KIWR PSB - What's On serial - June 21, 2005

[BluesNews]

What's On @ PS Blues 06212005Wednesday, June 22, 2005
What’s on at Pacific Street Blues?
Volume # 7

Artist: Graham Parker
Title: Songs of No Consequence
Rating: Niche

After wandering for seemingly 40 years in the desert Parker has come back with an album full of cynical, caustic observances that only this old punk could muster. While Costello has softened to a squishy middle, Parker remains hungry and mean. Sharp tunes, amazing lyrics such as this from, Bad Chardonnay,

“I’ve got my act together,
Okay it’s only an act,
But it’s served me well for a long, long time.”

Parker legendary pub-rocking band, ‘ The Rumour’ is thing of the past but his new outfit pulls him through. This is a very strong album that old fans can use to reconnect to a great albeit unknown legendary figure.


Artist: Dwight Yoakam
Title: Blame the Vain
Rating: Very Good

Modern country is neutered noise for pin-up artists as disposable used razor blades. For the past 19 years Yoakam has successfully waded through the remnants of county music proud past. Like any artist with a plateful of albums some have been outstanding and some should have been left out standing in a field. Sadly country radio has learned how to make money and consequently completely abandoned the art of music. For Pete’s sake Johnny Cash won a Grammy and still couldn’t get airplay! This is a terrific album that cuts along Yoakam’s Bakersfield (Haggard) roots. The packaging & artwork are outstanding. Yoakam’s cross-genre career has created a new, wider roots audience for country’s next generation of real acts. This is an excellent album.

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