My Bird Performs

So, it seems that I've stumbled into yet another Peoria adventure. I guess unemployment has its advantages sometimes, though I think I might be getting too comfortable with the rambling life.

Speaking of rambling, Bobby Bare, Jr. is readying for a new album release on September 26. Titled The Longest Meow, it was (according to AllMusic.com) "recorded in eleven hours one Saturday in March, 2006 with members of My Morning Jacket, ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, Lambchop, and Clem Snide sitting in as the current incarnation of Bare's Young Criminals Starvation League". Now, that sounds like a fine way to spend a weekend. However, the reviewer goes on to explain that the final product might not live up to the recording process itself. I guess I'll reserve judgment for a couple of weeks. Until then, have fun with some tracks from Nick Nacks and Paddy Whacks, Bare's tour-only live release,



Bobby Bare, Jr. - I'll Be Around. During the awkward post-mortem of a recently discontinued relationship, there's no better feeling than watching an ex-lover's initially seamless transition back to single life come crashing down around them. Times like these produce interesting combinations of schadenfreude and genuine concern, as well as songs like this. Bobby Bare plays the part of the stalwart, if ignored, other half, ready to help pick up the pieces in exchange for a simple melancholy guilt trip.

Bobby Bare, Jr. - Mayonnaise Brain. And then, there's the rock. One of Bare's most endearing qualities is his tendency towards fits of studied rambunctiousness. Sure, the voice may be just sloppy enough, and the guitars may weave the drunken fuzz almost too deliberately, but, in the end, the usefulness of a restrained approach outweighs the tempting destructiveness of a full-on meltdown.

Posted by Tyler on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 10:56 PM | Permalink