Musical Interlude
Here’s a sample of some of the music that’s getting heavy roation on my iPod, these days.
Don Yojan y La Frescura is an Austin-based Latin hip-hop band. Here’s one of the more infectious songs from their first album:
Alina Simone was born in Kharkov, Ukraine, raised in suburban Massachusetts. At this year’s SXSW, she showcased her album of covers of the music of Siberian punk rocker, Yanka Dyagileva. The orchestration on the SXSW sampler MP3 of “From Great Knowledge” is more satisfying, IMHO, than the solo guitar version in the video (and isn’t interrupted by the annoying voiceover):
When I first moved to Austin, I harboured a strong distaste for anything that smacked of country music (“hard-hearted women and pickup trucks!”). By the time I got over my irrational prejudice, Townes Van Zandt was long dead. But, still today, he casts a long shadow over the Austin music scene. I don’t think you can really understand this town, without an appreciation for this amazing songwriter.
Townes
About two weeks ago, I heard an interview with Steve Earle on NPR regarding his new tribute album ‘Townes.’ I’m not familiar with Townes Van Zandt’s work at all, but Steve Earle’s stories about him were fascinating. Now, with your recommendation too, I’ll have to take a closer look.