What am I listening to?

It's been approximately forever since I posted a playlist.  I got out of the blog habit, got lazy, and oh... there's been this COVID thing that pretty much shut down live music.  That didn't stop me from listening to music - thank you Hayes Carll, Corb Lund, Jamie Lin Wilson, Tom Snider, Emily Scott Robinson and others who had regular concerts from their living room, bedroom closet, office or studio.  I think many artists have struggled to make it during the pandemic, and here's hoping they are all able to get back on the road and in front of their audiences soon.  

Also, good music doesn't have an expiration date.  I go back and forth over the years and genres, and some of these are insanely obscure.  Sorry, can't help it.

So what have I been listening to?  In no particular order, here's a sample:

Rose Queen - William Clark Greene.  If you haven't found him, please give him a listen.  One of the best young red dirt songwriters.

Someday Soon - Suzy Bogguss.  To be clear, this is an Ian Tyson song that's been covered by virtually everyone in country music, but IMHO, she still does it the best.  (A young Ian Tyson isn't too bad either!)

Evangelina - Colter Wall.  This is a classic Hoyt Axton song, covered from the bunkhouse/tack room.  When I first heard Colter Wall, he was _dark_.  Gritty, edgy songs, a voice that came from somewhere deep, but he was *good*.  It's taken a while for him to catch on, and his later albums have lost some of the voice quality that got my attention to start with.  I've read in interviews that he forced that voice, and I find I like his newer stuff better.  Much more Marty Robbins, less Johnny Cash with a dose of Paul Robeson.  At any rate, I don't think he's released Evangelina yet other than on Youtube, and it's fantastic.  

Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits.  This is still one of the most moving anti-war songs ever crafted.  Mark Knopfler's voice, guitar work, and the band are so tight and the lyrics are simply spot on.  If you aren't moved, you aren't listening.

Long violent history - Tyler Childers.  Ignore the album.  He's still learning to fiddle, and the fiddle tunes are just so-so. Watch his intro to the song and then *listen* to the song - and read the lyrics.  We need more artists like Childers, Sturgil Simpson, Rosanne Cash and Jason Isbell that are willing to stand up.

Under Pressure - Queen w/David Bowie.  Two of the absolute best artists who ever graced rock.  One of the best duets ever, from any genre.

Fantasia - John Dowland.  The album is from the early 1970s, ¨Lute Music from the Royal Courts of Europe¨ by Julian Bream.  I had this album when I was in high school, and this particular song is absolutely beautiful.

Old Gods - Emily Scott Robinson.  Her new album is excellent, and now that she's signed with the late John Prine's Oh Boy Records, she's getting a lot more (well deserved) notice.  If you like what you hear, check out Traveling Mercies.  I love that album, but it addresses much, much darker stuff.  And she's absolutely a wonderful, genuine human being!

Jessica - Allman Brothers Band.  One of the most amazing instrumental pieces ever.  Who needs words?  Dickey Betts' guitar does all the talking.