Autumn Souvenir

I have so many unforgettable memories from South By Southwest. Slobberbone and members of The Gourds at Club de Ville. Being introduced to Apollo Sunshine and feeling as though I was seeing one of the most talented and passionate bands I'd ever seen (a chills runs up my neck just thinking about that set). Running across Austin to get to Elliott Smith's set. Marah at Waterloo. That set by The Brakes. World Party. That once little, but now massive, festival down in Austin has delivered some of the greatest memories of my life. In 2008, after touching down in Austin and dropping my retainer off at the hotel, I charged downtown and walked into an outdoor venue just seconds before South San Gabriel was to take the stage. As the venue door closed, I saw many of my friends in the crowd waiting for the band to arrive. As a friend handed me a drink, the sun seemed to drop as subtle blue lights filled the stage. The band walked out one-by-one and casually took seats. They played the song...

A friend just called and let me listen as Oldham's performing at Revolver Records in Pensacola, FL. I then hopped over to Drag City and see this:

While out for my morning Gump, my iPod landed on a song I hadn't heard since the Bush years, a song actually about the Bush years. Son Volt's "Jet Pilot" may not offer the opaque and deep lyrics common of lead singer Jay Farrar, but the hard-charging guitars have always hit that chord inside. Years back, when I couldn't muster a response to the egregious acts carried out by our previous administration, I would often turn to this song. Like the best political songs, this one, at least in fury, represented exactly how I felt inside. "Jet pilot found a way, got a passing grade, made it to the world stage. A hemisphere away, death is on display, the sins that never wash away." After memories of the Bush years subsided, I thought of where we're at today. I thought of the pride I felt back in November 2008. I thought of the accomplishments amassed by our current president. But more than anything, I recognized that the feelings once brought on by this s...

Not to be confused with that crap band with a similar name.

Low performs Try To Sleep on Sound Opinions from WBEZ on Vimeo .

I never feel magic unless I am with you Damien Jurado performs "Arkansas" on WBEZ from WBEZ on Vimeo .