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6/10/2004
EAR PLUGS/FILM FLAM
We posted a short review of the Monster Bash 2004:
http://www.degeneratepress.com/vault/monster_bash_2004/index.html
We got a few CD’s in the mail lately we should mention. First
up, The Laura Blackley Band, sort of singer/songwriter acoustic stuff with a
strong backing band, described by her web site as “Appalachian-style,
roots-rock.” I was reminded of Melissa Etheridge mostly, as well as Amy Ray’s
solo album, with occasional shades of Bonnie Raitt. Good, heartfelt stuff that’s
frankly not my cup o’ tea, but if you like that kind of thing you should
definitely check her out. They’re online at
http://www.laurablackleyband.com
A different label sent us Maggie Brown’s self-titled CD about the same time,
with about the same sound. Maggie’s voice might be a little deeper than Laura’s,
but it comes across clear and full of emotion. Again, strains of Bonnie Raitt,
with more of a blues sound than The Laura Blackley Band. Of the two, I prefer
Maggie Brown’s acoustic delta blues over Laura Blackley’s Appalachian-style,
roots-rock, but they’re both southern girls with something to say. Check out
Maggie Brown online at
http://www.maggiebrown.net
We don’t normally receive or review big name acts, but somebody sent us The
Unbroken Circle, The Musical Heritage of The Carter Family featuring various
classic country folk covering classic Carter tunes. George Jones, Emmylou
Harris, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Rosanne Cash, June Carter Cash, John Prine –
I can’t figure out why someone would send us this, but I’m glad they did. Sure
it’s not the local, unsigned/unknown acts we usually cover but I gotta say this
CD is fantastic. I couldn’t wait to get through the other CD’s we reviewed just
so I could listen to this one again. Most of the tunes have a gospel sound
regardless of the content, something that only adds more punch to lines like “It
takes a worried man to sing a worried song.” If you have any interest in country
music at all, this CD is a must. If not, you should definitely pick this up – it
may open up a whole new world for you.
BLASPHEMY
I’d like to thank actor Ronald Reagan for passing away. He was remembered more
for his TV role as “The Forgetful President” than for his big screen roles. Who
can forget his wacky catchphrase, “I can’t recall,” during the Iran Contra
miniseries? This Friday we in the Federal Government have a day off so we can
morn his passing. So I’ll be in mourning at home with a beer in one hand and a
wrench in the other while I distract myself by working on the Thunderbird. But
if I shed a tear, it’s probably not for old Ronnie. Ray Charles died this week:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/10/obit.ray.charles.ap/index.html
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