Music to Sooth the Savage Soul

As I lick my wounds from the beating I took at the Silver Lake BBQ Competition, I used a little a music to bring back a healthier perspective on life.  No matter how dry a brisket might turn out, there is still good music to be discovered and enjoyed. Life remains good.

Here is a new CD I reviewed from the WYCE collection.

The John Henrys
Sweet as the Grain

This summer I was turned on to Fred Eaglesmith with his sensational Tinderbox CD.  Then I discovered the Duhks.  Now I have added The John Henrys’ new CD, Sweet as the Grain,  to my playlist.  The common denominator; Canadian roots music.

Sweet as a Grain, has been highly praised by a wide variety of mainstream and new media music critics. It is a blend of country, rockabilly and rock and roll.  Although their sound is unique, I was reminded of The Flying Burrito Brothers and New Riders of the Purple Sage, especially in track #1- Sweet as the Grain.  In tracks #3 and #6, there is certainly a sound much like Tom Petty’s new band; Mudcrutch.  Another musical memory was when I listened to tracks #5 and #10- and The Rolling Stones “country” sounds were called to mind.  A little rockabilly (with a touch of surf music) rounds out the CD– especially on tracks #8 and #9…(anyone remember the The Lost Planet Airmen?)

So there you go- The John Henrys; A little Burrito, some Petty, a couple of stones,  a touch of a surfing Commander Cody and a fresh Canadian breeze.

If Time and Money Were Not an Issue…

What would you do?

I would still be barbecuing, that is for sure, but probably with a Weber Ranch Kettle. Another thing- combing music with travel and adventure.  How is this for the ultimate music/travel/adventure trip:

Roots on the Rail Polar Bear Train

Riding a train with Fred Eaglesmith, to Churchill, Manitoba, “the Polar Bear Capitol of the World.” Can you imagine anything better?  C’mon…

Speaking of music, my brother-in-law turned me on to a new Canadian band a few weeks ago -The Duhks.

(Not really new, but new to me) The Duhks are more proof (along with Fred Eaglesmith) that Canada is  exporting more necessities than just beer and bacon.  I love my Canadian brothers!

Because time and money are an issue, a great consolation prize is an upcoming must-see concert featuring-The Young Dubliners .  They will be rocking The Intersection in Grand Rapids, this September.  One of my favorite bands and a source of many iPod downloads.

Next post will a Labor Day BBQ update- maybe a little pulled pork for carnitas.