Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Elvis PresleyFrom Elvis in MemphisRCA/Legacy Records Flash back to December, 1968. TVs nationwide are tuned to the NBC special “’68 Comeback”. On stage performing before a live audience for the first time in 7 years is Elvis Presley. Accompanied by Sun Sessions […]
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Rosie Flores & The Pine Valley CosmonautsGirl of the CenturyBloodshot Records BS-162 On Girl of the Century, the Rockabilly Filly Rosie Flores joins forces with the swaggering, Jon Langford-led Chicago-based collective The Pine Valley Cosmonauts for an album brimming with the twangy […]
Compact Capsules for Nov 4, 2009by Dan Ferguson Robert Earl KeenThe Rose HotelLost Highway Records It was mid-1990s albums like Bigger Piece of Sky and Gringo Honeymoon that established Robert Earl Keen as a leader of the modern Texas troubadour set. This decade’s output has been […]
Compact Capsules for Oct 20, 2009by Dan Ferguson AA BondyWhen the Devil’s LooseFat Possum Records The first thing that strikes you is the voice, a soulful instrument compelling in its delivery. Next is the alluring quality of the spare arrangements, minimal percussion, bass, and the occasional […]
Compact Capsules for Oct 7, 2009by Dan Ferguson Barbara LynnHere Is Barbara LynnWater Records 239 Released in 1968 as her debut for Atlantic Records with legendary producer Huey P. Meaux at the helm, the album Here Is Barbara Lynn was intended to introduce the talented singer […]
Compact Capsules for Sept 21, 2009by Dan Ferguson Paul BurchStill Your ManRamseur Records On Still Your Man, Nashville-based country stylist Paul Burch both moves to a new suitor in Ramseur Records and diversifies his sound over the course of the album’s 14 songs with colors of […]
Compact Capsules for Sept 14, 2009by Dan Ferguson Amy SpeaceThe Killer in MeWildflower Records The 2006 release Songs for Bright Street from Amy Speace was a breakout of sorts. The combo of solid, headstrong original songs and vital assists from name players like Gary Louris (Jayhawks) […]
Compact Capsules by Dan Ferguson The JayhawksMusic From the North CountryAmerican Recordings Attention Jayhawks fans out there, bypass the standard single disc and go straight for the deluxe 2-CD/1-DVD version of the new anthology, Music From the North Country. When they first came out of Minneapolis, […]
Compact Capsules for August 5, 2009by Dan Ferguson Son VoltAmerican Central DustRounder Records Wilco(The Album)Nonesuch Records The Bottle RocketsLean ForwardBloodshot Records They were the poster bands for the early heyday of the No Depression movement. A dozen years later, Son Volt, Wilco and The Bottle Rockets […]
Compact Capsules by Dan Ferguson Naomi Shelton & Gospel QueensWhat Have You Done, My Brother?Daptone Records Soul music in the gospel tradition is the M.O. on What Have You Done, My Brother? from Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens. Singing in Brooklyn and NYC soul clubs […]
