Lenten Listen #27: Son Volt – Trace March 20, 2012
Posted by Matt in Lent.Tags: Lent, Son Volt, Trace, Windfall
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It was about 1996, I was a freshman in college and digging through a pile of used CDs at the local music store when I came upon this debut album from Son Volt. I had read something, somewhere about them in the past, but had never heard them before, given the dearth of decent radio stations in central Arkansas at that time, so I laid down my $5 (or whatever it cost) and took it away with me.
From the first song, “Windfall,” I became enthralled with Jay Farrar’s world-weary voice, just as I have been ever since. I soon dove in a little deeper, finding Uncle Tupelo and Wilco and discovering the world of alt-country. So, thanks you Jay Farrar for opening my eyes to some incredible music.
From the aformentioned “Windfall”
Switching it over to AM
Searching for a truer sound
Can’t recall the call letters
Steel guitar and settle down
Catching an all night station
Somewhere in Louisiana
It sounds like 1963
But for now it sounds like heaven
Music Fest 2012 February 28, 2012
Posted by Matt in concerts.Tags: 2012, Beale Street Music Festival, Jane's Addiction, lineup, Memphis in May, My Morning Jacket, Primus, Son Volt
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It’s like Christmas Day in February.
Today the Memphis in May website posted the official list of artists performing at this year’s Beale Street Music Festival and once again they’ve done an excellent job. At this point I don’t see it topping last year’s tour-de-force (MGMT, Flaming Lips, Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers, Wilco, etc, etc), but it is still quite good and as always I’m sure the weekend will be a blast.
When it comes to must-see artists in this year’s lineup, My Morning Jacket tops the list for me, but I’m pretty excited about the inclusion of Jane’s Addiction, Primus, and Son Volt as well. Here’s a link to the full list in case you haven’t seen it.
And here’s the links to my rundown of last year’s epic shows. Day 1. Day 2. Day 3.
Free Music Friday – Son Volt November 13, 2009
Posted by Matt in free music friday.Tags: Jay Farrar, Son Volt, video
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Jay Farrar has always had this great ability to sound older and broken down, despite his actual age, that has sounded incredible, whether during his early time with Uncle Tupelo, with Son Volt, or on his solo ventures. So today we turn to him and Son Volt. Enjoy.
Free Music Friday – Son Volt October 23, 2009
Posted by Matt in free music friday.Tags: Son Volt, Tear Stained Eye, video
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Yesterday I was visiting with my friend Cameron in his office and I noticed a magazine that had Wilco on the cover. We started talking about them and I lamented the fact that I missed their Memphis show earlier this month. This then led me to mention next month’s Son Volt show. Cameron looked at me quizzically and spoke one word that broke my heart for him, “Who?”
Somehow, someway, he had made it to his early 30′s without ever having listened to the great Son Volt or even to Uncle Tupelo, for that matter. So, after giving him a quick history lesson on the past relationship between Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and Son Volt’s Jay Farrar, we turned on this song and he was instantly hooked. I am proud to say that I helped introduce my friend to the greatness of Jay Farrar, so I wanted to share it with you as well. Enjoy.
