This is an homage to the power of plaid in rock and roll. Creedence Clearwater Revival stepped up first in the 60s when they refused to appear in the mode of that day, which included rich fabrics, textures, and dramatic colors. The British bands, especially, draped themselves in velvet, wide wale corduroy, ruffled Edwardian blouses, silk, satin, and brocade. It was 'everything all the time.' But when CCR played the Fillmore East in New York, they were notable in their simplicity - ragged jeans, hair a little too long over the ears, and plaid flannel. OMG, it was about the music! Plaid returned with Seattle Grunge, an era that focused on the music again. Remember, that was when hair bands had taken things way too far. And plaid and flannel are back in a big way today. Isn't it interesting that it seems to reemerge as a centering agent? Music Fog has lost count of how many deconstructed silhouettes we have filmed.
One of them is the rapidly rising Brooklyn based band The Defibulators. They are getting ready to make their yearly pilgrimage to Austin, TX, the home of the scruffy, during SXSW for their second annual Brooklyn Country Cookout. It will feature beer, tons of music and, we bet, plenty of plaid flannel will be in plain view! Of course, there are tour dates on the way down south. We bring you one from their Corn Money CD, this version recorded during September's Americana Music Festival in Nashville. "Ol' Winchester," featuring guns and a bit of plaid flannel. What could be better?
- Jessie Scott
