Sour Apple Pie Radio

American music has a tendency to taste a little sour. Thankfully we've learned how to make it palatable by adding some sugar and heat. Here's a mix I call Sour Apple Pie Radio.


1. Bright Eyes - Another Travelin' Song
He pissed me off when he talked shit about John Peel on BBC radio post Peel's death. In spite of his battle with Ryan Adams Disease he sure can write a good song.
2. Lucinda Williams - I Lost It
Lucinda's father is our State Poet Laureate.
3. Will Oldham - Be still and know god (don't be shy)
Solo or with Bonnie Prince Billy, Will Oldham is a modern American legend.
4. Caitlin Cary - Please Take the Devil Out of Me
I've loved Caitlin ever since Whiskeytown and still do.
5. Mojave 3 - Love Songs on the Radio
Am I allowed to put a British band on this? I justify my actions with the fact Patsy could have sung this one.
6. Patsy Cline - Crazy
Speaking of Patsy ... some people still don't know Willie Nelson wrote this song.
7. Hank Williams Sr - Cold Cold Heart
I like Hank. I like bourbon. I like riding in the back of Cadillac convertibles.
8. Ramblin' Jack Elliot- Louise (wTom Waits)
This one still makes me sad even though I've listened to it a thousand times.
9. Vic Chesnutt - When I Ran off and Left Her
There are so many genius lines within the lyrics of this song I can't just choose one. Vic is such a poet.
10. Calexico - Sunken Waltz
The song that sold me on Calexico.
11. Johnny Cash - Rusty Cage
When I first heard this track I was in awe. Johnny singing Chris Cornell? I already knew Johnny had it but this removed any doubt I had about Cornell.
12. Chris Whitley - Living With the Law
Chris Whitley is one of those artist that somehow get overlooked by the general public. He died a couple years back from lung cancer. One helluva National Steel slide player. I saw him only once in the public media on a Robert Johnson tribute concert televised on DirecTV. If you don't know of him get Living With the Law to start.
13. Jackpot - Headlights
I listened to this band for more than five years (from a FTP downloaded album) before I found out who they were. The guy who had it didn't even know who it was. Luckily a friend from San Diego identified them for me and called them one of the best California bands no one ever heard of.
14. Uncle Tupelo - Sin City
Uncle Tupelo changed my life. Gram Parsons changed my life.
15. Gram Parsons & International Submarine Band - Luxury Liner
Seems fitting to follow with Gram himself.
16. Neil Young - Southern Pacific (Austin City Limits)
Austin City Limits should be admitted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
17. The Jayhawks - Six Pack On The Dashboard
I always knew Marc Olson and I had a connection. This song proved it. Gary and him are currently doing a duet/acoustic tour together. Should be something to see. The Jayhawks just weren't the same without Marc.
18. Whiskeytown - Dancing With the Women at the Bar
The band that filled the void left by the breakup of Uncle Tupelo.
19. Neko Case - Stinging Velvet
Love me some Neko.