Cat's Blog & Podcast Page

Cat's 9/14/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:52:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my September 14, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA:

THE COAT
GUY CLARK
SOMEDAYS THE SONG WRITES YOU
DUALTONE MUSIC GROUP
9/22/2009
0:03:23
OH BABY LIE DOWN
KENDEL CARSON
ALRIGHT DYNAMITE
TRAIN WRECK
6/23/2009
0:03:58
YOU CAN'T OUTDRINK THE TRUTH
JOHN ARTHUR MARTINEZ
PURGATORY ROAD
APACHE RANCH RECORDS
9/15/2009
0:03:41
CAN'T GO ON THIS WAY
HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN
WISHFUL THINKING
GOLD STRIKE / THIRTY TIGERS
8/18/2009
0:02:26
THE ROSE HOTEL
ROBERT EARL KEEN
THE ROSE HOTEL
LOST HIGHWAY
9/29/2009
0:03:44
THE DARKEST DAY
EILEN JEWELL
SEA OF TEARS
SIGNATURE SOUNDS
4/21/2009
0:02:31
LOOK AT MISS OHIO
BAND OF HEATHENS
ONE FOOT IN THE ETHER
BOH
9/15/2009
0:05:14
WHEN WILL I BE LOVED (W/ BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN)
JOHN FOGERTY
THE BLUE RIDGE RANGERS RIDES AGAIN
VERVE
8/31/2009
0:02:37
THE WRECKAGE
WILL HOGE
THE WRECKAGE
RYKODISC
9/29/2009
0:03:33
POUR ME A DRINK
NANCI GRIFFITH
THE LOVING KIND
ROUNDER
6/9/2009
0:03:34
I HAVE FOUND (REDUX)
THE MALDIVES
TEQUILA/SOMEDAY EP
MT. FUJI RECORDS
9/15/2009
0:04:17
DO IT
DELBERT MCCLINTON & DICK50
ACQUIRED TASTE
NEW WEST
8/18/2009
0:02:48
RED LIGHT LOVE
THOSE DARLINS
THOSE DARLINS
THIRTY TIGERS
7/7/2009
0:03:10
THAT'S WHAT KEEPS ME ROCKIN'
ROBERT CRAY
THIS TIME
VANGUARD
8/11/2009
0:05:31
TRUCK STOP IN LAGRANGE
DALE WATSON
9/07/2009 DAYTROTTER SESSION
DAYTROTTER
9/7/2009
0:02:46
SILENT PARTNER
BIG SANDY Y LOS STRAITJACKETS
MAN OF SOMEBODY'S DREAMS: CHRIS GAFFNEY TRIBUTE
YEP ROC
5/26/2009
0:02:37
CRYING IN MY SLEEP
CHRIS GAFFNEY
LOWE PROFILE: A TRIBUTE TO NICK LOWE
BREWERY RECORDS
2005
0:04:04
HEARTBREAKIN' WRECK
THE BOXMASTERS
MODBILLY
VANGUARD
4/21/2009
0:02:56
HONEY DON'T - WHO TOOK THE JUKEBOX
UH, LET'S GO
JUBAL LEE YOUNG
THE LAST FREE PLACE IN AMERICA
SELF
6/8/2009
0:02:42
HEY LITTLE DARLIN'
ZOE MUTH & THE LOST HIGH ROLLERS
ZOE MUTH & THE LOST HIGH ROLLERS
SELF
8/1/2009
0:03:30
DYLAN'S HARD RAIN (RADIO EDIT)
RYAN BINGHAM
ROAD HOUSE SUN
LOST HIGHWAY
6/2/2009
0:03:59
GOOD MORNING BLUES
ETHYL & THE REGULARS
FILL 'ER UP WITH ETHYL & THE REGULARS
SWEET CRUDE
8/11/2009
0:03:08
WHEN THE MONEY'S ALL GONE
JASON EADY
WHEN THE MONEY'S ALL GONE
SMITH ENTERTAINMENT
9/8/2009
0:03:41
DRAGGIN' DOWN THE LINE
SCOTT H. BIRAM
SOMETHING'S WRONG/LOST FOREVER
BLOODSHOT
5/19/2009
0:03:16
RUN CHICKEN RUN
FELICE BROTHERS
YONDER IS THE CLOCK
TEAM LOVE
4/7/2009
0:05:00
AIR MATTRESS
CONOR OBERST & THE MYSTIC VALLEY BAND
OUTER SOUTH
MERGE
5/5/2009
0:02:14
SONGS IN THE NIGHT
SAMANTHA CRAIN & THE MIDNIGHT SHIVERS
SONGS IN THE NIGHT
RAMSEUR
4/28/2009
0:02:40
TURN ON TUNE IN DROP OUT WITH ME
CRACKER
SUNRISE IN THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY
429 RECORDS
5/5/2009
0:04:11
STRAIGHT INTO A STORM
DEER TICK
BORN ON FLAG DAY
PARTISAN RECORDS
6/23/2009
0:03:29

Please note that this will be my last FM radio show for awhile, as I need to take a break for health reasons. Remember that you can still hear all of this great music 24 x 7 on the Radio Free Americana broadcast.

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Cat's 9/7/09 (Labor Day) FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my September 7, 2009 (Labor Day) 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA:

Part 1 of 4:

LABOR DAY '08
STEVE FORBERT
THE PLACE AND THE TIME
429 RECORDS
3/31/2009
0:03:39

SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE ROSES
KIERAN KANE
SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE ROSES
COMPASS
7/28/2009
0:02:25

THE KILLER IN ME
AMY SPEACE
THE KILLER IN ME
SELF
8/4/2009
0:03:30

A LITTLE REVIVAL
RADNEY FOSTER & THE CONFESSIONS
REVIVAL
EMERGENT/92E
9/1/2009
0:04:01

AMERICA'S FAVORITE PASTIME
TODD SNIDER
THE EXCITEMENT PLAN
YEP ROC
6/9/2009
0:03:11

BOTTLETOPS
CHARLIE FAYE
WILSON ST.
WIRE & NUT RECORDS
7/14/2009
0:04:22

IT AIN'T EASY BEING ME
CHRIS KNIGHT
TRAILER II
DRIFTER'S CHURCH PRODUCTIONS
9/15/2009
0:03:30

NEVER KNEW NO LOVE
BETTYSOO
HEAT SIN WATER SKIN
SELF
6/11/2009
0:03:38

Part 2 of 4:

DOWN AMONG THE WINES AND SPIRITS
ELVIS COSTELLO
SECRET, PROFANE & SUGARCANE
HEAR MUSIC
6/2/2009
0:03:11

DRIVIN' ON 9
THE MAYHAWS
LONELY PLACES
SELF
5/16/2009
0:03:49

BEAUTIFUL DAY
CHARLIE ROBISON
BEAUTIFUL DAY
DUALTONE MUSIC GROUP
6/23/2009
0:02:53

YOU CAN'T LIE TO ME
BUZZ CASON
BUSLOAD OF LOVE
BUZZ CASON PRODUCTIONS
8/18/2009
0:03:04

YOU GOTTA MOVE
ASHLEY CLEVELAND
GOD DON'T NEVER CHANGE
E1 ENTERTAINMENT
5/19/2009
0:04:06

HANK WILLIAMS YOU WROTE MY LIFE
WATERMELON SLIM & THE WORKERS
ESCAPE FROM THE CHICKEN COOP
NORTHERN BLUES
8/4/2009
0:03:10

7 MILES TO MEMPHIS
MARK STUART & THE BASTARD SONS
BEND IN THE ROAD
DUALTONE MUSIC GROUP
9/22/2009
0:03:17

Part 3 of 4:

WHEN THE MONEY'S ALL GONE
JASON EADY
WHEN THE MONEY'S ALL GONE
SMITH ENTERTAINMENT
9/8/2009
0:03:41

AMERICAN ID
ANGELA EASTERLING
BLACK TOP ROAD
DE L'EST MUSIC
7/14/2009
0:03:37

EAST OF WOODSTOCK, WEST OF VIET NAM
TOM RUSSELL (W/ CALEXICO)
BLOOD AND CANDLE SMOKE
SHOUT FACTORY
9/15/2009
0:04:24

LUCKY ONES
BONNIE BISHOP
THINGS I KNOW
SELF
8/11/2009
0:04:39

POLLYANNA
PATTERSON HOOD
MURDERING OSCAR (AND OTHER LOVE SONGS)
RUTH ST.
6/23/2009
0:04:37

Part 4 of 4:

DRINKIN' TO YOU
RED STICK RAMBLERS
MY SUITCASE IS ALWAYS PACKED
SUGAR HILL
5/19/2009
0:03:03

THROW IT IN THE TRASH CAN LOVE
CANDYE KANE
SUPERHERO
DELTA GROOVE PRODUCTIONS
6/16/2009
0:03:10

I HOPE YOU'RE RIGHT
AL BASILE
SOUL BLUE 7
SWEETSPOT
9/22/2009
0:03:53

TAILSPIN
JAYHAWKS
MUSIC FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY
SONY LEGACY
7/7/2009
0:03:20

SHANKILL BUTCHERS
SARAH JAROSZ
SONG UP IN HER HEAD
SUGAR HILL
6/16/2009
0:04:22

ALWAYS HAVE MY LOVE
WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION
WPA
RED DISTRIBUTION
9/15/2009
0:04:12

LABOR DAY EVENING
THE FLOATING MEN
THE SIGHING HOURS
2009
0:06:14

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Cat's 8/31/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my August 31, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA:

Part 1 of 4:

DYNAMITE WOMAN
DAVE ALVIN
KEEP YOUR SOUL: A TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM
VANGUARD
3/24/2009
0:03:43
WEIGHT OF THE WORLD (FEAT. CHRISTY MCWILSON)
DAVE ALVIN & THE GUILTY WOMEN
DAVE ALVIN & THE GUILTY WOMEN
YEP ROC
5/26/2009
0:03:27
DYNAMITE
SON VOLT
AMERICAN CENTRAL DUST
ROUNDER
7/7/2009
0:02:49
EX HUSBANDS
HOUSTON MARCHMAN
LONG GONE
WINDING ROAD
7/14/2009
0:03:18
LIKE A TRAIN
PAUL BURCH
STILL YOUR MAN
RAMSEUR / THIRTY TIGERS
8/18/2009
0:03:24
SUN IN MY EYES
GINA VILLALOBOS
DAYS ON THEIR SIDE
FACE WEST
7/7/2009
0:03:23
SO MUCH FOR THE BLUES
SONS OF BILL
ONE TOWN AWAY
THIRTY TIGERS
6/23/2009
0:03:23
WHITE FREIGHTLINER BLUES
STEVE EARLE
TOWNES
NEW WEST
5/12/2009
0:03:27

Part 2 of 4:

NOBODY FROM NOWHERE
DADDY (WILL KIMBROUGH & TOMMY WOMACK)
FOR A SECOND TIME
CEDER CREEK MUSIC
6/16/2009
0:04:51
BLACKTOP ROAD
ANGELA EASTERLING
BLACK TOP ROAD
DE L'EST MUSIC
7/14/2009
0:03:58
WILCO [THE SONG]
WILCO
WILCO [THE ALBUM]
NONESUCH
6/30/2009
0:02:59
MAMA'S LITTLE BABY
DELBERT MCCLINTON & DICK50
ACQUIRED TASTE
NEW WEST
8/18/2009
0:03:08
NOTHING'S TOO GOOD FOR MY BABY
BELLEVILLE OUTFIT
TIME TO STAND
SELF
5/12/2009
0:02:50
THINK (W/ LOU ANN BARTON)
OMAR KENT DYKES
BIG TOWN PLAYBOY
RUF
4/14/2009
0:03:50
WILD ONE
THOSE DARLINS
THOSE DARLINS
THIRTY TIGERS
7/7/2009
0:02:54

Part 3 of 4:

TENNESSEE JED
LEVON HELM
ELECTRIC DIRT
VANGUARD
6/30/2009
0:05:58
SUGAR MAGNOLIA
MATTHEW SWEET & SUSANNA HOFFS
UNDER THE COVERS, VOL. 2
SHOUT! FACTORY
7/21/2009
0:03:32
L.A. COUNTY BLUES
BAND OF HEATHENS
ONE FOOT IN THE ETHER
BOH
9/15/2009
0:04:01
ROAD 99
BILL NOONAN
THE MAN THAT I CAN'T BE
CATAWBA CITY
7/21/2009
0:02:15
YOU ONLY BELIEVE ME WHEN I'M LYING
ZOE MUTH & THE LOST HIGH ROLLERS
ZOE MUTH & THE LOST HIGH ROLLERS
SELF
8/1/2009
0:03:24
ROADHOUSE BLUES
RYAN BINGHAM
ROAD HOUSE SUN
LOST HIGHWAY
6/2/2009
0:03:28
THING FOR YOU
SETH JAMES
THAT KIND OF MAN
EMERGENT / 92E
8/31/2009
0:03:58

Part 4 of 4:

LOOK BUT DON'T TOUCH (w/ SUNNY CROWNOVER)
DUKE ROBILLARD
STOMP! THE BLUES TONIGHT
STONY PLAIN
6/2/2009
0:03:50
DONNA
RADIO KINGS
THE RADIO KINGS
CORAZONG
5/6/2009
0:04:29
HE'S A HANDFUL
LI'L MO & THE MONICATS
ON THE MOON
COW ISLAND MUSIC
5/12/2009
0:02:49
THAT'S WHERE IT HURTS
TRACTORS
TRADE UNION
E1 MUSIC
5/19/2009
0:03:22
THE LONG WAY
BOTTLE ROCKETS
LEAN FORWARD
BLOODSHOT
8/11/2009
0:03:23
GET THE FEVER OUT
SAMANTHA CRAIN & THE MIDNIGHT SHIVERS
SONGS IN THE NIGHT
RAMSEUR
4/28/2009
0:03:04
IF YOU EVER GET FAMOUS
THE DUKE & THE KING [SIMONE FELICE & ROBERT "CHICKEN" BURKE]
NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY
RAMSEUR
8/4/2009
0:03:47
BACK TO SCHOOLDAYS
GRAHAM PARKER
PASSION IS NO ORDINARY WORD
RHINO/WEA
1993
0:02:58

My weekly FM radio show is broadcast on WXJM on Mondays from 6:00-8:00 AM EDT when James Madison University is in session, and you can listen to the live broadcast at http://www.wxjm.org/. Please note that WXJM is the student-run radio station of JMU and is not affiliated with RadioFreeAmericana.

Thanks for listening,
Cat

2009 AMA Ballot

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:37:00 +0000

Today, I cast my ballot for the 2009 Annual Americana Music Association Honors & Awards. Awards will be presented at the AMA's festival and conference on September 16-19, 2009 in Nashville.

Following are the final nominations placed on the ballot, along with my picks:

Album Of The Year

Real Animal, by Alejandro Escovedo [My Pick]
Written In Chalk, by Buddy & Julie Miller
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, by Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
Midnight At The Movies, by Justin Townes Earle

Artist Of The Year

Alejandro Escovedo [My Pick]
Buddy Miller
Justin Townes Earle
Raul Malo

Instrumentalist Of The Year

Buddy Miller [My Pick]
Gurf Morlix
Jerry Douglas
Sam Bush

New & Emerging Artist

Band Of Heathens
Belleville Outfit
Justin Townes Earle
Sarah Borges [My Pick]

Song Of The Year

"Chalk," written by Julie Miller, performed by Buddy Miller & Patty Griffin [My Pick]
"Country Love" by The Gourds
"Homeland Refugee," written by Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Butch Hancock, performed by the Flatlanders
"Rattlin' Bones," written by Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson, performed by Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson

In a prior post, I identified the nominations that I submitted, which included Alejandro Escovedo for top album and artist. I can't really argue with the top instrumentalists on the ballot, but my top nomination was Jerry Miller of the Eilen Jewell band. For "new and emerging artist", I tried to limit my nominations to artists releasing debut albums, which naturally excluded everyone that made the final ballot. (I suppose I struggled with the definition of "new and emerging.") That said, Belleville Outfit and Justin Townes Earle released excellent "sophomore" albums, so I'm glad to see them on the ballot. However, I'm a huge fan of Sarah Borges (and her band, The Broken Singles), who recently released her third album, so I cast my vote for Sarah. Finally, "Chalk", which appears on the new Buddy & Julie Miller album, was included in my nominations and is definitely worthy of my vote on the final ballot for "song of the year".

Cat

Americana Music Association Awards Nominations for 2008-2009

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Sat, 02 May 2009 12:18:00 +0000

At its annual festival and conference on September 16-19, 2009 in Nashville, the Americana Music Association will award top artists for 2008-2009. Yesterday, May 1st, nominations for awards in six categories were due from the AMA membership. The eligibility period is June 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009, meaning that only those artists releasing (or performing on) albums released during this period will be considered for awards. Following are the nominations I submitted:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
1. Real Animal - Alejandro Escovedo
2. Silverlined - Donna The Buffalo
3. Eilen Jewell - Sea of Tears
4. Buddy & Julie Miller - Written In Chalk
5. Carrie Rodriguez - She Ain't Me
6. The Gourds - Haymaker!
7. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
8. JJ Cale - Roll On
9. Lucinda Williams - Little Honey
10. Rodney Crowell - Sex & Gasoline

ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
1. Alejandro Escovedo
2. Eilen Jewell
3. Buddy & Julie Miller
4. Neko Case
5. Donna The Buffalo
6. The Gourds
7. Carrie Rodriguez
8. JJ Cale
9. Lucinda Williams
10. John Doe

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
1. Jerry Miller (Eilen Jewell band guitarist)
2. Ry Cooder (guitar)
3. JJ Cale (guitar)
4. Buddy Miller (guitar)
5. Richie Stearns (The Horse Flies - banjo)
6. Terry Adams (keyboards)
7. Booker T. Jones (keyboards)
8. Bela Fleck (banjo)
9. Jorma Kaukonen (guitar)
10. Jerry Douglas (dobro)

NEW/EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
1. The Felice Brothers
2. Tejas Brothers
3. The Dedringers
4. Will Quinlan

SONG OF THE YEAR:
1. Always A Friend - Alejandro Escovedo
2. Rain Roll In - Eilen Jewell
3. She Ain't Me - Carrie Rodriguez
4. Locket And Key - Donna The Buffalo
5. Baghdad Children - The Horse Flies
6. Chalk - Buddy & Julie Miller
7. Ridin' With The Blues - Ry Cooder
8. Carpetbaggers - Jenny Lewis
9. Jesus Was A Motorcycle Man - Jeff Finlin
10. Jailhouse Tears - Lucinda Williams

DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
1. Eilen Jewell Band
2. Buddy & Julie Miller
3. Donna The Buffalo
4. The Gourds
5. The Horse Flies
6. The Sacred Shakers
7. Tejas Brothers
8. The Felice Brothers
9. Yarn
10. The Dedringers

I confess that the due date slipped up on me and, thus, I only had about 30 minutes to ponder these selections yesterday. I began by combing through my "Best Of" lists for 2008 (see prior blogs), eliminating those albums that were released prior to June 1, 2008. Then, I considered some of my favorite releases thus far in 2009, pretty much off the top of my head. Some of the notable 2009 releases include Eilen Jewell's Sea Of Tears, Buddy & Julie Miller's Written In Chalk, The Gourds' Haymaker!, Neko Case's Middle Cyclone, JJ Cale's Roll On, along with new stuff by John Doe, Terry Adams (of NRBQ fame), Booker T., and The Felice Brothers.

Thanks for listening,
Cat

Cat's 4/20/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Here's the playlist of my April 20, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA:

Part 1 of 4:

RAIN ROLL IN
EILEN JEWELL
SEA OF TEARS
SIGNATURE SOUNDS
4/21/2009
0:02:47
OVERCOME
KEITH FRANK
LOVE. FEARED. RESPECTED.
SOULWOOD RECORDS
2008
0:04:49
JOLIE BLONDE
JOE HALL & THE LOUISIANA CANE CUTTERS
LIVE AT NUNU'S
FRUGE RECORDS
2009
0:03:33
CALICO
JIM LAUDERDALE
COULD WE GET ANY CLOSER?
SKY CRUNCH
2009
0:04:31
A THOUSAND DIAMOND RINGS
THE HANDSOME FAMILY
HONEY MOON
CARROT TOP
4/14/2009
0:03:40
MEANT FOR MINE (W/ BUDDY MILLER)
BRIGITTE DEMEYER
RED RIVER FLOWER
BDM MUSIC
2/17/2009
0:04:22
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE
ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO
KEEP YOUR SOUL: A TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM
VANGUARD RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:03:49

Part 2 of 4:

GET BEHIND THE WHEEL
NEIL YOUNG
FORK IN THE ROAD
REPRISE RECORDS
4/7/2009
0:03:08
FASCINATION
THE GREENCARDS
FASCINATION
SUGAR HILL
4/21/2009
0:03:37
THE WAY WE ARE
FLATLANDERS, THE
HILLS AND VALLEYS
NEW WEST RECORDS
3/31/2009
0:03:12
LOCKET AND KEY
DONNA THE BUFFALO
SILVERLINED
SUGAR HILL
2008
0:03:19
KEY TO MY PANTS
TERRY ADAMS
HOLY TWEET
CLANG!
4/21/2009
0:02:09
IT COMES TO ME NATURALLY
SARAH BORGES & THE BROKEN SINGLES
THE STARS ARE OUT
SUGAR HILL
3/24/2009
0:02:40
TEEN STREET
THE HOT SHOTS
TEEN STREET
CLANG!
2009
0:01:51
PADAWADAMIE
THE JOHN HENRYS
SWEET AS THE GRAIN
9LB
2008
0:02:30
BLANKET SHOW
THE GOURDS
HAYMAKER!
YEP ROC
1/6/2009
0:02:48

Part 3 of 4:

STOP THE WORLD AND LET ME OFF
JOHN DOE AND THE SADIES
COUNTRY CLUB
YEP ROC
4/14/2009
0:03:42
SING ME BACK HOME
MARIANNE FAITHFULL
EASY COME EASY GO
DECCA
3/17/2009
0:05:03
DRINKING FROM A SWIMMING POOL
ERIC BRACE & PETER COOPER
YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIKE THEM BOTH
RED BEET RECORDS
2008
0:04:19
CHICKEN WIRE
THE FELICE BROTHERS
YONDER IS THE CLOCK
TEAM LOVE RECORDS
4/7/2009
0:02:43
RUN
WILLIE NILE
HOUSE OF A THOUSAND GUITARS
BUFFALO BOP
4/14/2009
0:04:24
THE PHAROAHS
NEKO CASE
MIDDLE CYCLONE
ANTI
3/3/2009
0:03:37
BLACK SHEEP
GLENN TILBROOK & THE FLUFFERS
PANDEMONIUM ENSUES
KOCH
4/7/2009
0:03:13

Part 4 of 4:

CHEAP AIN'T CHEAP
SCOTT MILLER & THE COMMONWEALTH
FOR CRYING OUT LOUD
SELF
4/14/2009
0:03:01
LONG HOT SUMMER DAYS
SARA WATKINS
SARA WATKINS
NONESUCH
4/7/2009
0:04:45
IT'S ALRIGHT
CONNOR CHRISTIAN
90 PROOF LULLABIES
SELF
2008
0:03:32
ONE HUNDRED MILLION YEARS
M. WARD
HOLD TIME
MERGE RECORDS
2/24/2009
0:02:11
DIG A LITTLE DEEPER
SETH WALKER
LEAP OF FAITH
HYENA
3/3/2009
0:04:17
SHAKIN' ALL OVER
EILEN JEWELL
SEA OF TEARS
SIGNATURE SOUNDS
4/21/2009
0:03:03
I CAN GET OFF ON YOU
ERIC LINDELL
GULF COAST HIGHWAY
ALLIGATOR RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:03:07
WHERE THE SUN DON'T SHINE
JJ CALE
ROLL ON
ROUNDER
2/24/2009
0:03:07

My weekly FM radio show is broadcast on WXJM on Mondays from 6:00-8:00 AM EDT when James Madison University is in session, and you can listen to the live broadcast at http://www.wxjm.org/. I will not be on-the-air next Monday, April 27. Please note that WXJM is the student-run radio station of JMU and is not affiliated with RadioFreeAmericana.

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Cat's 4/13/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:52:00 +0000

Here's the playlist of my April 13, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA:

Part 1 of 4:

ONE TOKE OVER THE LINE
CONNOR CHRISTIAN
90 PROOF LULLABIES
SELF
2008
0:03:22
CHICO CALLING
THE GREENCARDS
FASCINATION
SUGAR HILL
4/21/2009
0:04:59
SWEET THING
VAN MORRISON
ASTRAL WEEKS: LIVE AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL
LISTEN TO THE LION
2/24/2009
0:05:38
LIGHTNING STRIKES
BIG DADDY LOVE
CIRCLE AROUND THE SUN
SELF
2008
0:04:52
RISING HIGH WATER BLUES
RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT
A STRANGER HERE
ANTI
4/7/2009
0:03:53
YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS
SUGAR HILL
2008
0:03:23

Part 2 of 4:

TOO MUCH
SARA WATKINS
SARA WATKINS
NONESUCH
4/7/2009
0:03:25
RUN CHICKEN RUN
THE FELICE BROTHERS
YONDER IS THE CLOCK
TEAM LOVE RECORDS
4/7/2009
0:05:00
ROLL & TUMBLE
THE GOURDS
COW FISH FOWL OR PIG
SUGAR HILL
2002
0:03:59
NEVER COP OUT
TERRY ADAMS
HOLY TWEET
CLANG!
4/21/2009
0:03:02
MAGNET
NRBQ
SCRAPS
ROUNDER
1972
0:03:30
CARTOONS & FOREVER PLANS
MARIA TAYLOR
LADYLUCK
NETTWERK RECORDS
3/31/2009
0:02:54
BEST OF TIMES
GLENN TILBROOK & THE FLUFFERS
PANDEMONIUM ENSUES
KOCH
4/7/2009
0:03:16

Part 3 of 4:

ON YOUR WAY DOWN (Birthday Tribute to Lowell George)
LITTLE FEAT
DIXIE CHICKEN
WARNER BROS.
1973
0:05:34
SAILIN' SHOES (W/ JOHN COWAN) (Birthday Tribute to Sam Bush & Lowell George)
SAM BUSH
ICE CAPS: PEAKS OF TELLURIDE
SUGAR HILL
2000
0:05:10
CHATTAHOOCHEE BOOGALOO
MICHELLE MALONE
DEBRIS
SBS
3/31/2009
0:03:59
SWEET AS THE GRAIN
THE JOHN HENRYS
SWEET AS THE GRAIN
9LB RECORDS
2008
0:05:18
BALLAD OF THAT GUY
TED RUSSELL KAMP
POOR MAN'S PARADISE
DUALTONE MUSIC GROUP
2008
0:03:19
YOU WAS FOR REAL
GREG DULLI
KEEP YOUR SOUL: A TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM
VANGUARD RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:03:22

Part 4 of 4:

HEY YA
BOOKER T. (FEAT. DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS & NEIL YOUNG)
POTATO HOLE
ANTI
4/21/2009
0:03:52
IT'S A BLESSING
JOLIE HOLLAND & BOOKER T. JONES
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD EP
ANTI
2007
0:04:38
WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE
NEIL YOUNG
FORK IN THE ROAD
REPRISE RECORDS
4/7/2009
0:04:13
BALTIMORE BLUES NO. 1
DEER TICK
WAR ELEPHANT
PARTISAN RECORDS
2007
0:03:01
THE CRANE WIFE 3
MARIANNE FAITHFULL
EASY COME EASY GO
DECCA
3/17/2009
0:03:57
LIFE AND TIMES
BOB MOULD
LIFE AND TIMES
ANTI
4/7/2009
0:04:11
BEAUTIFUL LOVER
TERRY ADAMS
HOLY TWEET
CLANG!
4/21/2009
0:02:54

Thanks for listening,
Cat

Cat's 4/6/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:37:00 +0000

Here's the playlist of my April 6, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA:

Part 1 of 4:

IT DIDN'T EVEN BRING ME DOWN
LOS LOBOS
KEEP YOUR SOUL: A TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM
VANGUARD RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:03:10
HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART
DIANA KRALL
QUIET NIGHTS
VERVE FORECAST
3/31/2009
0:04:29
ICE I'M UPON
ANYSLEY LISTER
UPSIDE DOWN
RUF RECORDS
3/10/2009
0:04:04
ALL THIS TIME
SARA WATKINS
SARA WATKINS
NONESUCH RECORDS
4/7/2009
0:03:17
TIJUANA TEQUILA
MICKEY CLARK
WINDING HIGHWAYS
EAR X-TACY RECORDS
2/17/2009
0:04:20
BORDERLESS LOVE
FLATLANDERS, THE
HILLS AND VALLEYS
NEW WEST RECORDS
3/31/2009
0:03:16
WHO'S GONNA BUILD YOUR WALL
TOM RUSSELL
WOUNDED HEART OF AMERICA (TOM RUSSELL SONGS)
HIGHTONE
2007
0:03:46
WEAR ME OUT
JESSE WINCHESTER
LOVE FILLING STATION
APPLESEED RECORDINGS
4/21/2009
0:02:39

Part 2 of 4:

POUND IT OUT
BOOKER T. JONES (FEAT. DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS & NEIL YOUNG)
POTATO HOLE
ANTI-
4/21/2009
0:04:17
STONED
BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS
SWINGING FROM THE CHAINS OF LOVE
TRUE NORTH RECORDS
2008
0:03:47
FREE YOUR MIND
TOO SLIM & THE TAILDRAGGERS
FREE YOUR MIND
UNDERWORLD RECORDS
3/17/2009
0:04:09
WALKING DOWN THE LINE
EILEN JEWELL
LETTERS FROM SINNERS & STRANGERS
SIGNATURE SOUNDS
2007
0:03:37
STRAIGHTEN 'EM
THE SACRED SHAKERS
THE SACRED SHAKERS
SIGNATURE SOUNDS
2008
0:03:43
BIG CITY
MERLE HAGGARD
THE BLUEGRASS SESSIONS
MCCOURY MUSIC/HAG RECORDS
2007
0:03:38

Part 3 of 4:

RIDE ON RED, RIDE ON
LOUISIANA RED
BACK TO THE BLACK BAYOU
RUF RECORDS
3/10/2009
0:03:27
STRICTLY FROM DIXIE
SUNNY & HER JOY BOYS
INTRODUCING…
STONY PLAIN
3/24/2009
0:02:56
IT'S A DRAG
ERIC LINDELL
GULF COAST HIGHWAY
ALLIGATOR RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:03:20
THE BIG SURPRISE
THE FELICE BROTHERS
YONDER IS THE CLOCK
TEAM LOVE RECORDS
4/7/2009
0:04:21
THOUGHT YOURSELF LUCKY
THE JOHN HENRYS
SWEET AS THE GRAIN
9LB RECORDS
2008
0:03:15
YOU REALLY GOT A HOLD ON ME
SHE & HIM
VOLUME ONE
MERGE RECORDS
2008
0:03:59
EVEN THE BLUES
THE KICKBACKS
EVEN THE BLUES
SELF
2008
0:02:37

Part 4 of 4:

MADE UP MY MIND
THE NIGHTHAWKS
AMERICAN LANDSCAPE
POWERHOUSE RECORDS
2/3/2009
0:03:21
FEATHER IN A HURRICANE
MICHELLE MALONE
DEBRIS
SBS
3/31/2009
0:03:50
I CAN'T STAND TO HEAR THAT SONG AGAIN
THE MOJO GURUS
LET'S GET LIT WITH…THE MOJO GURUS
LINUS ENTERTAINMENT
3/24/2009
0:04:36
BORDER ROCK
JIM SUHLER & MONKEY BEAT
TIJUANA BIBLE
UNDERWORLD RECORDS
2/17/2009
0:03:30
SUCCESS (W/ THE GOURDS)
KELLY WILLIS
TRANSLATED FROM LOVE
RYKO
2007
0:03:44
NUEVO LAREDO
THE GOURDS
KEEP YOUR SOUL: A TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM
VANGUARD RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:02:59
REVOLUTIONARY WAYS
MITCH WEBB & THE SWINDLES
LAST BAND AT TACOLAND
MITCHELL JUSTICE WEBB
2008
0:03:25

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Cat's 3/30/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my March 30, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA:

Part 1 of 4:

I CAN'T SLEEP
TEJAS BROTHERS
TEJAS BROTHERS
SMITH ENTERTAINMENT
2008
0:02:54
CAROL JANE
SIR DOUGLAS QUINTET
MIDNIGHT SUN
STONY PLAIN
1983
0:03:31
I WANNA BE YOUR MAMA AGAIN
SARAH BORGES & THE BROKEN SINGLES
KEEP YOUR SOUL: A TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM
VANGUARD RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:02:43
SUBTERRANEAN HOMESICK BLUES (DYLAN)
DAN HICKS AND THE HOT LICKS
TANGLED TALES
SURF DOG
3/24/2009
0:04:16
WHAT YOU GONNA DO LEROY (W/ ROBERT PLANT)
BUDDY & JULIE MILLER
WRITTEN IN CHALK
NEW WEST RECORDS
3/3/2009
0:03:45
WITHOUT YOU (W/ BUDDY MILLER)
BRIGITTE DEMEYER
RED RIVER FLOWER
BDM MUSIC
2/17/2009
0:02:52
BORDERTOWN
THE BITTERSWEETS
GOODNIGHT, SAN FRANCISCO
COMPASS
2008
0:04:19
LUDDITE
THE GOURDS
HAYMAKER!
YEP ROC
1/6/2009
0:03:37

Part 2 of 4:

BIG BOY
THE NIGHTHAWKS
AMERICAN LANDSCAPE
POWERHOUSE RECORDS
2/3/2009
0:03:46
NICKEL AND A NAIL
RUTHIE FOSTER
THE TRUTH ACCORDING TO RUTHIE FOSTER
BLUE CORN MUSIC
2/3/2009
0:04:52
OH MARY
JJ CALE
ROLL ON
ROUNDER
2/24/2009
0:03:34
COUNTRY LIVIN'
ERIC LINDELL
GULF COAST HIGHWAY
ALLIGATOR RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:03:06
BIG BRAND NEW RELIGION
SHEMEKIA COPELAND
NEVER GOING BACK
TELARC BLUES
2/24/2009
0:03:55
CAN'T COME WITH YOU
SETH WALKER
LEAP OF FAITH
HYENA
3/3/2009
0:03:45

Part 3 of 4:

ALWAYS A FRIEND
ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO
LIVE ANIMAL
BACK PORCH/MANHATTEN
2008
0:04:11
PRISON GIRLS
NEKO CASE
MIDDLE CYCLONE
ANTI
3/3/2009
0:05:25
GOING MY WAY
RANDY WEEKS
GOING MY WAY
CERTIFIABLE
2/24/2009
0:04:16
SWAGGER
THE VOX JAGUARS
POWERHOUSE
ANODYNE RECORDS
2/10/2009
0:03:33
DON'T GIVE IT UP NOW
THE LYRES
ON FYRE
MATADOR
1984
0:04:09
SHE'S ABOUT A MOVER
RY COODER AND LITTLE WILLIE G
KEEP YOUR SOUL: A TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM
VANGUARD RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:04:27

Part 4 of 4:

CRAWLING FROM THE WRECKAGE [By Request]
DAVE EDMUNDS
THE BEST OF DAVE EDMUNDS
SWAN SONG
1981
0:02:57
BABY RIDE EASY (W/ DAVE EDMUNDS)
CARLENE CARTER
MUSICAL SHAPES
WARNER BROS.
1980
0:03:18
A KNIFE AND A FORK [By Request]
ROCKPILE
SECONDS OF PLEASURE
SONY
1980
0:03:11
CRACKING UP [By Request]
NICK LOWE
QUIET PLEASE…THE NEW BEST OF NICK LOWE
YEP ROC
3/17/2009
0:02:58
MORE OF THIS
VETIVER
TIGHT KNIT
SUB POP
2/17/2009
0:03:59
PULLING ON A LINE
GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS
LOST CHANNELS
NETTWERK RECORDS
3/31/2009
0:03:18
LOVE AND REDEMPTION
LOVETONES
DIMENSIONS
PLANTING SEEDS
2/24/2009
0:03:19
WIDOW OF MY DREAMS
OBITS
I BLAME YOU
SUB POP
3/24/2009
0:04:21
OH LONESOME ME
M. WARD (FEAT. LUCINDA WILLIAMS)
HOLD TIME
MERGE RECORDS
2/24/2009
0:06:05

Cat's 3/27/09 Americana Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:01:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my March 27, 2009 Americana FM radio show on WXJM (a substitute Friday Noon show, as my regular gig is on Monday mornings), use the following links:

Part 1 of 4:

WHO ARE YOU?
DAN HICKS & THE HOT LICKS
TANGLED TALES
SURF DOG
3/24/2009
0:04:04
MEET ME IN STOCKHOLM (BY DOUG SAHM)
WANDA JACKSON
ROCKABILLY FEVER
SELF
1984
0:03:33
TEXAS ME
DELBERT MCCLINTON
KEEP YOUR SOUL: A TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM
VANGUARD RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:02:22
HERE COMES THE BLUES AGAIN
ERIC LINDELL
GULF COAST HIGHWAY
ALLIGATOR RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:03:25
PALMISTRY
GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS
LOST CHANNELS
NETTWERK RECORDS
3/31/2009
0:02:34
SLOW DOWN
SOMETYMES WHY
YOUR HEART IS A GLORIOUS MACHINE
SIGNATURE SOUNDS
3/10/2009
0:04:12
JAILBIRDS
M. WARD
HOLD TIME
MERGE RECORDS
2/17/2009
0:02:31
OHIO
MAD BUFFALO
WILDERNESS
MAD BUFFALO RECORDS
2008
0:03:56

Part 2 of 4:

JACK OF DIAMONDS
TARBOX RAMBLERS
TARBOX RAMBLERS
ROUNDER
2000
0:03:28
STOP & LET ME DRINK ABOUT IT
THE SPURS
GO, BOY, GO!
SPINOUT
2000
0:03:29
DUSTY BOXCAR WALL
EILEN JEWELL
LETTERS FROM SINNERS & STRANGERS
SIGNATURE SOUNDS
2007
0:02:43
SHAKIN' ALL OVER
JOHNNY KIDD & THE PIRATES
ROCKIN' BONES: 1950S PUNK & ROCKABILLY
RHINO
2006
0:02:22
SING IT AGAIN, MY FRIEND
STEVE FORBERT
THE PLACE AND THE TIME
429 RECORDS
3/31/2009
0:04:09
BEING WITH YOU
SARAH BORGES & THE BROKEN SINGLES
THE STARS ARE OUT
SUGAR HILL
3/24/2009
0:03:06
JESUS WAS A MOTORCYCLE MAN
JEFF FINLIN
BALLAD OF A PLAIN MAN
BENT WHEEL RECORDS
2008
0:03:20
NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON MOTHER EARTH
NEKO CASE
MIDDLE CYCLONE
ANTI
3/3/2009
0:02:14

Part 3 of 4:

STRUTTIN YER STUFF
THE RESENTMENTS
ROSELIGHT
FREEDOM
2008
0:03:53
DOWN IN HOLLYWOOD
RY COODER
THE UFO HAS LANDED: THE RY COODER ANTHOLOGY
RHINO
2008
0:04:17
HOLLYWOOD
JACKIE GREENE
AMERICAN MYTH
VERVE FORECAST
2006
0:04:58
BE REAL
FREDA & THE FIREDOGS (MARCIA BALL)
KEEP YOUR SOUL: A TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM
VANGUARD RECORDS
3/24/2009
0:02:45
WHISKEY IN MY WHISKEY
THE FELICE BROTHERS
THE FELICE BROTHERS
TEAM LOVE
2008
0:03:49
ELLIS COUNTY
BUDDY & JULIE MILLER
WRITTEN IN CHALK
NEW WEST RECORDS
3/3/2009
0:03:51

Part 4 of 4:

LEOPARD-SKIN PILL-BOX HAT (DYLAN)
BECK
WAR CHILD - HEROES VOL. 1
101 DISTRIBUTION
2/17/2009
0:03:03
YOU INSPIRE ME (By Request)
NICK LOWE
DIG MY MOOD
THE TAKER
JJ CALE
ROLL ON
ROUNDER
2/24/2009
0:03:00
LATELY I'VE LET THINGS SLIDE
SETH WALKER
LEAP OF FAITH
HYENA
3/3/2009
0:02:57
THINGS WE SAID
BRIAN MOLNAR & THE NAKED HEARTS
TEMPERANCE & THE DEVIL
SELF
1/13/2009
0:03:49
THE WAY YOU CAN GET
THE GOURDS
HAYMAKER!
YEP ROC RECORDS
1/6/2009
0:03:47
JOHNNY CASH/ALABAMA J REMIX
LEAVE THAT JUNK ALONE
JOHNNY CASH REMIXED
COMPADRE RECORDS
1/27/2009
0:03:04

My regular weekly FM radio show is broadcast on WXJM on Mondays from 6:00-8:00 AM EDT when James Madison University is in session, and you can listen to the live broadcast at http://www.wxjm.org/. Please note that WXJM is the student-run radio station of JMU and is not affiliated with RadioFreeAmericana.

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Cat's 3/27/09 Jazz Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:21:00 +0000

On March 27, 2009, I had the rare opportunity to host a Jazz show as a substitute DJ on 88.7 WXJM, Harrisonburg, VA. Admittedly, I strayed a bit from a strictly jazz format, sneaking in some blues, R&B, newgrass and even rock 'n roll; but, to quote Miles, "So what". Here's the playlist:

Part 1 of 4:

REEFER MAN
CAB CALLOWAY
THE EARLY YEARS, 1930-1934
JSP RECORDS
2001
0:02:55
LITTLE ROOTIE TOOTIE
NRBQ & THE WHOLE WHEAT HORNS
THAT'S THE WAY I FEEL NOW: A TRIBUTE TO THELONIOUS MONK
A&M RECORDS
1984
0:04:05
THE DARKTOWN STRUTTER'S BALL
ALBERTA HUNTER
AMTRAK BLUES
COLUMBIA
1980
0:05:21
SO WHAT
MILES DAVIS
KIND OF BLUE
SONY
1959
0:09:05
THANKS FOR THE BOOGIE RIDE
ERIN MCKEOWN
SING YOU SINNERS
NETTWERK RECORDS
2007
0:02:17
YES, YES, YES
TERRY ADAMS
TERRIBLE
NEW WORLD RECORDS
1995
0:04:11

Part 2 of 4:

GET THESE BLUES OFF ME
B.B. KING
ONE KIND FAVOR
BIRDSTALE
2008
0:04:28
KISSIMMEE KID
VASSAR CLEMENTS
VASSAR'S JAZZ
WINTER HARVEST
1996
0:03:35
IT AIN'T THE MEAT (IT'S THE MOTION)
SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY & THE ASBURY JUKES
I DON'T WANT TO GO HOME
SONY
1976
0:02:45
THREE LITTLE WORDS
BRANFORD MARSALIS
TRIO JEEPY
SONY
1988
0:05:07
STEP RIGHT UP
TOM WAITS
SMALL CHANGE
ASYLUM
1976
0:05:39
JACK, YOU'RE DEAD
LOUIS JORDAN
MAN ALIVE IT'S THE JUMPING JIVE
AVID RECORDS
1999
0:02:37

Part 3 of 4:

GATOR STRUT
MIKE MARSHALL & DAROL ANGER
THE DUO LIVE: AT HOME AND ON THE RANGE
COMPASS
2001
0:06:24
(GET YOUR KICKS ON) ROUTE 66
NAT KING COLE TRIO
THE COCKTAIL COMBOS
CAPITOL
1997
0:03:01
TRAVELIN' ALL ALONE
SUNNY AND HER JOY BOYS
INTRODUCING SUNNY AND HER JOY BOYS
STONY PLAIN MUSIC
2009
0:02:40
RIGHT ON
DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND
WHAT'S GOING ON?
SHOUT FACTORY
2006
0:04:28
BIG EASY (W/ THE INFAMOUS YOUNG SPODIE & REBIRTH BRASS BAND)
RAPHAEL SAADIQ
THE WAY IT SEE IT
COLUMBIA
2008
0:03:18
MAD CITY BOP
CRESCENT CITY GOLD (FEAT. DR. JOHN & ALLEN TOUSSAINT)
THE ULTIMATE SESSION
HIGHSTREET
1994
0:03:42

Part 4 of 4:

YOU'RE MY MEAT
JOE JACKSON'S JUMPIN' JIVE
JUMPIN' JIVE
A&M RECORDS
1981
0:02:58
PLEASE DON'T TALK ABOUT ME WHEN I'M GONE
TERRY ADAMS & STEVE FERGUSON
LOUISVILLE SLUGGERS
CLANG
2007
0:02:29
LET'S GET AWAY FROM IT ALL
FRANK SINATRA
COME FLY WITH ME
CAPITOL
1958
0:02:07
RHYTHM-A-NING
THELONIOUS MONK
THE COMPLETE RIVERSIDE RECORDINGS
RIVERSIDE
1955
0:06:52
IN WALKED BUD
TERRY ADAMS & FRIENDS
THAT'S THE WAY I FEEL NOW: A TRIBUTE TO THELONIOUS MONK
A&M RECORDS
1984
0:06:40
BLUES ON PLANET MARS
SUN RA & HIS ASTRO-SOLAR INFINITY ARKESTRA
THE SINGLES
EVIDENCE
1996
0:03:27
THAT'S ALL
GARY WINDO (W/ NRBQ)
DOGFACE
EUROPA
1982
0:04:14

Thanks for listening,
Cat

Cat's 3/23/09 Substitute DJ Gig

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:20:00 +0000

On March 23, 2009, I had the chance to be a substitute host DJ for WXJM's Noon Americana show, in addition to my regular weekly show the same morning. Here's the playlist:

Part 1 of 4:

Okie From Muskogee - Merle Haggard - Down Every Road (1996 Capitol)
Are The Good Times Really Gone - John Doe & The Sadies - Country Club (2009 Yep Roc)
The Have Nots - X - Under The Big Black Sun (1982 Elektra)
Love Shack - The Knitters - Poor Little Critter on the Road (1985 Slash)
A Long, Long, Time - Buddy & Julie Miller - Written in Chalk (2009 New West)
Tear Down The House - Avett Brothers - The Second Gleam (2008 Ramseur)
Color of a Lonely Heart is Blue - Old 97's - Blame It On Gravity (2008 New West)

Part 2 of 4:

Rattlin' Bones - Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson - Rattlin' Bones (2008 Sugar Hill)
New Dues - The Gourds - Haymaker! (2009 Yep Roc)
The Problem - Beausoleil - Alligator Purse (2009 Yep Roc)
Bayous Tortous - James McMurtry - Just Us Kids (2008 Lightning Rod)
Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue (2008 Warner Bros.)
Debi Came Back - Wild Seeds - Mud, Lies & Shame (1988 Passport)

Part 3 of 4:

Back To The Country - Grayson Capps & The Stumpknockers - Rott 'n Roll (2008 Hyena)
The Sun Is Shining On Me - The Derailers - Guaranteed To Satisfy (2008 Palo Duro)
If I'm Going To Sink, I Might As Well Go To The Bottom - Neko Case with Jim Lauderdale - Touch My Heart: A Tribute to Johnny Paycheck (2004 Sugar Hill)
Mighty Good Wine - Mic Harrison & The High Score - Push Me On Home (2007 Lynn Point)
Circles & X's - Lucinda Williams - Little Honey (2008 Lost Highway)
Meanwhile in the Here and Now - Bow Thayer & Perfect Trainwreck - Bow Thayer & Perfect Trainwreck (2008 self)
Can't Hardly Wait - Justin Townes Earle - Midnight At The Movies (2009 Bloodshot)
They're Blind - Kelly Willis - What I Deserve (1999 Rykodisc)

Part 4 of 4:

Someone Take The Wheel - The Replacements - All Shook Down (2008 Rhino/Rykodisc reissue)
M. Ward (w/ Zooey Deschanel) - Never Had Nobody Like You - Hold Time (2009 Merge)
Ride With Me - Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles - The Stars Are Out (2009 Sugar Hill)
Blue Canoe - Blue Mountain - Omnibus (2008 Roadrunner)
Yours Truly - The Rite Flyers - Suffer Fools Gladly (2008 self)
Old Hat - Ben Kweller - Changing Horses (2009 ATO)
CountryMusicDisco45 - Jeb Loy Nichols - Parish Bar (2009 Compass)

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Cat's 3/23/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:41:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my March 23, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA:

Part 1 of 4:

TILL MORNING COMES
BRANDON JENKINS
FASTER THAN A STONE
SMITH
2008
0:04:02
WELL WELL WELL
LUCINDA WILLIAMS
LITTLE HONEY
LOST HIGHWAY
2008
0:04:29
HALLOWED GROUND
WILL QUINLAN & THE DRIVERS
NAVASOTA
IRONWEED
2008
0:05:51
SEVEN CUPS OF COFFEE, FOURTEEN CIGARETTES
THE CORNELL HURD BAND
AT LARGE
BEHEMOTH RECORDS
1999
0:03:23
BROKEN WORLD
SHEMEKIA COPELAND
NEVER GOING BACK
TELARC BLUES
2/24/2009
0:03:41
COWBOYS TO GIRLS
HACIENDA BROTHERS
WHAT'S WRONG WITH RIGHT
PROPER RECORDS
2006
0:04:27

Part 2 of 4:

BETTER OFF BROKE
DANNY SCHMIDT
INSTEAD THE FOREST ROSE TO SING
RED HOUSE
3/10/2009
0:03:32
UNBOUND
THE REFUGEES
UNBOUND
WABUHO RECORDS
1/20/2009
0:04:08
LOOK UP
THE RESENTMENTS
ROSELIGHT
FREEDOM
11/25/2008
0:04:59
SILVERLINED (W/ D. HIDALGO)
DONNA THE BUFFALO
SILVERLINED
SUGAR HILL RECORDS
2008
0:03:08
CHANGIN' LANES
BRIAN MOLNAR & THE NAKED HEARTS
TEMPERANCE & THE DEVIL
SELF
1/13/2009
0:03:34
SHE AIN'T ME
CARRIE RODRIGUEZ
SHE AIN'T ME
MANHATTAN
2008
0:03:41
THURSDAY NIGHT LAS VEGAS AIRPORT
CHIP TAYLOR
UNGLORIOUS HALLELUJAH
TRAIN WRECK RECORDS
2006
0:02:51

Part 3 of 4:

TWO DAUGHTERS AND A BEAUTIFUL WIFE
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS
BRIGHTER THAN CREATION'S DARK
NEW WEST
2008
0:04:13
THE BLUE
JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT
JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT
LIGHTNING ROD
2/10/2009
0:04:55
AIN'T NO MORE CANE
OLLABELLE
BEFORE THIS TIME
YEP ROC
2008
0:03:35
CHALK (W/ P. GRIFFIN)
BUDDY & JULIE MILLER
WRITTEN IN CHALK
NEW WEST RECORDS
3/3/2009
0:03:40
I'M AN ANIMAL
NEKO CASE
MIDDLE CYCLONE
ANTI
3/3/2009
0:02:21
APHRODISIAHOLIC
SOMETYMES WHY
YOUR HEART IS A GLORIOUS MACHINE
SIGNATURE SOUNDS
3/10/2009
0:03:26
ART ISN'T REAL (CITY OF SIN)
DEER TICK
IODA SXSW OPENING DAY BASH SAMPLER 2009
PARTISAN RECORDS
2009
0:02:47

Part 4 of 4:

TIGHTER
THE GOURDS
HAYMAKER!
YEP ROC
1/6/2009
0:03:09
TURN YOUR PRETTY NAME AROUND
MARK OLSON & GARY LOURIS
READY FOR THE FLOOD
NEW WEST RECORDS
1/27/2009
0:04:51
SPARE PARTS
PEGGY SUE
BODY PARTS & FIRST AID
YEP ROC
2009
0:02:31
BLAKE'S VIEW
M. WARD
HOLD TIME
MERGE RECORDS
2/24/2009
0:02:29
DOWN TO MEMPHIS
JJ CALE
ROLL ON
ROUNDER
2/24/2009
0:03:05
THANKS FOR THE JOY
RUTHIE FOSTER
THE TRUTH ACCORDING TO RUTHIE FOSTER
BLUE CORN MUSIC
2/3/2009
0:03:24
GET YO S**T (FCC CLEAN VERSION)
BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS
TELL 'EM WHAT YOUR NAME IS!
LOST HIGHWAY
3/17/2009
0:02:44
WHAT'S SO FUNNY 'BOUT PEACE, LOVE & UNDERSTANDING?
NICK LOWE
QUIET PLEASE: THE NEW BEST OF NICK LOWE
PROPER RECORDS
3/17/2009
0:03:34

Cat's 3/16/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my March 16, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA:

Part 1 of 4:

GASOLINE AND MATCHES
BUDDY & JULIE MILLER
WRITTEN IN CHALK
NEW WEST RECORDS
3/3/2009
0:03:14
OH LONESOME ME
M. WARD (FEAT. LUCINDA WILLIAMS)
HOLD TIME
MERGE RECORDS
2/24/2009
0:06:05
CALIFORNIA BLUES
TIM O'BRIEN
CORNBREAD NATION
SUGAR HILL
2005
0:03:49
DIAMOND BREAK
LARRY KEEL & NATURAL BRIDGE
BACKWOODS
HOME GROWN
2/27/2009
0:03:46
AH NDIYA
BELA FLECK
THROW DOWN YOUR HEART: TALES FROM THE ACOUSTIC PLANET: THE AFRICA SESSIONS
ROUNDER
3/3/2009
0:03:49
TOP YOURSELF (BLUEGRASS VERSION)
THE RACONTEURS
TOP YOURSELF EP
WARNER BROS.
2008
0:04:38
GLORIOUS MACHINE
SOMETYMES WHY (K. Andreassen, A. O'Donovan & R. Merenda)
YOUR HEART IS A GLORIOUS MACHINE
SIGNATURE SOUNDS
3/10/2009
0:02:46

Part 2 of 4:

BLACK EYED SUZY
JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
MIDNIGHT AT THE MOVIES
BLOODSHOT RECORDS
3/3/2009
0:02:19
JUSTICE (W/ BUDDY MILLER)
BRIGITTE DEMEYER
RED RIVER FLOWER
BDM MUSIC
2/17/2009
0:02:52
CHERRY STREET
JJ CALE
ROLL ON
ROUNDER
2/24/2009
0:03:44
WATCHING THE SKY
JESSE HARRIS
WATCHING THE SKY
DOWNTOWN
3/3/2009
0:02:40
LUCKY ONE
RAUL MALO
LUCKY ONE
FANTASY
3/3/2009
0:04:32
THIS TORNADO LOVES YOU
NEKO CASE
MIDDLE CYCLONE
ANTI
3/3/2009
0:03:21
BUILDING ME A FIRE
STEVE FORBERT
THE PLACE AND THE TIME
429 RECORDS
3/31/2009
0:03:58

Part 3 of 4:

CARMALINA
JEFFREY HALFORD & THE HEALERS
RAILBIRDS
SHOELESS RECORDS
2005
0:03:45
DUES PAID IN FULL
RUTHIE FOSTER
THE TRUTH ACCORDING TO RUTHIE FOSTER
BLUE CORN MUSIC
2/3/2009
0:03:55
LEAP OF FAITH
SETH WALKER
LEAP OF FAITH
HYENA
3/3/2009
0:04:22
HOOK UP
TORNADO MAGNET
DOUBLE WIDE
BIG BENDER RECORDS
4/14/2009
0:02:59
A LOT TO TALK ABOUT
RANDY WEEKS
GOING MY WAY
CERTIFIABLE
2/24/2009
0:03:41
WITH ARMS OUTSTRETCHED
RILO KILEY
THE EXECUTION OF ALL THINGS
SADDLE CREEK
2002
0:03:43
BY ANY OTHER NAME
THE OLD CEREMONY
WALK ON THIN AIR
2009
0:04:00

Part 4 of 4:

ATLANTIC CITY (B. SPRINGSTEEN)
THE HOLD STEADY
WAR CHILD - HEROES VOL. 1
101 DISTRIBUTION
2/17/2009
0:04:34
CROSSROADS
GURF MORLIX
LAST EXIT TO HAPPYLAND
ROOTBALL
2/17/2009
0:04:25
SOMEONE ELSE
SARAH BORGES & THE BROKEN SINGLES
DO IT FOR FREE EP
SUGAR HILL
2009
0:02:47
FIGURE YOU OUT
THE KICKBACKS
EVEN THE BLUES
SELF
9/16/2008
0:02:59
TOMORROW'S GONE TONIGHT
TOMMY KEENE
IN THE LATE BRIGHT
SECOND MOTION
2/17/2009
0:03:05
DESPERATE TIMES
THE STONE COYOTES
DREAMS OF GLORY
RED CAT RECORDS
2006
0:03:29
LETTER FROM AN OCCUPANT
THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS (FEAT. NEKO CASE)
MASS ROMANTIC
MATADOR RECORDS
2000
0:03:46
GARDEN OF EDEN
DONNA THE BUFFALO
SILVERLINED
SUGAR HILL
2008
0:03:52

Cat's 3/02/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:01:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my March 2, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA:

Part 1 of 4:

ROLL ON
JJ CALE
ROLL ON
ROUNDER
2/24/2009
0:04:43
NEVER GOING BACK TO MEMPHIS
SHEMEKIA COPELAND
NEVER GOING BACK
TELARC BLUES
2/24/2009
0:06:10
BRIDGETT
THE GOURDS
HAYMAKER!
YEP ROC
1/6/2009
0:03:06
THESE THINGS YOU DO
BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO
TAKING IT HOME
POLYGRAM RECORDS
1988
0:03:38
AFRIQUE (CHEZ MOI)
COREY HARRIS
ZION CROSSROADS
TELARC
2007
0:03:16
MISSISSIPPI SAGE
TONY FURTADO
DEEP WATER
FUNZALO
11/4/2008
0:02:34
WHY ARE PEOPLE LIKE THAT?
TAB BENOIT
BROTHER TO THE BLUES
TELARC
2006
0:03:01

Part 2 of 4:

I COULDN'T MAKE IT
RANDY WEEKS
GOING MY WAY
CERTIFIABLE
2/24/2009
0:03:52
THE STRANGER I LIVE WITH
SYD STRAW
PINK VELOUR
EARNESTER
2008
0:04:28
WHITE TRAIN
LAST TRAIN HOME
STAND-INS FOR DECIBELS: A TRIBUTE TO THE DB'S
PAISLEY POP
2005
0:04:05
CASEY JONES
TOM RUSH
WHAT I KNOW
APPLESEED
2/24/2009
0:03:03
WRECK
THE BITTERSWEETS
GOODNIGHT, SAN FRANCISCO
COMPASS RECORDS
2008
0:04:20
GOOD
JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT
JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT
LIGHTNING ROD
2/10/2009
0:04:45

Part 3 of 4:

TO SAVE ME
M. WARD (FEAT. JASON LYTLE)
HOLD TIME
MERGE RECORDS
2/24/2009
0:03:01
CD #0316
I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER
SHE & HIM
VOLUME ONE
MERGE RECORDS
2008
0:03:38
AND YOUR BIRD CAN SING
MATTHEW SWEET & SUSANNA HOFFS
UNDER THE COVERS VOL. 1
SHOUT FACTORY
2006
0:02:07
OUTTA MIND (OUTTA SITE)
WILCO
BEING THERE
REPRISE
1996
0:03:20
FIST CITY (LORETTA LYNN)
CORN SISTERS (N. CASE/CAROLYN MARK)
THE OTHER WOMEN
MINT RECORDS
2000
0:02:06
WITHOUT A WORD
GIANT SAND (W/ NEKO CASE)
PROVISIONS
YEP ROC
2008
0:03:39
STILL AROUND
DEX ROMWEBER DUO (W/ NEKO CASE)
RUINS OF BERLIN
BLOODSHOT RECORDS
2/10/2009
0:03:35
PEOPLE GOT A LOTTA NERVE
NEKO CASE
MIDDLE CYCLONE
ANTI
3/3/2009
0:02:33

Part 4 of 4 (includes a Happy Birthday tribute to Lou Reed):

LOU REED
THE LITTLE WILLIES
THE LITTLE WILLIES
MILKING BULL RECORDS
2006
0:04:17
THERE SHE GOES AGAIN (LOU REED)
THE BEAT FARMERS
TALES OF THE NEW WEST
DEMON
1985
0:02:40
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE (LOU REED)
JESSE MALIN
ON YOUR SLEEVE
ONE LITTLE INDIAN
2008
0:04:01
SWEET JANE
THE VELVET UNDERGROUND
LOADED
ATLANTIC
1970
0:03:18
THINGS I LIKE TO DO
BEN KWELLER
CHANGING HORSES
ATO RECORDS
2/3/2009
0:02:09
THINGS WE LIKE TO DO
NRBQ
KICK ME HARD
ROUNDER
1979
0:02:03
PLACES
SCRUFFY THE CAT
MOONS OF JUPITER
RELATIVITY RECORDS
1988
0:03:14
RIDE WITH ME (LEMONHEADS COVER)
SARAH BORGES & THE BROKEN SINGLES
THE STARS ARE OUT
SUGAR HILL
3/24/2009

My weekly FM radio show is broadcast on WXJM on Mondays from 6:00-8:00 AM EDT, and you can listen at http://www.wxjm.org/. My show will not be broadcast on Monday March 9 because WXJM will be off the air for JMU's Spring Break; however, I'll return for my regular show on March 16. Please note that WXJM is the student-run radio station of James Madison University and is not affiliated with RadioFreeAmericana.

Thanks for listening,
Cat

Cat's 2/23/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my February 23, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA:

Part 1 of 4:

VALENTINE
THE GOURDS
HAYMAKER!
YEP ROC
1/6/2009
0:03:46

I'M HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE
EILEN JEWELL
HEARTACHE BOULEVARD EP
SIGNATURE SOUNDS
2007
0:02:35

SAWDUST MAN
BEN KWELLER
CHANGING HORSES
ATO RECORDS
2/3/2009
0:04:12

LATE BRIGHT
TOMMY KEENE
IN THE LATE BRIGHT
SECOND MOTION
2/10/2009
0:02:15

HELLO IN THERE
JEFFREY FOUCAULT
SHOOT THE MOON RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES
SELF
2/10/2009
0:04:47

DOWN WHERE THE DRUNKARDS ROLL
MAURA O'CONNELL
WANDERING HOME
HANNIBAL
1997
0:03:46

BARSTOOL BOYS
MARAH
KIDS IN PHILLY
ARTEMIS RECORDS
2000
0:02:59

Part 2 of 4:

LITTLE BETTY
OTIS TAYLOR
DEFINITION OF A CIRCLE
TELARC
2007
0:04:13

(YOU KEEP ME) HANGIN' ON
RUTHIE FOSTER
THE TRUTH ACCORDING TO RUTHIE FOSTER
BLUE CORN MUSIC
2/3/2009
0:03:11

BAD LUCK CITY
R.L. BURNSIDE
WISH I WAS IN HEAVEN SITTING DOWN
FAT POSSUM
2000
0:06:33

STREETLIGHTS
JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT
JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT
LIGHTNING ROD
2/10/2009
0:04:11

MERCURY
KATHLEEN EDWARDS
FAILER
ZOE RECORDS
2003
0:03:30

THE HEART BIONIC
BOBBY BARE, JR.
THE LONGEST MEOW
BLOODSHOT RECORDS
2006
0:03:17

RAVE ON
M. WARD (FEAT. ZOOEY DESCHANEL)
HOLD TIME
MERGE RECORDS
2/24/2009
0:03:35

PORCHLIGHT
NEKO CASE & HER BOYFRIENDS
FURNACE ROOM LULLABY
BLOODSHOT RECORDS
2000
0:03:35

Part 3 of 4:

DADDY'S GONE FOR GOOD
BEN VAUGHN
BLOWS YOUR MIND
RESTLESS
1988
0:03:23

COME WITH ME
THE DEDRINGERS
SWEETHEART OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
SELF
2008
0:04:22

DR. HOWARD, DR. FINE, DR. HOWARD
NRBQ
BOPPIN' THE BLUES
SONY
1970
0:01:43

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE WORLD?
LOST CRUSADERS
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE WORLD?
SELF
2008
0:02:54

KEEP MARCHIN'
RAPHAEL SAADIQ
THE WAY I SEE IT
COLUMBIA
2008
0:02:37

BABY, NOW THAT I'VE FOUND YOU [by request]
ALLISON KRAUSS
NOW THAT I'VE FOUND YOU: A COLLECTION
ROUNDER SELECT
2002

I WANT TO DESTROY YOU
DOLLAR STORE
FOR A DECADE OF SIN: 11 YEARS OF BLOODSHOT RECORDS
BLOODSHOT RECORDS
2005
0:02:23

BIG RIVER (COUNT DE MONEY REMIX)
VARIOUS ARTISTS
JOHNNY CASH REMIXED
COMPADRE RECORDS
1/27/2009
0:03:07

Part 4 of 4:

GUNPOWDER
BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS
BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS
LOST HIGHWAY
1/27/2009
0:02:12

FOXY BROWN
THE MOANERS
BLACKWING YALOBUSHA
YEP ROC
2007
0:03:17

EARLY IN THE MORNING
HEARTLESS BASTARDS
THE MOUNTAIN
FAT POSSUM
2/3/2009
0:02:27

LOVE LETTERS
DEX ROMWEBER DUO (W/ CAT POWER)
RUINS OF BERLIN
BLOODSHOT RECORDS
2/10/2009
0:02:52

CAN'T HARDLY WAIT
JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
MIDNIGHT AT THE MOVIES
BLOODSHOT RECORDS
3/3/2009
0:02:48

SENSITIVE BOYS
ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO
REAL ANIMAL
BACK PORCH / MANHATTAN
2008
0:04:29

BEGINNING TO SEE THE LIGHT
THE VELVET UNDERGROUND
ANDY WARHOL'S VELVET UNDERGROUND FEATURING NICO
MERCURY
1971
0:04:41

FLOWING
TEENAGE FANCLUB
MAN-MADE
MERGE RECORDS
2005
0:03:01

My weekly FM radio show is broadcast on WXJM on Mondays from 6:00-8:00 AM EDT, and you can listen at http://www.wxjm.org/. Please note that WXJM is the student-run radio station of James Madison University and is not affiliated with RadioFreeAmericana.

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Cat's 2/16/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 01:45:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my February 16, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA (featuring multiple artists performing locally this week):

Part 1 of 4:

GRINNIN' IN YOUR FACE
RORY BLOCK
BLUES WALKIN' LIKE A MAN
STONY PLAIN
2008
0:02:12

SWEETHEART LIKE YOU (DYLAN)
GUY DAVIS
SWEETHEART LIKE YOU
RED HOUSE
2/10/2009
0:07:03

NASHVILLE BLUES
JORMA KAUKONEN
RIVER OF TIME
RED HOUSE
2/10/2009
0:03:20

LONG TIME
JUSTIN JONES & THE DRIVING RAIN
AND I AM THE SONG OF THE DRUNKARDS
SELF
2007
0:03:30

BELLS & WHISTLES
WRINKLE NECK MULES
THE WICKS HAVE MET
LOWER 40 RECORDS
2007
0:04:48

GODDAMN LONELY LOVE
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS
THE DIRTY SOUTH
NEW WEST RECORDS
2004
0:04:59

Part 2 of 4:

SHE BELONGS TO ME (DYLAN)
THE NIGHTHAWKS
AMERICAN LANDSCAPE
POWERHOUSE RECORDS
2/3/2009
0:04:46

STONE LOVE
RUTHIE FOSTER
THE TRUTH ACCORDING TO RUTHIE FOSTER
BLUE CORN MUSIC
2/3/2009
0:03:48

ALL THE WAY TO JERICHO
THE GOURDS
HAYMAKER!
YEP ROC
1/6/2009
0:03:54

SITTIN' ON TOP OF THE WORLD
WILLIE & THE WHEEL
WILLIE & THE WHEEL
BISMEAUX PRODUCTIONS
2/3/2009
0:04:45

REAL LOVE
LUCINDA WILLIAMS
LITTLE HONEY
LOST HIGHWAY
2008

GO AWAY
ELVIS COSTELLO
MOMOFUKU
UMG
2008
0:04:55

Part 3 of 4:

ON HER OWN
BEN KWELLER
CHANGING HORSES
ATO RECORDS
2/3/2009
0:04:01
CD #0312

THE MOUNTAIN
HEARTLESS BASTARDS
THE MOUNTAIN
FAT POSSUM
2/3/2009
0:05:19

DAYS ARE MIGHTY
JEB LOY NICHOLS
PARISH BAR
COMPASS RECORDS
1/13/2009
0:02:46

ALCOHOL & PILLS
FRED EAGLESMITH
LIPSTICK, LIES & GASOLINE
RAZOR & TIE
1997
0:03:59

LOW ON CASH
ERIC LINDELL
LOW ON CASH, RICH IN LOVE
ALLIGATOR
2008
0:02:53

SEVEN-MILE ISLAND
JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT
JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT
THIRTY TIGERS
2/17/2009
0:04:16

Part 4 of 4:

FITZ AND THE DIZZYSPELLS
ANDREW BIRD
NOBLE BEAST
FAT POSSUM
1/20/2009
0:03:36

PEOPLE GOT A LOTTA NERVE
NEKO CASE
MIDDLE CYCLONE
ANTI
3/3/2009
0:02:33

CIGARETTE PARTY
DEX ROMWEBER DUO
RUINS OF BERLIN
BLOODSHOT RECORDS
2/10/2009
0:02:06

D.A.R.L.I.N.G.
BEACH HOUSE
DEVOTION
CARPARK RECORDS
2008
0:03:18
BEACH BABY
BON IVER
BLOOD BANK EP
JAGJAGUWAR
1/20/2009
0:02:40

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE WORLD?
LOST CRUSADERS W/ LAURA CANTRELL
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE WORLD?
SELF
2008
0:03:19

RIGHT AS RAIN
ADELE
19
SONY
2008
0:03:17

THIS BEAUTIFUL THING
OLD 97'S
BLAME IT ON GRAVITY
NEW WEST RECORDS
2008
0:03:06

YOU WIN AGAIN (W/ E. COSTELLO)
CHARLIE HADEN FAMILY & FRIENDS
RAMBLING BOY
DECCA
2008
0:03:12

TWO SECONDS
VOLEBEATS
SKY AND THE OCEAN
SAFE HOUSE
1997
0:03:49
BIG LOVE SONG
JEFF FINLIN
BALLAD OF A PLAIN MAN
BENT WHEEL RECORDS
2008

Thanks for listening,
Cat

Cat's 1/26/09 FM Radio Show

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:37:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my January 26, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA (including a special tribute to Alejandro Escovedo, who performs locally at The Gravity Lounge tonight, along with a few birthday greetings to some favorite artists:

Part 1 of 3:

CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
FICTION FAMILY
FICTION FAMILY
ATO RECORDS
2009
0:03:12
THE BIG MISTAKE
CARRIE RODRIGUEZ
SHE AIN'T ME
MANHATTAN
2008
0:03:55
DAMN ME
OTIS GIBBS
GRANDPA WALKED A PICKETLINE
THIRTY TIGERS
2009
0:04:18
FALLING DOWN AGAIN
BUICK MACKANE
THE PAWN SHOP YEARS
RYKODISC
1997
0:05:25
DON'T NEED YOU
COWBOY JUNKIES
POR VIDA: A SALUTE TO THE SONGS OF ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO
OR MUSIC
2004
0:04:24
THE RAIN WON'T HELP YOU WHEN IT'S OVER
WHISKEYTOWN
STRANGER'S ALMANAC DELUXE EDITION
GEFFEN RECORDS
2008
0:04:34
DOWN IN THE FLOOD (DYLAN)
DEREK TRUCKS BAND
ALREADY FREE
VICTOR
1/13/2009
0:05:02
LEARNING THE HARD WAY
SUSAN TEDESCHI (W/ GARY LOURIS)
BACK TO THE RIVER
VERVE
2008
0:04:39
LOVE AND MERCY
GOLDEN SMOG
STAY GOLDEN: THE BEST OF GOLDEN SMOG
RHINO/RYKODISC
2008
0:03:31

Part 2 of 3:

COUNTRY GAL
THE GOURDS
HAYMAKER!
YEP ROC
1/6/2009
0:04:13
DON'T TELL ME
INCREDIBLE CASUALS
THAT'S THAT
DEMON LTD.
1987
0:02:58
SPAMPINATO
NRBQ (JOHNNY-TRUMPET)
MESSAGE FOR THE MESS AGE
RHINO/WEA
1994
0:04:00
GET IT, GET IT
JANIVA MAGNESS
WHAT LOVE WILL DO
ALLIGATOR RECORDS
2008
0:04:16
CD #0306
DAMN IT'S HOT (PART 1)
SHARON JONES
SPIKE'S CHOICE: THE DESCO FUNK '45 COLLECTION
DESCO RECORDS
1998
0:02:34
GIVE ME BACK MY WIG
MAGIC SLIM & THE TEARDROPS
MIDNIGHT BLUES
BLIND PIG
2008
0:02:54
BLUE HIGHWAY
EILEN JEWELL
LETTERS FROM SINNERS & STRANGERS
SIGNATURE SOUNDS
2007
0:02:13
TRAIN ROUND THE BEND (BY LOU REED)
TRUE BELIEVERS
TRUE BELIEVERS
EMI AMERICA
1986
0:02:34
DOWN TIME
GARY HEFFERN (W/ ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO)
CONSOLATION
FIN-ROSA
2008
0:02:50
AMANDA RUTH
RANK & FILE (FEAT. ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO)
SUNDOWN
SLASH
1982
0:03:04
ALWAYS A FRIEND
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN (W/ ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO)
MAGIC TOUR HIGHLIGHTS EP
COLUMBIA
2008
0:04:49

Part 3 of 3:

SOAP AND WATER
CHUCK PROPHET
SOAP AND WATER
YEP ROC
2007
0:03:48
TEARS OF JOY
LUCINDA WILLIAMS
LITTLE HONEY
LOST HIGHWAY
2008
0:04:27
BRITNEY'S GOT THE BLUES
RODNEY CROWELL
2008 GRAMMY EP (2005 DEMO)
YEP ROC
2008
0:03:18
POISON BED
MITCH WEBB & THE SWINDLES
LONELY KIND
MITCHELL JUSTICE WEBB
2008
0:03:33
KILLING HIM
AMY LAVERE
ANCHORS & ANVILS
SISTER LOST SOUL
ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO
12/2/2007 GRAVITY LOUNGE, CHARLOTTESVILLE
0:06:33
MONDAY
WILCO
BEING THERE
REPRISE/WEA
1996
0:03:33
RADIATION VIBE
FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE
I MAKE THE DOUGH, YOU GET THE GLORY - KATHLEEN EDWARDS

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Cat's 1/19/09 FM Radio Show & MLK, Jr. Tribute

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Here's the playlist for my January 19, 2009 2-hour FM radio show on 88.7 WXJM in Harrisonburg, VA (including a special tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. during the entire second hour of the show:

Part 1 of 4:

SHARING A GIBSON WITH MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
LAMBCHOP
OH (OHIO)
MERGE
2008
0:04:34

I WAS A DAUGHTER
BASIA BULAT
OH, MY DARLING
ROUGH TRADE
2008
0:02:56

COUNTRY LOVE
THE GOURDS
HAYMAKER!
YEP ROC
1/6/2009
0:02:43

WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA
JEFF FINLIN
BALLAD OF A THIN MAN
BENT WHEEL RECORDS
2008
0:03:32

OLD FASHIONED MORPHINE
JOLIE HOLLAND
ESCONDIDA
ANTI-
2004
0:04:35

BUILD A HOUSE AND BURN IT DOWN
THE HORSE FLIES
UNTIL THE OCEAN
PEST CONTROL
2008
0:04:15

FAST PACED WORLD
THE DUHKS
FAST PACED WORLD
SUGAR HILL
2008
0:03:52

Part 2 of 4:

TARGET HEART
BLUE GIANT
TARGET HEART EP
SELF
2008
0:02:58

SKINNY LOVE
BON IVER
FOR EMMA, FOREVER AGO
JAJJAGUWAR
2008
0:03:58

WORKING POOR
HORSE FEATHERS
HOUSE WITH NO NAME
KILL ROCK STARS
2008
0:03:16

TOUCH ME I'M GOING TO SCREAM PT. 1
MY MORNING JACKET
EVIL URGES
ATO RECORDS
2008
0:03:49

HE DOESN'T KNOW WHY
FLEET FOXES
FLEET FOXES
COOPERATIVE
2008
0:03:22

WHITE HORSE
THE ROE FAMILY SINGERS
THE EARTH AND ALL THAT IS IN IT
SELF
2008
0:03:43

PEOPLE GOT A LOTTA NERVE
NEKO CASE
MIDDLE CYCLONE
ANTI-
3/3/2009
0:02:33
CD #0304

Part 3 of 4 (MLK, Jr. Tribute):

WHY? (THE KING OF LOVE IS DEAD)
NINA SIMONE
THE VERY BEST OF NINA SIMONE
RCA
1998
0:06:39

DR. KING
SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION
EXPLORATION
NEW WEST
2005
0:04:33

ROSA ROSA
OTIS TAYLOR
WHEN NEGROES WALKED THE EARTH
SHOELACE MUSIC
2000
0:03:34

DOWN IN MISSISSIPPI
MAVIS STAPLES
LIVE: HOPE AT THE HIDEOUT
ANTI-
2008
0:04:32

MOTEL IN MEMPHIS
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW
TENNESSEE PUSHER
NETTWERK
2008
0:04:25

UP TO THE MOUNTAIN (MLK SONG)
PATTY GRIFFIN
LIVE FROM THE ARTISTS DEN
ARTISTS DEN
2008
0:04:25

Part 4 of 4:

BLUES FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING
OTIS SPANN
RARE CHICAGO BLUES 1962-68
SMITHSONIAN
1993
0:03:41

I WISH I KNEW HOW IT WOULD FEEL TO BE FREE
IRMA THOMAS
AFTER THE RAIN
ROUNDER
2006
0:03:03

SISTER ROSA
NEVILLE BROTHERS
YELLOW MOON
A&M
1989
0:03:33

BOURGEOIS BLUES
ODETTA
LOOKIN' FOR A HOME
SMITHSONIAN
2001
0:04:33

FREEDOM HIGHWAY
NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS
51 PHANTOM
TONE COOL
2001
0:03:17

MR. KING
DONNA THE BUFFALO
ROCKIN' IN THE WEARY LAND
SUGAR HILL
1998
0:05:02
SAY IT LOUD (I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD)
JAMES BROWN
20 ALL TIME GREATEST HITS
POLYDOR
1991
0:02:46
WE SHALL BE FREE
MARIA MULDAUR
YES WE CAN! THE PRO-PEACE PROJECT
TELARC
2008
0:04:50
NONE OF US ARE FREE
SOLOMON BURKE
DON'T GIVE UP ON ME
FAT POSSUM
2002
0:05:29

Please note that WXJM is the student-run radio station of James Madison University and is not affiliated with RadioFreeAmericana.

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Best Covers Albums of 2008

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0000

It's not often (well, like, never) that I get to recommend two sisters in the covers. But, among 2008's best covers albums is a pair of recordings by sisters Allison Moorer (Mockingbird) and Shelby Lynne (Just A Little Lovin'). (I know, that was tacky, but irresistable.) All joking aside, there were some notable concept albums released in 2008 in which the concept consisted of paying tribute to, in some cases, a certain favorite, influential artist and, in other cases, a veritable who's who of iconic songwriters.

After excruciating due diligence in the covers (enough already!), I've come up with an "Elite 8" list of albums for your consideration, emcompassing a wide variety of musical styles. I won't attempt to rank these albums but, instead, recommend that if you want to venture off the beaten path and explore an artist deserving of your enthusiastic support, you should really check out The Cornell Hurd Band and their fine tribute to the king of the honky tonk piano players, Moon Mullican.

In alphabetical order by artist, here's the Best Covers Albums of 2008:

Glen Campbell - Meet Glen Campbell (Capitol) - covers The Replacements, Velvet Underground, U2, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Jackson Brown, The Beatles, etc.

Cat Power - Jukebox (Matador) - covers Frank Sinatri, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, The Highwaymen, etc.

The Cornell Hurd Band - American Shadows: The Songs of Moon Mullican (Behemoth) - covers Moon Mullican songs

Shelby Lynne - Just A Little Lovin' (Lost Highway) - covers songs recorded by Dusty Springfield

Jesse Malin - On Your Sleeve (Import) - covers Paul Simon, Lou Reed, The Hold Steady, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Jim Croce, etc.

Allison Moorer - Mockingbird (New Line) - covers June Carter, Gillian Welch, Nina Simone, Julie Miller, Joni Mitchell, etc.

Darrell Scott - Modern Hymns (Appleseed) - covers John Hartford, Kris Kristofferson, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, etc.

James Taylor - Covers (Hear Music/Concord) - covers The Temptations, Junior Walker, Glen Campbell, George Jones, John Anderson, etc.

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Most Under-appreciated Artists of 2008

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:28:00 +0000

This post identifies the artists, along with albums they released in 2008, that seem to lack the widespread appreciation, commercially, critically or otherwise that they deserve. That's not to say that these artists do not have loyal (or even rabid) fans. It's just that they are deserving of wider acclaim.

To be honest, however, I may not be the best judge of determining what is under-appreciated or under-rated. That's because, although I have a nerd's knowledge of all things roots-music oriented, I don't keep track of mainstream pop culture. For instance, I don't have a clue what artists are on top of the pop charts, and haven't for decades. Likewise, when Amy Winehouse's record came out a couple of years ago, I got it based on a recommendation (and actually liked it), without even knowing that she was practically a household name with regular appearances in People and Us magazines. So, if one or more of the artists I list actually happens to be a former American Idol winner and million seller, well, I apologize for the lack of due diligence.

Here they are, give them some appreciation...

The Horse Flies – Until The Ocean (Pest Control) – this veteran group from upstate New York has no doubt influenced the new generation of string bands getting most of the ink; perhaps their best studio album yet, in typical fashion they deliver always interesting, sometimes quirky, Roan Mountain Hilltoppers-meets-Talking Heads trance-like old-time musical grooves energized with the urgency, lyrically and sonically, of the best modern rock music; one of many highlights is Baghdad Children, the best topical song of 2008 that, based on its highly addictive, danceable groove and simple but elegant message (underscored by the lyric, "I believe in love"), has a timeless quality that will endure well beyond the Bush era
Jeff Finlin - Ballad of a Plain Man (Bent Wheel) – why nobody’s heard of Fort Collins, Colorado’s Jeff Finlin yet is a complete mystery to me, as this is another consistently outstanding album from start to finish that features highly intelligent lyrics crafted in a variety of roots rock and pop musical styles; you won’t be able to resist rocking out to Jesus Was A Motorcyle Man, not minding at all that the riff was stolen from T-Rex’s Bang a Gong
Bow Thayer and Perfect Trainwreck – Bow Thayer and Perfect Trainwreck (self) – the Vermont band recorded this album at Levon Helm’s Barn in Woodstock, NY, capturing a highly spontaneous and diverse set that blends elements of folk-rock and bluegrass anchored by a big drum and bass sound; highlights include the opening track, Meanwhile in the Here and Now, a roots rocker that creates high expectations for things to come, and, a textbook-perfect example of an achingly lonesome song, the aptly titled Powerful Lonesome, that rather humorously and fittingly pays tribute to the musicians from whom the song was “stolen” – how can you not like a song that pays homage to Tim Easton’s Get Some Lonesome ?
Mitch Webb & The Swindles - Lonely Kind / Last Band at Tacoland (Mitchell Justice Webb) - Mitch Webb & The Swindles of San Antonio, Texas follow in the rather large footsteps of hometown hero Doug Sahm; Lonely Kind is actually Mitch's first country album, while Last Band at Tacoland, a raucous live show, is more akin to prior albums that expertly mix psychedelic garage rock (much like Doug in his early days and Roky Erikson), Tex-Mex and country
Frank Carillo & The Bandoleros – Someday (Jezebel) – this is an incredibly impressive batch of blue-collar roots rock songs expertly performed by Frank and his mates with lots of gusto; providing an added bonus is the always enjoyable keyboard playing of longtime Doug Sahm sidekick, Augie Meyers, on four tracks
Mic Harrison & The High Score - On The Right Side Of The Grass (Real Much) - Scott Miller's former band mate in The V-Roys, Mic has gotten nowhere near the attention that Miller has gotten since the group split up; with this effort, he has released yet another in a consistently fine string of albums that expertly blends roots rock with elements of bluegrass
Will Quinlan - Navasota (Ironweed Music) – I’m sure Quinlan must be tired of hearing the comparison but, from the very first moments of this album, you can’t help but notice how eerily similar the Tampa-based artist’s voice sounds like Jay Farrar; likewise, Quinlan and band sound remarkably similar to Farrar’s primary musical vehicle, Son Volt; if you don’t mind the similarities, of course, that’s quite a complement as Farrar and Son Volt are among the foremost purveyors of alt. country music; this album (again, like Son Volt’s latest effort, The Search) is concerned with the spiritual as it is dedicated (and presumably offers up prayers to) Quinlan’s deceased mother
Milton - Grand Hotel (Maggadee Records) - the NYC singer-songwriter has made an extraordinary album with the help of Bo Ramsey, that blends pop, blues, country and swaggering Stones-like rock 'n roll with Milton's beautifully soulful, R&B-styled vocals; this album gets better every time I listen to it
Mando Saenz - Bucket (Carnival Records) - this is beautiful, hook-filled, radio-friendly roots pop that, in a perfect world, you should be hearing on popular AM/FM radio and CMT, establishing Saenz as a household name
The Cornell Hurd Band - American Shadows: The Songs of Moon Mullican (Behemoth) - Cornell seems to possess an encyclopedic knowledge of traditional country and western and rockabilly music and he and his large, swinging band and guests share their knowledge and expertise in presenting this music to keep it fresh and alive; on this album, Cornell and mates play the music of the king of the honky tonk piano players, Moon Mullican, including 7 Nights To Rock and other gems you may or may not recognize. Joy and humour exudes Cornell's music, which is the perfect soundtrack for an all-ages reunion party (or wedding?), as all generations can enjoy this timeless music with universal appeal (trust me, we had 3 generations of dancers at my parents' house over Christmas Eve which, BTW, is Cornell's birthday)

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Best Comebacks of 2008

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:15:00 +0000

2008 was marked by some notable comebacks by iconic musicians. In this post, I'll recognize what I believe to be the most remarkable. But first, what constitutes a comeback? Well, for my purpose, the musician must be middle-aged or older (that's called reverse age discrimination) and must have been "on top" (ruling out the reunion of Tom Petty's pre-Heartbreakers group, Mudcrutch), artistically, commercially or otherwise, at some prior point or period in their career. Further, to have a comeback, the artist must have either been in an artistic slump (releasing uninteresting albums over a period of years like, say, R.E.M.) or have been silent for many years (like, say, Glen Campbell). For example, Ray Davies' excellent new album, Working Man's Cafe, would not qualify, since he came out of virtual retirement to release a brilliant album in 2006 (Other People's Lives) -- that's called a "sustained comeback". It will be interesting to see if the artists identified below can sustain their comebacks with exceptional follow-ups.

I won't attempt to rank the albums associated with these artist comebacks. That's because the most impressive "comeback" is not necessarily the most impressive "album" and vice versa. (For the record, I'd probably say Glen Campbell's "comeback", followed by Carlene Carter's, is the most impressive, and The Pretenders' "album" is easily the best of the bunch.) And, rather than describe these efforts, I'll let you be the judge by providing links to the MP3 albums for you to sample...

Glen Campbell - Meet Glen Campbell (Capitol)
Carlene Carter - Stronger (Yep Roc)
Jackson Browne - Time The Conqueror (Inside Recordings)
R.E.M. - Accelerate (Warner Bros.)
Pretenders - Break Up The Concrete (Artist First)
Randy Newman - Harps and Angels (Nonesuch)

Arguably, some of these efforts aren't really "comebacks". In some cases, like Randy Newman and The Pretenders, you might instead say that they just "take a long time between albums," as they've always maintained a consistently high quality to their music.

Thanks for listening,

Cat

Best Newcomers of 2008

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:10:00 +0000

This "Best of 2008" post celebrates the best newcomers of the year, in recognition of each finalist's release of an artistically (if not commercially) succcessful debut album.

(Please note that descriptions of already recognized artists/albums are identical in some cases to the descriptions used in prior posts.)

Best Newcomers of 2008:

Tejas Brothers - Tejas Brothers – Tejas Brothers (Smith Entertainment) – fans of Doug Sahm and the Texas Tornados will no doubt appreciate this Fort Worth band’s rousing, highly danceable debut album that nicely blends country, rock ‘n roll, blues and Tex-Mex – a perfect soundtrack for your next party; especially impressive is the band’s accordion player and vocalist, Dave Perez, who happened to pen 8 of the album’s 11 songs - here's Boogie Woogie Mamacita:
Steeldrivers - The Steeldrivers (Rounder) – the best new bluegrass group of the year is not really new at all, as it’s an all-star ensemble of Nashville pickers including the eclectic mandolin player Mike Henderson (who also happens to be a world class electric blues guitarist and alt. country performer); apart from the stellar picking, this album features the unique soulful vocals of lead singer Chris Stapleton
Dedringers - Sweetheart of the Neighborhood (Dedcrow) – there’s plenty of swagger on this album that is more reminiscent of the Stones’ occasional takes on country music than the Parsons-era Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo for which the title track presumably pays tribute – although Parsons supposedly inspired the Stones' brand of country rock
Belleville Outfit - Wanderin’ (self) – you’d be hard pressed to find a more diverse set of roots music, as this southern group serves up a loose, innovative mix of bluegrass, alternative country, gypsy swing and jazz
Felice Brothers - The Felice Brothers (Team Love) – an impressive album by this upstate New York group that inhabits a musical space somewhere between the Avett Brothers and The Band; perhaps the standout track is Whiskey In My Whiskey, an instant classic in the long tradition of folk murder ballads
Will Quinlan - Navasota (Ironweed Music) – I’m sure Quinlan must be tired of hearing the comparison but, from the very first moments of this album, you can’t help but notice how eerily similar the Tampa-based artist’s voice sounds like Jay Farrar; likewise, Quinlan and band sound remarkably similar to Farrar’s primary musical vehicle, Son Volt; if you don’t mind the similarities, of course, that’s quite a complement as Farrar and Son Volt are among the foremost purveyors of alt. country music; this album (again, like Son Volt’s latest effort, The Search) is concerned with the spiritual as it is dedicated (and presumably offers up prayers to) Quinlan’s deceased mother
Ryebender - Hollow And Drifting (Last Train Records) - a highly accessible, radio-friendly debut album by this Alaska alt. country band, recalling the work of Last Train Home
Basia Bulat - Oh, My Darling (Rough Trade) - an impressive indie folk-pop debut by the Canadian singer-songwriter
The Roe Family Singers - The Earth And All That Is In It (self) - this Minneapolis band blends old-time music with modern indie folk to make sparse, subtly beautiful music that underscores the fine singing of Kim and Quillan Roe; especially unique and engaging is the musical saw performance by Adam Wirtzfeld throughout this album, as it helps to set the mood for these murder ballads and similar fare without ever becoming a novelty; here's Shallow Grave from a 2/20/08 St. Cloud, MN performance:
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (Jagjaguwar) - a diverse and highly enjoyable indie folk debut album by the Wisconsin singer-songwriter

Thanks for listening,

Cat

p.s. Other posts in this "Best of 2008" series include:

Best Songs of 2008
Best Alt. Country/Roots Rock Albums of 2008
Best String Band Albums of 2008
Best Blues/R&B/Soul Albums of 2008
Best Modern Rock/Power Pop Albums of 2008
Best Re-releases of 2008
Best Live Albums of 2008
more to come including Best Comebacks, Most Under-Appreciated and a few surprise treats

p.s.s. I'll be returning to the FM airwaves tomorrow morning, Monday January 12, 2009, at 6:00 to 8:00 AM Eastern Time. You can tune in to 88.7 FM Harrisonburg VA via traditional radio or via the online stream at http://www.wxjm.org/ . Tomorrow's show will include a countdown of my Best Songs of 2008. (Please note that if you attempt to tune in before 6:00 AM, there will be silence as WXJM is off-air between 2:00 and 6:00 AM. WXJM is also off-air when James Madison University is not in session, so Monday's 6 AM show will be the station's first of the new semester.)

Best Live Albums of 2008

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:57:00 +0000

In these days of file sharing and uploading of (authorized and unauthorized) bootleg tapes, there is no shortage of free live concert recordings to be found on the internet. Many, but not all, musicians allow or even encourage, in some cases, trading of these "tapes" to help create and maintain a following. Apart from any promotional impact on ticket or album sales that this exposure may bring, of course, it doesn't produce direct sales revenue. Thus, if you'd like to support artists by actually buying their live recordings, you've come to the right place to pick something out. In this post, I'll list my Best Live Albums of 2008.

To qualify as an "album" for this purpose, I have not considered any authorized bootleg tapes (or unauthorized, for that matter, which should go without saying). I have; however, considered the fine recordings of FestivaLink.net. Like a number of other entities, FestivaLink.net makes its business from recording live festival performances and selling these (with a share going to artists and festivals) in digital (MP3 or WAV) or CD format. Their products, while not the traditional type of "live album" released by an artist through a record company with shiny CD cover booklets and the like, are in a different league than their would-be peers' products. That is, FestivaLink.net does an extraordinary job of recording and painstakingly mastering the live shows that it presents, such that the final product, to these ears, is often better than what you might expect from a traditional "live album". They seem to be able to consistently capture the warmth and spontaneity found in the most appealing bootleg recordings, along with the perfect production and mastering qualities found in a traditional record company release. If you like live music, especially of the festival variety, I'd highly recommend checking out their website.

Here's my favorite live albums of 2008:

Levon Helm Band - 2008-04-26 MerleFest Watson Stage (FestivaLink.net) - check out the drumming on Ophelia:
Ollabelle - Before This Time (Yep Roc) / 2008-04-26 MerleFest Cabin Stage (FestivaLink.net) - 2 separate, equally beautiful recordings
Neil Young - Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House 1968 (Reprise)
Bruce Springsteen - Magic Tour Highlights (EP) (Columbia) - check out the guest performance by Alejandro Escovedo on Always A Friend:
Alejandro Escovedo - Live Animal (EP) (Back Porch)
The Waybacks, John Cowan & Friends - 4/26/08 MerleFest Hillside Album Hour (Performance of Led Zeppelin II album) (FestivaLink.net) - check out Whole Lotta Love:
Mitch Webb & The Swindles - Last Band at Tacoland (Mitchell Webb)
Hacienda Brothers - Arizona Motel (Proper American)
The Waifs - 2008-04-25 MerleFest Watson Stage (FestivaLink.net)
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - Live at Twist & Shout 11.16.07 (New West)
Lucinda Williams - Lu in 08 (4-song EP) (Lost Highway)
Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis - Two Men With The Blues (Blue Note)
Little Feat and Friends - Join The Band (429)
Mavis Staples - Hope At The Hideout (Anti-)
The Waco Brothers - Waco Express: Live and Kickin' at Schuba's Tavern, Chicago (Bloodshot)
Willie Nile - Live from the Streets of New York (00:02:59 LLC)
Mudcrutch - Extended Play Live EP (Warner Bros.)
Los Lobos - One Time One Night: Live Recordings, Vol. 1 (Los Lobos)
The Duhks - 2008-04-29 Backdoor Theater, Nederland, CO (FestivaLink.net)
Various Artists - 21st MerleFest Welcome Home Jams (2008-04-25) (FestivaLink.net)

Thanks for listening,

Cat

p.s. As a reminder, this "Best of Series" includes (w/ links provided below):

Best Songs of 2008
Best Alt. Country/Roots Rock Albums of 2008
Best String Band Albums of 2008
Best Blues/R&B/Soul Albums of 2008
Best Modern Rock/Power Pop Albums of 2008
Best Re-releases of 2008
more to come, including Best Newcomers, Best Comebacks, Most Under-Appreciated

Best Re-releases of 2008

DJ@RadioFreeAmericana.com (Cat) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Next up in my "Best of 2008" series is a list of my favorite "re-released" (for lack of a better term) albums, including a hodgepodge of "best of" compilations and anthologies, bonus-track-packed reissues (with alternate takes, demos and other odds 'n ends), re-recordings and the like. Here goes...

Whiskeytown - Stranger's Almanac (Deluxe Edition) (Geffen) - the original 1987 release by this North Carolina band, featuring Ryan Adams and Caitlin Cary, is an alt. country classic; this two-disc deluxe edition includes 26 bonus tracks consisting of non-LP tracks, alternative versions and live takes from the album sessions or other sessions/performances from the era, along with highly enjoyable liner notes (including an amusing tale about how the band took off for Nashville to record the sessions leaving Adams' guitars in the rendezvous parking lot, necessitating the purchase of a cheap pawn shop guitar on the streets of Nashville); among the many treats that you get with the deluxe edition are covers of Fleetwood Mac's Dreams and Alejandro Escovedo's The Rain Won't Help You When It's Over
Nick Lowe - Jesus of Cool (Reissue) (Yep Roc) - originally released in 1978 as Jesus of Cool in the U.K. and Pure Pop For Now People in the U.S. (with a slightly different track list), this was the Basher's first solo album after his pub-rock days with Brinsley Schwarz and is a pure pop masterpiece showing off his now legendary wit and songcraft; it's hard to resist the tongue-in-cheek Roller's Show (a "tribute" to bubblegum pop band, The Bay City Rollers) or Marie Provost (the unfortunate victim who became a dachsund's dinner); this 20th anniversary celebration of the album's release includes every cut appearing on the U.K. and U.S. releases plus about the same number of bonus tracks for a total of 21 timeless tracks (not including some bonus digital material at the Yep Roc website), along with an enjoyable liner booklet
Ry Cooder - The UFO Has Landed: The Ry Cooder Anthology (Rhino) - this two-disc set includes 34 tracks spanning the career of an American musical genius that showcases his extraordinary guitar playing, with clever originals and refreshing covers that never imitate; my guess is that even if you already own many of these tracks, they're probably scattered about on old garbled cassette tapes and scratched LPs, making this anthology a must-have; and, if Ry is missing from your library, well, this is a great way to become acquainted with his music; if a two-disc set is not in your budget, you should at least cough up 99 cents and download Hollywood, one of the finest, funkiest tracks ever put to wax
Tom Russell - Veteran's Day: The Tom Russell Anthology - this compilation spans three decades and includes 37 tracks by one of America's greatest and most under-appreciated songwriters; Russell knows who the real heroes are as his songs establish him as a champion of the underdog and everyman, from the Vietnam vet (Veteran's Day) to the unemployed steel worker (U.S. Steel)
The Replacements - Let It Be/Tim/Pleased To Meet Me/Don't Tell A Soul/All Shook Down (Rhino/Rykodisc) - actually, these are five separate reissues spanning the second half of The 'Mats career (and the late '80s), when they were arguably the "world's greatest rock band"; which album(s) you deem most critical to own may depend on personal preference but, hey, at least I've narrowed it down to five as all eight albums were reissued during 2008, including the first three rather primitive-sounding punk albums excluded from this list (of course, long-time fans will want them too); even if you own the original releases, these are fine additions to the catalog because of the extraordinary number of bonus tracks (also available individually in digital download format for those on a budget) and the highly informative liner notes; fans will get a kick out of the previously unreleased Portland, a song that was scrapped for LP inclusion and whose chorus, "it's too late to turn back here we go" was lifted for use as the refrain on Talent Show, the opening track to Don't Tell A Soul

Bob Dylan - Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series, Volume 8 (Sony BMG) - this two-disc, 27-track set includes outtakes, live performances and odds 'n ends covering the period from 1989's Oh Mercy through 2006's Modern Times; although there are numerous session tracks that didn't make the cut on prior albums, they are far from being second rate and, remarkably, seem to hang together into a unified sounding album; especially enjoyable are the folk-blues treatment given to Mississippi and the bluegrass duet with Ralph Stanley, The Lonesome River, that perfectly captures the "high lonesome sound"
Blue Mountain - Omnibus (Broadmoor) - the recently reunited alt. country band issued two simultaneous releases on August 19 - Midnight In Mississippi, consisting of mostly new original material, and this album consisting of 12 newly re-recorded versions of some of the most beloved songs in their catalog; it includes a refreshing take on one of the best summertime sing-a-longs of all-time, Blue Canoe, which may prompt you to play hookie from work, fill up the car (and the cooler), and head for the lake with a favorite pal or love interest singing at the top of your lungs with the windows down
Houston Marchman - Naked: The Best of Houston Marchman (Starz Music) - there are so many extraordinarily gifted Texas folk/country singer-songwriters, living and deceased, that it is indeed a high complement to mention Marchman in the same breath (which, in case you didn't notice, I'm doing); fans of Townes Van Zandt, Blaze Foley and Guy Clark will not be disappointed; given the high probability that Marchman, until now, may have been under your radar, this "best of" set is a great way to catch up and become acquainted with his work
Blackie & The Rodeo Kings - Swinging From The Chains of Love (Best of Collection) (True North) - Canadian listeners are, no doubt, highly familiar with this supergroup from the north country; alt. country/roots rock fans from the U.S. that may have overlooked this group should consider this "best of" collection an essential recording
Warren Zevon - Warren Zevon (Collector's Edition) (Rhino) - the 1976 major label debut by Zevon was a breath of fresh air during the '70s heyday of southern California singer-songwriter types, as it broke the mold with Zevon's urgent rockers and ballads about outlaws and other shady characters while mocking the overly-sensitive, me-focused songcraft of the times (Poor Poor Pitiful Me); this reissue includes 15 bonus tracks comprised of demos, alternate takes and live performances; especially engaging are the demo and alternate takes on Carmelita, a country weeper about a heroin addict

Honorable Mention:

Cowboy Junkies - Trinity Revisited (Latent/Zoe/Rounder) - to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their landmark recording, the Canadian group revisited the site of the original session (The Church Of The Holy Trinity in Toronto), performing the same set list with a cast of special guests including Ryan Adams, Natalie Merchant and Vic Chesnutt; not essential like the original album, it is still appealing, especially for long-time fans
Buddy Miller - The Best of the Hightone Years (Shout! Factory) - not worthy of the Top 10 list simply because you should own the originally released Hightone (and other label) releases by No Depression's Artist Of The Decade; unless you are a souvenir collector or completist, there's no particular reason for owning this

Dave Alvin - The Best of the Hightone Years (Shout! Factory) - perhaps more essential than the Buddy Miller collection, as you might be excused for not owning every one of Alvin's Hightone releases

Thanks for listening,

Cat