Cain
“Cain and Abel,” by Titian When I wrote last year about Jesus and the murder ballad, I thought I would finish that week by looking back to other Biblical stories that also provided symbols for music in this genre. I … Continue reading →
And his mama cries: In the Ghetto
Elvis Presley, 1970 In considering Chris Smither’s song “Every Mother’s Son” in preparation for this week’s first post, I kept being drawn to the contrast between it and Elvis Presley’s blockbuster “In the Ghetto.” The two songs appeared within three … Continue reading →
Every Mother’s Son
Chris Smither I envisioned our December break as a chance for me to dip into some other interests and, perhaps, generate some new ideas for the blog through unrelated reading. It hasn’t exactly worked out that way. I pay attention … Continue reading →
Re-ragged in Red
This is the third part of a three part series. See also Part 1 and Part 2. Introduction – “re-ragged in red…” In our first post this week, we looked at the historical event, the murder of Patrolman James Brady … Continue reading →
Twinkle, twinkle, little star…
This is the second part of a three part series. See also Part 1 and Part 3. Introduction In my first post this week, I introduced the bad man ballad “Duncan and Brady” and explored the historical origin of the song. We saw, … Continue reading →
“Duncan and Brady” / “Been on the Job Too Long”
This is the first part of a three part series. See also Part 2 and Part 3. Introduction When I first moved to the Berkshires in 1992, I was in my early 20’s and my knowledge of American folk music extended only a … Continue reading →
The Killing Type
When Ken asked me if I’d be interested in participating in this conversation I was thrilled – there are so many songs, so many questions, and so many half-baked theories, that this blog provokes. A big one is “why do … Continue reading →
SORM Playlists (for 2012 and earlier)
For newer playlists, click HERE Click the links below for the playlist of your choice: For SORM #12-52, Let’s Go To the Dance, airing the week starting 12-26-12 For SORM #12-51, Cold Frosty Morning, airing the week starting 12-19-12 For … Continue reading →
CROOKED STILL: Friends Of Fall
CROOKED STILL Friends Of Fall Signature Sounds 2043 www.signaturesounds.com www.crookedstill.com I have always admired Crooked Still for their fearlessness and imagination. They have maintained a very high degree of quality, all the while pushing the envelope … Continue reading →
THREE TALL PINES: All That’s Left
THREE TALL PINES All That’s Left Three Tall Pines www.threetallpines.com Boston-based Three Tall Pines presents something of a non-sequitur, in that there are actually four of them, and something of a conundrum: are they … Continue reading →