(not) ROUTES & BRANCHES
Wednesday Morning Mix
November 30, 2011
Scott Foley

I received my first "I hate you for playing Christmas music" call today.  It came right after the call from the older guy who thanked me for playing Neil Young and commented on the "young punks" with whom I typically populate my playlists.   Does it matter that they were both fellow programmers?  Did I ever claim to want to make everyone happy?

No.  And this is why I value my opportunity to compile and air my year-end favorites list this time every year.  I've already seen at least a couple similar lists from bloggers of all stripes, most calling it the Year's Best.  While there will always be some overlap, I consider my own favorites lists a success if there's a smattering of the unheralded alongside stuff that will appear on others' lists.  I can look at the lists from two fairly reputable sources (for instance, Paste and Amazon) and what sits near the top of one list is nowhere to be seen on the next.  It's all so subjective.

Except for last year, when Robert Plant's Band Of Joy was at the tip-top of lists of all sorts, including mine.

So join me this Saturday for Routes & Branches, when I'll garner even more hatred for playing holiday music by young punks.  I have lots.  And set aside some time on Saturdays December 31 and January 7, when I'll debut my year-end favorite songs and albums, respectively.  It's bound to ruffle your musical feathers or I'm not doing my job here ...

*  Lucky Peterson, "I'm New Here"  You Can Always Turn Around  (Dreyfus, 10)
*  Ryan Bingham, "Depression"  Junky Star  (Lost Hwy, 10)
*  Decemberists, "I4U & U4 Me"  Long Live the King  (Capitol, 11)
*  Dave Sonner, "Can't Make Her Change"  American Campus  (Self, 11)
*  Will Hoge, "Nothing To Lose"  Number Seven  (Ryko, 11)
*  Alabama Shakes, "You Ain't Alone"  Alabama Shakes EP  (Self, 11)
*  Grace Potter, "Naughty Naughty Children"  internet single  (Hollywood, 11)
*  Constitution, "Roserita"  Wrestling With Daylight  (Self, 11)
*  Bob Dylan, "Forgetful Heart"  Together Through Life  (Columbia, 09)
*  Black Keys, "Sister"  El Camino  (Nonesuch, 11)
*  Etta James, "Champagne and Wine"  Dreamer  (Verve, 11)
*  Hollyfelds, "2am"  Black Heart Blue  (Self, 09)
*  Milk Carton Kids, "I Still Want a Little More"  Prologue  (Self, 11)
*  You Me & Apollo, "Coming Home"  Cards With Cheats  (Self, 11)
*  Elvis Costello, "My All Time Doll"  Secret Profane & Sugarcane  (Hear, 09)
*  Garth Hudson w/Neil Young & the Sadies, "This Wheel's On Fire"  Canadian Celebration of The Band  (Curve, 10)
*  Lyle Lovett, "Baby It's Cold Outside"  Songs For the Season  (Lost Hwy, 11)
*  Crooked Fingers, "Solitary Man"  Reservoir Songs Vol 1  (Merge, 02)
^  Joe Pug, "Nobody's Man (live)"  Live At Lincoln Hall  (Self, 11)
*  Megafaun, "Resurrection"  Megafaun  (Hometapes, 11)
*  Quiet American, "Black Jack Daisy"  Quiet American Vol 2  (Self, 11)
*  Dawes, "How Far We've Come"  Nothing Is Wrong  (ATO, 11)
*  Bearfoot, "Come Get Your Lonesome"  American Story  (Compass, 11)
*  Craig Finn, "Honolulu Blues"  Honolulu Blues  (Vagrant, 11)
*  Heartless Bastards, "Sway"  Mountain  (Fat Possum, 09)
*  Ry Cooder, "Quick Sand"  Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down  (Nonesuch, 11)
*  Tom Waits, "New Years Eve"  Bad As Me  (Anti, 11)

ROUTES & BRANCHES
November 26, 2011
Scott Foley

 It's probably no secret that I'm a fan of the music of Alejandro Escovedo.  He's a writer of uncommon depth who is also able to work in the superficialities of the rock genre.  Been a long while since I played something from this excellent sampler that plays tribute to his songs.  I'd be hard pressed to name a better tribute album - 2 discs packed with quality artists doing justice to great songs.  Calexico ("Wave"), Lucinda Williams ("Pyramid Of Tears"), Jayhawks ("Last To Know").  Los Lonely Boys' take on "Castanets" is my favorite of the bunch.  It's presently out of print, altho used copies are readily available online. 

Time will tell if I'm back in the studios for the Wednesday Morning Mix (8-10).  If not, we'll see you next weekend. 


*  Bonnie "Prince" Billy, "Easy Does It"  Lie Down In the Light  (Drag City, 08)
*  Madison Violet, "Goin' Away"  Good In Goodbye  (True North, 11)
*  Jon Snodgrass, "Campaign Song 93"  Tri-State Record  (Paper & Plastick, 11)
*  Pert Near Sandstone, "All Night Long"  Paradise Hop  (Self, 11)
*  Doop & the Inside Outlaws, "Not Too Late"  What Am I Supposed To Do  (Blood River, 11)
*  Secret Sisters, "I've Got a Feeling"  Secret Sisters  (Beladroit, 10)
*  Sons Of Fathers, "Flatland"  Sons Of Fathers  (Self, 11)
*  Lyle Lovett, "Girl With the Holiday Smile"  Songs For the Season  (Curb, 11)
*  Turn 4, "Cheap Guitar"  What You Do About It  (Fuck All Y'all, 11)
*  Kasey Chambers, "Down Here On Earth"  Little Bird  (Essence, 11)
*  Candi Staton, "Cry Baby Cry"  Who's Hurting Now  (Honest Jons, 11)
*  Iris DeMent, "Quality Time"  Way I Should  (Warner, 96)
*  Wilco, "Born Alone"  Whole Love  (DBPM, 11)
*  Calexico, "Man Made Lake"  Road Atlas  (QuarterStick, 11)
*  Great American Taxi, "AM Radio"  Paradise Lost  (Self, 11)
*  Deep Dark Woods, "Back Alley Blues"  Place I Left Behind  (Sugar Hill, 11)
*  Lizzie Huffman, "Heavy Hearts"  Pretty Old Soul  (Suburban Home, 11)
*  Little Willies, "Jolene"  For the Good Times  (Milking Bull, 12)
^  Son Volt, "Sometimes"  Por Vida: Tribute To the Songs of Alejandro Escovedo  (Or, 04)
*  Robert Earl Keen, "Lay Down My Brother"  Ready For Confetti  (Lost Hwy, 11)
*  Ken Will Morton, "Rough & Tumble"  Contenders  (Ghostmeat, 11)
*  Kathleen Edwards, "Empty Threat"  Voyageur  (Rounder, 12)
*  Girls Guns & Glory, "Root Cellar"  Sweet Nothings  (Lonesome Day, 11)
*  Rhett Miller, "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome (live)"  Interpreter Live At Largo  (Max Sun, 11)
*  Deer Tick, "The Bump"  Divine Providence  (Partisan, 11)
*  Gurf Morlix, "Madalyn's Bones"  Diamonds To Dust  (Blue Corn, 07)
*  Willie Nelson, "I'm Movin' On"  Remember Me Vol 1  (R&J, 11)

(still not) ROUTES & BRANCHES

> Friday Morning Mix <

November 25, 2011

Scott Foley

Another Mix shift here.  I'll be returning to my usually scheduled Saturday afternoon R&B shift tomorrow.  New Little Willies making their debut today, headed by Norah Jones who also shows up on Ryan Adams' recent album.  The Willies album features a couple originals, as well as covers of tunes originally by Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Ralph Stanley and others.  Rhett Miller (sans Norah) offers a new solo, live album paying tribute to some favorite songs as well, but these include cuts by Paul Simon, Kinks, Pixies and others.  

*  Head & the Heart, "Winter Song"  Head & the Heart  (Sub Pop, 11)
*  Robyn Ludwick, "Out Of These Blues"  Out Of These Blues  (Late Show, 11)
*  Trampled By Turtles, "Where Is My Mind"  internet single  (Banjodad, 11)
*  Whitehorse, "Broken"  Whitehorse  (Six Shooter, 11)
*  Slim Cessna's Auto Club, "Viceroy Filter King"  Always Say Please and Thank You  (Alt. Tentacles, 00)
*  Blitzen Trapper, "Fletcher"  American Goldwing  (Sub Pop, 11)
*  Rhett Miller, "California Stars (live)"  Interpreter Live At Largo  (Maximum Sunshine, 11)
*  Ryan Adams, "Invisible Riverside"  Ashes & Fire  (Lost Hwy, 11)
*  Crags, "Big Divide"  Big Divide  (Self, 11)
*  Andy Statman, "Brighter Day"  Old Brooklyn  (Shefa, 11)
*  Iguanas, "9 Volt Heart"  Plastic Silver 9 Volt Heart  (Yep Roc, 03)
*  Glossary, "Trouble Won't Last Always"  Long Live All Of Us  (Last Chance, 11)
*  AA Bondy, "Surfer King"  Believers  (Fat Possum, 11)
*  Longest Day Of the Year, "Change Our Ways"  Turn Into the Ground  (Self, 12)
*  Pieta Brown, "Be With You"  Mercury  (Red House, 11)
*  Yo-Yo Ma, Stewart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile; Goat Rodeo  (Sony, 11)
*  Little Willies, "I Worship You"  For the Good Times  (Milking Bull, 12)
*  Brandi Carlile, "Caroline"  Give Up the Ghost  (Columbia, 09)
*  Gourds, "Drop What I'm Doing"  Old Mad Joy  (Vanguard, 11)
*  Bettye LaVette, "Choices"  Scene Of the Crime  (Anti, 07)
*  Turn 4, "Tattoo Blues"  What You Do About It  (Fuck All Y'All, 11)
*  Michael Kiwanuka, "I'm Getting Ready"  I'm Getting Ready  (Interscope, 11)
*  Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, "Gravity"  Gift Horse  (Vanguard, 11)
*  Brigitte DeMeyer, "Amen Said the Deacon"  Rose Of Jericho  (Self, 11)
*  Ollabelle, "Be Your Woman"  Neon Blue Bird  (Ollabelle, 11)
*  Gary Louris, "Vagabonds"  Vagabonds  (Ryko, 08)
*  Ghost Of Michael Clark, "Bound To Break"  Bound To Break  (Blank Tape, 11)
*  Dolorean, "Hard Working Dogs"  Unfazed  (Fargo, 11)

(not) ROUTES & BRANCHES
> Wednesday Morning Mix <

November 23, 2011
Scott Foley

Another early morning drive up to FoCo, this one interrupted promptly by a friendly officer who gave me my first speeding ticket in nearly half a lifetime.  Fortunately, the worthiness of the Episode all but made up for that roadbump.  Plus, a fingernail moon, a slow purple sunrise and some great new stuff.

To the recent run of excellent late-season Colorado releases, add a fine alt.country quartet from Greeley, Turn 4. Of course, one of the water marks we use when we're assessing alt.country is Son Volt's early trifecta, Trace, Straightaways and Wide Swing Tremolo.  While few if any albums really measure up to these late 90s legends, Turn 4's buzzing electric guitars, steady dino-drumming (courtesy of Dan Radach, last seen behind Motorhome and Glove Trucker) and Farrar-esque vox more than  hold their own in spirit.  Moreover, What You Do About It clock in at 17 cuts and more than an hour's worth of songs.  Doesn't sound like the album will be officially unleashed until February, but keep tuned to R&B and WMM and no doubt you'll eventually hear nearly the entire glorious mess. 

Finally, in my one man effort to monopolize the Northern Colorado airwaves, I'll be hosting this week's post-Thanksgiving Friday Morning Mix from 8-10am on KRFC.  And then I'll be back on Saturday afternoon.  Just try to shake me off your radio (and yes, I'll be tastefully seasoning Episodes from here on in with appropriate holiday stuff)!

*  Steve Earle, "Sin City (live)"  Transcendental Blues  (Artemis, 00)
*  Bare Bones, "Doves & Crows"  Bare Bones  (Self, 11)
*  Delta Rae, "Bottom Of the River"  internet single  (Self, 11)
*  JD Malone & the Experts, "Still Love You"  Avalon  (It's About Music, 11)
*  Amy LaVere, "You Can't Keep Me"  Stranger Me  (Archer, 11)
*  Nathaniel Rateliff, "Laughing"  In Memory Of Loss  (Rounder, 10)
*  Shelby Lynne, "Revelation Road"  Revelation Road  (Everso, 11)
*  Jayhawks, "All the Right Reasons"  Rainy Day Music  (American, 03)
*  Cowboy Junkies, "Sing In My Meadow"  Sing In My Meadow  (Razor & Tie, 11)
*  Yo-Yo Ma Stuart Duncan Edgar Meyer Chris Thile, "Here & Heaven"  Goat Rodeo (Sony, 11)
*  Ronnie Fauss, "Just the Other Side Of Nowhere"  Any Lovin' Way But Wrong  (Self, 11)
*  Willie Nelson, "This Old House"  Remember Me Vol 1  (R and J, 11)
*  Kentucky Parlor Pickers, "Roadside Diner"  Barn Burner  (Self, 11)
*  Dawes, "Way You Laugh"  Nothing Is Wrong  (ATO, 11)
*  Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore, "Only a Song"  Dear Companion  (Sub Pop, 10)
*  Alabama Shakes, "I Found You"  Alabama Shakes EP  (Self, 11)
*  Bonnie & the Beard, "Lonely Hills"  Bonnie & the Beard  (Self, 11)
*  Lyle Lovett, "Empty Blue Shoes"  Natural Forces  (Curb, 09)
*  Mariachi El Bronx, "48 Roses"  II  (Self, 11)
*  Frank Turner, "One Foot Before the Other"  England Keep My Bones  (Epitaph, 11)
*  Mavis Staples, "You Are Not Alone"  You Are Not Alonen  (Anti, 10)
*  Greensky Bluegrass, "Better Off"  Handguns  (Big Blue Zoo, 11)
^  Turn 4, "What You Do About It"  What You Do About It  (Fuck All Y'all, 11)
*  Jolie Holland, "Gold and Yellow"  Pint Of Blood  (Anti, 11)
*  Nick Lowe, "Somebody Cares For Me"  Old Magic  (Yep Roc, 11)
*  Madison Violet, "If I Could Love You"  Good In Goodbye  (True North, 11)
*  Eric Lindell, "Cazadero"  West County Drifter  (MC, 11)

ROUTES & BRANCHES
November 19, 2011
Scott Foley

Last week I included a link to a Alabama Shakes performance that I claimed might change your life.  Musically, I stand behind my enthusiasm.  With just four songs formally available, there's so much promise in this music.  I'm in great company with this appreciation, as Zales (the Diamond Store) came out this week with a new ad campaign using the Shakes' "You Ain't Alone" to sell their humble wares.  I suppose this is good news for Alabama Shakes, who will likely be able to parlay the newfound attention into at least four more tunes to which I can give some air love on R&B.  I have no qualms about artists taking advantage of this kind of exposure.  I'm just not used to having anything in common with Zales (the Diamond Store) ...

This week's Episode, let's herald the full length debut of Colorado artists the Lumineers.  I remember a similar feeling when I first heard an advance copy of last year's best local release, Nathaniel Rateliff's In Memory Of Loss.  Can't keep it to myself, but don't want too many others to get ahold of it.  Like Rateliff and Paper Bird, early national exposure for the Lumineers came from the Illionois based Daytrotter site, which committed to broadcasting a short live set having only heard an EP and some industry buzz (CMJ and Paste).  The Lumineers set up camp close to the world of folk music, but make a quick departure with group-sing choruses, Mumford-esque breakdowns and perfectly broken vocals.  Plus, there's a cello, which is nice.  The easy link is to liken the Lumineers to bands like Head &  the Heart, Avetts and the aforementioned Mumford & Sons.   The better approach is to simply let the new album breathe on your harddrive for a couple days.  One of the year's very best releases (just sorta keep it to yourself for now).

 ... and maybe if they're lucky, the Lumineers will be getting a call soon from Jared (the Galleria of Jewelry).


*  Joe Pug, "Unsophisticated Heart"  Messenger  (Lightning Rod, 10)
*  Red Molly, "By the Mark"  Light In the Sky  (Self, 11)
*  Mosey West, "Stone By Stone"  Vaca Money  (Self, 11)
*  Hoots & Hellmouth, "Lay Low"  Salt  (Self, 11)
*  Gregg Allman, "Midnight Rider (live)"  Speaking Clock Revue  (Shout, 11)
*  Shelby Lynne, "Woebegone"  Revelation Road  (Everso, 11)
*  Whiskeytown, "Don't Wanna Know Why"  Pneumonia  (Lost Hwy, 01)
*  Longest Day Of the Year, "Radio Low"  Turn Into the Ground  (Self, 11)
*  Boca Chica, "Dear Audrine"  Get Out Of Sin City  (Self, 11)
*  Gretchen Peters, "Dark Angel"  Hello Cruel World  (Self, 12)
*  Girls Guns & Glory, "Baby's Got a Dream"  Sweet Nothings  (Lonesome Day, 11)
*  Los Straitjackets w/Raul Malo, "Black Is Black"  Sing Along With  (Yep Roc, 01)
*  Madison Violet, "Emily"  Good In Goodbye  (True North, 11)
^  Lumineers, "Classy Girls"  Lumineers  (Self, 11)
*  Kevin Gordon, "Gloryland"  Gloryland  (Self, 12)
*  Sons Of Fathers, "Flatland"  Sons Of Fathers  (Self, 11)
*  Doyle Bramhall, "I'll Take You Away"  Is It News  (Yep Roc, 07)
*  Have Gun Will Travel, "Time Machine"  Mergers & Acquisitions  (Suburban Home, 11)
*  Honey Gitters, "Hayesmouth"  Poor Gitters' Almanack  (Self, 11)
*  Honey Honey, "Thin Line"  Billy Jack  (Lost Hwy, 11)
*  Glossary, "Shoulder To Cry On"  Long Live All Of Us  (Last Chance, 11)
*  Kathleen Edwards, "Mint"  Voyageur  (Rounder, 12)
*  Old 97s, "4 Leaf Clover"  Hitchhike To Rhome  (Idol, 94)
*  Deep Dark Woods, "Sugar Mama"  Place I Left Behind  (Sugar Hill, 11)
*  Rev John DeLore, "Avenue A"  Little John the Conqueror  (Norlantic, 11)
*  Atomic Drifters, "Go Go Go"  This Ain't No Cowtown Vol 2  (ZetaKaye House, 11)
*  Robbie Fulks, "Parallel Bars"  Very Best Of Robbie Fulks  (Bloodshot, 99)

(not) ROUTES & BRANCHES

> Wednesday Morning Mix <

November 16, 2011

Scott Foley

Had some fun on this morning's Mix program, and it looks like I'll be Occupying 8-10 on Wednesdays for at least a few weeks.  While these aren't really R&B-ready playlists, I'll still record them here, because it's still some damn good music. 

How can this be Glossary's seventh album already if I'm just getting around to playing them?  Long Live All Of Us, to their credit, does sound worlds away from even their sixth album, Feral Fire.  This new effort finds the Tennessee band adding piano, horns and pedal steel to their soulful alt.country.  Glossary's sound is still largely built around Joey Kneiser's guitar and vocal, but I hear so much more depth and maturity to this new music.  Add one more contender to my Long List for year-end favorites.

Fine new Colorado music  from The Longest Day of the Year here, too.  Looking forward to digging further into the Boulder band's crunchy, slightly sinister bluesy-rock.  Also nice to have the full Lizzie Huffman album at our disposal.  While her Pretty Old Soul repeats half a dozen cuts from her debut EP, it remains one of my favorite CO releases of 2011. 

*  Avett Brothers, "Slight Figure Of Speech"  I and Love and You  (American, 10)
*  Danny Barnes, "Low"  Rocket  (ATO, 11)
*  Longest Day Of the Year, "Eloise"  Turn Into the Ground  (Self, 11)
*  Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, "Gravity"  Gift Horse  (Vanguard, 11)
*  Etta James, "Groove Me"  Dreamer  (Verve, 11)
^  Glossary, "Trouble Won't Last Always"  Long Live All Of Us  (Last Chance, 11)
*  Deer Tick, "Make Believe"  Divine Providence  (Partisan, 11)
*  Ghost Of Michael Clark, "Thunder & Light"  Bound To Break  (Blank Tape, 11)
*  Peter Case, "Ain't Leaving Your Love"  Beeline  (Vanguard, 02)
*  Pegi Young, "I Don't Want To Talk About It"  Bracing For Impact  (Vapor, 11)
*  Tom Waits, "Raised Right Men"  Bad As Me  (Anti, 11)
*  Dum Dum Girls, "Bedroom Eyes"  Only In Dreams  (Sub Pop, 11)
*  Kitty Daisy & Lewis, "I'm So Sorry"  Smoking In Heaven  (Verve, 11)
*  Gourds, "Eyes Of a Child"  Old Mad Joy  (Vanguard, 11)
*  Reed Foehl, "Good Company"  Once An Ocean  (Never Foehl, 09)
*  Lissie, "Games People Play"  Covered Up With Flowers  (Fat Possum, 11)
*  Blind Pilot, "Keep You Right"  We Are the Tide  (Expunged, 11)
*  Low Anthem w/Emmylou Harris, "To Ohio"  Smart Flesh  (Nonesuch, 11)
*  Zoe Boekbinder, "Gravity"  Darling Specimens  (Extropiani, 11)
*  Kathleen Edwards, "Change the Sheets"  Voyageur  (Rounder, 11)
*  Black Keys, "Lonely Boy"  El Camino  (Nonesuch, 11)
*  Crags, "Big Divide"  Big Divide  (Self, 11)
*  Joe Henry, "Deathbed Version"  Reverie  (Anti, 11)
*  Robert Ellis, "What's In It For Me"  Photographs  (New West, 11)
*  Poison Oaks, "Pine"  Pine  (Cortese, 11)
*  Fistful Of Mercy, "Father's Son"  As I Call You Down  (Hot, 10)
*  Lizzie Huffman, "Tumblers & Tea"  Pretty Old Soul  (Suburban Home, 11)

ROUTES & BRANCHES
November 15, 2011
Scott Foley

Couple things on this off-day.  First, I'll be sub-hosting KRFC's Wednesday Morning Mix from 8 to 10am for the next week or two. In this guise, I'll be able to throw in a couple artists that I don't necessarily play for my Routes & Branches show.  As a musical omnivore, this pleases me. 

Also, I recently made my first pass through my 2011 playlists in hopes of pulling together my year-end favorites lists.  For both songs and albums, I have assembled a "long list" of about 50 of each, a list I have printed out (and keep in a locked briefcase) and will live with for the next week or two.  My preliminary plans are to air my favorite songs list on Saturday, December 31, with my albums list the following Saturday, January 7.  Please arrange your schedules accordingly. 

Scott

ROUTES & BRANCHES

November 12, 2011

Scott Foley

Three and one-half years have passed since Kathleen Edwards released her Asking For Flowers CD.  Whereas that one was produced by uberproducer Jim Scott, the new Voyageur finds Edwards herself at the helm, along with Bon Iver guy Justin Vernon.  I do enjoy Vernon's music, tho I consider it the closest thing indie rock has to new age (along with Sigur Ros and perhaps Bjork).  The stronger force in this pairing seems to be Edwards, whose songwriting confidence seems to improve with each release.  She does seem to be trying to break free of the "pretty Canadian songwriter standing in a field" rut, with more upbeat moments and depth of production.

Other Canadians messing with my year-end favorites chart include Deep Dark Woods.  Now that I have a complete copy of their Place I Left Behind, I see the boys from Saskatoon as among the forefront of bands upholding the legacy of The Band.   From a bit further south, I haven't heard a more soulful sound this year than Brittany Howard and her Alabama Shakes.  This link just might change your life (of course, after you finish with your business on this fine weblog ... ). 


*  Freakwater, "Good For Nothing"  End Time  (Thrill Jockey, 99)
*  Richmond Fontaine, "Mechanic's Life"  High Country  (El Cortez, 11)
*  Greensky Bluegrass, "Don't Lie"  Handguns  (Big Blue Zoo, 11)
*  Reckless Kelly, "I Never Like St Valentine"  Good Luck & True Love  (No Big Deal, 11)
*  Kentucky Parlor Pickers, "Ruby Sue"  Barn Burner  (Self, 11)
*  Kathleen Edwards, "Mint"  Voyageur  (Rounder, 12)
*  Gob Iron, "Nicotine Blues"  Death Songs For the Living  (Transmit Sound, 06)
*  Pert Near Sandstone, "Solid Gone"  Paradise Hop  (Self, 11)
*  Alabama Shakes, "You Ain't Alone"  Alabama Shakes EP  (Self, 11)
*  Great American Taxi, "Poor House"  Paradise Lost  (GATR, 11)
*  Dirt Daubers, "Angel Along the Tracks"  Wake Up Sinners  (Colonel Knowledge, 11)
*  Boca Chica, "Sin City"  Get Out Of Sin City  (Self, 11)
*  Todd Snider, "I Spoke As a Child"  Songs From the Daily Planet  (MCA, 94)
*  Have Gun Will Travel, "Keep It In Your Heart"  Mergers & Acquisitions  (Suburban Home, 11)
*  Mike McClure, "Old Crow"  Fifty Billion  (598 Records, 11)
*  Deep Dark Woods, "Place I Left Behind"  Place I Left Behind  (Sugar Hill, 11)
*  Danny Barnes, "Low"  Rocket  (ATO, 11)
*  Kathryn Mostow, "Give Me Something Good"  Rich Girl  (Self, 11)
*  Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, "Roots & Wings"  Gift Horse  (Vanguard, 11)
*  Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion, "Cease Fire"  Exploration  (New West, 05)
*  Barnstar, "Charlottesville"  C'Mon  (Self, 11)
*  Megafaun, "Get Right"  Megafaun  (Self, 11)
*  Tom Russell, "Mesabi"  Mesabi  (Shout Factory, 11)
*  You Me & Apollo, "Oh Brother"  Cards With Cheats  (Self, 11)
*  Hoots & Hellmouth, "Why Would You Not Want To Go There"  Salt  (Self, 11)
*  Lera Lynn, "Gasoline"  Have You Met Lera Lynn  (Slow, 11)

ROUTES & BRANCHES
November 5, 2011
Scott Foley

No fewer than four (4) hours of no-repeat americana nourishment on this week's Episode.  While I'm no mathematician, I believe that's fifty-four (54) quality tunes for your Saturday afternoon and evening listening pleasure.  And I still didn't get to everything I had hoped to air. 

Especially pleased with so much recent, quality Colorado music, including very strong efforts by The Ghost of Michael Clark and You Me & Apollo.  And Lizzie Huffman.  Um ... and Ashley Raines, too.  I had a dream a couple nights ago that I was arguing with another programmer that Oregon had a stronger music scene than Our Square State.  I remember commenting wittily in my dream that somewhere in Rhode Island, there is likely a radio program called The Rhode Island Sound.  Everybody's got to come from somewhere ...  I'm just pleased to be able to devote one-ninth of this Episode to fine CO music, without compromise.

Speaking of the Minnesota Sound ...  while I've entered at least a couple albums from Pert Near Sandstone into the library over the years, I don't know that I've ever deliberately aired one until now.  Were my musical standards too high?  Was I simply waiting for the band to mature a bit in the songwriting department, perhaps?  Sadly, no.  I just didn't like the band's name (which doesn't explain how a track from Doop & the Inside Outlaws landed on my playlist).  Now that I've matured a bit, I beg Pert Near Sandstone's generous pardon, especially after a fine effort like their new Paradise Hop.  Is there something in those 1000 Lakes that makes Minnesotans so fond of bluegrass played loud-n-fast, a'la Duluth's Trampled By Turtles?  With banjo, fiddle and guitar just this side of in-tune, and harmonies careening recklessly off the tracks, you might even liken Pert Near Sandstone to the early Avetts. 

Next Saturday, we're back to jamming as much of this great stuff into two too-short hours as we're able.  Which makes me reach into my pocket to see if I've saved up enough yet to create that all-americana radio station I dream about (when I'm not dreaming about Colorado music ...).  $4.27 ... well, it's a start.

* Lucero, "That Much Further West"  That Much Further West  (Tiger Style, 03)
* Joe Henry, "Odetta"  Reverie  (Anti, 11)
* Ashley Raines & New West Revue, "Crops Don't Rise"  One Trick Mule  (Idiom, 11)
* Catherine MacLellan, "Stealin'"  Silhouette  (True North, 11)
* Jakob Dylan, "Oh Mama Come Home"  Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams  (Columbia, 11)
* Ryan Adams, "Ashes & Fire"  Ashes & Fire  (Lost Hwy, 11)
^  Pert Near Sandstone, "Long Decline"  Paradise Hop  (PNS, 11)
* Fred Eaglesmith, "49 Tons"  Drive-In Movie  (Vertical, 95)
* Deep Dark Woods, "Back Alley Blues"  Place I Left Behind  (Sugar Hill, 11)
* Lizzie Huffman, "Drunken Mess"  Pretty Old Soul  (Suburban Home, 11)
* John Doe, "Walking Out the Door"  Keeper  (Yep Roc, 11)
* Gourds, "I Want It So Bad"  Old Mad Joy  (Vanguard, 11)
* Kathleen Edwards, "Empty Threat"  Voyageur  (Rounder, 11)
* Los Lobos, "Valley"  Town & the City  (Mammoth, 06)
* Honey Honey, "Angel of Death"  Billy Jack  (Lost Hwy, 11)
* R Mutt, "Beautiful Bad Day"  Leash On Life  (Self, 11)
* Danny Barnes, "Wine"  Rocket  (ATO, 11)
* V-Roys, "Sooner Or Later"  Sooner Or Later  (FAY, 11)
* Nikki Lane, "I Can't Be Satisfied"  Walk Of Shame  (I Am Bound, 11)
* Ghost of Michael Clark, "Thunder & Light"  Bound To Break  (Blank Tape, 11)
* Jayhawks, "Stand Out In the Rain"  Mockingbird Time  (Rounder, 11)
* Wood Brothers, "Mary Anna"  Smoke Ring Halo  (Self, 11)
* Deer Tick, "The Bump"  Divine Providence  (Partisan, 11)
* Patterson Hood, "I Understand Now"  Murdering Oscar  (Ruth St, 09)
* Hoots & Hellmouth, "Lay Low"  Salt  (Self, 11)
* Devil Makes Three, "Never Learn (live)"  Stomp and Smash  (Milan, 11)
* Ry Cooder, "Quick Sand"  Pull Up Some Dust & Sit Down  (Nonesuch, 11)
* Have Gun Will Travel, "13 Miles To Empty"  Mergers & Acquisitions  (Suburban Home, 11)
* Pieta Brown, "I Want It Back"  Mercury  (Red House, 11)
* Wailin' Jennys, "Some Good Thing"  Firecracker  (Red House, 06)
* You Me & Apollo, "Ink On Paper"  Cards With Cheats  (Self, 11)
* Tom Waits, "Face To the Highway"  Bad As Me  (Anti, 11)
* Chuck Prophet, "Castro Halloween"  Temple Beautiful  (tbd, 12)
* BR5-49, "Crazy Arms"  BR5-49  (Arista, 96)
* Doop & the Inside Outlaws, "Not Too Late"  What Am I Supposed To Do  (Blood River, 11)
* Blitzen Trapper, "My Home Town"  American Goldwing  (Sub Pop, 11)
* Shelby Lynne, "Revelation Road"  Revelation Road  (Everso, 11)
* Lydia Loveless, "How Many Women"  Indestructible Machine  (Bloodshot, 11)
* Those Darlins, "Wild One"  Those Darlins  (Oh Wow Dang, 09)
* Honey Gitters, "Pork Butchers"  Poor Gitters' Almanack  (Self, 11)
* AA Bondy, "DRMZ"  Believers  (Fat Possum, 11)
* Barnstar, "Cowgirl In the Sand"  C'Mon  (Self, 11)
* Jason Boland & the Stragglers, "Down Here In the Hole"  Rancho Alto  (Proud Souls, 11)
* Scotty Alan, "Ain't Much"  Wreck & the Mess  (Spinout, 11)
* Frank Turner, "Peggy Sang the Blues"  England Keep My Bones  (Epitaph, 11)
* Constitution, "Pesos"  Wrestling With the Daylight  (Self, 11)
* Ray Wylie Hubbard, "Snake Farm"  Snake Farm  (Sustain, 06)
* Girls Guns & Glory, "1000 Times"  Sweet Nothings  (Lonesome Day, 11)
* Brigitte Demeyer, "Amen Said the Deacon"  Rose Of Jericho  (Self, 11)
* Rev John Delore, "North Georgia Fog"  Little John the Conqueror  (Norlantic, 11)
* Eilen Jewell, "Santa Fe"  Queen Of the Minor Key  (Signature Sounds, 11)
* Robert Plant, "House Of Cards"  Band Of Joy  (Rounder, 10)
* Felice Brothers, "Wonderful Life"  Felice Brothers  (Team Love, 08)
* Jason Webly, "Almost Time"  Cost Of Living  (11 Records, 08)