Somebody's Darling "Too Cold"

Baby it's cold outside. As we approach midwinter next week, the Winter Solstice, take heart that these shortest of days are about to march toward the longer. Though we won't perceive it until February or March! What with the Arctic cold snaps extending across most of the country, in Texas they just seem to last for a couple of days before we rebound. The farmers in Florida have not been so lucky, with an extended period of freezing weather and fields too large to be able to fully protect the fragile crops. Look for prices to rise on tomatoes and strawberries in your local supermarket, it is supply and demand at work. And let's not forget the growers who are, after all, left to the vagaries of too much; whether rain, cold, or sun..."please let these crops grow tall," says the prayer of a lyric from The Band's "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)."

We have a tune that is sure to warm you up some from Dallas-based Somebody’s Darling. We are talking cross cultural influences here, as the band lives where southern meets western, and city meets country. The foursome; Amber Farris, David Ponder, Nate Wedan and Michael Talley; has been at it since August of ‘07, and they roll it sultry, sweet and soulful. Their self-titled debut CD was produced by Dan Baird of The Georgia Satellites, and they were nominated for two 2010 Dallas Observer Music Awards, “Best Female Vocalist” and “Best Country Act.” Expect them to heat things up further on New Year's Eve at the fabulous Granada Theater in Dallas with Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights.

"Too Cold" is an exclusive to Music Fog track from Somebody's Darling. It's the first time it was ever recorded, let alone filmed. May it allow you to buzz awhile! And on a personal note, speaking of "too cold," I live in a drafty cottage. It is quite cozy, and very small, but what the hell did I do with my UGGs from last season? My feet are cold!!!

- Jessie Scott

The Decemberists "Annan Water"

I am trying to bide my time until the end of the year. People are busy with the wrap up of 2010, the social outings, and then the holidays, which serve to put a stop to the flurry of phone calls and events that are the everyday cadence of my life. I hum "If We Make It Through December," the classic Merle Haggard song, as the accompaniment to my musings.

Deep into the heartbeat of December, we bring you the band seemingly named for the month, The Decemberists. Their name actually references an uprising in Imperial Russia during December, 1825, and is also the name of an unfinished Tolstoy novel. It is with particular pride that I post something from them, as they might just be my son's favorite band. Before I moved to Texas, he would play DJ in the car with their new tunes. "Mom, do you like this song? What about this?" And I did. The Portland, OR, based outfit has had a prolific decade, starting with their initial EP, self released in 2001.

When I heard the lead track they are promoting from the forthcoming album The King Is Dead, due out on January 18th, I tried to scoop my son, calling Trev up to say, "Wait until you hear their new stuff, it is Americana!" Of course he coolly replied he had already heard it. Such is the reach of the web today. "Down By The Water" is that first track, and Gillian Welch sings harmony on it with Peter Buck adding 12 string. Hear it on their website once you click the 'launch audio' tab. It's also available as a single on iTunes and Amazon right now. Great tune, indeed. There is also a cool preview video of the forthcoming album on their YouTube channel. While we await the new album, here's one from their 2009 CD Hazards Of Love. This is the haunting "Annan Water," recorded at Stubb's in Austin, Texas.

- Jessie Scott

Doug Moreland "Windmill"

I am starting to get excited, because MusicFest at Steamboat Springs starts three weeks from today! Music Fog will be heading out to start 2011 in style, to which we have become accustomed. Friends, music, fun. We are making a list, checking it twice, and I don't think we care too much about the naughty or nice part. Life is equal measure. We can't wait to see the winter wonderland of the 'Champagne Powder' that is the Colorado snow at Steamboat. We can't wait to be back in the big MusicFest tent, and the other venues, The Steamboat Grand, The Bear River, Thunderhead up the Gondola, and promoter John Dickson added some new venues; The Dung Beetle Saloon, and the Ghost Ranch Saloon in downtown Steamboat Springs. More to come.

We recorded Doug Moreland last year at Steamboat in our condo/studio. He brought the spirit that is the hallmark of the event, such a joyous celebration of music and being together. For the uninitiated, Doug is a musician and a humorist, also a mighty fine chainsaw artist and party thrower extraordinaire. Music Fogger Sheila Francis attended his Cattlelacs Calfry, and had a blast. Doug is a recipient of the Will Rogers Cowboy Award for Western Music Male Performer of the Year from the Academy of Western Artists. He was also honored with an Entertainer of the Year award from the Texas Music Awards. Here he is doing "Windmill," with Randy Roberts, from MusicFest 2010 at Steamboat. Music Fog is counting the days!

- Jessie Scott