Do Wrong Right

The live music extravaganza that is the Cat’s Cradle launched into the new year with a rockin’ rompin’ show by The Devil Makes Three. A pleasant surprise to the evening was Phillip Roebuck’s opening act. I had never heard of Mr. Roebuck before, but after his first song I became a fan.

Watch an example of his style:

And give a listen to the Devil Makes Three:

Both these bands need to be heard live to fully appreciate them.

Performance of the Year

The performance that brings Robert Plant to tears and makes the POTUS dance in the aisles (just kidding about the last part).

Oh me oh my o, Ohio

I suspect this song could have interesting metaphorical interpretations in the next few weeks.

Listenin’ to the Pickin’

If you’re looking for a new artist to get to know, get to know Tom Brosseau. He opens for the Punch Brothers on their current tour.

If you don’t know the Punch Brothers, get to know them too. They brought the house down at UNC Memorial Hall last night, especially with their unplugged tribute to the great North Carolinian, the late Earl Scruggs.

Music. Live.

The live music scene around here is almost overwhelming. I missed Boo Hanks today. Big name acts like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristopherson, Old Crowe Medicine Show are all playing this month within easy driving distance. You could find a free live concert almost every night of the week just within the Carrboro/Chapel Hill city limits during the summer.

On Tuesday, I went to see Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band. Incredible (especially the bassist’s mustache). David Wax Museum opened. Incredible. I even met a fellow who organizes house concerts in his backyard in Greensboro.

Statistician’s Blues

Todd Snider is playing at Ziggy’s on September 21st. There’s 95% chance that I’ll be there.

Hammer Condones Analytics

Art in a Literal Wasteland

Last year I read The Wasted Vigil by Nadeem Aslam. This is one of those books that starts off by peering down the well of despair. By the end, you’re at the bottom of the well, slowly drowning, the well so deep your bleating can’t be heard. Yet somehow, the pull of the words draws you, awe-inspired, to lower yourself further down.

It’s worth a read.

But if you only have 20 minutes, and you’d like a more uplifting story about Afghanistan, listen to Andrew Solomon on the Moth. I failed in holding back tears of joy. Click on segment 1 to listen to the full story.

A Christmas Song Worth Hearing

Someone sang this at tonight’s Poetry Salon. Most of us listening were in tears. It reminds me of a great anti-war film I’ve seen.

Songs that make me cry

All Songs Considered recently had a “songs that make you weep” edition. Here are my top three at the moment.

Perhaps the greatest road trip song ever reminds me of dancing on the hardwood living room floor to my parent’s vinyl album. I think the personal nostalgia and loss of innocence cause my eyes to drop their buckets into the well of tears.

I recently discovered this Bon Iver song. I can’t figure that the lyrics are anything but flarf, but it still makes me inexplicably sad.

I remember stopping to catch my breath the first time I heard this tune.

All the BS of Bradley Saul

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