To All The Romo Bashers

With a lot of heat being thrown the way of Tony Romo after the Cowboy's loss to the Steelers this past Sunday, I am here to remind those critics that it was only Romo's 38th game played and 36th started. While I was just as upset as the next Cowboy fan maybe more. I went back thought about this and realized a young QB usually going to go though these bumps in the road. I decided to go back and compare the Cowboys last great QB Troy Aikman's first 3 season which happened to be 38 games played to Tony Romo's. Now I have to say that the talent level is alot better than what Aikman played with during the same run. . I am also not saying Romo is better than Aikman but through the first 38 games Romo's number are better.  Here are the numbers:

Aikman  GM  ATT  COMP  PCT  YDS  TD  INT  RATING  W- L 
1989        11     293    155     .529   1749    9     18     55.7         0- 11  
1990        15     399    226   .566   2579   11    18    66.6          7- 8

1991        12     363     237   .653   2754    11    10    86.7          7- 5

Total       38  1055    618    .586   7082   31    46                  14- 24

Romo    GM   ATT   COMP   PCT   YDS   TD   INT  RATING W-L
2006      12    337     220      .653    2903   19     13        95.1       7 -5

2007      16    520     335      .644    4211    36     19        97.4     13- 3

2008     10    336     211      .628     2769   22     11        96.9       7- 3

Total     38   1193    766      .642    9883   77     43                   27- 11

The point is that as hard as it is growing pains are going to happen but only time will tell if Romo learns from his growing pains the way Aikman did. Another thing Aikman didn't win his first playoff game until his 4th season. So all the critical fans that say Romo isn't the QB to lead the Cowboys to the promise land SLOW YOUR ROLL!! Give it time and remember all the QBs the Cowboys went through in between Aikman and Romo.

Bob Schneider at Sam's this weekend.

Bob Schneider will be making a return to Sam's Burger Joint Music Hall this Saturday Dec. 13th for another intimate acoustic show. Those of you that went to that last show know that it sold out early and it will be a smaller capacity for this show. So get your tickets soon. Click here for tickets. The Gougers will open the show. Check the Sam's web site for more info.

Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward

Last night at Sam's Burger Joint I saw Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward play. While this was not the first time to see or hear them. I felt compelled to write a blog on this very cool band. Their music is Americana but with a little edge with driving guitar riffs and add in a mixture of the squeeze box and banjo on certain songs to give it a freshness in its own right. All this fits together around the cool vocals of Rodney Parker. Touring behind the 2008 release of Lonesome Dirge, which is one of my favorites albums of the year, this band is going places. Don't just take my word for it, take a listen for yourself, you won't be disappointed.



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Visit Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward's MySpace for more info and where they are playing.

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals performing "Fix It"

Led Zeppelin without Robert Plant?

Back in 2007 after a one and done Led Zeppelin reunion show in England rumors have been flying that a full Led Zeppelin reunion tour was coming. That has not happened do to Robert Plant's tour with Allison Krauss. Now rumors are circulating that Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham (son of the late John Bonham now playing drums) are looking at replacing Robert Plant on vocals with Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge and with new material and a new tour.

To me how can you think about replacing the voice of Led Zeppelin! I saw Robert Plant recently at the Austin City Limits Music Festival with Allison Krauss and his voice is still powerful and still makes me think of Led Zeppelin.  I hope something will be worked out and Plant will join the rest of the guys and a real Led Zeppelin reunion tour will happen. That's what I am hoping for atleast. What do you all think.

Paste Magazine article

Halloween Trick or Treat from The Boss

The Boss Bruce Springteen has release a video and free download for Halloween. The song is called "A Night With The Jersey Devil".

Click to Download the Audio 

Wilco on The Colbert Report Oct 30th

Last night Wilco appeared on The Colbert Report. It included an interview with Jeff Tweedy.

If you missed it watch it here. First the interview then the performance of a Colbert exclusive Wilco The Song.

Jeff Tweedy Interview:

Performing Wilco The Song:

The Boss at The Bowl

Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest sporting event out there. The hype and marketing is gold. With that brings probably one of the biggest most viewed concert of the year with the half time show. So why not have the biggest American rocker play at Americans biggest game. The NFL announced that The Boss Bruce Springteen and E Street Band will play the half time show at Super Bowl XLII

2008 ACL Festival Recap

Another great ACL Festival has come and gone. This was my 4th year straight going and this year had to be the best weather yet! It was still hot at times but over all it was great.

Additions to this years festival that I liked first was the Big Daddy (24oz cans) Lone Star Beer all though I think they under estimated the Lone Star beer drinkers as they ran out of the big daddies on Sunday. Second was the ingenious marketing ploy of "Rock n Recycle" were they were giving away t-shirts to people who picked up cans and plastic bottles. All weekend I saw people with plastic bags picking up cans and at one point saw a lady going though a trash can for plastic bottles and beer cans. It was quite comical. Anyways on to the music part.

Best Bands:

Vampire Weekend- One of the bands I was really looking forward to seeing and they didn't disappoint. What was surprising was the crowd, it was much bigger than I expected.

Ryan Bingham- I have seen Ryan a few times and every time it's a great high energy show. This set was no different only shorter and he should have been on one of the bigger stages.

Old 97s- I have known about this band for a while but only recently gotten into their music. This was my first time to see them and won't be the last.

Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band- Conor backed up what could be the best album of 2008 with a great live set.

Okkervil River- Great set by another band I was really looking forward to seeing. The Beach Boys cover of Sloop John B was cool.

The Raconteurs- Always enjoy seeing Jack White play.

Band of Horses- A band I like but have never really gotten into a lot of their stuff but after their set at ACL will be listening to them more.

Best Moment:

Seeing the legendary Robert Plant sing with Alison Krauss. This was my first time to see both and it was a great show and am glad I can put another legend on the list that I have seen.

All in all a great weekend and I am already looking forward to 2009!

Coach Pop or Santa Claus

It's the off season for my NBA team the Spurs. As you can see Coach Pop doesn't shave in the off season as he could pass as Santa Claus. Anyways with training camp getting ready to start I wonder how long he will keep it.

ACL Countdown: My Schedule

As we move closer and closer to the ACL Festival kickoff I went back and reviewed the schedule and started to formulate my plan. Here is what I have come up with (as always this is subject to change the day of)

Friday
12:30-1:30 split time between Asleep at the Wheel and Rodney Crowell
1:30-2:30 open
2:30-3:30 Vampire Weekend
open till 4:40
4:40-5:20 Bobby Bare Jr.
6:30-6:40 Eli Young
6:40-7:20 Ryan Bingham
After that only artist with interest would be Alejandro Escovedo at 7:45

Saturday
12:30-1:30 Old 97's
1:30-2:30 open
2:30-3:30 DBT Band of Heathens, Sharon Jones and Dap-kings one or mix of these
open til 4:30
4:30-5:30 REK
5:30-6:00 Electric Touch
open til 6:30
6:30-7:30 Conor Oberst
7:30-8:15 The Black Keys
8:15- ??? Robert Plant and Allison Krauss
on the way to Beck can listen to a little Roky Erickson
????-10:00 Beck

Sunday
12:50-1:30 Scott Biram
1:30-2:30 The Kills
open til 4:30 to check out other bands
4:30-5:30 Neko Case
5:30-6:30 Okkervil River
6:30-7:45 The Raconteurs
7:45-8:30 Band of Horses
8:30-10:00 Foo Fighters (not sure how long we will stay)

ACL Countdown: Weekend Weather

Tomorrow starts the ACL Festival and in past years the weather has been hot. This year the weather looks to be much cool than years past. Here is the forcast.

From weather.com
Friday - High 92 Low 62 and sunny
Saturday - High 93 Low 64 and sunny
Sunday - High 92 Low 64 and sunny

From Google
Friday - High 90 Low 56 and sunny
Saturday - High 88 Low 61 and sunny
Sunday - High 88 Low 59 and sunny

From Austin American Statesman
Friday - High 90 Low 62 and sunny
Saturday - High 89 Low 61 and sunny
Sunday - High 88 Low 63 and sunny

ACL Countdown: Top 5 bands

The week of the ACL Music Festival has arrived. Now starts the countdown we are 4 days away from the first note being played. So leading up to the first day I am going cover a few things the first is the Top 5 artists I am looking forward to seeing.

Number 5: Old 97s - I have liked this band for some time but keep missing them when they come though my area until this past Wednesday when I saw lead singer of the band solo at Sam's Burger Joint. It was an incredible show and really got my juices flowing to want to see the full band. They play Saturday at 12:30pm on the AT&T stage.

Number 4: Ryan Bingham - The hottest fastest rising bands coming out of Texas. Ryan has one of the best CDs in the past 2 years and is working on a new one as we speak. I have seen him once and can't wait to see him again. He plays Friday at 6:40pm on the BMI stage.

Number 3: (Tie)Vampire Weekend - Just got turned on to this upcoming band this year. I love their sound and self titled debut album. They play Friday at 2:30pm on the AMD stage.
Okkervil River - I love their album The Stage Names and could be the next Austin band to follow Spoon. They play Sunday at 5:30pm on the AT&T blue room stage.

Number 2: Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band - Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes fame is touring behind his debut solo project. His new album is one of the best albums released this year and I am really looking forward to seeing him live. He plays Saturday at 6:30pm on the AT&T stage.

Number 1: The Racontuers - Jack White and his buddies come to the ACL touring behind another great album Consolers of the Lonely. I saw them 2 years ago at ACL and was blown away, so I am looking forward to another great show this year. The play Sunday at 6:30pm on the AMD stage.

Rhett Miller at Sam's Burger Joint in San Antonio

Wednesday, September 17th will be a place night at Sam's Burger Joint as Rhett Miller (the front man of the great alt-country band the Old 97's) makes a solo appearance. So if you are in the San Antonio area you need to make plans to be at Sam's Burger Joint. Tickets are still available but going fast click here to purchase your tickets.

Series: Preview ACL Festival

It has been a while since my last ACL preview but with the ACL Festival right around the corner, about 10 days away, it's time to ramp it up. The next up in the preview is the alt-country band Old 97's.

For over 15 years the Old 97s have been putting out some great music. You can call it rock, call it country, or alt-country what ever you to call it the bottom line it is good original music. They have been the mold of consistency though the years putting out one good album after another. They released their seventh album, With Blame It On Gravity, earlier this year and made a statement with what is being called their best work.

Here is the video of "Dance With Me" off the new album.

The Old 97's will be playing Saturday at 12:30pm on the AT&T stage.
Visit them at their:
Web Site
ACL Discovery

Previously: Series: Preview ACL Festival:
Eli Young Band
Okkervil River
Bobby Bare Jr.
Asleep At The Wheel
Ryan Bingham
Shooter Jennings
South Austin Jug Band
Band of Heathens
Scott H. Biram

Cowboys and Rest of NFL Kick Off Season

The Cowboys kick off, what hopefully be be a run for their 6th title, season today in Cleveland against the Browns. The Cowboys return 13 Pro Bowl player with key additions of Adam Jones, Zack Thomas, and rookie Felix Jones.

Other intriguing games include:
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens - The player formerly known as Chad Johnson makes debut as Chad Ocho Cinco.
NY Jets at Miami Dolphins - Brett Farve's Jets debut against the player the Jets cut to sign Farve in Chad Pennington starts for the Dolphins.

New Songs From Owen Temple

One of my favorite singer-songwriters of the past ten years is Owen Temple. Well he is been back in the studio recording his follow up to his great 2007 album "Two Thousand Miles" and today released on his MySpace site two new songs from the recording project. The songs one is called Broken Heart Land and the other called City of the King.
Go check them out at Owen Temple's MySpace you won't be disappointed.

R.I.P. Jerry Reed

Country Music legend and actor Jerry Reed passed away Monday after he suffered complications arising from emphysema. Known as 'The Guitar Man' Jerry won 3 Grammy Awards and recorded over 40 albums though his career. He first had success as a songwriter. With Elvis Presley recording two of his songs, "U.S. Male" and "Guitar Man". He also wrote the hit "A Thing Called Love," recorded in 1972 by Johnny Cash. Other songs of his were recorded by Brenda Lee, Tom Jones, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and the Oak Ridge Boys.
He also was an actor starring in all 3 Smokey and The Bandit movies as "Snowman" Cledus Snow.
Jerry Reed performs "Amos Moses"


Jerry Reed in "Smokey and The Bandit"


Thanks Jerry Reed for all the good times!

Need a Laugh?

Watch these clips from the most under-rated TV show Arrested Developement

My Morning Jacket Show at Stubb's

Last night I went to Stubb's to see My Morning Jacket for the first time and all I can say is wow!
I have been a fan of theirs for a while but had yet to see them live. I can tell you that I will now be at any show they play in the San Antonio/Austin area. The show started at about 7:30 and they proceeded to amaze me for the next 2 hours then came back out and played almost a hour more for the encore. Here is the set list from the show last night:
1. Anytime
2. Off The Record
3. Gideon
4. Evil Urges
5. Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt.1
6. The Way That He sings
7. What A Wonderful Man
8. I'm Amazed
9. Thank You Too!
10. Evelyn Is Not Real
11. Two Halves
12. Sec Walkin
13. War Begun
14. Lay Low
15. Aluminum Park
16. Phone Went West
17. Golden
18. Librarian
19. Dondante
20. Smokin From Shootin
21. Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt.2
22. Run Thru
---Break---
23. Wordless Chorus
24. Highly Suspicious
25. Cobra
26. I Will Sing You Songs
27. Mahgeetah
28. One Big Holiday

Ryan Adams & the Cardinals Fall Tour

Ryan Adams announced today via his web site and MySpace site the Cardinals Fall schedule.
I for one am excited as they will be coming to Texas for three shows. I will be going to the Austin show and am looking forward to it as it will be the first time for me to see him live.
Here is the part of the schedule that was released today:
October 7th - Ames, IA - Stephens Auditorium
October 9th - Kansas City, MO - Uptown Theater
October 10th - Tulsa, OK - Brady Theater
October 11th - Grand Prairie, TX - Nokia Theater
October 13th - Austin, TX - Paramount
October 14th - Houston, TX - Verizon
October 16th - Tuscaloosa, AL - Bama Theater
October 17th - Atlanta, GA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Click here to see info ticket sales dates

Dream Team vs Redeem Team

Since we are in the middle of the Olympics, we decide to make an Olympics post on a hot topic Men's Basketball. With the current USA basketball team (Redeem Team) looking dominate again it has brought up a debate is this team better than the original USA team in 1992 (Dream Team). Lets look at the rosters:

1992 DREAM TEAM
Charles Barkley F 6-6 250 Phoenix Suns
Larry Bird F 6-9 220 Boston Celtics
Clyde Drexler G 6-7 222 Portland Trail Blazers
Patrick Ewing C 7-0 240 New York Knicks
Earvin Johnson G 6-9 220 Los Angeles Lakers
Michael Jordan G 6-6 198 Chicago Bulls
Christian Laettner F 6-11 235 Duke University
Karl Malone F 6-9 256 Utah Jazz
Chris Mullin F 6-7 215 Golden State Warriors
Scottie Pippen G/F 6-7 210 Chicago Bulls
David Robinson C 7-1 235 San Antonio Spurs
John Stockton G 6-1 175 Utah Jazz

2008 REDEEM TEAM
Carmelo Anthony F 6-8 230 Denver Nuggets
Carlos Boozer F 6-9 258 Utah Jazz
Chris Bosh F 6-10 230 Toronto Raptors
Kobe Bryant G 6-6 220 Los Angeles Lakers
Dwight Howard F-C 6-11 265 Orlando Magic
LeBron James F 6-8 240 Cleveland Cavaliers
Jason Kidd G 6-4 210 Dallas Mavericks
Chris Paul G 6-0 170 New Orleans Hornets
Tayshaun Prince F 6-9 205 Detroit Pistons
Michael Redd G 6-6 215 Milwaukee Bucks
Dwayne Wade G 6-4 212 Miami Heat
Deron Williams G 6-3 205 Utah Jazz

While the Redeem team is younger as Magic had been retired for a year and Bird was close to retirement, but Jordan was in his prime and in the middle of winning 6 NBA championship and the greatest player and clutch player of all time. The wing men is were this is a tough debate however the big men is were Dream team stands head and shoulders above the Redeem team.

Barkley, Malone, Robinson, Ewing over Bosh, Boozer and Howard. Ask yourself would you take any of the bigs from current team over the dream team. For me the deciding factor is MJ I would take him over Kobe, LeBron any day.

While it would be a great match up but with MJ and the big men of the Dream Team I would take them over the Redeem Team.

What are your thoughts?

Upcoming Texas/ Americana CD Releases

It's going to be a busy fall for Texas\Americana fans as there are quite a few artist releasing albums in the next few monthes. Here is what I have found with release dates.

8/19/08
Brandon Rhyder - Every Night
Darrell Scott - Modern Hyms
Chris Knight - Heart of Stone
Hank Williams III - Hank III Collectors Edition
George Jones - Burn Your Playhouse Down

8/26/08
Britt Llyod Band - Ink
Roger Creager - Here It Is
Derailers - Guaranteed To Satisfy
Jason Boland & The Stragglers - Comal County Blue

9/2/08
Rodney Crowell - Sex and Gasoline
Bruce Robison - The New World

9/9/08
Hal Ketchum - Father Time

9/16/08
Eli Young Band - Jet Black and Jealous
John Evans - Lucky 13

9/23/08
Randy Rogers Band -Randy Rogers Band

9/30/08
Rich O'Toole - In A Minute
Wade Bowen - If We Ever Make It Here

10/7/08
Brandon Jenkins - Faster Than A Stone

10/14/08
Todd Snider - Peace Queer
Bleu Edmondson - Live At Billy Bob's

TBA releases from Pat Green, Zack Walther and The Cronkites, Mark Monaco

Premiere of New Kings of Leon Song

One of my favorite bands Kings of Leon have a new album coming out on September 23rd called Only By The Night. Well they released the premiere of the new sinlge "Sex On Fire" on their MySpace site. Go check it out!

Kings Of Leon MySpace

Fallon Franklin Benefit Jam

This past June Fallon Franklin had throat surgery. Since she is self employed and a musician there are medical bills owed. So this Sunday (August 10th) Waldo Entertainment is putting on the Fallon Franklin Benefit Jam. It will be held at Gruene Home Run off Gruene Road in New Braunfels, TX at 2pm. There will be raffles, live music, and cold beer. The artist scheduled to appear are Blake and Fallon, Drew Kennedy, Jack Levitt, Scott Rotge, Stephanie Briggs, Brison Bursey, Keith Davis Band, Zack Walther, Scott Wiggins Band. So if you are in the area come help support this cause.
Check out Fallon with her band Blake and Fallon:

Pat Green

Aside from Willie Nelson and Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green is one of the artists that got me into Texas Music and listening to true original music thus making me the music snob that I am today. I remember seeing him at shows here in San Antonio with maybe 50 people there. As Pat's popularity has grown I have remained a fan and a supporter of his. As people over the years have called him a sell out when he signed with a major record label and took his music national. All I am going to say about this is BULL SHIT! Pat kicked down the door making it easier for bands in the Texas Music scene like Cross Candian Ragweed, Reckless Kelly, Kevin Fowler, and Randy Rogers to get major labels.
That brings me to Saturday night when I went to see Pat Green at Whitewater Ampitheater in New Braunfels. While I had not seen Pat in concert in a few years so I was looking forward to seeing if any changes had been made since the last time I saw him. The anwser is no Pat still puts on a bad ass show. He mixed in his newer stuff with old classics like "Me and Billy The Kid", "Southbound 35" and "Hey We Go". On "Texas On My Mind" he had Django Walker and Cory Morrow sing with him. His band has expanded since the old days but still includes Brendon Anthony, Brett Danaher Michael Tarabay, and Justin Pollard (while he didn't play this show because he just had a baby) that have played with Pat for as long as I can remember. Not the signs of someone that has sold out!

Series: Preview ACL Festival

Next up in our series previewing the ACL Festival is The Eli Young Band. Six years after Mike Eli and James Young formed Eli Young at North Texas, Eli Young has become one of the hottest band in Texas. It's been since 2005 release of the hit CD "Level" that they have released a new studio album but on September 16th that will change with the release of "Jet Black & Jealous".
Check out thier latest video "When It Rains"



The Eli Young Band plays on Fiday September 26th at 6:30pm on the Austin Ventures stage be sure to check them out.

For more info check out Eli Young Band here:
Web Site
MySpace
ACL Discovery

Previously: Series: Preview ACL Festival:
Okkervil River
Bobby Bare Jr.
Asleep At The Wheel
Ryan Bingham
Shooter Jennings
South Austin Jug Band
Band of Heathens
Scott H. Biram

Tampa or Bust

Football season is officially here as the Dallas Cowboys begin training camp on Friday. The Cowboys no question about it are the NFC's best team. So this year for the Cowboys it's all about the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay, anything less will be disappointing. They bring back all 13 pro bowl players and add talented draft picks RB Felix Jones and CB Mike Jenkins as well as troubled pro bowl caliber CB Adam Jones.

Mile High Music Festival

This past weekend I was in Denver for the first Mile High Music Festival. While a 2 day festival I only went the last day which was Sunday. While the Black Crowes were the highlight of the day, there are a couple bands that impressed me: Tea Leaf Green, Leftover Salmon, and Flogging Molly.
The Black Crowes were awesome this was my 3rd time to see them and I think gets better each time. They played about 90 minutes and played stuff from the new album Warpaint to classic Crowes songs. Here is the set list:
Movin' On Down The Line
Goodbye Daughters Of The Revolution
GoneJealous Again
Oh Josphine
Poor Elijah - Tribute To Johnson (Medley)
God's Got It
Wiser Time
Wee Who See The Deep
Thorn In My Pride
Soul Singing
Remedy
Wounded Bird
Twice As Hard

Upcoming Releases

Here are a few album releases I am looking forward to.

7-29-08
Britt Llyod Band - Ink
Micky & the Motorcars - Naive

08-05-08
Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst

8-19-08
Chris Knight - Heart Of Stone

8-26-08
Jason Boland & the Stragglers - Comal County Blue
The Lost Trailers - Holler Back

9-02-08
Brian Wilson - That Lucky Old Sun
Rodney Crowell - Sex & Gasoline

9-09-08
Calexico - Carried to Dust
Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
Ray LaMontagne - Gossip In The Grain

9-23-08
Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night

9-30-08
Rich O'Toole - TBA

Also upcoming releases TBA by Pat Green, Zack Walther & the Cronkites,

Blue October - Meridianwest at Whitewater

Last night a friend of mine took me to see Blue October play at White Water Amphitheater. This was a night of firsts. First while I had heard of them I had never listened to any of their stuff. Well after last night I am now a fan and will be going out to get some of their stuff. Their songs are deep and dark, the music is original and very cool. If you have never seen them they play again tonight.

The second of the firsts for me was going to White Water. In it's second year of operation my first impression was wow what a cool place. It is located off the Guadalupe River and has sort of the ambiance that Red Rocks in Colorado has. This in my opinion will become the premier outdoor live music venue.

The band that opened last night was Meridianwest, a band out of Austin, TX, is a band to watch out for. They are a tight 3 piece band that just sign a record deal with Sony. So be on the look out for them.

Check them out here!

Blue October

Meridianwest

White Water

Series:Preview ACL Festival

Up next the preview ACL series is one of the bands I am looking really forward to seeing and that is Okkervil River. Formed by Will Sheff (vocals, guitar) and Seth Warren (drums) about a decade ago in Austin, Texas. They have been called Texas' hottest new indie rock band since Spoon. Their last year's release The Stages Names is a great album and one that first got me hooked on them. A new album will be released this fall on September 9th called The Stand Ins that should be another great album.

Check Okkervil River's video of "Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe"



Okkervil River plays Sunday at 5:30pm on the AT&T Blue Room stage.

Check them out at:
Web Site
MySpace
ACL Discovery

Previous- Series:Preview ACL Festival:
Bobby Bare Jr.
Asleep At The Wheel
Ryan Bingham
Shooter Jennings
South Austin Jug Band
Band of Heathens
Scott H. Biram

"Executively Produced By You" Announced

The other day my good friends and very talented band Zack Walther & the Cronkites announced a new project called "Executively Produced By You" to support their new album. There will be different tier levels in which way their fans can support this project. You can bet I will be showing my support for this project and think you should as well.

Check out this video: Executively Produced By You



Add to My Profile More Videos

Visit their MySpace site

7th Annual AMA Nominees

The Americana Music Association announced the nominees for their 2008 Honors & Awards ceremony. This will be the 7th annual award ceremony for the Americana Music Association and will be held September 18th at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Those who follow this blog know I am a big fan of Americana music. The great thing about Americana is the diversity of the music it's basically true original music. Just wish this award ceremony was televised.

Anyways here are the 2008 Americana Music Association Honors and Awards Nominees include:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Raising Sand

Hayes Carll
Trouble in Mind

James McMurtry
Just Us Kids

Levon Helm
Dirt Farmer

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Steve Earle
Levon Helm
Jim Lauderdale
James McMurtry

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Buddy Miller
Chris Thile
Gurf Morlix
Sam Bush

NEW EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justin Townes Earle
Mike Farris
Ryan Bingham
The Steeldrivers

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Broken”
Tift Merritt

“Cheney’s Toy”
James McMurtry

“Gone Gone Gone”
Alison Krauss & Robert Plant

“Poor Old Dirt Farmer”
Levon Helm

“She Left Me for Jesus”
Hayes Carll

DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Drive By Truckers
Kane Welch Kaplin
The Avett Brothers

Meg White Resurfaces With Raconteurs

Over the weekend at a Raconteurs show in Detroit following an encore break Meg White came out with Jack White. According to reports from the billboard.com Meg came out sat down at the drums tapped on few drums and Jack announced “Hey everybody, this is Meg White,” the crowd went crazy thinking a White Stripes jam was to occur. That was not the case as the rest of the Raconteurs returned to the stage, with Brendan Benson shouting "Whoa...wrong band!," Meg got up and walked off, leaving the band to its encore.

While reports from the Stripes/Raconteurs' publicist, Billboard.com's was a bit off saying Jack and Meg did take the stage together as if they would play but she never touch the drums and Jack never introduced her.

Jack White has said The White Stripes are at work on their 7th album. Could a tour follow that album? Time will tell. I hope they do and come to the San Antonio/Austin area. As I missed seeing them when they cancelled their ACL appearance last year do to Meg's bout of anxiety.

Read these stories of the Meg White appearance

Billboard.com

Rolling Stones

Pitchfork

Series: Preview ACL Festival

Next up in the series is Bobby Bare Jr. A month and a half ago I went to Gruene Hall to see Son Volt and the opening band was Bobby Bare Jr. while I didn't get there in time to see more than a couple songs of his it was enough to make me interested in checking him out. I had heard of him but never listened to any of his music until that night. I have since download some of his music and really like it.



The son of country music legend Bobby Bare, in which when he was 5 years old he recorded a duet with his dad that was nominated for a Grammy. While Bobby Jr. has followed in his dad's footsteps with a career in music that's were it stops as Bobby Jr.'s music is a mix between punk, indie, southern rock, and a little alt-country.

Check out Bobby Bare Jr. Live




Bobby Bare Jr. plays ACL on Friday from 4:40-5:20 on the BMI stage

Visit Bobby Bare Jr. here:
Official Web Site
MySpace
ACL Discovery

Previous- Series:Preview ACL Festival:
Asleep At The Wheel
Ryan Bingham
Shooter Jennings
South Austin Jug Band
Band of Heathens
Scott H. Biram

ACL Schedule (Saturday & Sunday Review)

Saturday and Sunday are the better days in my opinion.

Saturday tentative schedule
12:30-1:30 Old 97s
1:30-2:30 free time as of right now
2:30-3:30 Drive By Truckers this is also the first time slot where the first conflict comes in with The Band of Heathens playing during this time slot. Since I have seen the Heathens numerous times and with them playing in the area, the Drive By Truckers win out. I am still disappointed I have to make a choice because the Band of Heathens are a great band.
3:30-4:30 brings another break in the action
4:30-5:30 Robert Earl Keen Texas legend say no more
5:30-6:30 another free time to check out other bands
6:30-7:30 Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band this is one of the more intriguing acts I am looking forward to seeing as I am a fan of Conor's last project Bright Eyes
7:30-8:15 The biggest of dilemmas comes here with The Black Keys, Iron & Wine, and Roky Erickson all playing at basically the same time. The Black Keys (7:30-8:15) will be where I start off and depending on how good there set is will determine if I stay for the whole set and skip Iron & Wine or a little Roky Erickson.
8:15-10:00 As said in previous post this is the biggest disappointment with Robert Plant & Alison Krauss playing at almost the same time as Beck. Will try and catch a little of both probably, starting out at Robert Plant & Alison Krauss since they start 15 minutes before Beck.

Check out the complete Saturday schedule here

Sunday my tentative schedule
12:50-1:30 Scott Biram
1:30-2:30 The Kills don't know much about them so this may change
2:30-4:30 not sure yet what I will do here
4:30-5:30 Neko Case
5:30-6:30 Okkervil River one of the bands that I have not seen live before that I am looking really forward to seeing. I hate that Shooter Jennings is playing at this time slot too.
6:30-7:45 The Raconteurs - Jack White!!!!! Saw them 2 years ago and rocked!!!
7:45- 8:30 Band of Horses
Will probably check out a little of Foo Fighters (I am not a big fan of them) and depending on how the set is (I have heard they put on a good live show) will depend on when I head home.

Check out the complete Sunday schedule here

ACL Festival Schedule Out (Friday Review)

Well the ACL schedule was released today and as I have said in previous posts this is day of mixed emotions and when you can get screwed because some of the bands you want to see are scheduled at the same time as other bands you want to see. This year is no different biggest surprise is with the headliners with Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. They are listed as the second artist after the Foo Fighters yet they are not one of the bands closing out one of the nights. I figured that Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Beck and Foo Fighters would be the closers for each night. That is not the case as Manu Chao is the closer for Friday night! Are you kidding me?! That means the biggest screw job for me is on Saturday night with Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (8:15-9:30) and Beck (8:30-10:00) playing at basically the same time.

Anyways here is my tentative schedule.
Friday (the weakest day of the three days)
12:30-1:30 Will start off with Asleep With The Wheel then head over to see the last half of Rodney Crowell's set
From 1:30-2:30 is free with time to maybe discover a new band.
2:30-3:30 Jakob Dylan and the Gold Mountain Rebels
3:30-4:40 more free time
4:40-5:20 Bobby Bare Jr.
5:30-6:30 probably Hot Chip have not heard much of there stuff
6:30-7:20 Here is the big screw job of Friday for me will start off at Eli Young then head over to Ryan Bingham at 6:40
7:20-7:45 free time
7:45-8:45 Alejando Escovedo
This will most likely be the end of the night but shouldn't be as Robert Plant & Alison Krauss or Beck should be closing out Friday.

Check out the complete Friday schedule here

Look for my tentative Saturday and Sunday in a post later today.

Series: Preview ACL Festival

On the eve of the schedule being announced, one thing is certian and that is one the bands kicking things off will be none other than the ACL staple and grammy award winning band Asleep At The Wheel. They are next artist in the preview series. Tradition for me is starting the ACL Festival off on Friday at about noon with watching a little western swing and Asleep At The Wheel.

When your down in Texas Bob Wills is still the King. For a little over three decades now Asleep At The Wheel has been keeping western swing and the meomory of Bob Wills alive with there brand of western swing. Lead by band leader Ray Benson they have won several Grammy awards over the years. Keeping the spirt of Bob Wills alive is something they have worked hard at recording two tribute album and a two-act play called A Ride With Bob.

Asleep At The Wheel live performing Route 66

Visit Asleep At The Wheel:
Official Web Site
MySpace
ACL Discovery

Previous Preview: ACL Festival:
Ryan Bingham
Shooter Jennings
South Austin Jug Band
Band Of Heathens
Scott H. Biram

ACL Schedule out Tommorrow!

The Austin City Limits Music Festival has already announced the line up of the artists playing this year's festival and tomorrow they will announce the time and days the artists will be playing. This day is always a day of mixed emotions because artists that I have pinpointed as artists I want to see are playing the same times.

Tomorrow I will post my tentative schedule of what I will be seeing.

So check the ACL web site tomorrow morning to see the schedule.

Regular 3-day passes are still available but won't be for much longer.

ACL Web Site

No Repeat for Spurs

Well the Spurs again failed in their attempt to repeat. A good effort was given by them but in the end the Lakers were just quicker and wanted it a little more. Was age a factor? Maybe a little but in reality I think the banged up ankle of Manu Ginobili took away the effectiveness of the Spurs' MVP this year. It's now time to look towards next year and begin to retool for a run next year. The championship window is closing with 3-4 more years left before Duncan and Pop ride off into retirement. Look for the Spurs to make a few moves to get younger and more athleticism on the roster. I see Horry and Finley retiring and don't see Kurt Thomas coming back.

Stay tuned this off season!

Elimination Game 1: Last Stand or Comeback?

The Spurs have their backs against the wall tonight as they face elimination. Will they be fishing or preparing for another elimination game? As the big optimist that I am I think they will win tonight and prepare for game 6 in SA. Here is why I am positive about this game.
Spurs are 27-13 (67.5%) in elimination games during the Duncan era (being either they are set to be eliminated or do the eliminating) and 19-6 (76%) since the 2002-2003 Championship year. This year 3-1 in elimination games and 2-0 with their backs against wall.

With that being said Duncan, Parker, and Manu all have to play big or they will be fishing.

Series: Preview ACL Festival

Up next in the ACL Preview series is one the fastest growing artist Ryan Bingham.

Ryan Bingham has burst on to the national scene this last year with the release of his debut Lost Highway Records and one of the best albums of 2007, Mescalito. With the grit and voice that sounds worn beyond his 26 years, Ryan brings a sound that masterfully blends country with soulful rock feel and all with great lyrics paint a picture of hard times and stick in your head and want more. Ryan is the next in the long list of great songwriters from Texas.

View Ryan's performance of "Bread and Water"


Visit Ryan Bingham at:
Official Web Site
MySpace
ACL Discovery

Previous Series: Preview ACL Festival:
Shooter Jennings
South Austin Jug Band
Band of Heathens
Scott H. Biram

WCF Game 3: Will The Big 3 Show Up?

With the Spurs facing a critical must win situation tonight against the Lakers. It is imperative that the Spurs big three, Tim, Tony and Manu step up big tonight. While role players usually are the difference in a playoff series but if the superstars don't step up it doesn't matter what the role players do.

Tony was one of the Spurs I thought would have his way against the Lakers point guards of Fisher and Farmer. He has averaged only 15 ppg in the first two games.

That's where the Spurs have had their struggles in the playoffs.
Look at the numbers of the big three:
In 8 playoff wins:
Parker - 26.8 ppg 52.5% FG 77.6% FT 7.5 apg
Duncan - 23.0 ppg 51.4% FG 63.6% FT 14.5 rpg
Ginobili - 22.3 ppg 44.7% FG 39.3% 3FG 88.4% FT 4.0 rpg 3.6 apg

In 6 playoff loses:
Parker - 16.8 ppg 43.6% FG 66.7% FT 4.2 apg
Duncan - 14.8 ppg 37.9% FG 56.7% FT 13.0 rpg
Ginobili - 13.2 ppg 36.8% FG 29.0% 3FG 87.0% FT 3.7 rpg 4.5 apg

Tom Gillam at Sam's Burger Joint

In San Antonio competing with the Spurs playoffs is a losing battle and last night was one of those nights. Tom Gillam and his band Tractor Pull making their San Antonio debut against the Spurs game one of the western conference final. I all have to say to all my San Antonio area readers if you were not there you missed out. While the crowd was small each one of them was treated to an incredible show and a true experience that won't be forgotten. Tom is an amazing singer, songwriter, and performer as well as an awesome band. Go check out his schedule and make it a priority to go see him live.

Upcoming Texas dates
May 22nd - The Continental Club - Houston, Texas
May 23rd - Momo's - Austin, Texas - (Live Recording)
May 24th - White Water on The Horseshoe - New Braunfels, Texas - with Brandon Jenkins, Micky and the Motorcars and more.

The Champs Still Alive: Bring On The Lakers

The Spurs showed their championship toughness gutting out a 91-82 game seven win against the Hornets in New Orleans. The Spurs are now 27-13 in the Tim Duncan era in elimination games (either when they are about to be eliminated or can eliminate a team) and 24-7 in games where they can eliminate a team.
Now for the first time the Spurs will be playing in the western conference finals in their quest to defend their title. The first 3 title defenses all ended in the first or second round.

Next in the way of the back-to-back title is the hated Lakers. Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and Derek Fisher are hated big time by Spurs fans. This will be a tough interesting series. I think the Spurs will continue to shock the sports world by beating the Lakers in 7. The Lakers have no one to match up with Duncan and Parker, look for them to have a huge series. Also look for Manu and Big Shot Rob to hit clutch threes in critical moments.

Game 7: Spurs Last Stand?

Will tonight be the end of the Spurs run for a repeat title? I sure hope not! As the Spurs face the Hornets in a win or go home game 7, I have a feeling that this game will be a dog fight and like the Spurs in a dog fight. This is only the 3rd game 7 the Spurs have played in the Tim Duncan era going 1-1 in those games, but the first on the road.
In tonights game here are a few things to watch for. First the magic number for the first half for the Spurs is 50.
Look at the 6 games in the series:
Game 1 49-45 lost
Game 2 43-42 lost
Game 3 54-56 won
Game 4 55-42 won
Game 5 47-44 lost
Game 6 58-51 won

Second Spurs defense in the 2nd half magic number under 45 for Hornets:
Look at the 6 games in the series:
Game 1 33-50 lost
Game 2 41-60 lost
Game 3 56-43 won
Game 4 45-38 won
Game 5 32-57 lost
Game 6 41-29 won

Let hope the Spurs win and continue the drive for five.

Series: Preview ACL Festival

The next artist up in the ACL Preview series is Shooter Jennings.


Shooter, the son of country music legends Waylon Jennings & Jessi Colter, started his music career as the front man of the L.A. based rock band Stargunn, but didn't start having sucess until he decided to start playing country music. His solo debut album Put The "O" Back In Country which released in 2005 was met with critical acclaim. While he has followed in his parents foot steps playing country music his music blends rock and country music. Since 2005 he has gone on to release two more studio albums Electric Rodeo and his newest album The Wolf.

Shooter performing This Ol Wheel on Letterman

Check out more on Shooter at
Web Site
MySpace
ACL Discovery

Previous Series: Preview ACL Festival:
South Austin Jug Band
Band of Heathens
Scott H. Biram

Americana Jam Schedule

Here is the schedule for the 12th Annual KNBT Americana Jam.
I will be there from start to finish.

12:30 Zach Walther and the Cronkites
1:15p The Band of Heathens
2:05 Corb Lund
2:40 Scott Miller acoustic
3:20p Wade Bowen
4:10 Bleu Edmondson
4:55 Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros
5:45 Micky and the Motorcars
6:35 Tom Gillam and Tractor Pull
7:25p Hayes Carll
8:15p Cody Canada acoustic
8:45 Reckless Kelly
9:40 Stoney Larue
10:35 Robert Earl Keen

ACLFestival: Schedule Out June 3rd

The ACL schedule is set to be announced on June 3rd. I always have mixed opinions on the day the schedule is released. One I am excited because I can start planning my schedule, but two its also the day I get screwed because multiple bands I want to see are scheduled to play at the same time. Anyways mark your calendar for June 3rd to check the ACL Festival web site to see when your bands are playing. Also check back here to see my tentative schedule.

Americana Jam Artist: Zack Walther & the Cronkites

The first band to take the stage at the Americana Jam this Sunday will be Zack Walther and the Cronkites. I have known Zack Walther for quite sometime now going all the way back to when his former Rodger Wilko were finishing recording their debut album. Years later Zack and his band the Cronkites are one of the best up and coming bands on the Texas Music scene. Touring in support of their new live album Live at Tavern In The Gruene (Click here to read our review of this CD). With a their weekly gig at Gruene Hall "Walther Wednesdays" and steady air play cross Texas they steadily build a nice fan base. Armed with great vocals as well the ability to write some great songs Zack as well as a great band consisting of Luke Leverett, Chris Compton, and Mel Nolte. These guys will be a great way to start off a great weekend.

Here is a brief preview:



Check them out at:
Web Site
MySpace
Facebook

Game 6: Time For Fabricio Oberto To Return To Starting Lineup

With the Spurs facing a win or go home game tonight, I think it's time for Fabricio Oberto to return to the starting lineup. Ok say what you want about Oberto, I know a lot of people don't like him and don't think he is very good. However, I think when he starts and play major minutes the Spurs offense and defense are better and the numbers don't lie. Take a look:

In the 64 games Fab started in the regular season:
Spurs record is 46-18 72%
Fab avg 5.6ppg 5.6rpg
Spurs avg 95.6ppg
Oppt avg 89.7ppg

In the 40 games Fab played 20 plus minutes in the regular season:
Spurs record is 30-10 75%
Fab avg 7.1ppg 6.9rpg
Spurs avg 96.8ppg
Oppt avg 90.0ppg

In the 18 games Fab didn't start in the regular season:
Spurs record is 11-7 61%
Fab avg 2.1ppg 4.1rpg
Spurs avg 94.6ppg
Oppt avg 93.7ppg

In the 42 games Fab played under 20 minutes in the regular season:
Spurs record is 27-15 64%
Fab avg 2.7ppg 3.7rpg
Spurs avg 94.0ppg
Oppt avg 91.1ppg

In the playoffs Fab has started 2 games both games won by the Spurs. With him off the bench and Kurt Thomas starting the Spurs are 4-4.

Pop Start Fab tonight!!!!

Full Wilco Weekend Recap

WOW!! What a two night run of unbelievable back to back shows by the best band out there, Wilco. As the final blog on this great weekend I am going to recap the weekend.
Here is a breakdown by albums and the number of songs they played off them over both nights:
7 songs off of the A.M. album
7 songs off of the Being There album
2 songs off of the Mermaid Avenue album
5 songs off of the Summerteeth album
2 songs off of the Mermaid Avenue Vol. 2 album
11 songs off of the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album
8 songs off of the A Ghost Is Born album
10 songs off of the Sky Blue Sky album

Highlights and surprises of the two nights:
John Straight singing It's Just That Simple
"Cars Can't Escape" a song that never made it on an album was one from the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot session
The number of songs played off of the A.M. album.

Wilco at Stubbs Monday Night Recap

Another great show by Wilco last night. Playing their second of back to back shows at Stubb's BarBQ in Austin, TX and like the first night they covered a little bit from all there albums. Although the set wasn't completely different (11 songs they played the previous night) it was full of songs I hadn't heard them play before just like Sunday night's show. Highlights were hearing "Cars Can't Escape", "Passenger Side", and four straight Being There songs to end the show. The only thing disappointing was the fact that they would night be playing again on Tuesday night.

Here is Monday night's setlist: (* denotes song played on Sunday's show)

1. Via Chicago – (Summerteeth 1998)
*2. Hummingbird – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)
3. Ashes of American Flags – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)
4. Airline to Heaven – (Mermaid Avenue Vol. II 2000)
*5. You Are My Face – (Sky Blue Sky 2007)
6. Box Full of Letters – (A.M. 1995)
*7. A Shot in the Arm – (Summerteeth 1998)
8. Side With the Seeds – (Sky Blue Sky 2007)
9. War on War – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)
*10. Handshake Drugs – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)
11. Nothing'severgonnastandinmyway (Again) – (Summerteeth 1998)
*12. Jesus, Etc. – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)
*13. Impossible Germany – (Sky Blue Sky 2007)
14. Shouldn't Be Ashamed – (A.M. 1995)
15. Passenger Side – (A.M. 1995)
16. Theologians – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)
*17. I'm The Man Who Loves You – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)

Encore 1
18. Cars Can't Escape – (YHF Demo leftover)
*19. Spiders (Kidsmoke) – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)

Encore 2
20. California Stars – (Mermaid Avenue 1998)
*21. Hate It Here – (Sky Blue Sky 2007)
*22. Heavy Metal Drummer – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)
*23. Walken – (Sky Blue Sky 2007)
24. Kingpin – (Being There 1996)
25. Red-Eyed and Blue – (Being There 1996)
26. I Got You (At The End of The Century) – (Being There 1996)
27. Monday – (Being There 1996)

Wilco at Stubb's Night 1

Last night was the first of back to back Wilco shows at Stubb's in Austin. Let me say they were amazing and proved why they are the best live band in the world! I have seen a number of Wilco shows over the years and will say this was the best Wilco show I have seen. They played a number of songs that I had not heard them play live before. Covering their complete catalog from A.M. to Sky Blue Sky. The big surprise of the night was John Straight singing "It's Just That Simple" off A.M. I can't wait to see what they have in store for tonight's show. One thing is for sure it will be awesome.

Here is the set list from last night with the album and year of the song:

1. Sunken Treasure – (Being There 1996)
2. You Are My Face – (Sky Blue Sky 2007)
3. Remember The Mountain Bed – (Mermaid Avenue, Vol. II 2000)
4. Company In My Back – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)

5. Handshake Drugs – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)

6. Pick Up The Change – (A.M. 1995)
7. Hummingbird – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)
8. On And On And On – (Sky Blue Sky 2007)
9. Pot Kettle Black – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)
10. A Shot In The Arm – (Summerteeth 1998)
11. Summer Teeth – (Summerteeth 1998)

12. Jesus, Etc. – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)
13. Impossible Germany – (Sky Blue Sky 2007)
14. It's Just That Simple – (A.M. 1995)
15. That's Not The Issue – (A.M. 1995)
16. Walken – (Sky Blue Sky 2007)
17. I'm The Man Who Loves You – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)

Encore 1:
18. Misunderstood – (Being There 1996)
19. Poor Places – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)
20. Reservations – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)
21. Spiders (Kidsmoke) – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)

Encore 2:
22. Hate It Here – (Sky Blue Sky 2007)
23. Heavy Metal Drummer – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)
24. Casino Queen – (A.M. 1995)
25. Hoodoo Voodoo – (Mermaid Avenue 1998)
26. Outta Mind (Outta Sight) – (Being There 1996)

Wilco Countdown to Austin Shows

We are basically 2 days from the first Wilco show in Austin on Sunday and it can not come any faster! Next song up in my countdown series is "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" off the critically acclaimed Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (also was the title the the documentary DVD on the recording of YHF). This entire album is great one of the best ever but I love the lyrics in this song such as these few verses:

I am an American aquarium drinker

I assassin down the avenue

I'm hiding out in the big city blinking

What was I thinking when I let go of you?

and

Disposable Dixie-cup drinking

I assassin down the avenue

I'm hiding out in the big city blinking

What was I thinking when I let go of you?

Watch Wilco perform I Am Trying To Break Your Heart

Click here to listen to the studio cut

Previously in the Wilco Countdown:

Sunken Treasure

The Late Greats

Via Chicago

Americana Jam Artist: Tom Gillam

One of the artist I look forward to seeing every year at the KNBT Americana Jam is Tom Gillam. Tom is from the Philadelphia area and one of the great Americana artist out there. His 2007 release Never Look Back was met with rave reviews in the Americana scene. It seems like only time he is in the Texas area is at the Jam. I remember the first time I saw him a few years ago at the Jam, I had been looking forward to seeing him and then read he had a triple bypass after a heartatack, a few monthes latter he was on stage at Gruene Hall. This year will be my third time seeing Tom and his band Tractor Pull. However this year will be alittle more special because I have the honor of booking him at Sam's Burger Joint the Wedenesday (May 21st) after the Jam. So if you are in the San Antonio area make sure to mark your calenders to go see him. If you are not in the San Antonio but in Texas make sure you check him out on his Texas swing that starts on May 15th.

Here is the complete Tom Gillam Texas tour.
Thursday, May 15th, 2008
Cheatham Street Warehouse San Marcos Tx

Friday, May 16th, 2008
Poor David's Pub Dallas TX Kane,Welch and Kaplan

Saturday, May 17th, 2008
Lorraines Marble Falls TX

Sunday, May 18th, 2008
KNBT AMERICANA JAM GRUENE HALL NEW BRAUNFELS TX

Tuesday, May 20th, 2008
92.1 KNBT'S Roots n Branches w/Ray Wylie Hubbard Live! @ Tavern New Braunfels TX

Wednesday, May 21st, 2008
Sam's Burger Joint 330 E. Grayson San Antonio TX 78215

Thursday, May 22nd, 2008
The Continental Club Houston TX

Friday, May 23rd, 2008
Momo's (Live Recording for Future Release) Austin TX

Saturday, May 24th, 2008
White Water On The Horseshoe Ampitheater w/Brandon Jenkins, Micky and The Motorcars and more! New Braunfels TX
Vist Tom Gillam's web site and/or MySpace

Wilco Countdown to Austin Shows

The next song on the countdown is "Sunken Treasure" off Wilco's second album Being There.
This song as well as the album Being There slowly started the transformations from the alt-country moniker to one of the greatest indie rock bands of our modern era. "Sunken Treasure" also would latter be the title to Jeff Tweedy's solo DVD project called Sunken Treasure: Live From The Pacific Northwest.

Listen to Sunken Treasure off Being There click here

Here is Jeff Tweedy performing Sunken Treasure solo



Previously in the Wilco Countdown:
The Late Greats
Via Chicago

Texas/Americana Music CD Releases

With today being the day new CDs are released, I thought I would go over a few of the Texas/Americana albums being released and date of future releases.

Out today:
Mike McClure Band - did7
Eleven Hundred Springs - Country Jam

Upcoming Releases:
Old 97's - Blame It On Gravity 5-13-08
Band of Heathens - Band of Heathens 5-20-08
Cory Morrow - Vagrants & Kings 5-20-08
Adam Carroll - Old Time Rock N Roll 5-27-08
Honeybrowne - Mile By Mile 6-17-08
Reckless Kelly - Bulletproof 6-24-08

Wilco Countdown to Austin Shows

We are now 5 days from the first of back to back Wilco shows in Austin at Stubbs. Man I can't wait. The next song in the countdown is "The Late Greats" from the 2004 album A Ghost Is Born as well the 2005 album Kicking Television: Live In Chicago. Here are the lyrics:

The greatest lost track of all time:

The Late Greats' "Turpentine"

You can't hear it on the radio

You can't hear it anywhere you go

The best band will never get signed

K-Settes starring Butcher's Blind

Are so good, you won't ever know

They never even played a show

You can't hear 'em on the radio

The greatest singer in rock and roll

Would have to be Romeo

His vocal chords are made of gold

He just looks a little too old

The greatest lost track of all time:

The Late Greats' "Turpentine"

I can't hear it on the radio

I don't hear it anywhere I go

The best song will never get sung

The best life never leaves your lungs

So good, you won't ever know

I never hear it on the radio

Can't hear it on the radio

This song is in a way about the state of music and the industry in the fact that some of the best songs and bands never get heard because they dont fit the industry's way. I think this is the reason I like this song because that is the way I feel about the music industry. Alot of the best musicians will never be known by the masses because they don't or didn't fit a mold. A few artists that come to mind are Gram Parsons, Townes Van Zandt, and John Prine.

Take a listen to a portion of "The Late Greats" as performed here earlier this year at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa


Also click here to listen to the complete song.
Previously in the Wilco Countdown:
Via Chicago

Also check out A Salty Salute Wilco series
Wilco Week: more like the moon EP
Wilco Week: "Cars Can't Escape"
Wilco Week: A.M.