David Jacobs-Strain "Rainbow Junkies"

Yoga DogSnap Crackle and Pop. I took my first yoga class after two decades, and am hearing the creaking. I am launching an offensive against the settling in of stiffness after surgery a few months back. And the class was glorious, with all the stretching and breathing. I bet I will be sore tomorrow, but I feel like I have accomplished something. As always, they played music in the class, which enhances the experience. The quiver of the peaceful woodwind reminds you to breathe deep.

So does the intro to today’s tune, “Rainbow Junkies” from David Jacobs-Strain. It’s from his 2008 release, Liar’s Day, which was produced by Kenny Passarelli, who is also playing bass on the record. They are joined on the album by Joe Vitale, who played Bonnaroo with Buffalo Springfield, on drums. By the way, Joe and Kenny were Joe Walsh’s rhythm section in the 70s. I guess if your interest is piqued, that means is you probably should pick up the album. We have David doing the song solo, from our Music Fog sessions during Americana Fest in Nashville in September.

-Jessie Scott

Deadman "If I Lay Down In The River"

Life is pretty strange. When I was out west earlier this year with John Bohlinger, one of the folks that was sharing the stage with him was Claudia Williams from the legendary western outfit Montana Rose. Tuesday night I went to see her daughter Tessy Lou Williams with her band at the Saxon Pub for Happy Hour. She sings, how do we say, like clear mountain water, and it has an old school feel, but it is modern at the same time. Mighty sweet stuff. Ran into a couple of the guys from Deadman in the back room, and they were regaling me with tales of listening to the new stuff they are working on for the forthcoming album. Austin, It’s a contact sport.

We taped Deadman at Threadgill’s in March during the Music Fog Marathon. There were very happy that we didn’t squawk when all six of them piled into our tiny stage. They are Steven Collins on lead vocals and guitar, Kevin McCollough on guitar and backing vocals, Jacob Hildebrand on lead guitar, Matthew Mollica on keyboards and accordion, Kyle Schneider on drums, Lonnie Trevino Jr. on bass. There is quite the buzz here in Austin on them; their shows are celestial events. To wit, we offer this song, "If I Lay Down In The River."

-Jessie Scott

Update on 2011-11-05 03:08 by Music Fog

The Music Fog version of this song is now available to download at either of the stores below:

Hayes Carll "Chances Are"

I have got to quote some Townes Van Zandt here from “White Freight Liner,” “….Half of my friends are dying.” Monday I heard the news that Carl Gardner, who was a founding member of The Coasters, passed. I got to know him during my tenure at Old Town in Kissimmee, Florida, when I was working with the larger-than-life Wolfman Jack. My heart goes out to Carl’s wife and manager Veta and the rest of family. He was an American original, that’s for sure.

It has been a tapestry of rich threads, memorable characters, and as much present time as I can muster. During Bonnaroo on Friday, I wandered over to the Sonic Stage to see Hayes Carll’s performance there. Got to chat with him a minute afterwards. I am so proud of him for this album, and for being so nose to the grindstone as he has been for the last 5 years. The song that we bring you today speaks of all the broken heartedness that life has to offer, yet, the glimmer of hope that lives in each of our hearts. Keep it safe, protect it from the cold winds blowing it out, and it will serve you well. If it was 20 years ago, this would be a stone smash on country radio. But mainstream country don’t swing this way that much anymore. Good thing we do. “Chances Are” was filmed during our AmericanaFest coverage in Nashville in September.

-Jessie Scott

PS: There is now an official video for “Another Like You,” with a cameo from Mary Matalin and James Carville (WARNING: It starts with a commercial. We are sorry, but we can’t do anything about that.)
And there are a pile of dates coming.