The Departed: A One Song Assult

There are many artists out there that are happy to be a flash in the pan and seemingly laugh all the way to the bank.  They care not about being the punch line of industry jokes and are happy to have their few fleeting minutes of fame.  They write a catchy tune and maybe create a dance to coincide with whatever craze happens to be passing through the nation at that time.  These, if you hadn’t already guessed, are not our type of artist.  We love passion, creativity, and a “this is the music I’m going to make and you’re going to like it attitude”.   We like whole albums that can be listened to front to back and on repeat.  In short, we like artists who bare their soul. 

Often times an album is just a collection of songs that don’t generally coincide with a theme.  It’s a great opportunity for the artist to express many different facets of their emotions, abilities, and skill sets.  When an artist tells you there is a concept to the album, it is often hard to follow the whole concept throughout the record.  This is not the case with The Departed’s new album Adventus.  It is their first album of new material since the bands inception a few years ago.  When we had the chance to interview Cody Canada during the making of the album we asked him “what do you think the new sound of the band is going to be?”  He responded “I’m hoping to put together this first album and be able to slide it across the table and say here’s our new sound.”  So far, so good, sir.

The album serves many purposes; the before mentioned a new sound of a collection of fine musicians first and foremost.  Secondly, seeing what direction the band was gonna take when you gather these likeminded kindred spirits.  Third, adding even more fresh material to a set list that could go on for hours if supplemented by prior recordings from each member’s earlier stops.  But the reason we found the album so important to the growth of this traveling band is a fine tune snuck into the middle of the album.  We think there are no ironies being pulled on us by having the main song that delivered the greatest message is a quiet 5 and a half minute gem that sounds as if it could have been recorded with just a guitar, a harmonica, and probably in two takes.  It’s a great, fitting song to base an entire album around and it’s called “Cold Hard Fact’.

 

“And that’s a cold hard fact

Won’t be coming back

Rolled the last credit

Played the last act

And that’s a cold hard fact”

Taking the ‘less is more’ approach with his songwriting, Cody Canada delivered the 1-2 punch we think he has been long trying to politely hint at.  Any nay-sayers and wishful thinkers take notice…because many of the lines that Mr. Canada (along with his other writing partners) put out generally have a reason behind them.  Since the demise of Cross Canadian Ragweed, fans have been clamoring for more; a new album, a reunion, anything.  The boys of The Departed have been gracious enough to sprinkle a few Ragweed songs into the set list while also wisely turning to some Seth James back catalogue gems as well.  But this song has officially and emphatically closed that chapter and each member’s past is just a precursor to the ever evolving sound that The Departed will continue to morph into.  Thank you Cody for giving us another from-the-heart, straight shot, song that should quell any further questioning.  This is a band that is still a work a progress, but they have a fine first album under their belts and we can’t wait to see what the future will bring with these guys. 

Find out when and where you can see The Departed  in a town near you:

www.thedepartedmusic.com

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Article written by:

Matthew R. Ricketts

Senior Journalist @ LoneStar Outlaw Review

Photos courtesy of © KelleyStroutPhotography

Pat Green: Doing What He Was Born To Do.

There are polarizing figures in every facet of life; Athletes, Politicians, Actors, even Teachers.  There has not been a more polarizing figure in the landscape of Texas Country over the past 20 years than Pat Green.  A skyrocketed ticket to the front and center of a musical shift of a state will do that.  And he seems just fine with that, because it could be argued no other artist has brought as much attention to the scene as he has.

In case you can’t tell which side of the argument we fall on here at Lonestar Outlaw… it’s the side for the entertainer that gives us the best escape for a couple of hours, looks like a kid on Christmas morning while on stage, and still gives us his all after nearly 2 decades into his career.

Pat Green does not only sing about getting drunk in a bar anymore.  Every other song doesn’t revolve around taking a road trip.  And no, he can’t play some of the same honkey tonks that helped him propel to stardom.  If all these were the case, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.  Instead, he evolved.  Does he still go out and have a good time?  Probably so.  Is the distance of time between shows greater now in your hometown than they used to be?  More than likely.  Has he grown up right before our eyes, surely making a mistake or two along the way?  Name one person that wouldn’t have a mishap along the way while living under a microscope.  The point is Pat is still doing what he loves and what many, many, many of his fans want him to do; and that is entertaining the masses, one hit song after another.

We as music fans want to keep things the way they are, we don’t like change.   We want to be able to go to a local dive bar and see our favorite artist perform an acoustic set every Friday night.  We want to remember those times and act destroyed when that artist has the audacity to spread his wings and see what else is out there.  Yet we never equate it to our own lives.  Some people are quite content being at an entry level position their entire career, however most aspire for greater things.  But we never equate one with the other.  Artists are just like us, they want the brass ring and all the glory that comes with it.  We personally don’t want to see our favorite artist playing the same acoustic set every Friday, we want another fan to be captivated.  We want someone new to hear that artist for the first time tonight and become instantly hooked.  We want the bartenders to look forward to that artist coming to town because they know it’s going to be a packed show and a good time will be had by all.  And Pat Green embodies everything we just described.

Now off of our soapbox.  Having not seen Pat since the Stockyard Music Festival  this past September, we were more than delighted to see him at the World Famous Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth in what would be his final show of the year.  And how were we rewarded?  Three guitarists absolutely playing their hearts out, 22 songs ranging from deep in the catalog to the most recent, and even a rendition of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.   The band even played “Girls From Texas”, a duet with Lyle Lovett from Pat’s upcoming album due out in the spring.  A Pat Green show isn’t just paying an entrance fee and seeing someone ho hum their way through a show.  It’s about being able to forget your troubles and letting yourself go.  There are still songs about Texas, but a powerful ballad with deeper meaning gets mixed in as well.  There are radio hits, but there is also the cryptic, slower, more spiritual version of “Galleywinter” that was the magical moment of the night for us.  He mixes it up so there is never a lull in the performance; even the break before the encore is condensed. 

Pat playing at Billy Bob’s around the Holidays has become a yearly tradition, one we can easily add to our growing list.  Every year the crowds get a little more diverse in age and you do start to get the feeling maybe the music has passed you by.  Then you hear the opening chords of “Southbound 35” or “Don’t Break My Heart Again” and realize your right where you should be. He doesn’t play songs that only appeal to one segment of the audience, it’s a broad, sweeping feeling that takes over the place.   So next time, let that college kid stand in front of you and scream and shout.  That was all of us not too long ago and consider it your chance of to pay it forward to a new generation.  Pat Green is always going to be around, his roots are embedded here in the Lone Star State.  And the next time your find yourself chasing a life-long dream, make sure to tell a guy like Pat Green about it. We’re sure he’ll have nothing but kind words of encouragement for you.  

SETLIST

Billy bob’s Texas: 12.08.12

All Just to get to you
Carry on
Don't break my heart again
Texas on my mind.
Footsteps of our fathers
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer
Three days
California
Who's to say
Feels just like it should
Southbound 35
Baby doll
Galley winter
Somewhere between Texas and Mexico
Let me

New album in the spring
First time to perform "girls from Texas" duet with Lyle Lovett

If I had a boat
$50 and a flask of crown
Take me out to the dancehall
I like Texas

Encore
Wrapped
Wave on wave

Find out when and where you can see Pat Green in a town near you:

www.patgreen.com

  

For more articles, interviews, and photos from LoneStar Outlaw Review, follow us on Facebook:

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Article written by:

Matthew R. Ricketts

Senior Journalist @ LoneStar Outlaw Review

Photos courtesy of © KelleyStroutPhotography

An evening with Boland, Canada, & Knight

As if this time of year wasn’t enough to put you in a good mood, sometimes a little treat comes to town and reminds you why you love music.  You see, musicians celebrate the holidays just like the rest of us, only in a slightly different fashion.  While we turn to them for excitement and a release and to gather with our friends, they are the ones that still have to hit the pavement in order to sustain their livelihood.  But in keeping with the holiday spirit, they often break out in small groups and do scaled back tours revolving around the key ingredient, music.  In this particular instance; three men, three guitars, and a wealth of good times to share with all in attendance. 

Sitting from (stage left to right) it was Jason Blond, Cody Canada, and Chris “the ornery jubilee” Knight.  The show was set up in your traditional snake format (1,2,3, repeat) but the true delight in these shows is to have the guys almost trying to one up each other throughout the night.  “Oh, you have a song about drinking?  Well so do I”.  It is all in good spirit and the crowd is always the winner.  It almost borders on the amazing side that these gentlemen are able to retain such a catalog of knowledge when all they do is add to it year after year.  The hits were plentiful, some rarities unearthed, and a small preview of upcoming works to be released. 

Jason Boland used his usual deep baritone to inspire a two step or two while playing some favorites such as “Somewhere Down in Texas” and “False Accuser’s Lament”.  He also revealed that the next studio album will be entitled The Dark and Dirty Mile and will be released next year.  Cody Canada used his nasally growl to burn through a few CCR hits such as “Dead Man” and “51 pieces” as well as some new cuts from the Departed’s brand new album, Adventus.  Those cuts included “Worth the Fight” and “Cold Hard Fact” and were rounded out by Neil Young’s classic, “Rockin’ In The Free World”.  It is an excellent listen and if any CCR fans are still crying for a return to form after this album, then they are missing out on some amazing new stuff.  Get over it people.  This was a slight coming out party for Chris Knight.  Many people know the songs, know the man, but don’t put the two together.  If he were a baseball player, he would be referred to as the “the crafty veteran”.  He is a timeless story teller and a force to be reckoned with on stage.  Note to crowd: Mr. Knight would like your attention when he’s on stage and he damn well deserves it.  His songs translate excellently to an acoustic format and tonight was no different, playing “Down the River” and “Enough Rope”, among others.

These acoustic shows are great as we get to see the guys in their rawest element, playing the songs they love and wrote and delivering them in a much more intimate style for their fans to gain a different take on a song they may love.  Also the stories behind the songs are a great listen and often exceed the folklore that preceded them.  The Love, Conspiracy, and a .45 tour has wrapped but keep your eyes open for 10 man jams, holiday prize pack shows, and even Randy Rogers hitting the road with Sean McConnell.  One or all of these are bound to be in a city near you.  Do yourself a favor and go and remember why we all fell in love in music in the first place.   

Article by: 
Matthew R. Ricketts
Senior Journalists @ LoneStar Outlaw Review

Photos courtesy of © Kelley Strout Photography

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Writer's Corner ~ Connecticut

Pain and suffering, grief, and tragedies.  These are all emotions every single human will have to endure at some point in their lifetime, there is simply no way of avoiding it.  How we react to these perils in our life is what makes us all unique.  We here at Lonestar Outlaw are blessed to have writers on staff that are able to channel the emotions of those around them and put them into word, whether it be a story, a poem, a thought, or a song.  This particular writing was handed in just days after the events in Connecticut and we thought they should be shared with whoever might need it.  

Please take a moment to stop looking for a scapegoat and figuring out who is to blame and simply reflect on the precious moments of life lying ahead of you.  Remember there are several others out there who’s lives’ will never be the same and they need our hopes, dreams, and prayers to help and try to bring back order to their life again.

Thanks.

 Connecticut

I've got my God and peace of mind
And an understanding of the evil kind
That's what bothers me the most

A child screams, a mother dies
A nation ripped apart from the inside
Tears falling from coast to coast


Madmen kill the innocence
Destruction made that makes no sense
Everyone watching without a clue

Blame the NRA, blame the media
But all the blame won't save anyone
If you don't take responsibility for you


Tonight I'll watch over my family
With a gun and cheap glass of wine
And I'll protect them to the bitter end
And lose some sleep tonight


When the nation bleeds, we wipe our nose
Look for the next wolf in sheep clothes
Never knowing where the next one comes

A sucker punch, a black eye
No remorse, no goodbyes
Stricken by grief you can't overcome


But there's one thing I'm telling you
We as a nation will pull through
And brighter days will lie ahead

So say a prayer to who you choose
Whatever you need to get you through
Give peace a chance and lay to rest your weary head.

Lyrics by:

Matthew R. Ricketts

Charlie Robison: Truly the "Life of the Party"

Sitting next to Charlie Robison backstage at the Bowen Classic gave us all we really needed to know about ol’ Charlie.  As he sat there with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other, wearing Bermuda shorts and a t-shirt, he conversed with whoever would pass by…and for the most part minded his own business.  He was as cool, calm, and relaxed as a sunset, but still had the aura of someone you can’t help but notice and pay attention to when they show up at the party.  If you looked up “presence’ in the dictionary, a picture of Charlie flipping you off would be there.  It was also those same Bermuda shorts and t-shirt that he later performed in, which just kinda added a little more of a ‘cool factor’ to him.  You have to admire a rock star that doesn’t take himself too seriously.

We have had the fortune of seeing Mr. Robison here, there, and everywhere; playing in Waco at the Bowen Classic doing an acoustic set, tearing down the house at an outdoor stage at a Houston BBQ cook-off, sweating his ass off while celebrating his yearly birthday bash in Gruene Hall, countless performances at Lone Star Jam, and most special of all…recording his long overdue Live at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth.  Point being, catch him in any type of setting and a good time will come knocking at your door momentarily.  The specialty of seeing him record his Live at Billy Bob’s was to see him take his rightful seat at the table with all the other legends of the Texas music scene that have graced the stage before him.  Charlie is a hard touring, possibly hard living, mainstay that has added much more to the music scene than he has taken. 

His music?   You see, this is where it gets difficult to pin Charlie down.  Charlie falls into the same category as Stoney Larue, Whiskey Myers, and before their demise, Cross Canadian Ragweed, among others.  In trying to describe the music to a new fan you can’t quite put your finger on it.

 A little country, a little rock-n-roll, with some blues mixed in could be one way; “not your Dad’s rock-n-roll” might be another.  We’ve just resigned to telling people to come to a show with us and if you don’t like it, we’ll personally pay your door fee.  Haven’t had one person even broach the subject of a refund yet.

  His music runs the gamut of slow and introspective to hard charging rock, third person observational to tug at your heart truths.  He has a way of not sugar coating things and being direct and to the point.  There’s a growing back catalog that has true treasures and gems scattered throughout for any type of fan.

His concerts are littered with sing-a-longs such as “Barlight”, “Life of the Party”, and of course “My Hometown”.  But it is the finely tuned rockers and confessionals such as “Loving County”, “Desperate Times”, “John O’ Reilly”, and sunshine in a bottle “Beautiful Day” that really find Charlie at home.  Tearing away at his axe, letting his backing band the Enablers blaze through solos, and being an overall conductor of a 2 hour party is where he seems at ease.  He never lets it get out of hand and knows exactly how to channel the energy from the crowd (and band) into a stellar performance. 

Charlie, born in Houston and raised in Bandera, literally has music in his veins.  With brother Bruce, sister Robyn Ludwyck, a distinct former relationship with a high profile country artist, and the growing stable of label mates at 36D Management, he is surrounded by talent that has boundless opportunities to see the world and bring their creative forces to the forefront of the music scene.  Mr. Robison gives you the impression he may have already lived out some of his nine lives, but his Cheshire smile lets you know he’ll just come out the other side clean as a whistle.  Growing up along with his music has been a pleasure; it’s been the soundtrack to many different occurrences in our lives.  Live at Billy Bob’s should be released early next year and he even dropped a (not so subtle) hint that it should be followed up quickly with a brand new studio album.  “No divorce songs on this one” he recently said on Twitter, and you could almost hear him grinning ear to ear.

Check out where you can see Charlie in a town near you at:

www.charlierobison.com

To see the rest of the images from Charlie's LIVE AT BILLY BOB's show, check out:

www.facebook.com/LoneStarOutlawReview

Article Written By: Matthew Ricketts ~ Senior Staff Writer, LoneStar Outlaw Review

Photography Rights belong to LoneStar Outlaw Reivew,

courtesy of ©KelleyStroutPhotography

Unwritten Law: Playin' Punk Rock Music for the Masses

When we finally get a chance to sit down to sit down with Scott Russo, he obviously hasn’t shaved in a while, he’s frantically trying to figure out something on his phone, and is wearing the same outfit we saw him perform in a few nights earlier in a different city.  He is short and vague with his answers, is not very attentive, and later during the concert professes to have gotten drunk in the bar across the street all day watching football before the concert that night.  He also really, really, really has a bias against one particular Texas city.  (Sorry, Dallas!)  In short, he is everything that we here at LoneStar Outlaw Review would expect from a lead singer in a rock n roll band. 

Though none of the original members of the band are still present, Unwritten Law has remained a thriving force in and around the California scene for over 20 years.  Led by Russo, the rest of the band is comprised of Derik Envy on bass, Kevin Besignano on guitar, and Mike Land on drums.  The hits have been plentiful, with the likes of “Seeing Red”, “Lonesome”, “Up All Night”, and “Should’ve Known Better”, just to list a few.  Their latest album is Swan, which was released in 2011 and produced videos for “Starships and Apocalypse”, “Swan Song”, and “Superbad”.  Apparently running out of songs titles starting with the letter S, the band is contemplating a concept album for the next go around with the entire record being one continuous story.  Neil Young carved out a similar work in 2004 named Greendale, which garnered great critical acclaim and we would be wildly amused to see what a creative juggernaut like Russo would be able to put together.

Any followers of Unwritten Law know that absolutely nothing is taboo.  With lyrics scattered throughout referring to drug use, Scott’s house burning down, and a quick trip to the abortion clinic…absolutely nothing is sacred.  “I sing about what’s going on.  I don’t try and hide it”, Russo told us.  It is with this authentic touch and stellar guitar riffs that have kept the band around and relevant as the ever evolving musical landscape changes.  “We have to hit the road.  There’s no money in just going in, making an album, and releasing it.  Everything’s changed”.  And the live show is where it’s at!  Having seen them perform on many different stages, they always bring their A game.  The banter between the band and audience has gotten wittier and the music still sounds just as good as always.  Russo has the type the voice that sounds just as good live as on record.  He can hit all the needed notes, knows when to let the crowd do their part, and when it’s time to turn up the heat.  He was born to be on stage and be the leader of men.

Though the carousel surrounding the band can seemingly change at any moment, the heart and soul of the band keeps charging along.  Each album is a small evolution incorporating new sounds and ideas and grows upon the previous one.  When asked about the first few albums Scott cringes, but it was that foundation that gave the fans their basis of what the band was and seeing them continue to grow, both lyrically and artistically.  We went to go see Unwritten Law record their live DVD, Live and Lawless, in L.A. back in 2008 and it still remains a pivotal memory to this day.  We grew up with this band, we are still fans, and we can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.

Article Written By: Matthew Ricketts ~ Senior Staff Writer, LoneStar Outlaw Review

Photography Rights belong to LoneStar Outlaw Reivew,

courtesy of ©KelleyStroutPhotography

Bruce Springsteen ~ 9/11

Every generation has its moment.  That moment that you remember what you were doing, what you were feeling, and where you were when your world was forever changed.  Pearl Harbor, JFK’s assassination, and for younger adults; September 11^th, 2001.  It is a day that is synonymous with hatred, unabashed  loyalty, revenge, and destruction.   It is a day that will live in infamy forever and proved to the greatest Nation on earth that we are not above being attacked.  The hate that spewed forth towards us was brought to our footsteps.  And we didn’t know what to do.  We as citizens were powerless to do anything.  We didn’t know whom to trust, whom to blame, or what to do next.  We slowly did what America does best and that is recoup, rediscover ourselves, and rebuild.  There was a great component that we were missing though; we needed a voice.  Not a politician, not another puppet on a string to tell us what to believe in or whom to hate.  We needed a common man.  One that could take our words and turn them into anthems to reinvigorate us.  One that could live through us to describe our pain.  One that could settle our fragile nerves and truly let us know that we will be alright.  Someone to lead us and let us know that we will live to fight another day and put back all the pieces together that had been shattered right before our eyes.  We were searching for that man, much like Gotham always turned to Batman.  We needed him, begged for him, and he didn’t let us down.  That man was Bruce Springsteen.

Bruce Springsteen released The Rising in July 2002.  He is, of course, a Jersey guy with deep ties to the New York area.  Being a great wordsmith and having an innate ability to tap into people’s thoughts and feelings, he was able to unleash a 15 song diatribe to live out the experiences that so many citizens went through.  From the opening “Lonesome Day” that puts a smile on being able to hold onto nothing but our own private lonesome day to “Into The Fire” with the opening lines of The sky was falling, into the street with blood, it was clear this was not a regular album release.  It was a declaration of strength and perseverance spoken for the people that braved these horrible actions.  The songs lend themselves to people who didn’t feel as though they had a voice and were faceless.  Bruce put a face to their fears and concerns and put it out there for the world to see.  “Mary’s Place” finds the world settled, if only for a second.  A place for neighbors to get together to put the outside world behind them and feel as though life will get back to some place of normalcy, at some point.  And finally, “The Rising”.  The ultimate anthem for New Yorkers to rally around.   Bruce is telling his friends, his neighbors, and strangers to come together.  Though the biggest black eye in America’s history happened on our watch, we will show the world why we are the greatest force to be reckoned with and though we are down, we are not out.  We will come together stronger than ever and fight as one.  We will all be part of America’s next Rising!

Somehow Bruce Springsteen was able to channel every single thought, hope, and prayer of America and pin it to words.  They were songs expressing our hopes and fears moving forward knowing our lives would never be the same.  He put to rest our minds and left us feeling that we will be put back together again.  Not in the same fashion so as to remember what happened.   His expressions and monikers guided us to relevance again after being blindsided.  He gave us our voice that we so desperately needed.  A way to remember that we are not invincible and the actions of others can cripple us.  But they will not tear us down.  They will not tear us apart.  They will only make this divided Nation whole again and remind us we are all brothers under the same sun.  We are proud.  We are whole again.  We are Americans!

Article written by: Matthew Ricketts,

Senior Staff Writer for LoneStar Outlaw Review

Picture Artwork by: Marc Lacourciere

http://musicfineart.com/art/bruce-springsteen.php