Being There:The importance of Uncle Tupelo and Wilco

 Alternative country or alt-country by definition is a loosely defined subgenre of country music and/or country rock that differs significantly from mainstream country and country rock. Many alternative country bands and artists cite Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, and the Carter Family as major influences because they lyrically represent the working class/working man. Country rock also plays a big factor when it comes to an alternative country with Graham Parsons being the trailblazer. Moreover, punk music played an additional role in forming an alternative country. Bands like Whiskeytown, Drive-by Truckers, and Cowboy Junkies played an important part in defining the genre. However, the two bands that are the quintessential alternative country bands that defined the genre and made it mainstream are Uncle Tupelo and Wilco. Uncle Tupelo was formed in 1987 in Bellville, Illinois by Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy (who would go on to form Wilco), and Mike Herion. The band blended the elements of punk, hardcore punk, and the country harmonies and instrumentation of Hank Williams and Jimmie Rogers so seamlessly. The band's first album No Depression became the codeword for the genre and was released to critical acclaim. With songs like the harrowing "Whiskey Bottle," the melancholy title track, and the brilliant Jeff Tweedy penned "Screen Door". The album became such a success that the album title became a discussion site and later a website dedicated to the genre. Unfortunately, Uncle Tupelo broke up at the height of their commercial success after only 4 studio albums. The breakup of Uncle Tupelo only fueled Jeff Tweedy more in his music career. In 1995, Tweedy's new band Wilco released their debut album A.M. The album spawned fan favorites like "Must Be High" The Rolling Stones influenced "Casino Queen", the gorgeous country ballad "It's Just That Simple" and the tongue-in-cheek "Passenger Side". Critic reviews were somehow mixed. However, their sophomore album Being There skyrocketed the band to fame and was hit with both critics and fans. Songs include the delightful country ballad 'Far, Far, Away" the jam-band infused "KingPin' and garage rockers like "Outtasite, (Outtamind). In 1998, the band would pay tribute to Americana hero Woody Guthrie and a catalog of his unreleased material with Mermaid Avenue. The band's most acclaimed album is Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, released in 2002. It was originally going to be released in 2001 but Reprise records which were the band's record label at the time refused to release it due to the label being unsatisfied with the end product. The band then started streaming the album on their website. 

Wilco recently released their double album Cruel Country which I love because I'm a huge fan of their first two records. If you're not a fan of country or trying to give it a chance, I highly suggest these two bands to help change your opinion. You'll thank me later. 

Generational Appreciation : 5 songs my grandpa loved

 July 7th is a  important date for me. Today would of been my grandpa George's 88th birthday. In June, it marked 11 years since his passing and it still doesn't feel real. That said, I know he has been with me every step of the way since that dreadful Sunday back in June 2011. My grandpa and I were inseparable. We would make late night ice cream runs during my childhood on LBI, we would watch football together (he was the only reason why I watched it) since I'm not a sports person. Mostly and most importantly, he introduced me timeless music.  To celebrate the great man my grandpa was and quite frankly still is, here are 10 songs that sum up his music taste and songs that I still love to listen to today. 

5. "Rock Around The Clock"- Bill Haley & His Comets (1954)

Many consider this landmark song by Bill Haley and His Comets to be the blueprint for rock n roll. However, The  Rock Hall of Fame would argue that 'Rocket 88" By  Ike Turner/Jackie Brenston would be the true winner. Regardless , this song is a masterpiece for its simplicity in its lyrics and musical composition. The song is your basic 12 bar blues along with lyrical themes of the 50s. It would make perfect sense that my grandpa would dig this tune as he graduated high school in 1952. Rock n Roll wouldn't explode on the scene for about another 2 years so he was a young buck witness history being made. Fun fact to add. Rock Around The Clock would be the opening theme for Happy Days during its 1st season run. 

4.  "I'm Gonna Hire A Wino to Decorate Our Home"- David Frizzell (1982)

I didn't discover this song until after my grandpa's passing. I was rummaging through his stuff and I came across a record titled "I'm Gonna Hire A Wino to Decorate Our Home" After listening to it, I got why he loved it. The song is performed by David Frizzell who is the younger brother of country legend Lefty Frizzell. Tired of her husband bar hoping, the narrator convinces her husband to build a bar within their home so they could save money and nurse hangovers effortlessly. It's tongue in cheek and very amusing. Despite it's silly context, still can't help but shed a tear when I hear it. 

3. "Hey Good Lookin'- Hank Williams (1951)

The King of Country music was no stranger to my grandpas repertoire. He would sing this classic while sitting at the kitchen table playing his Sudoku puzzles. When I first heard it, I thought he was being silly and was just trying to flirt with my grandmother. Turns out it was a legendary country tune. Hank Williams was dubbed 'The Hillbilly Shakespeare" which I don't find fitting. Hank knew how to craft catchy and simple songs with lyrics that truly spoke to the American people. He would go on to inspire Bob Dylan. Hank Williams passed away on New Years Day in 1953 due to alcohol poisoning  and a drug overdose. His legacy lives on.

2. 'Folsom Prison Blues" Johnny Cash and The Tennessee Two (1968)

This Johnny Cash classic was a staple of my childhood.My grandpa was the ultimate Johnny Cash Superfan. He loved everything about The Man in Black and of course even loved the biopic Walk The Line starring Joaquin Phoenix. the version that was played most often was from At Folsom Prison with the iconic self-introduction from the man himself. The song became a staple for what is now considered Outlaw country. Cash would again do a live album from inside the walls of a prison. That prison being San Quentin which gave us the classic "A Boy Named Sue". Merle Haggard just so happened to be in the audience. Cash played a big influence for what was to become of the late great Merle Haggard. 

1. 'I Walk The Line"- Johnny Cash and The Tennessee Two (1956)

This is the song that is forever associated with my grandpa and I. He would always hum the iconic opening guitar riff from Luther Perkins and would sing it constantly with or without the recording. It was the first Johnny Cash song I've ever heard and it made me a lifelong fan. Years later, I would visit Nashville and tour the Johnny Cash museum and I was moved to tears on how impactful Johnny Cash was and still is in Americana. I knew he was right there on the tour with me. This song and my bond with my grandpa means so much to me that I now have The song title tattooed on my left inner forearm. Now wherever I go, he follows.

Happy 88th grandpa. 88 never looked so good. 

Twice as Hard and triple badasses : The Black Crowes rock the house at Borgata Casino and Spa in Atlantic City

 31 years ago, a band from Atlanta, Georgia released their debut album Shake Your Money Maker . Critics and fans lauded the band for their musicianship and their killer sound. The best way to describe them is if Humble Pie and The Rolling Stones had a baby. That band is The Black Crowes. The Black Crowes original lineup are brothers Chris (vocals) Rich Robinson (guitar) Sven Pipen (Bass ) and Steve Gorman (Drums) respectfuly. The current lineup is Chris and Rich, Sven, and the two new current members are Isaiah Mitchell (guitar) and Brian Griffin (Drums). Regardless of the lineup, The Black Crowes tore it up last night at the Borgata Casino and Spa in Atlantic City and I was fortunate enough to be in attendance. The band is continuing to celebrate the release of their groundbreaking debut album Shake Your Money Maker with the album being played in its entirety along with the hits. Before the lights came up, the backdrop on stage was an old saloon with a glowing jukebox center stage. One of the backup singers dropped a quarter into the record machine and out blasted the blues classic "Shake Your Money Maker" by Elmore James which is where the band got the inspiration for the album title. After that, it was full throttle . The band tore through all the hits including the stomping slide guitar epic "Twice as Hard"The Rolling Stones infused "Jealous Again" and "Struttin Blues". The highlight of the night for most people  was of course "She Talks to Angels" which features some of my favorite alternative tuning guitar playing . That being said, it needs to be addressed that Rich Robinson is criminally underrated as a guitarist . He may not speak as much or be as animated as his brother, but he sure makes up for it with his chops. Just when you think  open tunings have been conquered by players like Keith Richards and Duane Allman, Rich found/finds a new way to create his own sound and leave his own musical mark. To hear "Jealous Again', "She Talks to Angels" "Sting Me" and "Remedy" live was a treat because I got to see first hand how they're really played thanks to the master that is Rich Robinson. Isaiah Mitchell is no slouch either as he provided some great slide guitar along with a killer solo on "Thorn In My Pride" which is one of my all time favorite Crowes songs. Say what you want about Chris Robinson, but his vocal range and delivery are cosmic and outstanding. He has a great stage presence, knows how to interact with the crowd and can still belt out the hits in their original key. To top all that, he is a killer harmonica player which he showcased on a instrumental breakdown during "Thorn In My Pride". The band came back out for one encore. The Black Crowes you can argue are up there among the greatest American rock n roll bands if not the best. Next time you're in town, get yourself tickets and shake your money maker.