Currently Listening to...

Television
Marquee Moon

If you don't know Television...know them. Tom Verlaine and crew were punk-rockers with musical sensibility. They exude the defiant confidence that punk demands, but still have 8 minute sweeping epics and slicing guitar riffs that would put most any of the staples on classic rock radio to shame.

Songs you must hear: "See No Evil", "Friction", "Marquee Moon", "Prove It", "Torn Curtain"

Loretta Lynn
Van Lear Rose

It took a Jack White produced album to inject this country icon with relevance again. These songs sound like classic country filtered through the prism of White's of ravaged old guitar, and equally ravaged (in a good way) mind. The lyrics that Lynn writes here are come of the most cutting and relevant work she has done in decades...even though she treads very little new ground (all heartbreak/and low down dirty cheatin' husbands). White's musical thumb print and Lynn's distinctive voice were, in some cryptic cross-generational fashion, made to meet each other perfectly in the middle.

Songs you must hear: "Van Lear Rose", "Portland Oregon" (duet w/ Jack White), "Family Tree", "Little Red Shoes", "God Makes No Mistakes"

Tom Waits

Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers, & Bastards

Waits was, is, and always will be an acquired taste, that is indisputable. And in a lot of ways this, three disc collection, is most eccentric offerings in long and varied career. But for those who love Waits' consistent experimentation, and endless need to work outside of proverbial box, then this collection of b-sides and outtakes is right up your alley. His voice is as grizzly as ever, probably even more so than usual at times - but the dry sadness of a troubadour singing about an America that no longer exists makes an almost heartbreaking collection of songs to experience.

Songs you must hear: "Bottom of the World", "You Can Never Hold Back Spring", "Take Care of my Children", "Down There by the Train", "Rains on Me", "Fannin Street", "Home I'll Never Be", "Young At Heart", "First Kiss", "Lord I've Been Changed", "King Kong"