PS: I live in Chicago, where you can two-step more places and more nights than just about anywhere. Recently was in D.C. — nothing. I’m pretty sure we top Austin, at least for dancing. Country is just huge here, like rootsy country. If you ever want to do a bit on it, reach out and I can point you to players and bands ranging from 30 to 80 and a dozen committed venues.
This was a really fun post. Some good nuggets in there and either way I just appreciate people making music and doing their thing. Rather listen to anyone on this list than a double wide any day.
The Hurricane cover was kind of wild to me... they took the time to film in NOLA but the music itself has practically no New Orleans feel to it. They could have even taken the easy route by listening to Levon's version and replicating his "big four" emphasis a la Buddy Bolden. The June version just left me confused as to what they even liked about the song enough to cover it.
Great post. The trouble with the Worthingtin tune isn’t his voice but the way it’s mixed. The ends of his phrases get swallowed up. He needs to be more prominent in the mix. Weird.
thank you so much! i agree the mix isn't doing him any favors but having seen him live I haven't really been sold then either...I just think his singing isn't very strong - nw
so glad you dug it!! and frankly not sure all the tunes on here are playlist worthy :) it was definitely a gauntlet in some ways but also a huge treat!!! - nw
Live tells the truth! Thanks for replying!!
PS: I live in Chicago, where you can two-step more places and more nights than just about anywhere. Recently was in D.C. — nothing. I’m pretty sure we top Austin, at least for dancing. Country is just huge here, like rootsy country. If you ever want to do a bit on it, reach out and I can point you to players and bands ranging from 30 to 80 and a dozen committed venues.
What are some of the cool spots in Chicago? I'm in Minneapolis and would definitely like to check out some live country when I'm in Chicago next.
This was a very useful column Natalie! It's very interesting to hear what is being considered "Texas Country" these days.
This was a really fun post. Some good nuggets in there and either way I just appreciate people making music and doing their thing. Rather listen to anyone on this list than a double wide any day.
The Hurricane cover was kind of wild to me... they took the time to film in NOLA but the music itself has practically no New Orleans feel to it. They could have even taken the easy route by listening to Levon's version and replicating his "big four" emphasis a la Buddy Bolden. The June version just left me confused as to what they even liked about the song enough to cover it.
Great post. The trouble with the Worthingtin tune isn’t his voice but the way it’s mixed. The ends of his phrases get swallowed up. He needs to be more prominent in the mix. Weird.
thank you so much! i agree the mix isn't doing him any favors but having seen him live I haven't really been sold then either...I just think his singing isn't very strong - nw
LOVE this story (news to me!) and the artist links. I also confess I was hoping for a little playlist at the bottom! I know, I know…so lazy.
PS Natalie thanks for making it to Big Ears this year and for your commentary. It’ll wear you out (in the best ways), won’t it?
so glad you dug it!! and frankly not sure all the tunes on here are playlist worthy :) it was definitely a gauntlet in some ways but also a huge treat!!! - nw
ok, standards it is…we can get behind quality