Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
I started my rendezvous with Paul Kelly in 2017 when I reviewed Life Is Fine. I made a comparison between Paul and Bruce Springsteen. Paul has been described by me and other as the “Bruce Springsteen” of Australia. As I listen to this collection, I would like to change that. Paul seems to be a kindred spirit of Billy Bragg. I hear more similarities in style between Paul and Billy. While all of the accolades and comparisons to Springsteen do have some merit, I am going to go with Billy Bragg. 

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Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
Man o man. From the first note an onward, this album cooks like Wolfgang Puck. This is not my first go-round with the “Girls” (which also consists of two fellas). Their fist self-titled release was one of my favorites of that year and frankly it is still one of my go to’s. So, as a reviewer, I need to forget the first album and judge Dirty Power by its own merits. What I discovered by doing that is that this album is even better than the first. And that means something, considering how much I revere the first one. I can hear the recording evolution and the maturity in the playing and songwriting.  

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Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
What a pure and honest voice! There are some strong Dylan and Prine elements but the music on Caught It From The Rye is 100% original. I think Tre’s contributions to Americana music and folk is exactly what we need right now. There aren’t enough troubadours anymore. Those men and women that believe that music is their calling and they will do anything to spread their art, irrespective of money. 

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Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
I just got this in the mail today and immediately popped the CD into the player. I was taken by the beautiful sound quality of the CD. For a live album, the sound is brilliant and expertly mixed. That may not seem like much, but if those two things aren’t right, it can completely ruin a listening experience. And when I finally focused on the music, I was immediately transfixed and transported right to Tipitina’s in NOLA, where this was recorded. “Asteur” is crackling with energy from the first note to the last. The crowd noise adds to the frenzy. 

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Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
This was Sarah Shook & The Disarmers first time playing in Baltimore and they picked up a whole lot more fans after their fantastic opening set. I could hear the applause get louder and more enthusiastic after each song. I also heard many people in the audience state, “Wow! She is good!” Yes she is. And so is the the entire band. All of the band mates are incredible musicians. (more…)

Review by Harry Kaplan
This is my first review of a comedian. I realize this doesn’t fall in the format of country music, or music of any kind. I am compelled to write a review for a couple of reasons: 1) Lewis Black is hysterical and it was a wonderful evening. 2) This was a benefit for two worthy charities, Pathfinders for Autism and The Maryland Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I don’t want to lose focus of what the purpose of this great event was, to raise awareness and resources for two very important causes. More about the sponsors a little later….

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Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
Soulful, funky and totally groovy. Yes, I said groovy. That’s because this album grooves and rocks. All of the songs have this very understated vibe with comforting sounds. Either it’s the funky back beat, the totally sublime spacey guitar fills, or the heavenly Wurly-esque organ fills, all of these elements compliment Bonnie’s voice like a hand in a tight fitting glove.

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Complicated Life – The Kinks
Dead Flowers – The Rolling Stones
Squeeze Box – The Who
Tulsa Time – Eric Clapton
Song For Bob Dylan – David Bowie
It’s Over – Badfinger
Free Again – Alex Chilton
Brokedown Palace – The Grateful Dead
Ramblin’ Man – The Allman Brothers Band
Little Ole Country Boy – Parliament
Your Cheatin’ Heart – James Brown
I Can’t Be Counted On – The Meat Puppets
Hold My Life – The Replacements
Weary Blues From Waitin’ – The Godz
Promised Land – Chuck Berry

TwangriLa Podcast Number 2: Did Jew Know?
Ride ‘Em Jewboy – Kinky Friedman
Get To Leave – Giant Sand
The 3 Deaths Of Lucky – Howe Gelb
Right Now – Emmylou Harris/Mark Knopfler
Little Bitty Town – Bad Livers
You And Me Instead – Asleep At The Wheel
Jumpin’ At The Woodside – Asleep At The Wheel
Demon In Disguise – David Bromberg
Act Nice And Gentle – The Black Keys
Romance In Durango – Bob Dylan
The Streets Of Baltimore – Tompall & The Glaser Brothers
Pretty Boy Floyd – Country Joe McDonald
Tennessee Stud – Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
I’m Glad I’m Jewish – Mike Bloomfield

TwangriLa Podcast Number 3: Every Day I Got The Booze – The Whiskey Edition

Whiskey Bottle – Uncle Tupleo
Whiskey Bottle – The Golden Boys
Whiskey On My Mind – The Von Ehrics
Whiskey River – Willie Nelson
Women Without Whiskey – Drive By Truckers
Poison Whiskey – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Beer, Whiskey & Diamond Rings – Texas Heat
Let the Whiskey Take The Reins – Old 97s
Whiskey Glass Eye – Slobberbone
Whiskey Down The Drain – Jeff Dahl Group
Waltz About Whiskey – Mandolin Orange
Whiskey Jar – Wrinkle Neck Mules
Me And The Whiskey – Whitey Morgan & The 78s
Tennessee Whiskey – George Jones