The last link in the Chain Gang was Wilco’s delightfully mournful ‘Via Chicago’ with Jeff Tweedy singing at his very best about going home via that city. So, thinking about the next link, I realised I had gone somewhere via Chicago a couple of years ago when to celebrate my 70th birthday, we flew to the Windy City to start our drive south on Route 66. Our next major stop after Chicago was St Louis which as a city was a big disappointment and should be avoided at all costs! We listened to a lot of music on the radio driving along the “Mother Road” mainly on country stations and the most played was Florida Country Line’s ‘Simple’ but that’s not my link in the chain – it’s more New Country than Alt-Country! Continue reading “AUK’S Chain Gang: Uncle Tupelo “Anodyne””
Here is the latest video from the fabulous Charley Crockett. It continues the spaghetti western-inspired series of videos, following a lonesome character on his travels through the glorious American countryside. Crockett says of the concept: “Everybody thinks it’s about a relationship. On the surface I guess it is, but I was thinking of it as a metaphor about my health problems. But the meaning belongs as much to the folks listening as it does to me.” That telephone has been everywhere. 
release dates that are only weeks apart, Michael McArthur has conjured up a mighty fine pair of acoustic EPs and luckily for the reviewer who has to squeeze this duo into a single review, both ‘Oh Sedona’ and ‘How to Fall in Love’ are immensely enjoyable, making this task a hugely pleasurable one. Both EP’s feature new tracks as well as solo acoustic versions from the highly regarded 2019 LP, ‘Ever Green, Ever Rain’. 
The latest single from Market junction is the heartfelt, familiar story of relationships unravelling. We can all relate to the recognition that the initial, overpowering love and connection has gone and the resignation of, “It’s just easier to live here in the way.” We are delighted to share this exclusive video premiere in the week the brand new album will be released. The Houston-based act deliver new full-length LP ‘Burning Bridges’ on 7th August, which promises to be a melodic, well-crafted collection on the strength of singles ‘Out of Love’ and ‘Nebraska’. 
Our final video of the week is the premiere of the gorgeous ‘Indian Sign’ from Ags Connolly. His voice is beautifully resonant and melodic on this acoustic recording. ‘Indian Sign’ is from ‘Wrong Again’, Connolly’s acclaimed third album, originally released in November 2019. The English singer-songwriter is considered to be one of the UK’s finest on the country and Americana scene, known for his distinctive vocal and well-crafted songs and for remaining true to the the music’s traditional roots.