tangelO

It’s Real – Codine and the Delta Momma Blues

Delta Momma Blues, one of Townes Van Zandt’s earlier albums, is not as cut and dry as one might think.  While the title-track drifts by slowly and gives off a somewhat lazy-river feeling, it contains a double-meaning from the songwriter.  “Delta Momma,” as Townes referred to it, was cough syrup with codine (Robitussin DM = Delta Momma), and was easily available over the counter.  As the lyrics suggest, it made the consumer feel removed and relaxed.  On the other hand, it is violently addictive (as a opiate) and it’s ingestion with the other ingredients of cough syrup in large quantities is not a good idea.  Nevertheless, Townes Van Zandt and many other prolific songwriters swore by the Delta Momma, and it’s use continues in the southern United States – popularized again through hip-hop.

1964 – Buffy Sainte-Marie – Cod’ine
1964 demo - Donovan – Codine
1965 – Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs – Codine
1965-66 – Gram Parsons – Codine
1966 – The Litter – Codine
1967 – The Leaves – Codine
1968 – 31st of February – Codine
196X – Matthew Moore Plus Four – Cod’ine
1976 – Man – Codine
1983 – The Charlatans – Codine Blues
1994 – Poison 13 – Codine
2006 – Oakley Hall – Codine

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1970 – Delta Momma Blues – Townes Van Zandt
(Also a mention in “Waitin’ Round to Die”)

New York City?!?!

I was in New York City last weekend – definitely for a little bit longer than I wanted to be, but that’s ok. I got a chance to see some great music and check out some parts of NYC I hadn’t really been to before. Also, I was introduced to the joys of the Chinatown Bus, something I will try to avoid using for the rest of my life.

And the Moneynotes

The first thing I had a chance to see was at Piano’s Bar & Grille. They have an open mic night (sort of) on Friday nights, and a friend’s band was playing. I had no idea what to expect, but I was very surprised and pleased with what we saw. The band: And the Moneynotes (myspace, daytrotter session) – A pseudo jugband/country-rock/good-time band with heaps of talent and an obvious joy of what they’re doing. They mixed genres throughout their set – bluegrass, R&B, country-rock – it all fit, and was delivered without much effort. Their energy was directed into the crowd, and was generally well-received by everyone I was in elbow-contact with (it was PACKED). Tons of fun, and very impressive musically. They are enormous (at least in comparison to the stage at Piano’s), and carry a sound that is tight and well rehearsed, but slightly unhinged, giving them a sort of “sing-and-dance-around-the-fire-with-your-jug-o-wine” type attitude. Regardless of their low-brow genre, their music is serious, and they play directly to their audience. For country and blues enthusiasts, they are a must-see.

And the Moneynotes – Too Much
And the Moneynotes – A Pirate’s Confession Part III

(both from the most current release “New Cornucopia!” Buy it from iTunes here.)

EDIT – I was immediately reminded of this song from the documentary “Heartworn Highways” when I saw them. It would be great to hear them cover this.
Rodney Crowell – Bluebird Wine

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The Watson Twins – Fire Song

Yes, nearly two years after the Southern Manners EP, the Watson Twins have signed with Vanguard Records and will release their new album Fire Songs. In contrast to the Southern Manners EP, Fire Songs retains some of the whimsy and carefree sounds of Rabbit Fur Coat (with Jenny Lewis, 2006). The song lyrics (as on Rabbit Fur Coat) are not necessarily as light as the accompanying melodies, but that reads more to the success of Rabbit Fur Coat than the seriousness of Southern Manners. The Twins strike a fine balance in lyrical balance, and can turn the heaviest topic into lighter pop song – as seen in How Am I To Be and the not-quite-bluesy Bar Woman Blues.

What I’m really digging in this album is the stronger turn to the country sound (see: Sky Open Up and Old Ways). If Rabbit Fur Coat can be seen as mostly bluegrass-influenced, then Fire Songs has to be looked at as significantly country-influenced. This seems a little peculiar to me, as the sound doesn’t really reflect Los Angeles or Bakersfield country. This is definitely a more southern sound, but saturated in pop and folk goodness. Of course, the Silverlake bands are known for great pop sound, but not necessarily for anything within the aforementioned genre. There is a great balance of genres happening on Fire Songs, and with any luck it is a sound that will become more prominent.

The Watson Twins – Just Like Heaven (The Cure)
[audio:/stu/2008/05/27/The Watson Twins - Just Like Heaven.mp3]
The Watson Twins – Old Ways
[audio:/stu/2008/05/27/The Watson Twins - Old Ways.mp3]

For a great interview with insights into the song Old Ways check out Mainstream Isn’t So Bad… Is It? And DEFINITELY check out their performance on 89.3 The Current in Minnesota.

The new albums will be available from Vanguard Records on June 24th.

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