Sunday, September 21, 2008


Sunday Drive
traipsing thru the internets


The Americana Music Association this week distributed its 2008 awards at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Assuming the AMA serves as the mainstream expression of the americana movement, the list of recipients included few surprises. The sole moment of 'hmmm?' came with the announcement of Mike Farris as New Emerging Artist of the Year, surpassing the much more deserving Justin Townes Earle, Ryan Bingham and Steeldrivers. I suppose, as one blogger conjectured, the other candidates cannibalized each others' votes, leaving only Farris standing outside of the fray.


At a bookshow in lovely and pure Colorado Springs, I glimpsed a prepublication copy of No Depression's new expanded semi-annual 'bookazine'. Due in October, No Depression No. 76 promises the same longer articles, original photography, review and valuable perspective of the indispensible magazine. In an immanently frustrating development, the University of Texas representative promised me the advance copy once the show floor closed, and I promptly forgot it behind the table ...


As seen in the worthy documentary Dreaming In America, Lucero are one of the hardest working bands in alt.country. It was announced this week that Ben Nichols and co. had finally been signed to a major label, Universal Republic. As an admirer, I can only hope that this deserved success won't dull the band's unique edge. NineBullets has posted the performance video for a new Lucero tune, "Johnny Davis".


Finally, Ryan Adams revealed that he and his Cardinals will not go the entire year of 2008 without blessing us with a new release. Issued not under Adams' name, but under the Cardinals moniker, the October 28 album will be called Cardinology.


alright then,
Scott

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