive-By Truckers is called A Blessing and a Curse, and it will be out on April 18 - just in case you forgot!More great fan-submitted DBT photos over here.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1144437676349864212006-04-07T12:20:00.000-07:002006-04-07T12:48:19.530-07:00

Listen to the new Drive-By Truckers album now!!Or visit the link directly here.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1144418674968016872006-04-07T06:47:00.000-07:002006-04-07T07:05:39.860-07:00

You can pretty much get all of this info over at NineBullets.org, but here is a quick rundown of relevant Drive-By Truckers news:If you pre-order the new DBT album A Blessing and a Curse from Tower Records, you'll receive a groovy bonus disc with two outtakes and two live tracks. These are also available at independent record stores listed here.If you pre-order the new DBT album from MusicToday,

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1143774305648530202006-03-30T18:56:00.000-08:002006-04-03T17:20:04.750-07:00

I take it back - I've got a little more information for you on Allison Moorer's new record Getting Somewhere... Track Listing:1. Work To Do2. You’ll Never Know3. Hallelujah4. Fairweather5. New Year’s Day6. How She Does It7. Where You Are8. Take It So Hard9. If It’s Just For Today10. Getting SomewhereCredits:Brady Blade: drums (hell yes! - my favorite drummer!)Chris Carmichael: strings and string

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1143761610264758362006-03-30T15:31:00.000-08:002006-03-30T15:34:05.123-08:00

Okay, so I don't have a whole ton of new info, but Sugar Hill has added a page for Allison Moorer's new album Getting Somewhere. You can view the tracklist here, but so far they haven't posted any sound clips (that I could find anyway).Dig that album cover though. June 13!!

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1143610541355640982006-03-28T21:21:00.000-08:002006-03-28T21:37:26.230-08:00

I could fill this entire blog debating the relative merits of Steve Earle – not just his music, but the man. However, in the interest of space and time, let’s just leave it at this: whatever else you think of Steve Earle – musician, songwriter, poet, playwright, author, activist, radio host, lefty, Texan, New Yorker and all-around rabble-rouser – you have to admit he is one hell of a great record

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1143563895441694662006-03-28T08:34:00.000-08:002006-03-28T08:38:15.453-08:00

Well, the complete 26-epsiode series of The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. is finally coming to DVD on July 18. One of the oddest westerns ever to air on television. It sounds like a nice DVD package as well - read more here.Steep list price ($99.99), but still worth every penny.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1143389067073623852006-03-26T07:56:00.000-08:002006-03-26T08:04:27.086-08:00

I somehow missed that the unofficial Allison Moorer fan page has been hosting a download for a quality bootleg of Allison's July 2004 performance at Chicago's Abbey Pub. You can download the files here. The sound quality is obviously just so-so, but the show really captures Allison's wild rocking side, featuring the dueling guitars of Adam Landry and Dan Baird during her 2004 tour.Allison

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1143388309052570802006-03-26T07:45:00.000-08:002006-03-26T07:51:49.063-08:00

Man, Buck Owens passed away this weekend at the age of 76. That's a real shame, and he will be sorely missed. Forget the Hee-Haw thing (which, by his own account, made him a small fortune and set him for life), and check out some of his groundbreaking work defining the Bakersfield sound and providing an antidote with Nashville's increasingly slick sound back in the '60's.If you have a

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1143084820560163862006-03-22T19:20:00.000-08:002006-03-22T19:37:23.096-08:00

The Weekly Standard's Fred Barnes has slowly morphed into one of the staunchest Bush and Republican apologists around. Witness this weird piece.What I don't get about Barnes - who no doubt fancies himself a ideological conservative or terrific patriot or something - is the amoral attitude he seems to have about the so-called strategy to "change the subject." So Iraq is a truly important and

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1143004169747469642006-03-21T20:55:00.000-08:002006-04-08T16:02:33.883-07:00

Just been listening to the new Drive-By Truckers album A Blessing and a Curse some more. It achieves new depth with each listen (my original, full album review is here).It'll be released in the USA on April 18 - something to look forward to!(Note: The record was released this week in the UK, where DBT are currently on tour.)Keep up with the latest and greatest here and here.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1142743357397910922006-03-18T20:39:00.000-08:002006-03-19T15:47:01.803-08:00

Allison Moorer will release a new record called Getting Somewhere on June 13. The album was recorded over 10 days with Steve Earle at the helm. Not much more information on it yet, but you can be sure that I'll be keeping you updated in the coming weeks and months ('cause that's what I'm here for).As you might know, anything by Allison Moorer is regarded on this site as a pretty big deal. Stay

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1142703921968542932006-03-18T09:40:00.000-08:002006-03-18T09:45:22.013-08:00

So I was working on the "burn stack" this morning and ran across this out-of-print gem, which contains stellar versions of Tom T. Hall classics. Running the gamut from Johnny Cash and Kelly Willis to Calexico and Joe Henry (stunning version of "Homecoming"), this is a terrific tribute to an underappreciated talent. You just gotta hear Whiskeytown's seven-and-a-half-minute version of "I Hope It

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1142636904882005062006-03-17T14:55:00.000-08:002006-03-17T15:12:44.853-08:00

First, we had the McCain Amendment, supposedly to rein in the CIA, military and current Administration from condoning, excusing or participating in torture (whatever the hell that is anymore). Then it was passed but with no teeth whatsoever. And John McCain decided to let the whole thing rest.Now, so-called moderate Republicans like Chuck Hagel and Lindsey Graham - I guess in an effort to soothe

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1142619845805964272006-03-17T10:10:00.000-08:002006-03-17T10:33:23.420-08:00

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Ballad of the Broken Seas Another record that caught me by surprise is the new collaboration between Isobel Campbell (formerly with Belle & Sebastian) and Mark Lanegan (former lead singer of Screaming Trees). I've been a fan of Lanegan's for a long time - he's recorded several solo albums since his Screaming Trees days - but what's cool about this project is how

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1142616697345717082006-03-17T09:20:00.000-08:002006-03-19T15:53:57.376-08:00

Centro-matic - Fort RecoveryWill Johnson puts his heart into everything he does (which includes Centro-matic, South San Gabriel and the occasional solo record), but on this record Centro-matic certainly sounds like his top priority. Sounding less self-consciously like any particular "project," Fort Recovery is just great songwriting and performances, pure and simple. It's often as ferocious as

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1142536384043560082006-03-16T11:07:00.000-08:002006-03-16T11:13:04.043-08:00

I have solved all of the Republican Party's woes, found a way to reconnect them with the common folk. Are you ready?Try finding a few candidates who, ya know, AREN'T A BUNCH OF FUCKIN' BLUE-NOSED, SILVER-SPOONED TRUST-FUND BABIES!Mr. Cheney, you can just post your thank you note directly to my blog - it would appreciate the boost in traffic.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1142535799565926992006-03-16T10:57:00.000-08:002006-03-16T11:03:19.576-08:00

Rolling Stone has graciously removed all traces of irony from the dumbass term "indie supergroup," and you'll hear all the kids rambling about their new favorite indie supergroups in no time at all.By the way, Jack White, America already has an indie supergroup called The New Pornographers (Canadian, but same diff). So you better try "blues-based power pop quartet borne out of decadence and

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032323.post-1142535231821535712006-03-16T10:50:00.000-08:002006-03-16T10:53:51.833-08:00

And, of course, the only thing better than actually attending SXSW is to stay home in Dallas and Houston and look your nose down on all of those poseurs in Austin!Lomax will be there, but as usual, he gets it dead right:http://www.houstonpress.com/Issues/2006-03-16/music/racket.htmlAnyone that wants my Arctic Monkeys CD can just drop me a line.

David Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14580781347466425868noreply@blogger.com0