Feel Bad for September

Fuck September. September sucked ass! But I want to get this blog rolling again, so here's last month's lousy mixtape.

1. Black Pistol Fire - Young Blood
Big Beat '59 (2012)
Submitted By: @mikeorren
Comments: Saw these guys open for The Scabs in Austin a couple months back and thought they were great. Songmanship takes a jump in their new album-- first time I heard this, I swore it was an old favorite.

2. Some Dark Holler - Everybody's Devil
Hollow Chest (2012)
Submitted by: Corey Flegel - This Is American Music

3. Michael Chapman - One Time Thing
Buy: Rainmaker (1969)
Submitted By: Truersound
Comments: Had the joy of meeting the man and seeing him perform at a private party recently. He sat on the porch with an amped acoustic, no vocals....and proceeded to blow us all away.

4. The Moonstones - Miénteme
Fuzz, Farfisa y Fiesta (2011)
Submitted By: BoogieStudio22
Comments: These guys started following me on twitter. I found their Bandcamp site (http://themoonstones.bandcamp.com/) and was floored by their retro 60s sound. Instant fan! About half the songs are in Spanish, the other half in English. I finally found a label in Australia where I could buy their CD (and got a couple of samplers too).

5. Town Hall Brawl - Wanted
demos (2010)
Submitted By: hoosier buddy
Comments: "I remember when called me up, asked me out to the laundromat, playin' pool on the dry cycle, can't have more fun than that. Never told anyone your secret, even though I know you told mine. I could never do that to another; some things should always be protected."

6. Ricky Skaggs & Tony Rice - There's More Pretty Girls Than One
Skaggs & Rice (1980)
Submitted By: @philnorman
Comments: Been doing more duo gigs lately, and there's not many better bluegrass duo records to study than this one. Also, girls are pretty.

7. Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside - Like A Drug
Buy: Dirty Radio (Deluxe Version, 2012)
Submitted By: Bryan Childs (Autopsy IV)
Comments: Ding a ding dang my ding a long ling long.

Also Submitted By: @popa2unes
Comments: I’m Hooked

8. Olivia Tremor Control - Define A Transparent Dream
Music From The Unrealized Film Script Dusk At Cubist Castle (1996)
Submitted By: Ryan (Verbow at Altcountrytab.ca)
Comments: RIP Bill Doss.

9. Chris Knight - Missing You
Little Victories (2012)
Submitted By: Simon
Comments: Not made a bad album Mr Knight and his new one is no exception, best of the plugged in releases so far for me.

10. Sloan - Coax Me
Buy: Twice Removed (1994)
Submitted By: @scratchedsoul
I loved Sloan when they first came out, but then I hated this record when it was originally released in 1994. It's absolutely grown on me over the years. I always loved the line 'I think Consolidated's OK, It's not the band I hate, it's their fans.' That line definitely applied to Consolidated at the time and has applied to many bands since.

11. Guster The Face Buster (G.F.B) - For A Time
G.F.B (2011)
Submitted By: annieTUFF
Comments: Well, is it that time again? September? Already? The start of fall is upon us? We could still go to the lake right now and take a dip during the middle of the hot day, but by the end of the month I bet we'll be wearing sweaters and eating only foods made with pumpkin. Is the pumpkin thing just me? Maybe... Anyway. Back to music. Part of fall is feeling a little bummed, summer is ending, stuff is dying, its starting to get darker in the morning, but you've got to embrace those feelings...and then punch them in the face. So, this month I'm embracing the bummer. Next month I'll continue my fall tradition with the punching my bummer in the face. For now, I'll introduce you to my brother...Guster The Face Buster.

12. Corb Lund - Bible on the Dash (featuring Hayes Carll)
Cabin Fever (2012)
Submitted By: Rockstar Aimz
Comments: Corb Lund and Hayes Carll (and Todd Snider) are among the few songwriters still following the long tradition of using humor in country music. This song is one of the highlights off of Lund’s new album.

13. Sex Pistols - New York
Never Mind The Bollocks (1976)
Submitted By: Bowood
Comments: this popped up on my iPod, the whole album is just a middle finger to everyone and everything.

14. Wallpaper - Best Song Everrr
Ultimix 181 (2011)
Submitted By: tincanman
Comments: I'm jush wanna say I love you FB...FMB...shit...FBFUCKY peoples. Yesh, I've had a few brwskiiiiiiiiiis ha haha, but thatsh not it. No, I shwear, I just love you. all. Video is the NSFW version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr7pEzgW_7Y

15. Matt Sweeney & Bonnie "Prince" Billy - Storms (Fleetwood Mac cover)
Buy: Just Tell Me That You Want Me - Tribute To Fleetwood Mac (2012)
Submitted By: TheSecondSingle/Beldo
Comments: My love for soft rock is no secret to those on ACT. This earnest, stripped down cover by one of my favorite duos brings out the beauty and songwriting perfection that has made so much of Fleetwood Mac's material age so well (and shine through the admittedly dated production). Now if Matt and Will would make a follow-up to Superwolf...

16. Jason and The Scorchers - If Money Talks
Rockpalast - Hamburg Germany (1985)
Submitted By: toomuchcountry
Comments: I couldn't let the recent passing of Scorchers' drummer Perry Baggs slip by without some sort of trib. Two songs written by Baggs - White Lies and If Money Talks - were also two of the most iconic for the band and were staples in their setlists. R.I.P. Perry.

17. Elliott Randall - Take The Fall
Take the Fall (2007)
Submitted By: Cowbelle www.morecowbelle.net
Comments: New favorite SF Americana artist

18. Bon Iver - Calgary
Live at Triple J Studios (2012)
Submitted By: Slowcoustic
Comments: I know the crowd around here doesn't always give the time of day to Mr. Vernon but I thought I would be the softie who provided a Bon Iver track to FBFY. I like this version of Calgary as it is one where Bon Vernon uses his actual speaking voice to sing and leaves a lot of the 'signature' falsetto-style singing out of the equation. And I live in Calgary...so, there is that.

19. Chris Bell - I Am The Cosmos (removed by request)
Buy: I Am the Cosmos (1992)
Submitted By: Trailer
Comments: If you don't like this song, I probably don't like you (much).

Feel Bad For THE MAN

"Rock and roll is all about sticking it to the man!" – Someone

Now that the Democratic National Convention is in full swing, I figure it's time to post the August Feel Bad for You Mixtape. This month's theme is THE MAN! The dogs days of summer are only made worse by sitting in your cubicle and slaving away for THE MAN! At least that’s how I came up with the theme for this month's mixtape. Though THE MAN could be your boss, the government, whitey, your woman, Nashville record executives, your landlord, etc. I told the contributors to be creative with this one.

1. Snog - Corporate Slave
Remote Control (1997)
Submitted By: Bryan http://ninebullets.net/
Comments: This one was easy. Snog was bashing corporate america long before it was fashionable to do so and I knew as soon as you said the theme was "The Man" I had to include one of their songs. This song originally appeared on their 1997 album Remote Control but this particular version of it is from their 2006 retrospective Sixteen Easy Tunes For The End Times. Hope y’all like it as much as I do.

2. Ben Folds - The Ascent of Stan
Rockin’ the Suburbs (2001)
Submitted By: @philnorman
Comments: You wondered why your father was so resigned. Now you don’t wonder anymore…

3. The Clash - Clampdown
London Calling (1979)
Submitted By: April @ Now This Sound Is Brave
Comments: "The men at the factory are old and cunning / You don’t owe nothing, so, boy, get running / It’s the best years of your life they want to steal"

4. Chuck Prophet - American Man
¡Let Freedom Ring! (2009)
Submitted By: hoosier buddy
Comments: Chuck Prophet is the Captain America of guitar-slinging singer-songwriters. His trademark scarf and vest let you know he’s comfortable with the way he looks. The musical influences in this one song alone are a veritable melting pot of American culture. Twang meets classic rock and celebrates the love child with shameless 80′s riffage, His shield is the honest truth about what’s wrong, what’s weird,and what’s going on: "American man, three times your size, with blood on my lips, milk in my eyes." We all recognize this American man. Heck, some of us are him. Proud as hell, too!

5. Neil Young - Ohio
From: bootleg (1971)
Submitted By: tincanman
Comments: I had so many 'Man' punisms running through my head to impress you with I almost forgot the ultimate 'The Man hath run amok' song.

6. Woody Guthrie - Vigilante Man
Dust Bowl Ballads (1940)
Submitted By: Gorrck

7. Ralph Stanley - I Am The Man, Thomas
Ralph Stanley And The Clinch Mountain Boys: 1971-1973 (1995)
Submitted By: Truersound
Comments: I AM THE MAAAAN!

8. Minus 5 - Dear Employer (The Reason I Quit)
Down With Wilco (2003)
Submitted By: toomuchcountry
Comments: Oh yeah? Wow now you’re minus SIX my friend! I’m outta here.

9. OPM - Heaven is a Half Pipe
Buy: Menace to Sobriety (2000)
Submitted By: Ryan (Verbow @ altcountrytab.ca)
Comments: I remember this song getting a lot of play round the turn of the millenium. I don’t know if I would say its a good song but it makes me bob my head and laugh thinking, “yeah all I need is my board and my weed – the man can go eff himself!”

10. Peter Tosh - Legalize It
Legalize It (1976)
Submitted By: Simon
Comments: On the eve of Jamaican Independence 50th Celebrations and on the day the country is poised to make it a male/female sprint double gold at London 2012, then it's got to be Peter Tosh's "Legalize It," this Wailer gave the bird to The Man and if the stories are to be believed that's what cost him his life. Beat this Snoop Dogg.

11. Rodriguez - This Is Not A Song, It’s An Outburst: Or, The Establishment
Buy (mp3): Cold Fact (1970)
Submitted By: BoogieStudio22
Comments: It's the establishment, man.

12. John Keating - Jesus Christ Superstar
Sound Gallery Vol 1 (1972)
Submitted By: Bowood
Comments: Andrew Lloyd Webber on FBFY, it was always on the cards.

13. Anthrax - I’m the Man (Def Uncensored Version)
I’m the Man (1987)
Submitted By: Rockstar Aimz
Comments: Gorrck sent this CD to me in 2001 when the anthrax scare hit the east coast. We told one of our other friends that "I got Anthrax in the mail." She said, "Are you serious!!!" Our friends are not too bright. And we are immature.

14. Furnaceface - We Love You Tipper Gore
Just Buy It (1992)
Submitted By: Lord Summerisle
Comments: A song about "The Man" that's about A woman.

15. Screeching Weasel - A New Tomorrow
Anthem for a New Tomorrow (1993)
Submitted By: annieTUFF
Comments: So, when I heard the theme for this month was "The Man," I thought of rebelling against status quo, rejecting the norm and living your life the way you want to live it. Instantly I thought of this song, Screeching Weasel is a band I’ve loved for years. It doesn’t matter what music I’m listening to, or if I’m going thru a "only listening to Buck Owens on repeat/surf music 24-7/or whatever else constantly" phase, I’ll always be able to add a Screeching Weasel song to my mixtape (or really…we all know it’s a playlist…but mixtape just sounds better dudes, ok?). Anyway, back to this particular song, anytime I’m starting to question my life choices I can listen to this song and instantly feel better, really. Sound dumb? Who cares, it works for me.

16. Roger Alan Wade - Cars and Guns
Stoned Traveler (2009)
Submitted By: Adam Sheets

17. Drive By Truckers - Puttin’ People On The Moon
The Dirty South (2004)
Submitted By: TheOtherBrit
Comments: This was the first song that came to mind when I thought about The Man keeping ya down, especially convenient with the Mars landing just happening.

18. Bradley Wik and the Charlatans - Friday Night is for the Drinkers
Buy (Bandcamp): Burn What You Can, Bury the Rest…
Submitted By: Cowbelle www.morecowbelle.net

19. Pete Yorn (w/Natalie Maines) - The Man
Buy: The Nightcrawler (2006)
Submitted By: Trailer

20. The Countdown Five - Money Man
B-Side/Shaka Shake Na Na/Money Man (1969)
Submitted By: @popatunes
Comments: This theme seemed a bit of a challenge finding something that wasn't an obvious 'The Man' protest song, (my interpretation of the theme) so I was lead deep into the garage for an enjoyable excursion that distracted me to from my initial, but thought this little b-side gem from Texas City's The Countdown Five was worth sharing. Y'all know by now I have soft spot for low-fi psych garage grooviness. The band had two Billboard Top 100 hits, "Uncle Kirby" and "Shaka Na Na."

July Feel Bad For You

Feel bad for me? No! Feel bad for you if you haven't heard this mixtape yet!!!

1. Arliss Nancy - The Crease
Buy: Simple Machines (2012)
Submitted By: Captainsdead
Comments: great rock record, nothing more, nothing less.

2. The Producers - I Love Lucy
The Producers/You Make The Heat (2000, CD Reissue of the band’s first two albums)
Submitted By: BoogieStudio22
Comments: I make no apologies for my love of all things ‘power pop.’ The Producers put out a couple of albums in the early 80s and seemed to fly under the radar of most people, which is too bad because these guys crafted some great songs.

3. Neil Young and Crazy Horse - Travel On
Americana (2012)
Submitted By: @mikeorren
Comments: This song IS summer in America. Drive fast on a long highway and put it on repeat.

4. Amy Cook - I Wanna Be Your Marianne
Buy: Let the Light In (2010)
Submitted By: Hoosier Buddy
Comments: The most summer-soaked tune from an album produced by Alejandro Escovedo. A tasty confection: swirl cupcake in which relaxed rhythm guitar mixes with strangled cat lead tones, topped with Amy’s buttercream vocal track. You can never eat just one.

5. The Woolly Bushmen - Gotta Go Out West
The Woolly Bushmen (2012)
Submitted By: Autopsy IV (ninebullets.net)
Comments: Retro rock and roll from a group of kids from Orlando. I caught them live at Tropical Heatwave this year and they were a complete and total blast. Album came out last week and is available on Bandcamp.

6. The Wind-Up Birds - There Won't Always Be an England
The Land (2012)
Submitted By: April @ Now This Sound Is Brave
Comments: This song cemented my love for this fantastic band out of Leeds, England. Even though it's specifically about rabid nationalism in the UK, it's an almost effortless exercise to translate it to the jingoistic patriotism that has been promoted in the U.S. over the past decade. The feeling of mounting frustration and anger in this song is a thing of beauty.

7. The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Wasting Away
Buy: Strung Out in Heaven (1998)
Submitted By: Ryan (Verbow @ altcountrytab.ca)
Comments: Can anyone take the essential elements of 60's music (garage, pop, psychedelia, country rock) and blend them as seamlessly as Antone Newcombe? I think not. Great, mellow track from these freaky weirdos. Love the harmonica.

8. Counting Crows - You Ain't Going Nowhere
Underwater Sunshine (Or What We Did On Our Summer Vacation) (2012)
Submitted By: @philnorman
Comments: Get your mind off winter time. You ain't going nowhere.

9. Alvin Youngblood Hart - Joe Friday
Big Mama's Door (1996)
Submitted By: Adam Sheets

10. Hurray For The Riff Raff - Little Black Star
Look Out Mama (2012)
Submitted By: TheOtherBrit
Comments: Saw these gals & guy out of Louisiana in Waverly a couple months ago and they blew me away.

11. The Doc Marshalls - Here They Come
Look Out Compadres (2012)
Submitted By: toomuchcountry
Comments: I've been playing this track repeatedly after first hearing it during one of Bill Frater's Freight Train Boogie podcasts (a great source of new Americana music). In this month we celebrate our independence and are reminded of the costs paid to defend it, many of the lyrics from this song resonated with me.

12. We Run - Like
We Run EP (2012)
Submitted By: @popa2unes

13. Little Wings - Fall Skull
Black Grass (2011)
Submitted By: Lord Summerisle
Comments: I didn't hear this album until early 2012 but it has swiftly become my favourite album of 2011. Brilliant stuff, a touch of Will Oldham, a dash of Bill Callahan and some sweet electronics burbling in the background. Perfect.

14. Lyle Lovett - Give Back My Heart
Pontiac (1988)
Submitted By: Rockstar Aimz
Comments: In spring, 1993, I was in college in Chicago at a coffee shop listening to these two other students jam away on their acoustic guitars, really killing it. They were playing some song that I didn’t know, but it stuck in my head all of these years because it was so good. Thanks to the miracle of satellite radio, I finally figure out nearly two decades later on my commute to work that they were covering this Lyle Lovett song, only adding a few curse words and massive blues guitar riffs.

15. The District Attorneys - Worry About Your Health
Slowburner (2012)
Submitted by: Corey Flegel (This Is American Music)
Comments: this was the song that reminded me to send in a submission...so, it then became my submission.

16. Willie Nile - Hard Times In America
Live From the Streets of New York (2008)
Submitted By: Truersound
Comments: Now that the 4th is over, back to reality.

17. Alex Turner - Piledriver Waltz
Submarine EP (2011)
Submitted By: Simon
Comments: I treated myself to a few pieces of vinyl on Record Store Day amongst them a Caitlin Rose 7” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJWiUOIpUS8) featuring a pair of tracks from Arctic Monkeys album Suck It and See and have been ‘spinning’ both regularly over the last month, Piledriver Waltz has got stuck in my head and become a new favourite, I stumbled across another version of the track that appeared on Alex Turner’s film soundtrack for Submarine and thought I’d throw this into this months mix. http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/v6cg

18. Zodiac Mindwarp & the Love Reaction - Prime Mover
Tattooed Beat Messiah (1988)
Submitted By: Gorrck

19. Muddy Waters - Unk In Funk
Unk In Funk (1974)
Submitted By: Bowood
Comments: Muddy Waters just letting us know that funk wasn't born until he entered the world, presumably 7am on Sunday July 7th, with seven doctors in attendance. Today is July 7, the mojo is still strong.

20. Bruce Springsteen - Racing in the Street
Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978)
Submitted By: tincanman2010
Comments: The bit about the girl sitting on her Daddy's porch, all her pretty dreams torn is one of the saddest moments in song I know. Bruce's band doesn't get enough credit for the way they play this. And it's not a car song; it just sounds at first like one.

21. Japandroids - Continuous Thunder
Celebration Rock (2012)
Submitted By: Trailer

22. The Specials - Too Hot
Buy: The Specials (1979, reissued 2002)
Submitted By: annieTUFF
Comments: It's full blown summer now, and the crazy heat always makes me think of summers as a teenager, and punk. Driving around in my first car (death trap of a car that I scrimped and saved to buy after working my first fast food job) no AC, windows down, sweating like crazy, and cranking music as loud as I could thru my little battery powered tape player that I brought with me (because the stereo in the car kept blowing out the fuses for the lights...see? death trap). So, in honor of all the record breaking heat and summer tunes and memories I'm picking The Specials. And yeah, I know, it's not punk, it's ska, but c'mon it's toooooo hot.

Feel Bad For June

Behind schedule once again. See ya June! Happy summer holidays to you all, and enjoy some tunes from your favorite bloggers, twitters, music lovers, rogues and rapscallions. Check out more at http://feelbadforyou.atruersound.com/.

1. Adam Carroll - Blondie and Dagwood.mp3 removed by request
Buy: Lookin' Out the Screen Door (2000)
Submitted by: toomuchcountry
Comments: This one is for all you June brides and grooms who want your new marriages to last. My suggestion is to put down that copy of 50 Shades of Gray and listen closely to Carroll’s lyrics of romance based on the couple from a comic strip legend.

2. River City Extension - Clever & Quickness
Nautical Sabbatical (2009)
Submitted By: @popa2unes
Comments: Formed in Asbury Park, NJ, in 2007. The band played an explosive showcase at last year’s SXSW; Newport Folk Festival producer Jay Sweet stumbled upon the gig, and later told Billboard, "This band, River City Extension, is ripping the paint off the wall."

3. The Rolling Stones - No Spare Parts
Some Girls (2011 reissue)
Submitted By: Bowood
Comments: Jagger in hillbilly mode for this great road trip song from last years deluxe reissue

4. The Gaslight Anthem - "45"
Handwritten (2012)
Submitted By: Gorrck
Comments: Single released in advance of the album. Thinking about actually getting the 45 on vinyl.

5. O. Children - PT Cruiser
Apnea (2012)
Submitted By: tincanman2010
Comments: Sunshine. Music. Cruising. I said cruisING not cruisER. Oh well, rockin’ driving song so I’ll keep it.

6. Ryan Montbleau - Head Above Water
For Higher (2012)
Submitted By: Mando Lines
Comments: Ryan Montbleau’s new album was recorded in New Orleans with George Porter, Jr., Ivan Neville, Simon Lott and Anders Osborne. Ben Ellman (Galactic) produced. The majority of the songs (including this one) are Montbleau originals, but the record also has covers of Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers and Muscle Shoals great Eddie Hinton. Great record.

7. The Lovely Bad Things - I Just Want You To Go Away
New Ghost/Old Waves (2012)
Submitted By: annieTUFF
Comments: I just heard of this band a couple of months ago, so I’m still trying them on for size. But sometimes the best love song is an anti-love song.

8. Cory Branan - Yesterday
Buy: Mutt (2012)
Submitted By: TheOtherBrit
Comments: Cory finally got this album out and this ode to John Cougar is the perfect way to kick off summer.

9. Red Red Meat - Chain Chain Chain
Bunny Gets Paid (1995)
Submitted By: Ryan (Verbow @ Altcountrytab.ca)
Comments: I’m constantly surprised at the numbers of bands I missed out on in the 90′s. Red Red Meat were straight outta Chicago, even touring with Smashing Pumpkins – yet I’m only just now finding out about them thanks to Tim Rutili’s current band (Califone). This is off of their recently reissued Sub Pop masterpiece Bunny Gets Paid – damn fine song if you ask me. Crank it.

10. Ray Wylie Hubbard - The Messenger
Crusades of the Restless Knights (1999)
Submitted By: Rockstar Aimz
Comments: Killer song by RWH. This version features Patty Griffin on background vocals.

11. TV Smith - Ready For The Axe To Drop
Useless – The Very Best of TV Smith (2001)
Submitted By: Simon
Comments: The only redeeming feature of this week's Jubilee celebrations for me has been the various media articles and TV programming on the BBC revisiting punk, not that it ever really went away – which brings me to this month's song choice from a guy who’s continued to record solo and in various collaborations after the punk band he fronted split in 1979, prompted by one of the aforementioned BBC Rock-docs, here's a track from the The Adverts front man TV Smith http://www.tvsmith.com/

12. Austin Lucas w/Glossary - Alone In Memphis
unreleased (2012)
Submitted By: Bryan Childs (ninebullets.net)
Comments: This, I assume, will be on Austin’s next album.

13. Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires - Everything You Took
There is a Bomb in Gilead (2012)
Submitted By: @philnorman

14. The Mavericks - Come Unto Me
Suited Up and Ready EP (2012)
Submitted By: Trailer
Comments: Bad ass song. Glad they’re back!

15. Pearl Woods - Sippin’ Sorrow
From: Eeny Meeny Moe! (song orig. 1961, out of print)
Submitted By: BoogieStudio22
Comments: An old R&B tune, from a ripped LP that I recently acquired (quality’s not great). Just plain fun!

16. Jake Klar - Bring Flowers To My Grave
Jake Klar (2012)
Submitted By: Slowcoustic
Comments: Some great twangy singer songwriter "alt-country" from this new-to-me artist. The 7 track album is even a free download on his bandcamp page: http://jakeklar.bandcamp.com/ Highly Recommended.

17. Michael Dean Damron - Creakin’ Ol’ Bones
Nah Death, Im’a Comin’ For You (2012)
Submitted By: Romeo Sid Vicious
Comments: Mike D. has been getting me through a lot as of late and this track is the one I queue up the most at the moment.

18. Shooter Jennings & Last False Hope - Title: 1922
Outlaw Radio Compilation Vol. 2 (2012)
Submitted By: Adam Sheets
Comments: Based on a Stephen King novella.

19. The Riverboat Gamblers - Loser Neck
The Wold You Feed (2012)
Submitted By: erschen

20. Magnolia Mountain - Set On Fire
Buy (only $5): Town & Country (2012)
Submitted By: Corey Flegel (This Is American Music)

21. Micah P Hinson - Sweetness
…And The Pioneer Saboteurs (2010)
Submitted by: Lord Summerisle
Comments: I am baffled as to why this man is not huge. Probably my favourite artist of the last 10 years in terms of consistency. Every album is great.

22. Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys - The Devil Ain’t Lazy
Buy (mp3) Western Cowboy Classics (song orig. 1948)
Submitted By: April @ Now This Sound Is Brave
Comments: I get a kick out of the fact that this song is essentially praising Satan’s work ethic. And, of course, since it’s Bob Wills, it swings. The mellow-voiced Tommy Duncan provides the vocals.

May Feel Bad For You

Even though it's June....D'oh! I just started a new job which has diverted my attention from blogging. And I have to be at work tomorrow at 7 so fee bad for me!!!! This month's theme is FBFY Unplugged. I think it's one of the better comps we have had in the past few months. You can thank your local music miscreant for that. For a list of contributors see the FBFY web site.

Download


1. Beck - Stagolee
Avalon Blues: A Tribute To Mississippi John Hurt (2001)
Submitted By: noteethleroy
Comments: I wish Beck would do more simple stuff, he’s damn good at it.

2. Cowboy Junkies - Sun Comes Up, It’s Tuesday Morning
Acoustic Junk (2009)
Submitted By: erschen

3. Darrell Scott - American Tune
Buy: Modern Hymns (2008)
Submitted By: @philnorman
Comments: One of my favorite Paul Simon songs, covered by one of my favorite singer-songwriters. A song that never fails to touch my soul.

4. Tarrus Riley - Black Mother Pray
Mecoustic (2012)
Submitted By: tincanman2010
Comments: No-end-to-his-talent young singer’s latest dares you to take a spiritual inventory. More here: http://bit.ly/HOU94Z

5. Sara Watkins - The Foothills
Sun Midnight Sun (2012)
Submitted By: Mando Lines
Comments: Written by Watkins and Blake Mills. Big acoustic instrumental tune, sounds like a movie theme. One of two instrumentals on Watkins’ great new record, which contains a duet with Fiona Apple as well as guest vocals by Jackson Browne and Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes).

6. Todd Snider - East Nashville Skyline
What The Folk–Belcourt Theater–Nashville, TN (2005)
Submitted By: toomuchcountry
Comments: This version of ENS is much different than the one Snider included on his Peace, Love & Anarchy release of demos and rarities or that he now performs in his shows. And frankly, I like it better. I was really fortunate to be in the audience the night of this show to hear it. Todd’s show that night capped a great triple-header. Tommy Womack opened and was then followed by Hayes Carll. Todd then took center stage as the headliner and was accompanied by Womack and Jeff Austin of the Yonder Mountain String Band.

7. DeepSeaGreen - Stuck on the Inside
Acoustic Sessions (2011)
Submitted By: @popa2unes
Comments: DeepSeaGreen are a garage-rock band from London formed in late 2008. The four piece is made up of brothers Jon and Daniel Jefford (on guitar and drums respectively), Trent Halliday (vocals, guitar) and Marco Menestrina (bass).

8. Jason and Alison - Loveless Park
Woodshed (1995)
Submitted By: Ryan (Verbow @ altcountrytab.ca)
Comments: Before forming Verbow, Jason Narducy and Alison Chesley played together as an acoustic duo and put out this album. This is one of my favorite songs – simple, beautiful melody that betrays somewhat downer lyrics. Great song.

9. James McMurtry - We Can’t Make it Here
unreleased (2004)
Submitted By: Rockstar Aimz
Comments: I yanked this acoustic version off of McMurtry’s web site a while ago. Very few bands and artists write topical or political songs, and even fewer do it well. McMurtry excels at it, and when all is said and done, this song may be the song that best represents the 2000’s.

10. Will Johnson - Iso-Residue (acoustic)
Buy: original on Candidate Waltz (2011)
Submitted By: Slowcoustic
Comments: I always was a big fan of Will Johnson and here he shows he can also take an more upbeat Centro-matic tune and give it the solo Will Johnson acoustic touch. This guy can rarely do wrong acoustically in my books.

11. Loomer - Anastasia
From: BBC Live Session track from 2005 (original on Songs of the Wild West Island 2006)
Submitted By: Simon
Comments: Fell in love with this track when I first heard it and it remains a favourite, it’s a different tempo and mood (and all the better for it in IMHO) than the album version.  Not sure if the band are still together or recording a quick Google revealed little accept a parked website but you can listen to Anastasia and other tracks from the album here http://music.cbc.ca/#/artists/LOOMER and download at eMusic.

12. The Old 97’s - Question
Hit By A Train: The Best Of Old 97′s (2006)
Submitted By: BoogieStudio22
Comments: This one goes out to Laura. I surprised her with ‘the question’ over 22 years ago.

13. Mississippi John Hurt - Coffee Blues (Live)
Salty Dog (orig. 1963, comp. album 2009)
Submitted By: Gorrck
Comments: Acoustic, but with a microphone. Does that still count? I traded the Bluesmobile for a microphone.

14. Lauderdale - Broken Man
Moving On (B Sides/unreleased) (2011)
Submitted By: Corey Flegel – This Is American Music

15. Greg Dulli - Candy Cane Crawl
From: non-album, live track from 2010 acoustic tour
Submitted By: April @ Now This Sound Is Brave
Comments: Submitting this track on Greg fucking Dulli’s 46th birthday. It’s one of my favorite songs by my favorite artist, containing nearly all the elements that make me love him – the cinematic sweep, the perfectly imperfect vocals, and the knife that cuts my soul right in two and lets all the dirt and light and blood and secret beauty pour right out. He’s accompanied by Dave Roesser on guitar and backing vocals, and Rick Nelson on cello.

16. Jolie Holland - Goodbye California
Escondida (2004)
Submitted By: Brad Kelley
Comments: Jolie Holland was in the Be Good Tanyas, but I only recently discovered her. Love her voice and inflections.

17. Ernie Carpenter - Elk River Blues
Tales of Elk River Country (1986)
Submitted By: Truersound
Comments: The Elk River runs through central WV and was dammed off in 1958 to form Sutton Lake. Ernie Carpenter wrote this tune while sitting on the ridge looking down at Sutton Lake as it covered what used to be his family’s old homeplace. Such powerful emotions from just one fiddle.

April Feel Bad for You Comp

Your monthly comp from your favorite bloggers, twitterers, nere-do-wells, and jackasses of the internet. See the main Feel Bad For You website for back-issues and commentary. Download, or stream below.


1. The Youngbloods - Darkness, Darkness
Elephant Mountain (1969)
Submitted By: Popa2unes
Comments: A little trip in the wayback machine. With the departure of member and co-founder Jerry Corbitt, Jesse Colin Young became the primary songwriter of the band writing seven of the thirteen songs on this album. This album was produced by Charlie Daniels who in 1971 formed the band Corbitt & Daniels with former member Jerry Corbitt. Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, the media conglomerate Clear Channel Communications included The Youngbloods’ recording of the Chet Powers song "Get Together" on a list of "lyrically questionable" songs that was sent to its 1,200 radio stations in the United States. Go figure.

2. Johnny Cash featuring Krist Novoselic, Kim Thayil, and Sean Kinney - Time of the Preacher
Twisted Willie: A Tribute to Willie Nelson (1996)
Submitted by: Adam Sheets

3. The Ragged Jubilee - Blood On The Highway.mp3
Buy (mp3): American Moan (2011)
Submitted By: Truersound
Comments: Bands from San Luis Obispo continue to impress.

4. Dan Bern - Tiger Woods
Fifty Eggs (1998)
Submitted By: philnorman
Comments: April means the Masters. It ain’t braggin’ if it’s true.

5. Cornershop - Good Shit.mp3
Buy: When I Was Born for the 7th Time (1997)
Submitted By: Simon
Comments: Favourite track from Cornershop’s classic album.

6. Michael Hall - Sometimes I Wish I’d Never Heard The Rolling Stones
Lucky Too (2002)
Submitted By: toomuchcountry
Comments: I submitted a track from The Setters to FBFY February 2012. One of the band members was Michael Hall so I figured I’d follow up for April with Hall himself. As a songwriter, its gotta be mighty tough knowing how high the bar has been set by predecessors such as Jagger-Richards, Lennon-McCartney, Dylan, TVZ, and so on. Hall was originally in The Wild Seeds and today writes for Texas Monthly magazine.

7. D.R. Hooker - Forge Your Own Chains
The Truth (1972)
Submitted By: Lord Summerisle
Comments: Messianic psychedelic lounge muzak!

8. The Parlor Soldiers - Lawless
When The Dust Settles (2012)
Submitted By: Autopsy4 (ninebullets.net)
Comments: You wanted to like the Civil Wars but in the end you found yourself bored? The Parlor Soldiers are the sounds you were looking for.

9. The Only Sons - Bully.mp3
From: When The New Wears Off (2012, available April 24, from This Is American Music)
Submitted by: Corey Flegel
Comments: This is the first single off of the new TOS record. Heavily influenced by Big Star, The Faces, and Ron Wood. I kept hearing some serious comments from folks who were involved in this recording. Comments/comparisons like – straight out of the 70′s, Big Star-y, early Rod Stewart and Ronnie Lane. I was taking all of this a little lightly, but about 10 seconds into hearing WTNWO, I started smiling widely. They were right…I think.

10. Dave Hause - Time Will Tell
Resolutions (2011)
Submitted By: Rockstar Aimz
Comments: I saw Hause live in December at a hole in the wall here in Boston, and again last week at the Revival Tour. I am continually impressed with his music. Hause is also the frontman for the punk band The Loved Ones.

11. We Are Augustines - Book of James
We Are Augustines (2011)
Submitted By: Ryan (Verbow @ altcountrytab.ca)
Comments: This whole album is about the lead singer/guitarists brother, who struggled with mental illness and drug use before committing suicide. This song in particular is like a conversation between them from beyond, and it just kills me every time. Great band and great album.

12. Biters - Breakin Your Heart Again
All Chewed Up EP (2011)
Submitted By: Erschen
Comments: Some fun rockin’ power pop. Saw these guys at sxsw and they put on a great show. High energy, great songs.

13. Glossary - West Liberty.mp3
From: Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts EP (2002)
Submitted By: TheOtherBrit
Comments: I’ve only heard them play this song once (and it definitely did not have banjo!), but it was still awesome. They have downloads of all their old full length albums on their website for $5 a pop so go load up!

14. The Clash - London Calling
London Calling (1979)
Submitted By: annieTUFF
Comments: It’s the Clash, they're rad. I could pick a less well known song to show how awesome I am and that I know more than just the "London Calling" album, but ya know what? This song kicks ass, this album kicks ass, this band kicks ass. The end.

15. Lyle Lovett - Brown-Eyed Handsome Man
Release Me (2012)
Submitted By: tincanman2010
Comments: Written by Chuck Berry after observing how L.A. police were treating whites and blacks differently, Lyle does a great cover on his new album. Feels timely in the wake of Trayvon Martin.

16. The Blakes - Two Times
The Blakes (2007)
Submitted By: BoogieStudio22

17. Earl King - Trick Bag
The Sonet Blues Story: Earl King (2006)
Submitted By: Brad Kelly

18. Lowell George - 20 Million Things.mp3
Buy: Thanks I'll Eat It Here (1979)
Submitted by: TheSecondSingle/Beldo
Comments: A classic country rock track from the only solo album by the late, great Little Feat frontman.

19. Dr. John - Getaway
Locked Down (2012)
Submitted By: Mike Orren
Comments: Somehow this crept up very quietly — the Night Tripper produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach. You can really hear Auerbach all over this album (and maybe by transition, some Danger Mouse) — and boy, does this reinvigorate Dr. John’s sound. Hard to pick a track, so went with the first one I heard on shuffle today.

March Feel Bad For You

Since March is almost over, I probably should post the Feel Bad For You comp. D'oh! This month it slipped my mind...

1. The Bailey Hounds - Resurrection Man
Along the Gallows (2011)
Submitted By: popa2unes
Comments: Philly’s The Bailey Hounds, describe their music as Cemetery Blues. They are participating in Couch by Couchwest this year.

2. Public Enemy - Fight the Power
Fear of a Black Planet (1990)
Submitted By: Gorrck

3. McDougall - A Few Towns More.mp3
Buy A Few Towns More (2012)
Submitted By: Autopsy IV
Comments: This album doesn’t come out until April and it is already a favorite in the ninebullets.net camps. When it gets released, people are gonna flip their shit for it, or at least those that care about good music are going to.

4. Punch Brothers - Who’s Feeling Young Now
Who’s Feeling Young Now? (2012)
Submitted By: @philnorman
Comments: The Punch Brothers are playing chess, the rest of the music world is playing checkers.

5. Jessie Mae Hemphil - You Can Talk About Me
Deep Blues soundtrack (1992)
Submitted By: Brad Kelly
Comments: I was lucky enough to see the late Jessie Mae at a blues festival in Clarksdale, MS, in the early 90s. From a famous Mississippi blues family, she was the real thing, playing in the North Mississippi blues style made popular by Mississippi Fred McDowell, and more recently by Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside. Powerful.

6. Army Navy - The Long Goodbye
The Last Place (2011)
Submitted By: Ryan (Verbow @ altcountrytab.ca)
Comments: Sweet jangle/power pop number I stumbled upon thanks to 88.1 KDHX (St. Louis). Not groundbreaking, but it will get stuck in your head.

7. Bohannons - Working The Door
Daytrotter Session (2012)
Submitted By: Corey Flegel (This Is American Music)
Comments: this song was the closer to the Bo’s uncharacteristically lo-fi Daytrotter session.

8. Hanni El Khatib - You Rascal You.mp3
Buy: Will the Guns Come Out (2011)
Submitted By: Beldo/TheSecondSingle
Comments: Somehow this ISN’T a Black Keys song, but I suspect a conspiracy is afoot. I love it anyway.

9. Lone Justice - Dixie Storms
Shelter (1986)
Submitted By: toomuchcountry
Comments: March 2012 in the south and midwest and April 2011 in Joplin MO, Tuscaloosa AL, Ringgold, GA. So much destruction, fear, recovery, randomness, amazement, deaths, and miracle of survival. Yet all of it comes with living in the land of Dixie.

10. The District Attorneys - Slowburner.mp3
Free Download: Waiting On the Calm Down (2011)
Submitted By: TheOtherBrit
Comments: These dudes rule. Go check em out at SXSW if you’re there!

11. The Steeldrivers - If It Hadn’t Been for Love
The Steeldrivers (2008)
Submitted By: Simon
Comments: Adele, Adele, Adele, Adele, Adele, Adele, Adele, radio, TV, magazines, web, she’s everywhere right now – but ‘her’ best song was borrowed from The Steeldrivers.

12. Cab Calloway and his Orchestra - A Chicken Ain’t Nothin’ but a Bird
28863 OKeh -5847 single (1940)
Submitted By: April @ Now This Sound is Brave
Comments: Because Cab, that’s why.

13. The Kinks - Got My Feet On The Ground
Kinda Kinks (1965)
Submitted By: Erschen

14. Songs: Ohia - Farewell Transmission
Magnolia Electric Co. (2003)
Submitted By: Rockstar Aimz
Comments: Despite the fact that it’s been a fairly mild winter, we here up in the north are still fighting the winter blues. Jason Molina and seasonal disorder go together like peas and carrots.

15. Queen - Stone Cold Crazy
Sheer Heart Attack (1974)
Submitted By: BoogieStudio22
Comments: Ahhh… my teen years.

16. Roger Miller - Do Wacka Do
The Return of Roger Miller (1964)
Submitted by: Adam Sheets
Comments: Roger Miller > Townes Van Zandt and Bob Dylan

17. The White Buffalo - Good Ol’ Day to Die.mp3
Buy: Once Upon a Time in the West (2012)
Submitted By: Trailer

18. Old Sledge - Danville Girl
Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down (2011)
Submitted By: Truersound
Comments: I was first turned on to Old Sledge via Ben from The Foxhunt (who played on this album), and now, a year later I am not so sure this band even exists anymore. Former member Anna Roberts-Gevalt now comprises one half of my latest musical obsession Anna and Elizabeth (with Elizabeth LaPrelle), and she’s a pretty good dance caller to boot.

19. The Mountain Goats - This Year.mp3
Buy: The Sunset Tree (2005)
Submitted By: @mikeorren
Comments: My pal Josh Jones (GM of KHYI) turned me onto this band and this tune specifically a couple weeks ago. If you’ve got more on your back than you can carry, I highly recommend turning this one up and screaming along. Guarantee you’ll feel better, or at least a wee bit more courageous.

20. Good Saints - Texas Moan
Driftwood On The Fire EP (2011)
Submitted By: Slowcoustic
Comments: Just some hazy laid back country music from Kentucky. Nuff said.

21. Billie Holiday - Gloomy Sunday
The Great Billie Holiday (disc 1) (2007)
Submitted By: annieTUFF
Comments: This song never fails to make me stop whatever I’m doing and just listen.

Feel Bad For You February Comp

Your monthly mixtape from your favorite music bloggers, tweeters, members of the altcountrytab.ca forum, friends of friends, friends of lovers, friends and lovers, friends in low places, and occasionally some enemies. Do you spell America with a "k"?

Download



1. Shayfer James - Weight of the World
Counterfeit Arcade (2011)
Submitted By: Popa2unes
Comments: Shayfer James is devilishly captivating and deliciously unusual. A man of bewitching grace, grisly humor, profound story telling, and whiskey-flavored wit.

2. “Mississippi” Charles Bevel - Don’t Lie to Me.mp3
From: Meet “Mississippi” Charles Bevel (A&M Records SP-4412, 1973, out of print)
Submitted By: Simon
Comments: First heard this track on an Oxford American Music edition CD a couple of years ago and loved it, always gets me up and dancing around. I’ve managed to track down a dinked 7” single but still looking for the album……

3.Timothy Bracken - Unmade
Long Untied (2012)
Submitted By: philnorman
Comments: Great songwriting, great hooks, great guitar sounds all over this record. You need these songs. Name your price at http://timothybracken.bandcamp.com/

4. Valerie June - No Draws Blues
5 Dollar Cover Soundtrack (2009)
Submitted By: Autopsy IV
Comments: Stumbled across this song the other day. Had forgotten how much I liked it.

5. Robert Pete Williams - You Used to Be a Sweet Clover Shaker
Mojo: Brotherhood, a compilation of tracks from Mojo, from 2011, I think
Submitted By: Brad Kelley
Comments: Sometimes I think he’s the only blues artist that really matters, then sometimes I think he’s the only artist that matters. There’s nothing like him in the history of blues. His most famous song, "I’ve Grown So Ugly," was covered by the Black Keys (on Rubber Factory).

6. Dirty Bourbon River Show - One Way Or Another (I’ll Be Free)
Volume One (2010)
Submitted By: Romeo Sid Vicious
Comments: I have been in a little bit of a slump lately and digging through my older gems to find some solace and rediscovered this little beauty. I love the guys in DBRS and this song has music that’s kind of happy and jumpy as well as lyrics that give a nice big “Fuck you” to just everything bringing someone down. It’s a fun little tune!

7. John 5 - Behind The Nut Love.mp3
Buy: Songs for Sanity (2005)
Submitted By: erschen
Comments: I make to no bones about my metal head past and I love to watch That Metal Show on VH1 Classic. They have a different musician (mostly guitarists) that take them to break on each episode. I was quite intrigued by John 5, unique and varied styles. I knew he was a shredder and was most famous for being Marilyn Manson’s guitarist but I didn’t know that he has been a session guitarist for folks ranging from K.D. Lang to Garbage to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Ozzy. He’s a big Buck Ownes fan and has a penchant for chickin’ pickin’ as well. Really love this track, a bit of twang on this one. He’s fingering the strings behind the nut to make it sound like a pedal steel.

8. Folk Family Revival - Unfolding
Unfolding (2011)
Submitted By: Mike Orren
Comments: My friends literally dragged me out to McKinney, Texas, to catch this young Houston band a few weeks ago and I’ve worn out their album since. In their early twenties, these three brothers and their best friend are turning out some of the most mature, nuanced lyrics I’ve heard in a while with a sound that at times echoes the Avett’s, the 97′s and Ray Wylie Hubbard. It’s spiritual music, but not in a preachy way. It sneaks up on you and manages gravitas and fun in the same number. My only quibble is another tune where they have a beautiful line about being alone and maybe, like Johnny, finding your June Carter when you’re old. (Sorry boyos, I refuse to call 36 old.) That said, it’s a varied and polished disc without a clunker– but this song, the title track is my favorite. It’s become the theme song of my 2012 to date.

9. Ola Belle Reed - My Epitaph
Rising Sun Melodies (2010)
Submitted By: Truersound
Comments: Beautiful song from one of Appalachia’s most unsung artists.

10. The Bear - Jack and Joan
7″ split w/ Belle Adair (2012)
Submitted By: Corey Flegel
Comments : Just another Muscle Shoals band…doing good things. This is from their recent split w/ fellow Shoals-ians Belle Adair. This is available via Itunes and you can order the 7″ through Pegasus Records. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard that they will have a new record done at some point later in the year. Backtrack to their 2010 self-titled one if need be. I love it…lots.

11. David Allan Coe - Spotlight
Longhaired Redneck (1976)
Submitted by: Adam Sheets
Comments: The best song from a truly underrated, but deeply divisive songwriter.

12. Roky Erickson (with Okkerville River) - For You.mp3
Buy: True Love Cast Out All Evil [Deluxe] (2010)
Submitted By: annieTUFF
Comments: Roky Erickson doesn’t need any explanation. And if it does, then watch his documentary “You’re Gonna Miss Me.”
Also, and this is just a silly random note, next time you need to pass anyone anything (for instance…the telephone, salt, the remote, french fries) sing the first line of “For You” but replace an actual lyric with the item you’re handing them. Just like this….”For You, I’d do anything for you, For You there ain’t nothing I wouldn’t do…For you, your beauty makes the sunrise, For You, so I’m passing you these fries” and see if they get it…if they do, give them a high-five and become best friends forever.

13. The Setters - Don’t Love Me Wisely
The Setters (1994)
Submitted By: toomuchcountry
Comments: Though we have no defined theme for the month of February, I felt compelled to submit some sort of love song. Right? The Setters was a Super … err, umm … Way-Above-Average Group featuring Alejandro Escovedo, Walter Salas-Humara from The Silos, and Michael Hall, who once fronted The Wild Seeds before releasing several solo albums. The release was produced by solo performer, guitarist for Lucinda Williams, and champion of the music and legend of Blaze Foley, Mr. Gurf Morlix. Hall – who now writes for Texas Monthly magazine – is on vocals with Escovedo on guitar. Salas-Humara contributed percussion rhythms by riffing on snare drum cases, Tropicana orange juice crates, and metal shelving.

14. The Clash - I’m So Bored With The U.S.A.
The Clash (1979)
Submitted By: BoogieStudio22
Comments: Here I sit, wearing my Clash t-shirt. I wanted to hear something from the 70s, created a playlist, hit play and this was the first song up. Must be an omen.

15. Mark Lanegan - The Gravedigger’s Song
Blues Funeral (2012)
Submitted By: Ryan (Verbow @ altcountrytab.ca)
Comments: Love me some Mark Lanegan. First track off of his new album that should be out by the time this mix is posted (2/7/12).

16. The Louvin Brothers - The Great Atomic Power
Weapon of Love (1962)
Submitted By: Rockstar Aimz
Comments: One of my new years resolutions is to listen to more pre-1970 classic country music. You don't get much more classic than the Louvin Brothers.

17. Dax Riggs - Say Goodnight to the World.mp3
Buy: Say Goodnight to the World (2010)
Submitted By: Shooter

18. Bee Gees - Marley Purt Drive
Odessa (1969)
Submitted By: TheSecondSingle
Comments: An unexpectedly great homage to The Band by one of the lamest (and secretly greatest) bands of the ’60s. Sure to turn even the most ardent Bee Gees hater around (however slightly).

19. Old Crow Medicine Show - Angel From Montgomery.mp3
Buy: Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs Of John Prine (2010)
Submitted By: Mike Beebe
Comments: I defy anyone to listen to this song and not instantly be a fan of both John Prine AND Old Crow Medicine Show.

20. Texas Wettnex - Get Your Ass On Out Of Here
Leaning In (2006)
Submitted by: Mando Lines
Comments: Just discovered Michael Wren in the last couple of weeks. He was the singer songwriter for the Texas Wettnex, now he’s a solo act. His most recent record is Rien Vraiment. You can stream some of his songs at www.michaelwren.com. Good stuff.

21. Some Dark Holler - Sweet Red Wine
Some Dark Holler EP (2011)
Submitted By: TheOtherBrit
Comments: These guys/gal are awesome live plus their EP is FREE on This is American Music!

22. Bombino - Tar Hani (My Love)
Agadez (2011)
Submitted By: April @ Now This Sound Is Brave
Comments: The recent Rubber City Review post about Bombino reminded me that you all need a shot of this desert rock. This is another one of those gems that Rick Saunders introduced me to, and it is sublime stuff. This song is a particular favorite because it makes me think of Sandinista!-era Clash.

23. Kim Janssen - Drift (Live on InDeKringloop.nl)
to be released on “Ancient Crime” – March 2012
Submitted By: Slowcoustic
Comments: As a member of The Black Atlantic, Kim Janssen is no secret to the “folky” community and this song proves he is coming into his own. His sophomoric album “Ancient Crime” should see him gain many fans on the genre. This audio rip is of the video of his performance that can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-r60xATwUg.

24. Anthony Leon & The Chain - Uncle Sam.mp3
Buy: The Pistol, The Bottle & Shaded Pastures (2011)
Submitted By: Dusty Vinyl
Comments: Good friends of the Imperial Rooster; Santa Fe’s Anthony Leon & The Chain are really great country rock and roll. This is an awesome song about getting weed.

25. The Maldives - Blood Relations
Listen to the Thunder (2009)
Submitted By: Captains Dead

Feel Bad For 2011

This month for the Feel Bad For You comp we were asked to submit one of our favorite tracks from the last year. So as we give 2011 a swift kick in the ass good-bye, here are some of the best songs of 2011, as contributed by bloggers, tweeters, members of the altcountrytab.ca forum, and other rogues and rapscallions.


1. Powder Mill - Devil In New Orleans
Southern Independent Vol. 2
Submitted By: Adam Sheets
Comments: Of all the exclusives we put on the three volumes of Southern Independent, this is probably my favorite.

2. Robyn Ludwick - New Orleans
Out Of These Blues
Submitted By: Mando Lines
Comments: My favorite track off of one of my favorite records of 2011. Robyn Ludwick is a Robison, as in sister to Charlie and Bruce, but she's got her own take on being a singer-songwriter. As New Orleans demonstrates, her voice is sexy, her lyrics are smart and her songs are real.

3. Mount Moriah - The Reckoning
Mount Moriah
Submitted By: Ryan (Verbow at Altcountrytab)
Comments: One of the more upbeat songs off this album. Sweet vocals, beautiful melody, just makes you feel good all over. If you've ever liked any music described as "alt-country" you need to check this album out. A perfect blend of country and indie rock - go get this one now.

4. Daniel Knox - I Make Enemies.mp3
Buy: Everyman for Himself
Submitted By: April @ Now This Sound Is Brave
Comments: Since I already submitted my favorite song of 2011 to the August FBFY, here's my top runner-up from Couch by Couchwest alumni Daniel Knox. With some help from Akron, Ohio's own Ralph Carney (Tin Huey, Tom Waits, the Black Keys), Knox spins a heartfelt tale of love for humanity. Ah, my cockles, they are warmed.

5. Ghosts I've Met - Out With The Embers
From A Spark
Submitted By: erschen

6. Robyn Ludick - Out Of These Blues
Out Of These Blues
Submitted By: Truersound
Comments: Has been my favorite song for the better part of the year. I love everything about it.

7. Artist: Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears - You Been Lyin’
Scandalous
Submitted By: BoogieStudio22
Comments: Four of my top ten favorite albums leaned toward R&B and Soul-influenced sound. Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears captured it beautifully. Great band to see live too!

8. John Paul Keith - You Devil You
The Man That Time Forgot
Submitted By: mikeorren
Comments: Lots of new music this year, but I keep going back to this one. And I'm always a sucker for a Devil song.

9. JEFF the brotherhood - Bummer
We Are The Champions
Submitted By: annieTUFF
Comments: I was able to catch JEFF the brotherhood at the Pilot Light here in Knoxville back in September, and I feel really lucky that I did. It was an amazing show, one that I keep thinking about. (I posted about it on my tumblr...just in case you wanna see pics) It was definitely in my top live shows of 2011, sooooo I decided to pick a song off their 2011 album "We Are The Champions" for this mix.

10. 4 On The Floor - Workin' Man Zombie.mp3
Buy: 4 x 4
Submitted By: toomuchcountry
Comments: Nothing like a little optimism about the working life to begin the new year.

11. The Dead Exs - Shut Up And Love Me
Resurrection
Submitted By: Popa2unes
Comments: I’m trying to make it on 10 dollars a day, I’m working part time and their docking my pay, My baby tells me we got three mouths to feed, I’d stop complaining if she just say to me, Shut up and love me.

12. Lori McKenna - Sweet Disposition
Lorraine
Submitted By: Rockstar_Aimz
Comments: I think that this song may be about me.

13. Zoe Muth & Lost High Rollers - Before the Night is Gone
Starlight Hotel
Submitted By: Simon

14. Childish Gambino - Freaks and Geeks.mp3
From: Freaks and Geeks EP
Submitted By: philnorman
Comments: My favorite records of the year would be folks like Jason Isbell, Chis Thile & Michael Daves, Glossary, and Gillian. But when I looked at my iTunes play counts, a little guilty pleasure was right there at the top. Donald Glover is insanely talented.

15. The Pollies - Ashes of Burned Out Stars.mp3
From: N/A - Live From The Shoals track (rough)
Submitted By: Corey Flegel - This Is American Music
Comments: The Pollies are just another band along with DBT, Jason Isbell, The Civil Wars, Doc Dailey, and Lauderdale that hail from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. No big deal...they will have their proper coming out party in 2012. Be ready...

16. Kelsey Waldon - God-Fearing People
Anybody's Darlin' EP
Submitted By: Trailer

December Feel Bad For You

The monthly Feel Bad for You comp from various bloggers, tweeters, members of the altcountrytab.ca forum, and other jokers. And this one is spiked with X-mas tunes. Yay!!!

Download/Stream:


1. The Duke Spirit - This Ship Was Built To Last
Neptune (2008)
Submitted By: Shooter
Comments: Why don't you go over there and blow me and come back over here and fuck you.

2. Leonard Cohen - The Stranger Song
Songs of Leonard Cohen (1968)
Submitted By: Adam Sheets

3. Yo Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, Stuart Duncan - Quarter Chicken Dark
The Goat Rodeo Sessions (2011)
Submitted By: Phil Norman
Comments: You should need no comment after seeing the names of the four masters making this music.

4. Sidewinders - Solitary Man.mp3
From: Witchdoctor (1989, out of print)
Submitted By: BoogieStudio22
Comments: Who can resist a great Neil Diamond cover?

5. Mudlow - Zane Merite
Zane Merite (2006)
Submitted By: April @ Now This Sound Is Brave
Comments: I knew what Mudlow looked like (thanks to this photo set on Flickr) a few years before I knew what they sounded like (which seems fair enough since Mudlow takes their time between albums). And what they sound like is the noir soundtrack of my (rougher, dustier) dreams. This song will make a reappearance on their next, just-finished album, so think of it as an early preview.

6. Billy Joe Shaver - Presents From The Past.mp3
Buy: Victory (1989)
Submitted By: Truersound
Comments: It’s a Billy Joe xmas.

7. Peter Himmelman - Impermanent Things
Mission Of My Soul: The Best of Peter Himmelman (2005)
Submitted By: toomuchcountry
Comments: My knee-jerk reaction was to offer Ray LaMontagne’s "Beg, Steal or Borrow" as a Dirty Santa submission for this month's compilation. However, I'm a sucker for Christmas. I want to believe – I have to believe – that there is still a shred of relevance to it. Even if the time and events surrounding it have been bastardized by black days, cyber weeks, thoughtless gift cards, hair-graying stress over time at "your folks or mine this year?", apathetic efforts in helping the truly needy, gluttony, etc., there is still something magical about The Day. Being Jewish, Himmelman clearly didn't write this song about Christmas. Nonetheless, I think its a good kick-in-the-gut reminder where my priorities need to be - and where they shouldn't. Thus endeth the soapbox. Enjoy the track. And thanks to those who sampled, listened, downloaded, commented, and ignored my submissions this year – and to FBFY overall. See ya in 12.

8. Chris Difford - Up the Junction
Uncut Magazine Playlist (Sept 2006)
Submitted By: Simon
Comments: Had this track stuck in my head for a few days now, like this version with a little bit of steel.

9. Don Ryan - This Town.mp3
Buy (bandcamp): Tangle Town (2011)
Submitted By: popa2unes
Comments: Staying in my own backyard again this month, Don Ryan is from Hawthorne, NJ. The 18 song album is available on his bandcamp page, name your price. fantastic witty dark lyrics and multi influenced music mixed together by a mad scientist. "As defeat licks the jaws of victory, The rotten teeth of injury and insult gnaw at me, The local stigmatic handsome gentleman detonates, incinerates the town he’s living in”

10. Joe Pug - Speak Plainly Diana
Live at Lincoln Hall (2011)
Submitted By: Autopsy IV
Comments: A live album with no new songs on it a Top 10 of the year? Better fucking believe it.

11. Ronnie Lane & Steve Marriott - Ruby Jack
The Legendary Majik Mijits (1980)
Submitted By: Erschen

12. The High Score - Merry Christmas To You.mp3
Free Download: Christmas Split (2009)
Submitted By: annieTUFF
Comments: I know this wasn't technically a Christmas themed mix, but I’ve been listening to this song a bunch today…so you should too. AND it talks about New Years Eve too…soooo really it's fitting for the entire month of December (yay). This is actually one half a free split that Mic Harrison and The High Score put out for download on their website last year (it's still up, you can download both songs @ http://www.micharrison.com/Download.html). By the way, I kept going back and forth between this song, and the Dwarves "Drinkin’ Up Christmas" and the Vandals "My first X-mas As a Woman" so, go find those (slightly offensive) Christmas songs too.

13. Darby O’Gill and the Little People - Whiskey Christmas
Christmas Songs For Drunken Atheists (2007)
Submitted By: Rockstar Aimz
Comments: Christmas brings psychotic family, massive consumerism, loneliness, huge expectations, and getting stuck overnight in an airport somewhere during a goddamn snowstorm. But at least there's booze!

14. The Decemberists - Foregone
Long Live the King (2011)
Submitted By: Verbow
Comments: I never thought I would like anything by the Decemberists, but The King is Dead is my favorite album of 2011. The follow up EP Long Live the King is a pretty good addendum, with "Foregone" being the best of the bunch. Cannot believe this song didn’t make the album proper – listen to that pedal steel!

15. Riviera - Destiny
Watching Western Skies EP (2011)
Submitted By: Cowbelle
Comments: Riviera were an alt.country group in Chicago, now re-located and re-grouped in Portland, OR.