Autumn Souvenir

I watched five movies over the past week, all of which were great. I can't recall the last time I had a stretch of quality movies in a row. The Cruise Do the Right Thing Into the Abyss The Tree of Life (2nd time) The One Percent

Contrary to years prior, I spent most of this year's "music money" on older releases, re-issues and other nerd-soaked collections. Nevertheless, I did buy about 25-30 new releases this year. Although my time spent with each may have not been much, these are the records that hit me the most. 10 Jill Andrews : The Mirror 9 Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations 8 Joe Henry : Reverie 7 The Gourds : Old Mad Joy 6 Richard Buckner : Our Blood 5 Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit : Here We Rest 4 Tim Easton & The Freelan Barons : Beat The Band 3 Gillian Welch : The Harrow & The Harvest 2 Centro-matic : Candidate Waltz 1 Wilco : The Whole Love

To say that I have a lot to be grateful for would be a massive understatement. Over the past year, I've witnessed amazing events and strength and find myself fortunate beyond words. Thank you to my family, friends and just about everyone I've crossed paths with this year. You've all made my life incredibly fulfilling. And with that....

When I first discovered the nearly endless list of fantastic bands that made up the 1990's alt.country, Americana, etc. movement, I found myself in search of a way to read and find out about more of these acts. I was so floored by the songs, words and records that I couldn't satisfy the need. I'd hear 6 String Drag and need more. I'd see Hazeldine or 16 Horsepower live and need another band the next night. See, they weren't getting mainstream notice really anywhere, but I needed an avenue to find out about every single band that was even somewhat tied to this "movement." And I found that resource. While sitting in a computer room in college, I discovered an online list server called Postcard From Hell. The list, named after the Uncle Tupelo song "Postcard," was full of music fanatics. They wrote top ten lists at a pace that I wholeheartedly identified with. Music was more than just the words and songs; it was almost a way of being. Despite taki...

I've probably listened to this song 5,000 times, and every single time I get a knot in my throat. Quite possibly the saddest, most beautiful song I've ever heard.

It's about that time to start compiling those best of the year lists. I'm still making my way through 2011 releases, but the standout songs have already been listened to over and over and over (though I'm sure I'm missing hundreds of great songs - I just don't buy as many "new" records as I used to). I wouldn't call these the "best" songs, but rather just the songs I haven't been able to put away. Among the favorites: "Hard Times" : Gillian Welch "Whole Love" : Wilco "All the Talkers" : Centro-matic "Until It Kills You" : Tim Easton & the Freelan Barons "Try To Sleep" : Low "Pouring Rain at Dawn" : The Jayhawks "Hold On" : Alabama Shakes "I Want It So Bad" : The Gourds "Witness" : Richard Buckner "Eyes Out For You" : Joe Henry And my favorite: One Sunday Morning by Wilco on Grooveshark

In 1999, at my first SXSW, my friends and I started a SXSW tradition of spending an afternoon at Waterloo Records, essentially going on a team shopping spree. That first year, I spent about $70, which, at the time, was far beyond my budget. I recall one friend spending somewhere north of $300. Could've been more. I picked up a Richmond Fontaine record and a few others, but the highlight was the record bought via a recommendation of one of the staff. With a few records in hand, I approached a guy at the register and asked him to simply make a recommendation. Without a second to think, he replied, " Blaze Foley's: Live at the Austin Outhouse . He's unknown outside of Austin and never recorded a proper album. But this just came out." I grabbed the CD and added it to my basket.  It took me a while to get around to that record, but once I did, I was shocked at the beauty and simplicity of the songs. Just gorgeous. Like Townes Van Zandt beautiful. I started to scour t...

Last night Bruce performed "Incident on 57th Street" solo acoustic for the first time ever. The crowd's reaction when they realize the song shot chills down my back.