http://media.www.redandblack.com/media/sto...t-3148503.shtml Drive-By Truckers kick off tour with Nuci's Space benefit SETH MCKELVEY Even though the Drive-By Truckers have made it big, they haven't forgotten where they came from. The band is returning to the 40 Watt Club, where frontman Patterson Hood was once an employee. "He's kind of never forgotten us," said Velena Vego of the 40 Watt. "This is definitely an underplay for the Truckers. I'm sure they could just come back and play the Classic Center now." Tonight, the Drive-By Truckers will play the first of three Classic City shows before starting its 2008 tour in support of its new album, "Brighter Than Creation's Dark." To be released Jan. 22, the album has a lot of substance, playing nearly 75 minutes with 19 tracks. "We didn't intend for it to be so long, it just kind of all stuck together. It seemed like one piece of work," said Hood, who splits the majority of song writing duties with guitarist Mike Cooley. "This record was fun, and every song was kind of a different and unique thing, yet it all sticks together pretty well." Hood explained the Truckers try to raise money and awareness for Nuci's Space on a yearly basis. "It's the least we can do I think," said Hood of the philanthropy. "Of all the things that make Athens special and stand out, Nuci's Space is definitely one of the biggest ones." Josh Jordan, the co-owner and manager of the 40 Watt, said he has always had a great deal of respect for the band and the time and money they put into Nuci's Space. "Not only are they great musicians, but they're good people," said Jordan. Many of the songs will be played live for the first time tonight, and will be a chance to showcase the ever-growing nature of the band. Jordan said he feels the band is continuing to mature, even though it has been such a mainstay in Athens. "The younger crowd loves them for their rebel-rousing, and now there's another a whole new aspect and another level to [the band]," he said of the band's sound on the new album. Bass player Shonna Tucker also contributed to the band's growth by making her debut as a contributing songwriter, penning three of the songs for the album and providing lead vocals for all three. "She showed up with these songs ready, and we were all very pleasantly surprised," said Hood of Tucker's new role in the creative process. "Especially because they're really good songs." One of the founding members and long-time guest on the band's live and studio line ups, John Neff is coming on board as an official member for the album and upcoming tour, playing pedal steel and guitar. "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" was recorded under the direction of longtime Athens-based producer David Barbe at the locally operated Chase Park Transduction Studios. DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS When: 8 tonight through Saturday Where: 40 Watt Club Cost: $20/advance through School Kids Records New CD: "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" available Jan. 22 from New West Records More Information: http://www.40watt.com, http://www.nuci.org

Oh, I love radio, it just doesn't have much to offer me in this day and age, at least the more commercial Clear Channel-controlled type stations. Like so many here I grew up listening to the local rock station into the wee wee hours of the morning soaking up all the music and every bit of info I could. These days I get that fix via XM and tuning in a variety of stations from around the globe via the innernut.

I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure a release date for the vinyl hasn't been announced yet.

I always did like Mr. Dave's version of Mercury Blues way more than any other version I've ever heard, especially the cheesey-ass one Alan Jackson cut for a TV commercial several years back. Mr. Dave in action: David Lindley & El Rayo-X "Mercury Blues"

Perhaps the members of Little Feat feel differently about it (and they very likely do) but I always felt their cult status suited them perfectly. A whole lot of the artists I admire aren't exactly household names and they seem to have no problem with that. While it would be nice to see some of them enjoy more widespread recognition it's not necessary that it actually happen so I can justify my appreciation of them.

I was very fortunate to grow up listening to a local radio station (WQDR out of Raleigh, NC) that was the true definition of "album rock". Yes, they played the now very well known (and well worn) cuts but they also weren't afraid to play entire albums, albums sides, the truly deep cuts by both major and obscure artists as well as local artists. Even though FM pioneer Lee Abrams was behind that station as a flagship to the "Superstars" format that approach simply wouldn't fly in this day and age. In addition to FM radio I was also exposed to lots of music via family and friends, music that never would have seen the time of day on commercial radio back then, artists like: Commander Cody, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Goose Creek Symphony, Steve Goodman, John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker, Little Feat, etc. My musical tastes were formed just as much (if not more so) by the stuff my family and friends were into than what I heard on the radio. In fact, to this day when asked to name favorite albums and songs I'm much more likely to name something by those artists than the tired and true stuff we all grew up listening to on the radio. Not that there's anything the matter with that music but how many lists have you read that always include Led Zeppelin IV? I love that album as much as the next music fan but I'd rather list something more obscure, maybe something not everyone has heard. Every once in a great while someone else will list something similar, that's when great musical friendships are formed. Not that they can't be formed over something like Zep or Sabbath but it's the truly unique stuff that really piques my interest, not the tried and true albums that are well known by the mainstream.

Message from Patterson: My Rant (Clarification and Update) Dear Editor: I'd like to thank you, Flagpole, and Chris for the superb coverage given to our band this week as we release our new album, play a homecoming show and do our Nuci Benefit. I'm afraid Chris caught me on a particularly bad day during a very stressful and heated time of bad relations between us and our label. While my rant reflected how I felt that day and some of my anger and frustration was from issues simmering for several years I would like to clarify a couple of points that were lost in my heated tirade. 1. George Fontaine is a locally known and respected figure, an alumni and someone who has helped many worthy causes in this town. His affiliation with our label is well known, but he has always been far outside of the issues I was addressing. George has been a friend of mine and Drive-By Truckers since long before we ever signed a record deal and hopefully will continue to be for all the years to come. I have never known a better or sweeter human being and hold him and his family in the highest utmost regard. I regret any embarrassment or ill-feeling my tirade might have caused. 2. When discussing the Black Crowes tour a couple of years ago, I alluded to the miserable time we had, but failed to clarify that it was mostly due to timing and a particularly bad period in our band's dynamic. The Black Crowes' Organization (Band, Crew, Management and Personnel) ALL were extremely kind to us on every level. They were supreme gentlemen and I sincerely hope that my rant didn't imply otherwise in any way. This is a messy business and I never got into all of this to be a businessman. In the month since my interview, we have all attempted to move forward in good faith and for the mutual good of both label and band and for the benefit of our new album, which I am fiercely proud of. While my anger that day still simmers over some issues, we are all moving forward and eager to put those bad times behind us. I'm feeling somewhat better and tonight I get to Rock. Thank You for your time and support. Sincerely, Patterson Hood Drive-By Truckers

4 star review of the new record from Rolling Stone though they mistakenly refer to it as the recent iTunes EP: http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/...eations_dark_ep Prospects were poor for what turns out to be an overflowing song bag of an album by Lynyrd Skynyrd's arty nephews. Their last winner was 2004's The Dirty South, preceded by two others in close succession but followed by the disoriented A Blessing and a Curse and then the loss of tenor-songwriter Jason Isbell. Welcome though her gender bend is, bassist and Isbell ex Shonna Tucker doesn't compensate by writing and singing. But Mike Cooley is on his game — the pro-bad-girl "Lisa's Birthday" and pro-weird-guy "Bob" shoot exceptionally straight. And knowing he has to carry the team, Patterson Hood executes — scene-setters about domestic life as celestial respite, endless struggle and occasion to drink; dark-siders about crystal meth (named) and suicide (implied); memoir of an opening act on the road; and two agonizing Iraq songs, one of which sinks pained voice into guitar attack, strength against strength. You could argue that the Truckers should have revved up this Skynyrd side more often. But instead they let the songwriting speak for itself, and it sings loud and clear. ROBERT CHRISTGAU

I'm pretty sure there's already a thread for this but I haven't quite mastered the Search feature for the new board so I was unable to find it. Here's my top 10 favorite shows of 2007 followed by a list of honorable mentions. And then, just for shits n' grins I listed all of the shows I attended in 2007. R.I.P. to Raleigh's Hideaway BBQ which will be closing it's doors in the weeks to come. 1. The Police w/ Fiction Plane Thursday, November 15th Bobcats Arena Charlotte, NC There was no chance in hell that I was going to see Led Zeppelin at the 02 in London and I'd already seen Van Halen way back in 1979 with Dave so this was my big reunion show for the year. $90 for seats in the nosebleed section, was it worth it? Well, not really as the band were mere specs from way up there but from a historical standpoint it was the show of the year, hands down. There was a last minute scare as Sting came down with the flu a few days before prompting them to cancel a show in Philly. Thankfully he was well on the mend when they took the stage in Charlotte, singing and playing his heart out. The real star of the show? Stewart Copeland, but they all seemed to be at their best. After a missed opportunity back in 1989 when the Synchronicity Tour hit Greensboro, I can now go to my grave saying I finally saw The Police. 2. The Allman Brothers Band w/ Mofro & the Drive-By Truckers Saturday, August 11th Walnut Creek Amphitheatre Raleigh, NC It wasn't on purpose that I hadn't seen the Allmans since the 90s when Dickey was still with them but I'm glad I attended this show. Yes, the Truckers were the deciding factor but I'd also never seen the Allmans with Derek Trucks (save for a guest spot at my last ABB show). Boy, was I in for a treat. This is one band that keeps on reinventing itself live and never gives off an air of nostalgia as several aging touring bands do. Guest spots during the show from members of the opening bands also didn't hurt matters any. Unfortunately I missed Mofro but arrived in plenty of time to see the Truckers. This was only my second time seeing them after Jason's departure and let me just say they were on fire, especially compared to their HOB performance in Myrtle Beach earlier in the summer. Their rendition of Angels and Fuselage to close the set was one of the best versions I've heard of that song and believe you me, I've heard plenty. 3. John Prine w/ Patty Griffin Friday, August 17th Koka Booth Amphitheatre Cary, NC The keyword on this summer evening was HOT. As in sweltering, miserable-ass hot, with nary a breeze in sight. Handheld fans were fluttering everywhere and beer/cold beverage consumption had to be at an all time high. Despite a few sound issues, Patty Griffin and band turned in a great set. Strange thing was, at the end of her set she received the type of applause normally reserved for headliners. The applause was so much I'm sure she would have been allowed back out for an encore if only there had been time and it had been less hot. Soon, Prine and band took to the stage dressed to the nines. How they could stand it up there in those suits under the hot lights with the already insufferable heat is anybody's guess. Nevertheless, they soldiered on like the troopers they are, turning in a solid set of Prine favorites both old and new. Patty Griffin was welcomed back to the stage for a couple of tunes, one of which was In Spite of Ourselves. It must have been the heat as she blew more than a couple of lines as did Prine during one of his tunes just a few moments earlier. Still, the heat didn't stop either from putting on one of the best shows I had the pleasure of seeing all summer long. 4. Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 Friday, March 23rd Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC I'm admittedly largely unfamilar with Robyn Hitchock's output other than the odd song or two I remember from MTV's 120 Minutes and PostModern MTV but that didn't stop me attending this show. Being the R.E.M. fan I am I have no problem saying it was mostly for the Venus 3 factor as Robyn's backing band includes Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey and Bill Rieflin (also the core of the Minus Five, minus John Ramberg [The Tripwires/Model Rockets). The thing is, I walked away a Robyn Hitchcock fan. If nothing else, he had me from the get-go with his inbetween song rambles. I can't say I followed everything he said or that any of it made any sense but I damn sure laughed a lot. It also didn't hurt that they threw in the Minus Five's "Aw Shit Man" that had the entire audience chiming in on the irresistible chorus. 5. The Gourds Sunday, July 15th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC This was a special evening as there was no opening act, it was an early show and it was devoted entirely to the Gourds. This left options open for one of their rare marathon shows but that just wasn't to be on this night. Still, they rocked their asses off for well over two hours. Considering the breadth of their catalog these days, it was still a damn fine show. Over the last few albums they've kinda been tinkering with their sound, adding a bit more electric guitar here and there. Well, this evening they took the stage like ZZ Top just back from the island where they disappeared to grow their beards (well, except for Frank Beard), rockin' and rollickin', much to the crowds' delight. Just like their records, there's enough variety there to draw from so that even the most staid audience member isn't going to get bored, unless they don't have a pulse. I don't know how many Gourds shows I've seen at this point but one thing is for certain, everyone is going to have a good time, not least of which is the band themselves. Hell, I'd be content just to watch Jimmy Smith grimace as he wails away on the bass all night. 6. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit w/ Justin Townes Earle Thursday, July 12th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC I'm a Jason fan but at this point I still hadn't purchased his newly released album just yet. Let me say without question he sold me on it during the very first song (Brand New Kind of Actress). This was my first time seeing Jason outside of the Drive-By Truckers and it was evident from the moment he and the 400 Unit took the stage that they were playing like they had something to prove. Not cocky, not showy, just playing their asses off as though their very lives depended on it. That's rock n' roll and sadly, it's not something you see very often anymore especially among even rock's most seasoned performers who oftentimes seem content just to go through the motions. At this time Jason's split from the Truckers was still fairly fresh and he and the 400 Unit came out of the gate with full force, slowly reducing the confines of the Hideaway BBQ to mere rubble by night's end. Whether it be cuts from his debut, Sirens of the Ditch, his Truckers classics or covers such as the Talking Heads' Psycho Killer or their wall shakin' take on Thin Lizzy's Jailbreak, Jason and the 400 Unit meant business. A few hundred of us stumbled outside the venue afterwards with ringin' ears and sweat soaked clothing to prove it. On this night, he and his band gave his former bandmates in the Drive-By Truckers a serious run for their money. When I saw them the previous month at the HOB in Myrtle Beach it was more than evident they were still smarting from his departure. 7. Fiery Furnaces w/ Dios Friday, July 6th Lincoln Theatre Raleigh, NC Their frenetic, all over the place style is not easy to digest but once you give it a chance it pays off in spades. Having never seen them live, I wondered just how they would pull off the sound of their records in concert. With much aplomb is how. Comparisons to The Who in concert were lost on me until I had the pleasure of seeing the Fierys live (think "A Quick One While He's Away"). Like their records, there is no break between songs so it made finding an appropriate time to applaud a newfound but welcoming challenge. The first set consisted entirely of cuts from Bitter Tea, performed without interruption, the second was cuts from Blueberry Boat as well as some of their other records (including the then unreleased Widow City). I have never had a concert experience quite like it and I'm not sure I will again, not until their next performance at least. The only thing missing was Matt Friedberger's vocals, which were totally absent. No matter, sister Eleanor managed quite well on her own. Definitely a must see if ever they breeze through your town. 8. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals Saturday, October 13th North Charleston Performing Arts Center North Charleston, SC This show came not long after Ryan's much publicized "meltdown" in MN just a few weeks prior (though I'm aware of much worse so I'm still a bit baffled as to why this particlar show warranted so much publicity) so there was an obvious amount of apprehension going in. Not long into the show Ryan began cutting up, mocking the MN incident and telling the audience to loosen up. These were the first indicators that we may be in for a full, drama-free performance. Still, when the houselights went up after the first half of the show there was a bit of alarm but we were assured it was only the intermission. The band was soon to return to play, albeit was a much shorter set. Some still left dissatisfied saying the show was not "edgy" enough or that the Cardinals were simply going through the motions. That may be true but I was just happy to have driven so far without having to experience one of his infamous temper tantrums. To me, the show was very solid and I was completely satisifed with it. Have I seen better out of Ryan and the Cardinals? Most definitely but what I experienced was hardly one of his more shitty shows. That may be a screwed up way of looking at it but that's pretty much the case when dealing with Ryan Adams these days. 9. Just One More: A Musical Tribute To Larry Brown The Tim Lee 3 w/ Brent Best Saturday, September 1st Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC Unfortunately this was one of the more poorly attended shows at the Hideaway, perhaps because of it being Labor Day weekend, perhaps because two of the scheduled performers (Bo Ramsay & Pieta Brown) had to cancel, either way I'm glad the 14 or so of us that were in attendance were able to make it that night. While I hate that Bo and Pieta were unable to play it enabled the Tim Lee 3 and Brent Best to be able to play longer. This was my introduction to the Tim Lee 3 and I was mightly impressed. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was pretty much floored right away, especially when they broke into that Junior Kimbrough number (who's title escapes me). As for Brent, I'd never seen him solo but I had the good fortune to see Slobberbone a few times and have a much cherished Brent/Patterson Hood acoustic show I revisit often. On this night we got some stripped down versions of some Slobberbone and Drams songs, some new stuff and a very moving rendition of Brent's Robert Cole from the Just One More tribute album. I admit to not being very familiar with Larry Brown's work but after hearing Tim and Brent's stories I felt like I got to know a little something about the guy and why he meant so much to so many. 10. Chris Knight Saturday, March 31st Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC This was one of those packed to the gills shows at the Hideaway and even though I've been a fan for a while, it was also my first Chris Knight show. While it's always good to see one of your favorites play to a full house those type of shows can also come with a downside, especially when it's an acoustic performance which requires some cooperation (read: silence) from the audience. As I had been forewarned the crowd was a bit rowdy at times but also seemed to quiet down somewhat when Chris began to introduce a song. Well, except for some lady up front, directly in front of Chris who insisted upon yelling at the top of her lungs at every given opportunity: CHRIS KNIGHT, YOU ROOOOOOCCCCCCCCCCK!!!!! After several incidences of this he said, "lady, I heard you the first seven times" (or something to that effect). This finally silenced her. As for the show itself, it was very good and I was tickled to death to see one of my favorite artists of recent years perform live. I can't wait to see him when he rolls through town again. Honorable Mentions 11. The Drams Friday, May 11th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC 12. Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles w/ Ray Wylie Hubbard Friday, October 12th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC 13. Mary Gauthier w/ Lucy Wainwright Roche Saturday, October 20th Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC 14. Blue Mountain w/ The Tim Lee 3 Friday, October 5th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC 15. Marah w/ Willis Breeding Thursday, July 26th Local 506 Chapel Hill, NC 16. Walter Salas-Humara & Drew Glackin of the Silos w/ Caitlin Cary & Lynn Blakey of Tres Chicas Friday, November 9th Slim's Downtown Distillery Raleigh, NC 17. The Bottle Rockets w/ Otis Gibbs Saturday, January 27th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC 18. Son Volt Saturday, May 19th Band Together Benefit Lincoln Theatre Raleigh, NC 19. Carrie Rodriguez w/ Tim Easton Saturday, June 9th ArtsCenter Carrboro, NC 20. Tres Chicas Saturday, November 24th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC 21. The Backsliders w/ Jeffery Dean Foster and the Birds of Prey Friday, December 7th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC 22. Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin' Team Terry's Birthday Bash / David Enloe Tribute Tuesday, December 25th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC -------------------------------------------------- The Entire Shebang Don Dixon and the Jump Rabbits w/ Sally Spring Saturday, January 6th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC The Bottle Rockets w/ Otis Gibbs Saturday, January 27th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC Patty Hurst Shifter w/ The Accelerators Saturday, March 3rd Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC Olympic Ass Kickin' Team w/ The T's Saturday, March 17th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 Friday, March 23rd Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC Chris Knight Saturday, March 31st Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC Tres Chicas Saturday, March 31st Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC Patty Hurst Shifter w/ The Fustics Friday, May 4th Bella Festa Wilmington, NC The Drams Friday, May 11th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC The ViBeKiLLeRs w/ The Cartridge Family and The Bleeding Hearts Friday, May 18th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC Son Volt Saturday, May 19th Band Together Benefit Lincoln Theatre Raleigh, NC Hank Sinatra Saturday, May 19th Band Together Benefit After Party Lincoln Theatre Raleigh, NC Rob Watson Saturday, May 19th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC Bill Kirchen & Too Much Fun Saturday, June 2nd Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC Patty Hurst Shifter w/ The T's Friday, June 8th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC Carrie Rodriguez w/ Tim Easton Saturday, June 9th ArtsCenter Carrboro, NC Drive-By Truckers w/ Patty Hurst Shifter Saturday, June 23rd House of Blues Myrtle Beach, SC Southern Culture on the Skids Saturday, June 30th Museum of Art Raleigh, NC Fiery Furnaces w/ Dios Friday, July 6th Lincoln Theatre Raleigh, NC Patty Hurst Shifter w/ Left Outlet Friday, July 6th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC Ian McLagan & the Bump Band w/ The Way-Goners Saturday, July 7th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit w/ Justin Townes Earle Thursday, July 12th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC The Gourds Sunday, July 15th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC Marah w/ Willis Breeding Thursday, July 26th Local 506 Chapel Hill, NC Needham's Neighbor Friday, July 27th Sadlack's Heroes Raleigh, NC The Backsliders Friday, July 27th Slim's Downtown Distillery Raleigh, NC The ViBeKiLLeRs Saturday, July 28th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC Patty Hurst Shifter w/ Terry Anderson & the Olympic Ass Kickin' Team Tres Chicas Sunday, July 29th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC John Prine w/ Patty Griffin Friday, August 17th Koka Booth Amphitheatre Cary, NC Just One More: A Musical Tribute To Larry Brown The Tim Lee 3 w/ Brent Best Saturday, September 1st Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC Tift Merritt & the NC Symphony Sunday, September 2nd Koka Booth Amphitheatre Cary, NC Joe Swank & the Zen Pirates Saturday, September 15th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC Terry Anderson & the Olympic Ass Kickin' Team w/ The T's Saturday, September 15th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC Tres Chicas w/ Great Big Gone & The $2 Pistols Saturday, September 29th Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC Blue Mountain w/ The Tim Lee 3 Friday, October 5th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC Scott Miller & the Commonwealth w/ Corb Lund & The Hurtin' Albertans Saturday, October 6th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles w/ Ray Wylie Hubbard Friday, October 12th Hideaway BBQ Raleigh, NC Ryan Adams & the Cardinals Saturday, October 13th North Charleston Performing Arts Center North Charleston, SC Mary Gauthier w/ Lucy Wainwright Roche Saturday, October 20th Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC Walter Salas-Humara & Drew Glackin of the Silos w/ Caitlin Cary & Lynn Blakey of Tres Chicas Friday, November 9th Slim's Downtown Distillery Raleigh, NC The Police w/ Fiction Plane Thursday, November 15th Bobcats Arena Charlotte, NC Tres Chicas Saturday, November 24th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC Joe Swank & the Zen Pirates Saturday, November 24th Slim's Downtown Distillery Raleigh, NC Needham's Neighbor Friday, December 7th Sadlack's Heroes Raleigh, NC Chris & Marc Smith of Patty Hurst Shifter Friday, December 7th Slim's Downtown Distillery Raleigh, NC The Backsliders w/ Jeffery Dean Foster and the Birds of Prey Friday, December 7th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC The ViBeKiLLeRs Sunday, December 9th Slim's Downtown Distillery Raleigh, NC Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin' Team Terry's Birthday Bash / David Enloe Tribute Tuesday, December 25th Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC

The titles are totally unrelated, at least to the best of my knowledge. It's not like the idea of a live album was a totally new concept though they did seem to go over better in the 70s than almost any other time period I can think of.

Maybe we're talking about two separate tours? I can't remember the exact year off the top of my head but the Dylan/Santana concert I attended was sometime in the early 90s if I remember correctly. Dylan played a full two hour set as did Santana. Same thing for when I saw Paul Simon with Dylan, each played a full headlining-length set.

I was never a fan but they did have some pretty damn funny songs, at least as best as I can remember.

Yet another teen pop star poseur despite her being marketed as quite the opposite. One must wonder if she's even heard one note of Led Zeppelin music.

I have. He also fronted Screaming Trees and has had some very critically acclaimed solo/duet work as of late.

Glad to hear you're diggin' on 'em. You have a whole world of great records to look forward to and not just from the 'Mats themselves but also their solo projects. Lots and lots of good stuff there. They have a long awaited box set due this year, hopefully it's finally gonna be released.

Glad to hear you're lovin' it. That was one I wanted to purchase last year but never got around to it. Bettye's also up for a Grammy for it for best Blues album.

I saw that same tour and in all fairness, even though Dylan played first, it was billed as a co-headliner tour (meaning each artist played a full length set). I saw Dylan a few years later with Paul Simon and it was the same deal except I believe they flipped a coin each night to see who would play first. At the show I saw Simon played first, followed by Dylan. Dylan even came out at the end of Simon's set for several duets.

I don't know it if made 'em a household name but I'd say their live record Waitin' For Columbus most definitely did not go unnoticed.

Not necessarily. I've seen some greatest hits collections from artists that only had one hit.

Drivin' n' Cryin' still perform occasionally. Kevn Kinney also does solo shows as well as performances with his band STAR (Sun Tangled Angel Revival). One of the best shows I've seen in recent years was Tres Tangled Truckers II which included Caitlin Cary (Tres Chicas), Kevn (STAR) and Jason Isbell (Drive-By Truckers).

I remember when Mellencamp was new, those first few songs that got played to death on the radio never did much for me but I did like some of the deep cuts on the records that followed such as Minutes To Memories from Scarecrow. As far as I know they're both still working. As for Dylan, his career peaks may well be far behind him but he's still turning out some pretty damn good work, at least to my ears. Not too many artists are turning out such albums as Time Out of Mind, Love and Theft and Modern Times so late in their careers.

I'm no Springsteen fan myself but I have no problem with his contributions to music. Yes, I could never get past his voice but that hasn't stopped me from liking a song or two of his or recognizing his influence on other artists. Dylan can't sing either but that never got in the way of his career. As for Mellencamp, I like a few of his songs (most notably from his Scarecrow/Lonesome Jubilee period) but don't see him being mentioned in the same breath as Dylan or Springsteen or why he warrants being inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.

Great bio of Marley by the late, great Mr. Timothy White. I haven't read the newest edition (pictured above) but it includes some updated info, including an expanded discography. A must for any fan of Marley and/or reggae.

I know a lot of folks are highly critical of it but I enjoyed it myself. If nothing else Val Kilmer's portrayal of Morrison on stage is uncanny at best. He really went to great lengths as an actor to get all of his moves down. I saw the deluxe version on sale recently for $5 and wasted no time snatching it up. As for Rock Star (which I know you didn't ask about but I saw it mentioned several posts back), it has to be one of the worst, most cliched movies I've ever seen about rock n' roll. The anti-Almost Famous if ever there was one.

I have no problem whatsoever admitting I love Frampton Comes Alive!. Like Hootie in the early 90s it was everywhere you turned back when it first came out in the 70s; playing out of every car stereo, every music store, etc. Seemingly everyone had a copy. Yes, I got burned out on it. Incredibly burned out on it. So burned out that it took years of staying away from it to finally enjoy it again. A couple of summers ago I purchased the deluxe, expanded edition and have no regrets at all. Anyone that's so quick to write Frampton off should check out his guitar work during the Skynyrd pay-per-view special that aired a number of years ago for the anniversary concert for One More From the Road from the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Biggest selling live album of all time? Overexposed teen idol? All true but that doesn't change the fact that he's one of the most gifted guitarists out there to this day.