Catherine MacLellan "Take a Break"

In the last couple of weeks, there have been a few rock radio stations around the country going dark, and reemerging with their format changed to news or sports. It might be a testament to the lack of rock music cutting through the clutter in this day and age. Pop, though creepy and overwrought, is still very prevalent. Elevator music is still happening, Rap and Hip Hop and Country and Classic Hits...over and over again, they all still appear to be doing alright. I find it funny that we are still fixated with music that was made in the 70s, and that it is played every day with the lame clichés that have become such a parody; Rocktober, Twofer Tuesday. It is no wonder that rock stations are going off the air with these tired sobriquets and unimaginative playlists.

Photo Credit: Rob WaymenSo here it is mid-week, and we are enjoined to “Take A Break,” by the beautiful and talented Catherine MacLellan. She has a new album called Silhouette that came out last month in Canada, and will be available in the States on September 13th. It is smooth and soulful, catchy and captivating, exactly as you would expect if you are familiar with her. Music Fog has had the honor of filming her a couple of times, and we bring you a tune from our Music Fog Marathon in March of 2010, filmed at Threadgill's in Austin, Texas. No, it is not from the new album, the song “Take A Break” can be found on her previous work, Water In The Ground. No matter, it is magical. Why, I ask, can’t music like this be played on the radio? Here is Catherine MacLellan with Chris Gauthier. Beautiful.

- Jessie Scott

Moreland & Arbuckle "Just a Dream"

This is a word about the blues and how cathartic it can be. When you pour yourself into the pure emotion of it, the release approximates crying or even primal screaming. All I know, is that it feels good to get it out of your system, and somehow that magically makes you better. Then there is the form itself, which can be simple but it can be deceptively imaginative, too, as it takes flight in an almost mantra like form. There are so many artists who have added to the language of the blues through the years: Robert Johnson, Otis Spann, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Otis Rush, Skip James, Lightning Hopkins, Memphis Slim, Little Willie John, Elmore James, Slim Harpo. It is impossible to list them all. And then there are the British guys who took the guitar parts up a notch and ripped a hole in your heart, The Stones, Zeppelin, Clapton, Beck. The blues. It is a living, breathing thing.

I listened to my first Moreland & Arbuckle album a couple of years ago, and was delighted in the places they transported me to. The Kansas duo has a new album out, Just A Dream, and they have a couple of mighty cool videos spotlighting the tunes. So on this Tuesday, let’s celebrate the blues and Moreland & Arbuckle with something that I guarantee will make you feel better if you are feeling bad. And I promise it will make you dance if you are feeling good. Steve Cropper adds his playing on the album for the title track, “Just A Dream.” Also, M&A are offering a free download of "Purgatory," which is a smokin’ track, featuring Aaron Moreland playing a cigar box guitar, that you can check out in this video. They are on tour, if you want to catch them out in person.

- Jessie Scott

Eilen Jewell "Queen of the Minor Key"

Back a long time ago, when music was shared in a room with everyone listening to the same thing at the same time, we reveled in moving to it or even dancing, whether that meant touching or not. With the advent of personal devices, we now spin in our own orbit, which makes for some awkward moments, like when you come upon someone with his earbuds in, who is unaware of how loudly he is singing. I find it almost impossible to listen to my iPod and not respond to the music. People must think I am possessed, as I am like a jumping jack, bursting with energy as the music pulses through my brain and body. I haven't mastered the modern day skill of being detached. It happens when I attend a show, too. I see no reason to be hipper than thou, and cool, calm, and collected.

I challenge you not to react to Eilen Jewell’s “Queen Of The Minor Key,” which we filmed during the Music Fog Marathon in March, at Threadgill’s in Austin, Texas. This song, which is the title track from her new album, calls for finger snapping, hip swaying, and pounding on whatever is close or jumping up and doing the jitterbug. Eilen and the band make a glorious ruckus. And what a tight band this is. Jerry Miller (electric, acoustic and steel guitars), Johnny Sciascia (upright bass), and Jason Beek (drums, harmony vocals), are absolutely undeniable. You must obey, and then make sure you catch them when they are in your neck of the woods. And as Eilen’s website says...ENTER. Yes Ma’am!

- Jessie Scott