on fire

Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.
~ Rumi

holiday road

ol' dusty boots

"It's not Texas hot, but it's still pretty f*^@ing hot."

We had a great weekend full of live music. First, our neighbors hosted a house party that featured very talented singer-songwriters. They have a fantastic spot for this type of thing and we hope they continue to host these musical events. Yesterday, we headed over to the American River Music Festival.  It was a warm, sunny day down by the river. If we go again, I'm taking a dip in the river and then throwing a sun dress over my swimsuit. That is the way to do this thing -- jeans and a black top (at least it was light weight and sleeveless) was a mistake.

I took this pic of James McMurtry right up at the stage. I liked his dusty boots and the crumpled bill near his foot. Later, seeing him interact with fans after the show, I was reminded of the film "Crazy Heart." McMurtry seemed pretty drunk and more than a little burned out with whole doing shows every night and dealing with fans bit. So, drunk & grumpy like your friend's bad luck first husband. But still, he put on a good show even if he screwed up the verses in Choctaw Bingo.

New music -- Blame Sally

I love this band! Check out their website here. YouTube Channel here.

Greg Brown - Freak Flag

Happy, happy! Greg Brown has a new album, Freak Flag. This video has the title song set to amazing photos by Diane Arbus. Joy, joy!

Emmylou Harris - Goodnight Old World

*sigh*
Emmylou is so freakin good. Looks like Hard Bargin, her new album is not to be missed.

Musical Interlude - Beach House

AgesandAges

Like!

How 'bout some Josh Ritter

inquiring minds

I've been busy asking family members about their favorite Christmas songs. No surprises really. I've put together a mix CD that I'm sending to them. It's been a fun project.

So, this leads me to what the inquiring squirrel wants to know...

What are your favorite & least favorite Christmas/Solstice/Hanuka songs?

party robots

I need this -- especially the cowbell solo & some coffee to get me going today.

Train in Vain

I love it when I hear a cover of a song that brings out a whole new way of understanding the original song. I also get a kick out of artists who enjoy other genres of music.

Here's the original by the Clash.

rainbows, hearts, dolphins and stars

I love, no LOVE Robert Plant's new album, Band of Joy. Plant covers some of the best songs (The Only Sound That Matters) and collaborates with one of my favorite singer-songwriters in the universe: Patty Griffin. I've been listening to a few tracks from this album for a few weeks now, but finally bought the CD. Last night, I listened to it all the way through in order as I drove back home through high mountain passes near Lake Tahoe. It's one of those rare albums where every track is exactly right. Incredible work of perfection.

Hannah

This song has been on my iPod biking list for ages & I still feel energized every time I hear it.