myboyblue

He really is quite talented. I was able to see him open for Drive-by Truckers this year and immediately bought his album. Not sure about Album of the year but it's definitely in my top 40.

It's tough to remember back that long. I do remember 120 minutes fairly fondly. That said, I always found most music videos pretentious. Lip synching, looking serious, overly dramatic, etc. I do like some of the live videos and I loved seeing interviews with bands that I did like. Pearl Jam is one of the last bands that mattered on MTV...and I liked them much more once they stopped making videos.

wow, that is a pretty damn good list. Good to see MTV maintaining their indie cred.

I have yet to see a crowd disappointed with Jay/Son Volt during a show. He may not have the showmanship of some band leads but he is very into what he is doing and sounds great live.

I cringe every time I see a Son Volt thread on VC. Very rarely will anything of interest come from it. I agree that "The Search" and "Okemah" are both excellent efforts. "The Search" probably could have been edited back by a song or two but I'm actually surprised that those around these parts don't widely like it. As far as live shows go, I think Jay is putting on far better shows nowadays than when he was in Uncle Tupelo. I'd pick a Jay solo show in a small club over Wilco at Pritzker Auditorium any day of the week (although that doesn't say too much ).

I really like it. I was a big Feelies fan and this brings back some of the warm fuzzies for me. The Wake Ooloo records were nice but never blew me away. "Wheels in Motion" blows me away a bit. NP: Okkervil River - "Golden Opportunities Mixtape"

Hope you have a great one. Happy B-day!

the shuffle is absolutely great for exercising. iTunes is actually one of the perks of iPod. Great software, easy to use, easy to buy (almost too easy). The nano is also good for exercise. Costs a bit more but there is a display.

Completely agree that Dirty South & Decoration Day are about as solid all the way thru as anything I've listened to in the last several years. I've had the new EP on regular repeat but haven't heard the entire new album as of yet. If the entire album has tracks that are better than the EP, I'm pumped. Side note - I downloaded from iTunes and it appears as if the sound is kind of screwed up. Anyone else ever have issue with this? Sounds kind of muffled and there is some static during "3 dimes down". I reported it but not sure if I'll hear back from them.

I highly recommend walking down the row of Honky Tonks early afternoon to late afternoon. The place is bustling, talented musicians, beer, food, etc. There really isn't an experience quite like it. That was the highlight for me.

Happy b-day. Have a great one!

secret?

"The Righteous Path" is one of my favorite DBT songs thus far. I have only heard the iTunes EP thus far but I really like everything on it.

i'm late, but it's still your b-day! Enjoy.

have a great one, Lammy!

Yes, thanks for posting. I was in desperate need of some new music to get me to January. Some great covers on this.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas and an even better new year!

And I love St. Louis. Keep in mind that you guys get many more Son Volt/Jay Farrar appearances than we do up here. Your pizza isn't quite as good but Jay is alway good to see live.

Ditto that. I also like "Let it Snow" and "White Christmas".

I think somebody has "Chicago Envy".

I feel bad for the St. Louis folks. However, that said, Wilco is very much a Chicago band. Jeff has spent most of his adult life living here, getting married, having kids, etc. I know they don't all live here now but based on the number of shows they have played here, his current residence, the place where they record and the fact that his wife owned a legendary club that Wilco frequented, I have to say they are a Chicago band. Uncle Tupelo wasn't a Chicago band.

i'm quite certain that they will play every song Wilco ever wrote at the Riviera 'residency'.

RIP - Coincidentally, I watched a Jools Holland show w/Joe Strummer last night on Comcast on demand. Great stuff. The mescaleros were phenomenal. Where are they now? Also, highly recommend the new Strummer documentary...