I want to congratulate Kenny Chesney’s makeup artist on the big win last night: his skin was flawless in HD. I know Kenny cares deeply about skin care as do most of us. Around roadhouses and barrooms last night an astronomical number of twittering bikers, truck drivers and steel workers were pining for Kenny’s tips for glowing skin.

I can’t think of much else positive to say. Not even the Eagles and the Wailers could save the train wreck last night. I’m pretty sure that making fun of Kenny isn’t positive either. Karma…

I can’t find the words, but thanks to Louis Armstrong and Punchline, this may express the sentiment:

Wilco appeared on the Colbert Report last night and debuted a new song. Of course it rocked.

And when Tweedy uses the word “love” he does so as a verb…

Dear Toby,

From time-to-time I flip on GAC or CMT just to make sure I’m not missing anything. Call it wishful thinking that one day I’ll see a Todd Snider marathon on one of the channels. A guy’s gotta try right?

Well in the wee hours today I’ve been watching once again and I’m not impressed. There’s a decidedly Americana and Southern rock influence that’s apparent, but it’s an undercurrent overshadowed by the craptastic quasi-rock that has littered the country music roadside since the late 80s. With watered-down songwriting and talent as bland as wallpaper paste, the majority of the music just isn’t worth the time. Lord forbid, but “God Love Her” was the only palatable offering–and Toby, between us pal, stick to this kind of tune because it makes you seem like less of a prick. In this day and age, anything that feels authentic will get my vote because I’m pretty sure that Keith Urban is a robot.

Anyway, you should be proud of this accomplishment because I actually liked your song. Still hate the perm/mullet thing and that outdated rolled-up cowboy hat, but we can work on that right? Ask our pal Jack about the hat thing–he’s pretty smart about this stuff.

And tell Kenny that the wifebeater makes him looks like a child molester. I’d look him in the eye and tell him that myself if he had a step stool.

So I’ll catch you at the next Hair Club for Men meeting right?

I told you guys a few weeks ago about a great opportunity to learn how albums are really made: Music Producers Institute.

Well the first session with Radney Foster is over and early word from Steve Fischell is that it was a huge success:

Last week’s class with Radney Foster at the Sound Emporium went great. The students got to see and hear Radney record two new tracks for his spring 2009 release. One student from a university said afterwards she learned more about the studio in one day at MPI than during her entire semester at the U. This was e-x-t-r-e-m-e-l-y gratifying for me to hear, as you can only imagine.

Raul Malo is in session with MPI next month — November 20-23.

Steve also shared that there are future sessions in the works including a possible stop in Austin and some sessions with Rounder Records artists! Wow…I won’t spoil the details, but once their confirmed I can promise you guys that you’ll want to sign up.

Boys and girls I can’t tell stress enough that real-world experience like this is critical to a career in the industry. Nothing teaches you how to make a record like making a record. Trust me, your first experience in a studio can be intimidating and discouraging if you don’t have a mentor to guide you through the process.

MPI offers you an amazing chance to learn from some of the best in the industry. If you’re a musicians hoping to make an album, a student looking for real-world experience or a journeyman hoping to take your art to the next level, this is your chance!

Once again, you can learn more and register for sessions at www.musicpi.com, email sessions@musicpi.com or by calling 615-337-0092.

This time of year brings back lots of memories–football games, drinking beer with friends, picking apples with family. And likewise there’s a definitive soundtrack for fall. Wistful, more insightful and more laid back than their fun-loving summer cousins, the songs are generally have a little more meat on the bones and stick to your ribs on a cool day.

Fat Andy’s Motel Bottle Rocket fits that bill like a warm Guinness pie on a cold day. Content to entertain, the disc neither strikes out to redefine a genre nor uniquely define the band. Likewise, the material is mature, tackling complex themes with simple songs and somewhat idealistic views. A hearty affair throughout, Motel Bottle Rocket ultimately succeeds by putting a distinctly Americana serving on the table.

The album’s meatiest parts are when the tunes turn a bit more down-tempo. “Fall With Me” adheres strongly to the idea that complex situations often have simple solutions–trust being key to the story. “Here Today” strikes a strongly midwestern humility in admitting both confusion and hope. The album’s finale, “Soon Forgiven” succeeds in much the same way by offering a bit of redemption from life’s mistakes. The downbeat tunes shine, which isn’t to say the more upbeat numbers don’t work as they’re quite entertaining. Still, the handful of slower numbers really stand out as great sensible fall fair.

Motel Botel Rocket from Authentic Records is available now.

BONUS:
Fall With Me

During the height of the post-9/11 national pride boom we were awash with supposed patriotism that questioned anyone who dare suggest a contrary opinion on topics such as the war in Iraq, our addiction to oil or our reputation abroad. In glaring similarity to the Red Scare, the protest spirit was quieted, nearly extinguished. The day arrived that I assumed we’d never have another Bob Dylan or Joni Mitchell.

But somehow those opposed to wrapping ourselves in flags rose from the ashes and with full-throated conviction cried out. And my inbox filled with protest music.

Aside from a few notable contributions, that protest music was no better than the right-wing propaganda however. Most was poorly written, obvious and barely-entertaining for even the yellowest of dogs. It didn’t resonate and as such, a national voice never emerged.

But something came of that momentary spirit that revealed itself in Todd Snider’s latest release entitled Peace Queer on his own Aimless Records. It wasn’t a voice calling out against corrupt politicians that mangle the English language, rich executives or other figures who keenly garner the glares of most protest music. No, instead it was a personal protest record.

Peace Queer is as much about the iniquities of the school yard or neighborhood as it is about anything. From the opening march of “Mission Accomplished” to the spoken-word version of “Is This Thing Working?” the album puts a personal spin on the troubles of our world. With a folk-rock version of the classic “Fortunate Son” the EP finds a soulful, almost downtrodden sound that is deftly representative of the way I feel every time I watch another report from the Middle East. Sure, in Snider-fashion the work is wrought with sometimes-cynical and always sharp views, but those views aren’t something Snider is asserting are right, merely his observations. To paraphrase a recent email from Todd, the world doesn’t need advice from a “three-cord turd.” No, these are protests from a personal view and you can take them or leave them.

That’s not to say this isn’t a political album, it’s just about personal politics. There’s no bullshit from someone trying to convince you their way is the right way to live. There’s no one thumping you with a Bible or beating you with their Birkenstocks. There’s only the kind of ambiguity and observation that forces the engaged listener to do something we all too often abandon–thinking.

Peace Queer will be available on October 14, 2008.

So you’re still trying to “make it” as they say? Yeah? Me too…but today I have some actionable information to help you along.

Americana music is a booming business and there’s lots of ways to be involved: write and perform music, advocate for your favorite artists, get sloshed and spend next month’s rent on t-shirts and CDs at a Gourds show. Well, one of the best ways for folks to actually find a job in the music business is to know how music is made. In very simple terms: learn to make a record.

Before you barge right into MCA’s offices and ask for Steve Earle’s old job (yes, Todd Snider actually did that I believe), you might want to get some skills. Luckily Steve Fischell has thought of this and built a business to help you get a gig.

Music Producers Institute was founded by the famed Fischell and will open its doors for two recording sessions this fall. Both sessions will walk you through the entire album creation process. The first is in October and features the legendary Radney Foster! If you can’t make that session you can sign up for the November lessons with Raul Malo. Wow…talk about a dream come true.

Founded by GRAMMY-winning producer, former record label executive and veteran musician Steve Fishell, Music Producers Institute (MPI) hosts its fall sessions October 23-26 and November 20-23 at Sound Emporium studios in Nashville. Radney Foster will participate in the October sessions and Raul Malo in the November sessions. MPI will also partner with the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter to present the GRAMMY U MPI Workshop and Studio Tour on Thursday October 23 at Sound Emporium.

Music Producers Institute is an opportunity for students to experience a “real world” recording session in a world-class studio–from pre-production all the way through to mastering. MPI focuses on the creative side of producing records, as opposed to the engineering or technical side and they do it with well-known indie-world artists in the studio.

MPI sessions concentrate on the producer’s role in the studio and the many artistic decisions that must be made throughout the process including song selection and arranging; band pre-pro rehearsals and preparation before entering the studio; recognizing stellar studio performances while tracking, singing and doing overdubs; demonstrating a vocal mic shootout; and singing and comping a complete lead vocal along with a background vocal session.

“The producer is to music what the director is to film,” Fishell explains. “Just as the movie director supervises and coordinates the efforts of a team of actors, cinematographers, set designers, sound track composers, and other professionals, the music producer oversees the team of featured artists, musicians, songwriters, arrangers and engineers who contribute to the recording of commercial songs and albums. Whether working for a major label or acting independently, the producer is in large measure responsible for the project’s artistic and financial success.”

MPI also hosts seperate mixing and mastering days with world-class engineers at the board who answer all questions about their techniques. Daily guest lecturers drop by the studio for an hour to talk about their experiences in the studio.

MPI is a crash-course in record producing; it’s like five years of producing experience in four days, but with your favorite artists and in a class limited to only ten students.

All classes take place at world-famous Sound Emporium in Nashville. Future sessions are now being planned for winter 2009 with Jerry Douglas and a special spring 2009 at Pedernales Studios in Austin, Texas with Reckless Kelly.

You can learn more and register for sessions at www.musicpi.com, email sessions@musicpi.com or by calling 615-337-0092.

Well folks it’s Friday. The economy is tanking faster than Chris Cagle’s career, the election is getting ugly, and the only grocery store in my hometown is closing. We’re knee-deep in a cultural war that divides us between crazy bible-thumpers and nutjob treehuggers when we used to be in this thing together. Normal conversations are impossible because everyone is right in their own minds. The guys who screwed up Wall Street are getting huge payouts while folks in my neighborhood are working two jobs to keep their house. Nothing makes sense anymore.

Except music.

Right now I’ve got a steady rotation of Bruce Robison, Allison Moorer and Gram Parsons singing about everyday woes. Stories about average folks facing average problems help remind me that this Friday, no matter how far removed from the America I grew up loving, could still be a place where Main Street is more important than Wall Street.

And that’s Americana for you. To quote Pat Green, the music “can be just like a coat from the cold.”

So turn it up and try to have a good Friday in spite of ourselves.

One of the great pains this week is my inability to catch the Americana Music Association Awards this weekend. This year’s installment is an Americana fan’s wet dream:

• John Hiatt will receive the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting
• Jason and the Scorchers will likewise receive a Lifetime Achievement Award
• Levon Helm brought his legendary Midnight Ramble to the festival
• Artists like Glen Campbell, Jason Isbell, Donna Beasley, Kim Richey, Will Kimbrough, Mando Saenz, Joe Ely, The Band of Heathens, Ollabelle, Jim Lauderdale, Chatham County Line, Bruce Robison, Paul Thorn, James McMurtry, Cross Canadian Ragweed, The Duhks, Buddy Miller, Peter Cooper, Gary Louris and Mark Olson, Raul Malo, and the SteelDrivers are all making appearances. WOW!

So today as I sit here watching the world outside I’m cranking up a classic Hiatt disc to honor my fellow Hoosier!