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Shane MacGowan & The Popes - First Avenue (Minneapolis, MN)

"This town is so depressing. This is the most depressing town we've ever been in." Those were the first words Shane MacGowan slurred to the large and sweaty First Avenue crowd at his first appearance in Minneapolis in many, many years. The crowd cheered wildly, of

Merle Haggard - Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, TN)

When Merle Haggard returned to the stage of the refurbished Ryman Auditorium for the second time in 13 months, he probably had all the immortals who had stood there before him in mind. To the delight of the many blue-collar fans in attendance, he opened the show with a vigorous

Emmylou Harris - Wrecking Ball

Though Emmylou Harris new album is titled Wrecking Ball, that could also be the description of the tool Daniel Lanois brings into the producers booth and attacks Harris past efforts with. This album is so unlike Harris other albums that when I played it at a recent backyard barbecue, all

Shaver - Unshaven: Shaver Live at Smith's Olde Bar

If you had a photographic memory, a video camera and an audio recorder, Unshaven would be your own private Shaver bootleg. (Yes, sounds can create vivid pictures.) You'd play it often to recapture that rip-roarin' evening of honky tonk. Like any live show, you'd groan

Palace Music - Viva Last Blues

Will Oldham has arrived. Those who think he's already here number many, but their ranks will likely swell with this release. Where Palace records once were exercises in style rather than substance, Viva Last Blues is a substantive landmark in a style Oldham is fast making his own.

Crop Circles - Counterculture Country comes calling

Crop Circles - Counterculture Country comes calling

Earl Brooks of Seattle band the Crop Circles did what any self-respecting musician would do. He dropped an advance of his bands first CD by the radio station in his hometown in Idaho. And after a few days, he called the guy and asked if he could have it back.