Tuesday, February 23, 2010


As if I wasn’t confused enough. Jason and the Scorchers are back sounding like they’ve never been away on “Halcyon Times” their new record on Jerkin’ Crocus. The turbo-charged roots rockers are one of the combos that lit the blue touch paper on the Americana malarkey. Lifting it out of the “country rock” pigeonhole and invigorating that foundation with whopping dollups of rock. Straight out of the traps, “Moonshine Guy” (in a six pack world) is about an individual that digs The Stones but doesn’t care a jot for The Doors. Like a Nine Pound Hammer hoedown where they’re doin’ it for Hank. “Land of the Free” should tickle fans of the Drive By Truckers “Southern Rock Opera” as it includes shards of both Skynyrd and BÖC plus a whole lot more.

“Days of Wine and Roses” sounds familiar because it taps into the mood of all the great loud country we’ve come to appreciate like premium liquor. The twang that matters combined with a predilection for a good riff. And is that Dan Baird on “When Did It Get So Easy (to Lie to Me)?”Here are 14 songs that’ll be sharing a stage with the “hits” when the band takes to the road in May. “We’ve Got It Goin’ On” boasts the finale. If that means a rip-roaring, punk-rockin’, honky tonkin’ snifter for what ails you then they have indeed.

... and here’s some guys that used to be on EMI America too. They both outlived the imprint and are indelibly tattooed in hearts and minds across the planet. Blessed are the faithful indeed.




Here comes Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. with a double dose of
“ballads, boogies & blues” this week! The particulars…

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25th / And the last Thursday of every month! /
OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD / 538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in ol' Manhattan / Two snappy shows, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00 / With DJ "Son of Scratchy",
salty snacks -- and no cover!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27th / HANK'S SALOON /
46 Third Avenue (at the corner of Atlantic Avenue) in Brooklyn /
One striking set at 10:00, preceded by the gothic angst of Bitter Grace at 9:00 and followed by the "Cemetery & Western" stylings of Ninth House at 11:00 / No cover!

Twice yours, Michael
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.
"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"