2008 In Music: Porter Batiste Stoltz

You can't go wrong when you combine George Porter's delectable bass, Russell Batiste's drumming power, and the blistering guitar work of Brian Stoltz. Then add in Phish's Page McConnell on keys here and there....this is the freshest funk album of 2008, without a doubt.

MOODOO. It's live and it SMOKES! Irresistible. "I Get High" is the first song with vocals, and it may be the highlight for me - but really MOODOO is just one continuous jam. The Curtis Mayfield cover is also over and beyond great. Then there's some Dylan thrown in (Stoltz once toured with him), and of course a nice spattering of the Meters from Porter's catalogue. Simply put - MOODOO is hotness.

2008 In Music: Drive-By Truckers

There is no denying that this album was one of 2008's best, even though there are a couple tracks I usually skip.



Nothing yet has topped the epic Southern Rock Opera, but at times Brighter Than Creation's Dark approaches that level. First off - "3 Dimes Down" has one of my favorite Truckers lyrics ever - ♪Totally screwed, while chicken wing puke eats the candy apple red off his Corvette.♪ The Truckers can go from lighthearted & funny to depressingly serious, and I love that their songs have real characters from all walks of life. When I listen to them, I really focus on the lyrics. From the alcoholic in "Daddy Needs A Drink" to "The Righteous Path" with a blue-collar family guy trying to keep it together - ♪got a grill in the backyard and a case of beers, I got a boat that ain’t seen the water in years, more bills than money, I can do the math, I’m trying to keep focused on the righteous path.♪

"That Man I Shot" is just effing awesome for lack of a better description. It didn't stand out to me on the first couple of plays, but when I saw it performed live, I then had to hear it everyday. If I wanted to introduce someone to the Drive-By Truckers, "That Man I Shot" would definitely be one of the songs I played for them. "Goode's Field Road" is another that didn't hit me until I saw it in concert. The emotion in Patterson's delivery made me really pay attention to the story. Once the light bulb came on, I realized just how big that song really is. My other most-listened tracks on the album are "Check Out Time In Vegas" and "A Ghost To Most" - which are both Cooley songs, and I think some of his best to date. "A Ghost To Most" brings another of my favorite lyrics - ♪skeletons ain’t got nowhere to stick their money, nobody makes britches that size.♪

Where the album falls short for me is with Shonna's songs. I'm sorry - I think they're well-written but her voice is just not for me. I don't mind her on back-up vocals, but I've tried and "I'm Sorry Houston" and "The Purgatory Line" usually get skipped. "Home Field Advantage" does the trick, though. I do enjoy that one. So out of 19 tracks, skipping 2 is a pretty good ratio.

2008 In Music: Keller Williams with Moseley, Droll & Sipe

The first time I saw Keller Williams on stage, I was hooked. His solo performances are truly something to see. It is amazing to witness how adept he is at creating a layered sound as just one man (with a bunch of gadgets mind you). But I must say, when he hooked up with Moseley, Droll & Sipe - it was mind-blowing. I was thrilled that the quartet didn't waste any time putting out a live album.

Live is the next best thing to being there in person. If you're not a fan of sprawling, Dead-like jams, then this is probably not for you. If you are, I am willing to bet dollars to doughnuts that you will enjoy this album. Even those who are blasé about Keller Williams as a solo act would probably be surprised how well his songs translate from one-man to jam band. This format really breathes new life into Keller's staples. You still get all the lyrical silliness and energy that Keller is known for, but the music means business. Seriously, there were moments when I had to hold onto my face so it didn't get rocked off.

If nothing else, you will thank Keller for introducing you to Gibb Droll, who is relatively unknown for no apparent reason. Droll's guitar solos are scorching, and he really frees Keller up to concentrate on his vocals (and what not :-). When you add in Keith Moseley on bass and the legendary Jeff Sipe on sticks, it's a combination that can't be found anywhere else.

Also check out my November 07 review of Keller with Moseley, Droll & Sipe (then going by the moniker WMD's)

2008 In Music: Lucinda Williams

This woman rocks!
She just oozes cool and wisdom in every word.
What a great album.

I have admittedly not been following Lucinda Williams as long as most of her fans. I have instead worked myself backwards through her catalog; West was the first release that I listened to in the same year that it was released. West is a fantastic collection of songs, but it is one of those that you really have to be in the mood for.

Little Honey, on the other hand, suits almost every occasion. I have probably listened to it most while driving down the highway, and it is a perfect match for the open road. Each time I hear it, "Tears of Joy" really pulls at me - that bluesy guitar and the lyrics really speak to where I am in my life right now. Then there's "Honey Bee" which is just loud and raunchy and delicious. "Well Well Well" is a perfect "had-a-bad-day/fell-off-the-wagon" number. I've definitely been there, and the line "if you hang around trash, you can't come out clean" is just fantastic. "If Wishes Were Horses" is beautiful. "Jailhouse Tears", the one with Elvis Costello, amuses me endlessly.

As I'm writing this, I am realizing more & more just how much I love each of these songs. I could go on and on, but you should listen for yourself if you haven't. Five Stars.