Souled American-Notes Campfire

I've gotten a few messages and e-mails from people asking about why I didn't post this or that Chicago band since I seem to often write on bands from back home. And there's been some great suggestions that will mostly likely makes the virtual pages around here. However, no one has asked for this band. Why people? For many years, these guys have held the crown of best Chicago band. No joke. If I had to list a top ten Chicago bands of all time, they would definitely find a place somewhere on it. Some of this might be a little too alt-country (lousy term) for a few of you, but stick around because it gets oddly spacey too. Great for listening to when sending late night drunken text messages that you'll regret the following date.

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Dolly Parton-Jolene

I've got a mate who says that if he ever has a daughter, he plans on naming her Jolene. I have to say Jolene Freeman would be a pretty great name (albeit one that definitely has that West Virginia twinge to it). So this is for him. And for the rest of you too, since it's all too easy to forget that at one time this gal was really a great songsmith. Don't forget that.

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Marty Robbins-Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs

As I've said before, I don't know a ton about country music. But this is one that I like. It's got classics like "El Paso" and there's a bunch of Western classics. Need to know anything else?

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The Flatlanders-More a Legend than a Band

So, things have been rotten around here. And if you're of the same disposition, then this belated country classic might temper the warming humors. Don't get too phelematic or anything. This is some super under-rated shit here. So much so that these dudes didn't really get their credit until well after the fact. So, really, this is some deep downer shit coming in the guise of some obscure cuntry-hick thing. But just look at the names involved and you know this is not some snake handling, ass kickin', truck praising bullshit. If you listen to "Keeper of the Mountain" and are not even slightly moved, then fucker, you are not human. Jump into that pool of toxic waste and melt away like that dude in Robocop right before he get's hit by the car. I'd love to see your fingers taper off like melted candle wax in that last moment before you get the deserved car crush. I only wish you'd live in that freakish state so I could laugh longer at your stupidity..

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Louvin Brothers-Satan is Real

If this cover isn't enough to make you download this instantly, then brother, you're at the wrong blog. This is some classic country full of fire & brimstone Baptist haunt. And their close harmonies make it all the more eerie. They were so cool even the Byrds covered these Bros. Don't let the religiousness scare you off. These were some hard living motherfuckers and not some rosary using auto-erotic asphixiating religious wimps.

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