Eli “Paperboy” Reed – Mama Tried

This one is hot off the presses. Eli “Paperboy” Reed won’t release his new album, “Down Every Road” until April 29, 2022… …but earlier this week, he released a single from the album. The album cover looks like it came from the late 1960s. And so does the sound. Tonight’s song is a cover of…

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Lucinda Williams – I Lost It

Happy Birthday Lucinda. I know. She’s not like Cher or Adele. She has a last name. But when someone says, “Lucinda,” you know who they mean, don’t you? And now I have to choose ONE song from SO MANY great ones. The one I’m choosing is so good she recorded it twice. The first version…

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Neil Diamond (with The Band) – Dry Your Eyes

It’s Neil Diamond’s 81st birthday (1/24/2022). I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan… …maybe because I’ll pull my hair out if I hear another sports stadium crowd do that Sweet-Caroline-singalong (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, count your blessings). Now that I have that cynical outburst out of my system… …I…

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John Gorka – Holed Up in Mason City

Howdy. Sorry I’ve been such a stranger. I’ve been holed up in the home office, working hard on some other things… …and (sorry to say) letting these emails slip. Glad to be back. And glad to share some good news… I’ve tentatively scheduled the reopening of the (ware)HOUSE. Nothing I can announce today. But stay…

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Ruby Boots – Don’t Give a Damn

A shout-out to my friend Angela Kelly. She hosted today’s artist at one of her always-great Kelly House Concerts… …and I’ve been hooked ever since… …on Ruby Boots. Born Rebecca Louise “Bex” Chilcott, Ruby Boots is originally from Australia who settled in Nashville a few years ago. Her pal Brandy Zdan appeared with her at…

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Israel Nash – Down in the Country

After a brief visit to 1994 to wish Shawn Colvin a happy birthday, let’s get back to some of the best of 2021. Israel Nash grew up in the Missouri Ozarks. His father was a preacher. His mother was an artist. Both encouraged him to pursue music. He moved to New York and then on…

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Shawn Colvin – Killing the Blues

Happy Birthday, Shawn Colvin. She was born on January 10, 1958. In 1994, she released an album of covers that included the song I share today. That song was written by Rowland Salley, who played bass in Chris Isaak’s band. Salley never got anywhere as a solo artist, although he did release an album that…

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Natalie Hemby – Radio Silence

I already featured Natalie Hemby on this list a couple of months ago… …and I haven’t doubled-up on many artists yet. But as I celebrate some of the best 2021 releases, Natalie deserves another nod. Here’s one from her October 2021 release Pins and Needles (great lyrics from a great lyricist included below).. Today’s Song …

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Tim O’Brien – Pushing On Buttons (Staring At Screens)

Today… More 2021 goodness from a legend. Tim O’Brien released his new album “He Walked On” last July. Great album. This one sounds old-timey, but it’s about a very modern problem… Today’s Song  Title: Pushing On Buttons (Staring At Screens) Artist: Tim O’Brien Album: He Walked On (2021) YouTube Link:  youtu.be/dGkl6Qf3VUg Here are the Playlists:…

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NRBQ – The Moon and Other Things

Terry Adams has been with NRBQ for the bands entire 50+-year ride. He’s the only remaining founding member. And with new lineup after new lineup, he has kept that NRBQ sound going… …including in 2021… …with the album Dragnet, the band’s first since 2014, and easily one of my favorites from the past year. I’ve…

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