Posts Tagged Townes Van Zandt

Interview to Read: T Bone Burnett

O Brother, Where Art Thou

I did not realize until reading this T Bone Burnett interview, but there’s been a re-release of the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack, a two-disc edition in fact. But thanks to this No Depression interview, my ignorance of the release ended. I have to tip my hat to No Depression for the interview contest they held. Readers that submitted questions for Burnett, that he picked, would win a copy of the re-released special edition soundtrack. And the website’s readers brought some quirky and informed questions to the mix.

It’s hard to pick my favorite interview snippets. The fact that he once worked in the studio with Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and Michael McKean? Maybe. But I think this non-Townes Van Zandt connection really alarmed me (in a good way).

“I will say that he did most of his recording at Sound Emporium where we have done most of our recording in Nashville including O Brother, Where Art Thou? I’ve seen at least an album of unreleased multitracks in the tape locker. I hope those will see the light one of these days. I’d be more than happy to help that happen.”

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Just Discovered: Session Americana

Was stumbling around YouTube tonight and discovered Session Americana. It’s described as follows: “Session Americana sit tightly around a small round cafe table, ambient mics tuned to catch the complete sound of the voices and instruments. Players swap songs and instruments; a suitcase drum kit, an old electric bass, a field organ and a collection of acoustic instruments. The unique format feels fantastically theatrical and although the musicians face each other, the audience feels drawn into the circle by the warmth, joy and camaraderie that emanate outwards by the all-star cast of characters seated around the table.

“What keeps fans coming back show after show is the same thing that any audience member longs for; great songs performed by a great band. The core members of the band have brought enviable careers worth of experience to the “table”, featuring (current and former) members of Treat Her Right, Patty Griffin, Lori McKenna, The The, Dennis Brennan, Kris Delmhorst to name just a few. The group has grown from a rag tag jam at a local pub to a regional institution, playing gigs from coffee houses to urban nightclubs, regional festival tents to theaters.”

Here’s some YouTube for your enjoyment/consideration-a cover of Townes Van Zandt’s Pancho & Lefty.

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Robert Plant: “Kick the Door Open…or Edge it Open With My Hips”

Thanks to PASTE magazine, I became aware that Rounder Records has posted a “making of the album” discussion with Robert Plant, regarding his Band of Joy project (set for release in mid-September).

Plant’s a witty as hell fellow, but my favorite line happens around the first minute, when he discusses covering other people’s music and instilling the pieces with his personality. Plant said: “I wanted to bring my personality with other people’s songs…and kick the door open… a little bit … or edge it open with my hips. I sing the way I sing-attack those songs…I can only do it Plant-like.” Also be sure to look out around the seven-minute mark for Plant’s take on Townes Van Zandt (while discussing Band of Joy’s cover of Harm’s Swift Way).

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