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Catherine MacLellan "Water In The Ground"

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I got a call from publicist Mark Pucci, asking if Music Fog could tape Catherine MacLellan as she was to be routed up the coast on a press tour. We were able to work out what in essence was a whistle stop and booked a great space in Old Town Alexandria, VA, so she could get back on a plane quickly to fly to New York. The place was The Friendship Firehouse, which was started by George Washington, hence the bust in the video. Otherwise, you might ask why we stuck Ol' George into a video with this sweet voiced young Canadian. She didn't mind. though, and neither did we, as the acoustics in the room were all warm and fuzzy. What, you never heard of Catherine? Well, allow us to introduce you! From her bio: 

"Matching pure and ethereal vocals with poetic lyrics and her uncompromising song writing craft, there is no doubt as to why Catherine MacLellan has become one of the most celebrated new singer-songwriters in Canada, and around the world, by her contemporaries and media alike." 

Dig in to this, the title track from Water in the Ground. Drink deep!

-Jessie Scott

Five Great YouTube Channels

There are many simple pleasures in life: watching the sun set in west Texas, enjoying an ice cream cone on a hot summer day, and trolling YouTube for fascinating new music...

We've been having an absolute blast sharing great Americana music with you folks on this blog, as well as the great folks we've met on YouTube. There are many YouTube characters that I'd like to recommend to you, and please bear in mind that not all of their music can be classified as "Americana." That being said, these five folks are definitely worth a look:

1. Ottowarocket. The great Ottowa Rocket...very cool/bizarre dude. This guy is holed up in an apartment building in Ottowa and video tapes many cover songs (and a few originals). He is a true character! I've posted a link to a very quirky cover (by Canadian legend Stompin' Tom Connors) called "The Ketchup Song" below. The Rocket is always entertaining.

2. bandofheathens. Okay...you most likely know who these guys are, and if not, please get familiar with them ASAP! They post cool stuff on their YouTube channel, from video blogs in Germany to interviews at Steamboat. With only five videos uploaded to their channel thus far, we expect many more in the future.

3. GSBAND. This is the YouTube channel of Granger Smith. While I'm not completely sold on his music, he has posted some of the funniest videos I've ever seen...like this MTV Cribs spoof.

4. rickshunter1. Just an Illinois guy video taping himself and his buddy's jammin'. Lots of bluegrass. YouTube was created for stuff like this!

5. guitar52th. Just a kid playing a geetar in his room. Has done some amazing covers, like this one from Wade Bowen.

There you go...those are my five YouTube channel recommendations for y'all! Enjoy.

-Ben Krech

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Roger Clyne "West Texas Moon"

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He is a Southwest favorite son, and it's always a joy to see him in action. Roger celebrates the very air that you breath in the desert, and his geographical area of interest extends down to Mexico as well. A Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers show just brings you there. Cold cerveza, some fish tacos, the warmth feeling good all over. We got to catch up with RCPM at The State Theater in Falls Church, VA last week, and here is the first of the music videos we will bring you, "West Texas Moon." Oh yeah, I am THERE!

-Jessie Scott