Throwback Thursday - Proud Souls

"...one thing that seems always true, that's when I'm hungover, the sky is blue..."

No matter that it's 13 years later, people still go crazy and sing every word to this at a Boland show and probably always will. You'd be hard-pressed to find a prettier Texas country song. This one's a classic.

Grady Spencer - Baby

I've wanted this to be my song of the day since I heard it on the radio this morning but I've been on a wild goose chase all morning to find a video or audio of it worth posting. Finally found it. I loooove Grady Spencer, and love him even more because he's local. He'll be at Blue Light tomorrow night and I just may be there as well.

Wade Bowen - Beat Me Down

Well Wade Bowen's new CD The Given was released today, and I've been listening to it all day. There's all these people out there freaking out about him going to Nashville and signing a record deal, but so far I'm pleased. It sounds like the same old Wade. Everybody chill. You can read more about the release here and a letter to his fans here. Evidently here's breaking all sorts of rules in Nashville to keep all of us here in Texas happy. Because we're kind of a big deal.

Anywho.. I already have a favorite. Here's "Beat Me Down." Sorry about the corny video with lyrics that looks like a 13 year old fan made, but whatevs, it's all I could find.

Song of the Day - Downtown

Sometimes I forget to listen to bands like Lucero because unfortunately, unless it's played on the radio, music doesn't always stay fresh on my mind. But I am always so glad when I get a reminder to because I love this band. Their Women and Work album came out a few months ago and I've listened to it on and off. I think their sound is a cross between a '90s punk rock band and Steve Earle. Totally unique.
Check it. Also listen to the album Tennessee while you're at it. (Yes, good things can come from Tennessee.)

Have a good weekend!!

Throwback Thursday - Nowhere Texas

This isn't that much of a throwback, but I guess a song by a band that doesn't exist anymore counts. Plus, it's my all-time favorite road trip song. Well, my all-time favorite road trip song this five minutes. Tomorrow I'm taking off on my first official road trip of the summer. I'm going home with one of my best friends and I'll be dragging her ass all around North Texas. So far our options include gambling in Oklahoma, seeing either Josh Weathers (crossing my fingers) at Fat Daddies or Bart Crow at the Mule Barn, a crawfish boil, the Texas Red Dirt Roadshow, a fish fry, and Lord knows what other trouble we'll find along the way. (Hint: lots of beer will be involved.)

I couldn't find a video for this anywhere, but here's one of my favorite pictures in the world. It's me on my daddy's shoulders during Boys From Oklahoma at my first Ragweed concert when I was 14, the one I claim started it all.

Song of the Day - More Than Willing

Six Market Blvd. weren't the only ones with a big release yesterday. Rob Baird's I Swear It's The Truth came out too. I am just now getting around to listening to it and I dig it so far.

Here's his current single off the album.

The Worst Song I've Ever Heard

Six Market Blvd. - 5/19/12 & Shake It Down

Today is the day! Shake It Down is here. Six Markets Blvd.'s second album. I have been a big fan of theirs for years. I go months at a time with Running On Seven being the only CD I have in my pickup. I bought the new one at midnight and I have had it on repeat ever since. I'm not going to be one of those people who after listening to a CD three times will tell you it's life-changing, but it really is good and I think everyone should buy it.

I got to see them this past Saturday night at the Blue Light. I have only seen them once before at LJT but this time was way different. Different as in I was able to focus and take my position front and center. My dad is a huge 6MB fan too, so my parents met me and my friend Sydney there.

My friend Brandon Adams and the Sad Bastards opened and they were playing when I got there. He was awesome, as usual. Then 6MB started and the area in front of the stage started filling up. They kicked off with their newest single, 'Say It' from the new album. They played all my favorites from their first CD and then several new ones. The crowd sang along to 'Silence In Me,' danced to 'Ready To Throw' and everyone had a good time. Brandon and Red Shahan from Red and the Vityls (who wrote '14 Miles To Go' on Shake It Down) even got back up on stage for a few songs. I loved how they didn't take anything too serious and just went with the flow.

I've heard people say they don't like when bands play covers, but I absolutely love a good cover song. They started playing a song that I recognized and at first I thought it was because it was one of their songs I've listened to a million times. Then the further they got into it I realized it was Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights' song 'Young Love.' Seriously?!? That's like two of my favorite things in one. This completely made my night. I don't know if anyone else realized what was going on but I certainly did and I was floored. They did it perfectly. They also covered The Band's 'Cripple Creek' which was awesome too.

I adore lead singer Clayton Landau's voice and think it is so unique, but the new album has a few songs sung by bass player/songwriter Ben Hussey. He also has a distinct voice that fits the songs. He sang a few the other night too.

Their guitar player, Josh Serrato is a complete and total badass, which is evident from their recorded music but even more evident live. My dad is a guitar junkie so he camped out in front of him all night. He told me later that he's one of the best he's ever heard, but not THE best, because he's seen Clapton. Quite the complement. After the concert Brandon introduced me to part of the band (he got a little disctracted by somebody buying him shots and didn't finish) but he told me he thinks Josh is the next big thing and will be famous someday and I believe him. He also told me the drummer Dallas Neal is the sweetest, most down to earth guy which is clear in his stage-presence: all smiles.

New Slang interviewed Clayton here, which is much more in-depth than my nonsense so go read that.
Also, I'm not going to sit here and make a fool of myself reviewing albums because I don't know what to say other than, "huh, I really liked that," but the guys at New Slang know what they're doing. I'm working on it though. I like to listen to albums first and see what I think and then compare it to other reviews to see if I was "right," even though it's all totally opinion.... well I did that this time but this girl pretty much took the words out of my mouth so if you want to hear my review, just go read hers, I'm not here to reinvent the wheel.

I will tell you I love 'Say It,' 'Mailbox' (favorite), 'Santa Fe Train,' and 'Hey Mr. Indian Man' right off the bat, but if this is anything like their first album, every time I listen to it I'll have a new favorite.

But most importantly BUY Shake It Down and if you don't have Running On Seven, get it while you're at it, you won't regret it.

Josh Serrato and Clayton Landau

Brandon Adams, Clayton Landau and Red Shahan

Clayton and Ben

 

Dallas Neal

Red Shahan

Ben Hussey and Brandon Adams

Josh Serrato tearing it up.

The Damn Quails 5/18/12

Last Friday night I finally got to see the Damn Quails for the first time. I mean, got to hear more than one song like at LJT. They were playing at The Office in Lubbock. I had never been there before, so I drug my friend Lindsey and another friend with me. As usual, Lindsey got restless before the band even came on and left my ass there. I really didn't care because I ended up finding some other people I knew and assumed the position at the front of the stage and zoned in.

The bar was PACKED and when Neely and JD from 105.3 introduced the band, they said this was the first time ever The Office had been sold out. The show was AWESOME. I'd heard that they never play the same song twice, and while they did sound different from their recorded songs, I was still able to sing along. They were very energetic and all-around entertaining. Plus, that Gabe is just plain cute. I was pretty drunk because I had been slamming beers earlier at an awkward graduation party. Then to make matters worse, my friend asked someone in the band in the middle of the concert if I could drink the beer out of the buckets of Lonestar sitting on the stage going untouched. Nice guy said yes, so I was good to go.

I'm pretty sure they played all the songs from Down the Hatch and I sang my little heart out along with everyone in the bar, especially to Fool's Gold. I know they played my favorites, Quicksand and Ice Man. Bryon got this crazy evil look in his eye when he sang Ice Man, which I thought was hilarious.  After they were finished I decided I needed to go meet them so I headed to the merch booth. Somewhere in my stupor I decided I was going to try my hand at selling tshirts, so I just hung out with the merch dude. I did get to talk to the band and even though I couldn't tell ya what on earth I talked about, I remember they were all super cool and sweet and never acted annoyed at this random little drunk girl who claimed to be a music blogger from some blog they'd never heard of.

Great night. Great band. Great people. I don't even care that I got ditched at the bar because I just made my own fun anyway. I'm glad I got to meet them and I hope they don't all think I'm a drunk lunatic! I can't wait to see them again.

I got some so-so iPhone pictures sponsored by free Lonestar Beer and even a video of some song that I think was either a cover or something new because I didn't recognize it.

I don't know why this is green but you can see the full band a little better.

Evidently I bought a t-shirt because my DD found it in her car the next morning. Isn't it so cute?

Here's the video I took, see if you can figure out what song this is!

Here's their newest single, So So Long.

Check out the Damn Quails website here, follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook!
And most important, buy their music!


PS- Their tweets about Biggie crack me up. I didn't realize he was the harmonica player till the other night!

Song of the Day - Look At Me Fly

I could never ever get sick of Stoney LaRue. And if you get in the way of me seeing his concert, I turn into a hell-bitch, especially if there is tequila involved and I spent a long time on my hair. Just ask my friends.

Here's his new single from his album Velvet. Good stuff!

Song of the Day - Whatever You Throw

So here's a little story for ya...

A long time ago (like 8 years ago) a little girl named Hallie had just discovered bands like Pat Green and Cross Canadian Ragweed and was becoming more and more obsessed with Texas Country. The problem was, this little girl didn't know about any music outside of what she heard on the radio station in her hometown or saw on CMT, which was a crying shame.

Luckily for Hallie, she had a cool older sister who was in high school ag classes. The class was lucky enough to have one cool dude from Texas Tech come student teach for a semester. This guy knew about things going on outside of Podunk, Texas and began introducing his students to cool new Texas Country bands. And Elizabeth told Hallie and she thought it was cool and she is now obsessed with Texas music.

The end.



Well, one of those bands was called the Hogg Maulies. What the hell is a Hogg Maulie, right? That's what I thought too and when Elizabeth put that CD in for the first time I thought she was nuts. But her cool ag teacher told her it was cool and he was right, it was. They were a brand spankin new band back then. I don't even think we could actually buy a CD at that point, I think they were all just burned off the same computer and passed around.

I have been a huge Hogg Maulies fan for a very long time. Then I got to college and realized everyone in Lubbock knows and loves them too. Come to find out it's a very small world and a few of the people I work with are good friends with the band. I have always partly blamed my sister's student teacher on starting my obsession with music and opening the doors for me to see what else is out there and even though he has no clue who I am, he married a good college friend of mine's sister.. hi Garrett!


Anyway, enough about me. Today I saw on Twitter that @ParkerMorrow, who plays guitar for the @HoggMaulies, said their new single Whatever You Throw just hit radio stations. Their new CD they've been working on comes out this summer and I am pumped. It's been a long time since they've had new music. If this is the song I think it is, I've known it for a while, but I guess they just now recorded it.

When I searched for the song, I found this video. I'm sure there is a much better and newer version than this one from 2009, but I had to use it.

*FUN FACT*

I had an internship at the radio station in this video the summer after I graduated high school.
(KFLP- "106.1 FLIP FM, don't flip us off, flip us ON!")
Yup, I spent a whole summer in that stool right there stalking people on Facebook and listening to music. (Remind me to tell you about the time I was responsible for the f-word being sang on the radio about 7 times in a row.)

So that's why I had to use this video.

Another fun fact:

The guy with the beard and long hair was my photography professor and one of my favorite teachers I've ever had. And he also used to have the same job I have now.

I'm tellin ya... small world! Either that or I am just a complete stalker/creeper, which is highly likely.

Check 'em out on Facebook, Twitter, and their website. 

And don't forget to BUY THEIR MUSIC!

Song of the Day - Pablo and Maria

I think this is one of the best sad songs I've ever heard. Zane Williams and Kylie Rae Harris sound great together. KRH said in Best in Texas magazine that she loves singing harmonies with Zane and that they may have something up their sleeves... I'm hoping it's some sort of collaboration. I'm pretty sure there's no male/female action going on in Texas (unless you count Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis) so it will be interesting to see what they come up with.

I can listen to this song over and over...

Taddy Porter

Thanks to one of my music/Blue Light junky friends, I recently found out about a band from Oklahoma called Taddy Porter. I had heard/seen the name because he? she? had played at Blue Light last week. When I went to the bar Saturday night, my friend mentioned he was bummed that didn't get to come see them (I found out Taddy isn't a he or a she but a them) play because he had a final Thursday. I asked him a little about the band, and basically he said they are like the Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights of Oklahoma.

Well of course that sparked my interest. The next day I listened to them a little bit on Spotify and about two songs in caved and bought their entire self-titled album. It's tough to compete with the playlist I'm into right now since it's full of Josh Weathers, Turnpike, and some other new stuff, but I have found myself hitting skip over and over and eventually wind up just listening to Taddy Porter.

I did a little stalking research and figured out some more about them. Evidently Taddy Porter isn't the name of the lead singer, it's the name of a random beer they've never even tried. They are a blues-rock band from Stillwater, Oklahoma and they tour with JTNL a lot. (!!!) Lead singer Andy Brewer is from some sort of baseball dynasty and they've played with some pretty big names and had their music used for lots of cool stuff.

Taddy Porter is the kind of old rock music that just doesn't exist anymore. But bands like this, JTNL, and potentially Whiskey Myers and Cody Canada & The Departed give me hope that it can be resurrected. TP's music isn't angry like most rock tends to be these days. Songs like Big Enough have such sweet lyrics, just delivered in a way that makes you want to head bang, which is totally my kind of love song. Mean Bitch isn't even an angry song, it's more about a strong, opinionated woman (LOVE).

So far my favorites are King Louie (be careful listening to that in the car, it causes me to drive way too fast), Whatever Haunts You, Big Enough and Mean Bitch.

Here's the video for Long Slow Drag:

And a live one of King Louie:

The Blue Light website says they'll be back June 9th, and yeah, it's on my calendar. See ya there.

Check 'em out here.
And buy their CD here.

Song of the Day - Rambler

Saturday night I went to Blue Light with some friends for Brandon Jenkins. I was kind of disappointed because the people I went with could have cared less if we were at a karaoke bar or seeing Willie Nelson. I usually take my place up at front and center stage and don't move all night, but this just wasn't that kind of night. They weren't very crowded but I met up with some friends that are pretty fun so I actually got to dance a lot which sort of made up for the duds in the group.

Nothing was very surprising or moving about the concert, but when he introduced the band I heard Jenkins say "K Phillips on the keys." That got my attention. I've been hearing all about his K Phillips dude lately. Evidently he's some sort of songwriting badass that just released his first CD, American Girls, a few weeks ago. I've listened to it on Spotify a few times but it wasn't until I really started reading up on him and really listening that I realized he is damn good. Read a full review of this CD at Galleywinter and read this article to figure him out a little more.

Here's a video from Music Fog of K Phillips - Rambler.

Song of the Day - Mama Tried

Happy Mother's Day!

Sons of Fathers

Last night I cooked supper for my friends that are leaving town for the summer this weekend and a few beers in we decided it was a good idea to go to Blue Light. Uncle Lucius and Sons of Fathers were playing. I had seen Uncle Lucius there before and it was one of my favorite concerts I've seen there. I had never seen Sons of Fathers but had been following them since one of the lead singers, Paul Mark Cauthen, came in second in the Blue Light singer/songwriter contest a few years ago (lost to Casey Berry). I loved his song Sound of Water. He started up a band with David Beck called Beck and Cauthen, but then they had to change their name to Sons of Fathers when the singer Beck got his panties in a wad for them using his name. Because I'm real sure they run with the same crowd...

Anywho, I knew a few of their songs, but I was excited to hear more. We got there right before Uncle Lucius was finishing their second to last song, which I was sad about, but it was partly my fault we got there so late anyway so I didn't pout too much. (BTW- Kevin from Uncle Lucius SHAVED! He looks so nekid.. I don't like it!)

Sons of Father started pretty much right away with the two front-men sharing the front of the stage, Cauthen with a guitar and Beck with an upright bass.... yeah you read that right. It was so badass. They also had a guy on keys and slide guitar.. that's something you don't see every day and it was awesome. I loved watching Beck on the bass... it was impossible not to smile watching him. He gets so into it and has the cutest grin on this face the entire time, just infectious.

If you like Dirty River Boys and the Damn Quails, you'll love Sons of Fathers and I really see them being on that level soon.

They were awesome. The energy of the crowd was perfect after hearing Uncle L play and these bands together turned out to be the perfect way to end a rainy day. I couldn't stand still and was just tapping my boots and dancing even though I didn't know the words to most of the songs. At one point Carter looked at me and said, "you just can't stand it that I know these songs and you don't." He's so right, but youbetcha next time I see them I'll know every word because the first thing I did this morning was download their self-titled album.

When they played the song Flatlands, being in Lubbock, Texas and all, everybody threw their beers in the air and belted out the entire song. We high plains kids are kinda prideful like that. I love when everyone comes together at the front of the stage and strangers just start head-banging together and everyone is happy and just on cloud nine. That's live music for ya. Oh and probably a few of those $2 Lonestars.

They didn't play near long enough to satisfy me though. When they finished up, everyone started chanting "5 more songs!! 5 more songs!!" because just one more couldn't possibly be enough.

Song of the Day - I Lie

Casey Berry is a somewhat local boy from Amarillo, but he has played a lot in Lubbock the past few years. He is up-and-coming quickly and every song he's put out has the potential to be a big hit. He went pretty far in the Billy Bob's contest last year and that helped his fan-base grow pretty well.


I Lie is his newest single and I can't get enough.

Song of the Day - She's About A Mover

The first version I heard of this song was by, of course, Steve Earle. I didn't realize he wasn't the original singer until New Slang published their 50 essential Texas albums playlist on Spotify, which I am now obsessed with and have learned so much from. I had never even heard of this group but evidently they were a big deal. I love this song, both versions!

New Music!

Makes me happy.

Nothing like waking up and having not one but TWO new albums to download.

Turnpike Troubadours' Goodbye Normal Street and Pat Green's Songs We Wish We'd Written II came out today!

I've been waiting on both of these for a while and for two very different reasons. I've been dying to hear more from Turnpike (not to mention my Turnpike "fetish") and I knew this album would be every bit as good as the last two they put out in the past few years. On the other hand, I've been mad at Pat Green for a while. He was one of my first Texas Country loves when I was in 7th grade and he was in his hay day. Then he sold out to Nashville like none other has sold out before.

I feel like Pat's finally had his big "come to Jesus meeting" and Songs II is his big homecoming. Kicking it off with his first single, Austin, was genius on his part because it was basically his chance to own up to selling out and admitting that he is back with a vengeance. A full album of nothing but cover songs has to be intimidating, but it proves where his roots are and that he knows where his fame really came from. After listening to the album in full, I am pleased. It sounds like the classic Pat Green I fell in love with in Jr. High. This will be in my rotation for a while considering that I STILL listen to Lucky Ones and Three Days on a regular basis. He passes!

As for Goodbye Normal Street, there was a lot of hype about this album, and for good reason. I listened to it in full getting ready this morning and I loved every song. I am always impressed with Evan Felker's songwriting. The way he describes the most simple situation shows his true talent. He can illustrate emotions and tell stories that he has never even experienced (like in Southeastern Son, a song about a lonely soldier in Afghanistan) and he can make a sad sad song about death into an upbeat bluegrass-y tune that just makes you wanna go dancing (Before the Devil Knows We're Dead). I think on first glance, I love Good Lord Lorrie and of course, the first single Gin, Smoke, Lies is just badass. This is one of those CDs where every time I listen to it in a different mood, I'll have a different favorite song. They have definitely kept their old sound, but improved on it even more. They just solidified their place as the next big thing in Texas/Red Dirt music (as if we didn't already know that).

I'm sure there's tons of real grown-up reviews of these two CDs out there by people who know about stuff like patterns and 3/4 time and what instruments make what sounds. So if you're into that, go read them, I always do. But all I know is what I like so I don't try to sound smarter than I am. Both of the albums are incredible and I highly recommend BUYING them. You won't regret it. :)

Song of the Day - Bread and Water

I DARE you to sit still through this song. I'm pretty sure it's impossible. Like skipping + frowning, it can't be done. I listened to this at lunch and had messed up hair the rest of the day. :)

Best LJT 2012 Performance

Last week I posted a recap of my trip to LJT and said I would have to come back and post about the Josh Weathers performance that shook the earth. Well, ever since I left LJT, all i have listened to is Josh Weathers. I now own all the CDs and have listened to them all countless times.

Before LJT I had really no clue that Josh Weathers was anything other than a name. I'd never really listened to him and certainly hadn't seen him live or heard him on the radio. I mentioned before how when he was playing I was pouting and pissy because the people I was with had lollygagged and made me miss the Damn Quails. I was listening to Josh and was impressed but wasn't paying that much attention. But still, it didn't take long for Carter and I to determine that he was in fact surprisingly good and sounded like a cross between Uncle Lucius (good) and Jonathan Tyler (amazing). We were impressed enough at that point to know we needed to do some homework when we got home, but it wasn't until the next song that we realized we would become H-U-G-E fans overnight (or in the matter of minutes). At one point he was just running all over the stage, pouring his heart and soul into a song and then....

THEN.... then. He did this:

At first I was like.... ummm, really? I mean I know it's a Dolly Parton song but Whitney Houston just died and I am so over that song. But then it just got better and better. And then he got a standing ovation. At the acoustic stage at Larry Joe Taylor. I didn't even know that was possible. And then, he's just such a good entertainer and so engaging, he got everyone to stay standing for the rest of his set. I think every person there had chills an even the drunk and hungover ones who weren't paying attention paid attention to him after that. I don't think I've ever heard a guy sing I Will Always Love You before, and normally I would think that was a joke, but after seeing that, well, Dolly better watch out. The boy's got the voice of an angel, and the soul to match. I will be buying every song he makes for the rest of his life. I hope he come somewhere I can see him again soon. If not, I guess I'll just have to go to him!

LJT 2012 - What I Remember

Last week I attended my first ever, but the 24th Annual Larry Joe Taylor's Texas Music Festival. I have heard of it for years and been dying to go but this was the first year I got the balls to actually go. I wanted to go last year but didn't realize it until all my friends left down and I was stuck in Lubbock and they were all having the time of their life. I am not gunna lie, I was scared shitless, but I think the excitement was a little stronger. I didn't have a plan, I just rode down there with a friend who happened to be leaving the same time as me and just figured I knew enough people going that I would be fine, and I was right!

Here is a little recap of my favorite moments - the ones I remember anyway - of my days at LJT!

Wednesday:

Missed the acoustic stage that day, and I REALLY wanted to see the Dirty River Boys but I know I'll get many more chances. I also missed Thom Shepherd, who I just recently got in to, and Ray Wylie Hubbard which is a complete bummer because he is a legend and I've never had the chance to see him.

I also missed Johnny Cooper, and I actually like his bee-bopping little self. He's different and the kid's a genius. Missed Cory Morrow, nothing new there, I'll get another chance for both of those.

I'm kinda sad I missed Great Divide on their reunion tour for my second chance to actually see them, but I can't lie, I was kind of a late comer to jump on that bandwagon. Like, I didn't even listen to them till they were over, so really no hard feelings there.

Me and Corey got there right at Kevin Fowler took the stage. I have never seen the Redneck Messiah live, but I've always heard he puts on a helluva show. I am not the biggest fan of his music because every song is either about beer or redneck women - which are both things i identify with - I just have a higher IQ than that. I miss his old stuff. That being said, LJT is the place for songs about beer and rednecks, so I really did enjoy his entire show. He certainly does put on a hell of a show. The man's an entertainer! No wonder he gets away with re-writing the same old songs over and over. Oh, and HELL YEAH, I like beer.

The Redneck Messiah and Carter's Rita Ballou koozie

Next up, Josh Abbott. I've seen him a million times, ever since he was just "that boy from Idalou." I always claim to not be the biggest Josh Abbott fan, but his concerts are always good and his songs are always good. I really do like his brand new album that just came out and I scrame (past-tense for scream) Flatland Farmer at the top of my lungs. Everybody else sings about cows and this boy sings about cotton and I love that. That's my thang.

Thursday:

Missed the entire acoustic stage Thursday because some more people were showing up and we were just distracted. Didn't miss much. Didn't really know anybody playing except I'd heard of Zac Wilkerson since he won the Blue Light singer/songwriter competition, and of course Gary P. Nun, which I can do without.

We got to the main stage during mark McKinney's show. He's kind of like Kevin Fowler, his songs are all about beer, the river, and rednecks. Again, LJT is just the right place and time for that kind of music, so I enjoyed it. Nothing special though.

Next, one of my favorites, Turnpike Troubadours. They kicked off their set with their new song, Gin, Smoke and Lies, and I was pumped. They were fantastic, as always. I would mary Evan Felker in a heartbeat. My friends joke around about me having a Turnpike fetish, but that's another story.

Somehow I made it up to the very front of the stage for Aaron Watson. Not sure how that happened but I think it had something to do with my boss, who also had tattooed her campsite to my arm earlier int he day when i went to her camper to take a shower and a *glorious* nap. Aaron Watson kind of irritates me. He is corny and sappy, and he may mean it, but I think he found a goldmine in little girls who just like to swoon and he does everything he can to make them swoon and it works. He ain't stupid, but I'm not either. Not falling for it. Moving on. (But I WAS really close!)

Lady's Man!!

What a great boss!

After Aaron was Wade Bowen. I vaguely remember a few of his songs, but I also think I was taking a little capnap on a cooler at that point. He always sounds just like he does on the radio so it was a snoozer, so naturally I took advantage of that.

Randy Rogers was next, and I was just exhausted at that point. I hadn't slept hardly at all the night before and I was just over it. I tried to stick it out and listen to his whole set, but if I am not either as close to the stage as possible or completely have a "fetish" for the band, I find it very hard to pay attention, especially if I've been drinking. So somewhere in his set, I begged my friend Keely to put me to bed in her parents camper. They fed me fajitas and put me to bed and it was the best sleep I've ever gotten.


Friday:


I was so excited for the acoustic stage on Friday because I was FINALLY going to get to see the Damn Quails. I jumped on that bandwagon in the very beginning and I still haven't gotten to see them. Everyone else acted excited to see them too, but we had some more people show up that morning, so between everyone lollygagging, we didn't get there until their second to last song. So I had to hammer some beers to stay friendly. Don't judge.

Next up was Josh Weathers. I had heard of him and maybe listened to him a few times on Spotify, but didn't know much else. HOLY SHIT. He blew me away. I was sort of ignoring him at first because I was ticked about missing the DQs and some hot shirtless guys were nearby, but then I paid a little bit of attention and me and Carter decided he sounded a little like Uncle Lucius and Jonathan Tyler. *WINNING* He straight up took us to church. I've never seen anyone with so much soul in my life. He was sweating and running all over the stage and jamming like nothing I'd ever seen. But more on that later. In fact, an entire separate post on one particular song he sang. I'm waiting because I could go on for days about it and I'm hoping a video surfaces soon.

Whew, enough about him. Clay McClinton was next, and I didn't listen or care because I was in a Josh Weathers hangover. Max Stalling was next, and he was good, which I figured he would be, but then we left somewhere in the middle of his set to go get ready for the main stage and missed Radney Foster.

The opener at the main stage was the lovely Charla Corn. I have never seen her and I usually hate women but she is growing on me. She effortlessly belts out the songs she wrote, that aren't about beer and rednecks and I can identify with. She is a winner in my book. Even if I do want to steal her job at The Ranch.

Six Market Blvd. was next and I have been DYING to see them for YEARS. They kicked it off with their new single, Say It and it rocked. Being from Stephenville they had tons of fans there, so the energy of the crowd was unbeatable. They rocked. Can't wait to see them again. They played some new stuff from Shake It Down and left me longing for May 22nd so I can hear it all.

Mike McClue was next. A guy I work with got me and my best friend Lindsey up to the front of the stage again, but I just wasn't that into it. He is good and different and all, but I was a little very drunk then and not paying much attention.

Mike McClure

Roger Creager was the same deal, good, but nothing special. I was too busy having fun with Lindsey and I can see him any time.

Creager!

Then it was time for Reckless Kelly. Let me tell ya, Lindsey and I have a thing for Reckless Kelly, but I'm not going into that story now. Basically we were just so super pumped to be seeing them again together and we were having so much fun. They put on a great show despite what they've been through lately and it was great to see them in the shirts and ties for the occasion (6MB did that too, and maybe some other bands, sorry if I didn't notice). [Google Mark 'Gus' McCoy if you don't know what I'm talking about.]

Then, closing out the night was Pat Green. He was one of my very first Texas music loves and I have for some reason never gotten to see him live. I heard last year he got booed off the stage, but I think he's made a big comeback and he's back to his old self now. He played a great show and I am SO glad he's back. I have decided that Carry On is probably my all-time favorite song of all-time. Lindsey got some cute tall boy to put me on his shoulders so my short little self could actually see him sing it, then we danced for a few songs and it helped make my first Pat Green experience even better! That was probably my favorite day at LJT all around.

Saturday:


Saturday's acoustic stage wasn't near as good as the day before. I think I stayed for part of Tommy Alverson and went to rest in the shade with my friend Bailey and "refresh" for the mains stage later. I wish I could have seen Josh Grider who opened it, I've liked him ever since he won the Billy Bob's thing last year and the Galleywinter guys always make a big deal about him, but whatevs. I wish I could have heard Walt Wilkins too, but I'm not too crushed.

Now this was the day I have been waiting for for MONTHS. The main stage started with Lubbock-boy (I know he's not really from Lubbock, but he got his start here) William Clark Green. I love me some Will Green and he was awesome. I was up at the front of the stage with a tons of Lubbock people so the energy was awesome and they did great. We were passing around a bottle of American Honey (my FAVORITE) and slapping the bag, so I was getting pretty sloshed at this point. Not to mention it was day four of this and I was hot and hungover and exhausted. But I couldn't be bothered because....

Me, Will and my friend Skylar

COOOOOODDDDERRRR GRRAAWWW!!!!! They are my second favorite band of all time (second only to Ragweed of course) and they broke up when I was practically still a baby and I was so so so sad. I have said for years if I could see any band it would be them, but it would never happen. Well I guess I got my wish! They were incredible. They kicked off with my favorite song of theirs, State Line. They played all the best songs, Llano Estacado (yes, I was really born on the Llano Estacado), Dirty Little Hometown Girl, Whiskey Bent and Hellbound, New Dress,... I could go on and on. Definitely a memorable and once in a lifetime experience and if I didn't go to see any band but them, the entire trip was worth it.

Pretty damn close to the front, I'd say!

Best concert ever.

Now, after all the celebratory drinking with my Lubbock peeps, I needed a little catnap... there's a big chunk after the CG show that I don't remember, but I know I took a nap in a lawn chair, woke up, had a hot dog and a Diet Coke, and I was good to go! Sometimes I just need a little "break." And I'm sorry to any of my new friends who I scared the shit out of, but thankful for my friends who know that's just me.

I was a new woman after my nap and hot dog, and I missed most of the Tejas Brother and Brandon Rhyder. I vaguely remember hearing them, but that's about it. I heard the Tejas Brothers were awesome though! Brandon Rhyder always sounds the same and he is good and all, but not very captivating. He's radio music.

Daryl Dodd was playing about the time I rolled back around. Hearing his music on the radio, I thought he would be a hokey fat old man. Nope, he's hot. He was awesome. Very entertaining and I want to see him again soon. Carter said him and Josh Weathers were the two most surprising and impressive shows. Interesting.

See? Hot.

Jason Boland was next, and I'd seen him a few times before. I love Boland because he is constant and never changes, but again, unless I'm front and center (like I was the last two times I saw him and LOVED him), I just can't get into it. They could have been playing his CD over the stereo and I'd never know the difference.

Larry Joe Taylor closed the show, of course. You can't say no to Larry Joe, in the words of Double D (Deryl Dodd)!! He only played a few songs, and then called everyone back out on the stage. This was another one of my favorite moments. He took us to church with everyone taking turns singing lines of By and By. I think they were making stuff up that had to do with LJT, but I couldn't understand very well. All I know is it was awesome. And adorable little Kylie Rae Harris ended the song and let me tell ya, that girl's got some pipes on her. It was awesome. I swear that song went on for about 30 minutes, but it was alright with me because I didn't want the night to end!

All in all, LJT was a blast and truly the time of my life. I really thought I would not have fun camping out with a bunch of boys and be so done by the second day and find a ride home and never go back. It was kind of the other way around though. Carter was saying that we aren't going till Friday next year, and I want to go on Tuesday!! I could have stayed another week. I am all rested up and I want to drag everyone to Crude Fest in a few weeks for round 2! I have never had so much fun packed into 5 days. It was my kind of fun all the way around.

Red Dirt Randy. I LOVE him! Carter said, "Hallie, that's you in 40 years." I think he may be right!

I'm not the only one who takes power naps in the middle of a crowded concert. 

I love this. Ready to go back right.now.

Love these girls!!!

Lindsey and some co-workers and I front row!

Good times with some of my favorite people!

Thanks for the good times Larry Joe and see ya next year!!!!!

Yeah, that's Carter's 1961 Luxury Liner. Be jealous.