If It's Too Loud...

We've covered quite a few tributes to Justine Covault in the eleven months since her passing, but this is the first that actually features the late musician. Released yesterday on her birthday, "You're Still Standing There" is a cover of the Steve Earle/Lucinda Williams classic duet featuring Tom Baker and Justine Covault. It's a nearly perfect cover, right down to the inclusion of harmonica. It may not have been meant as a tribute to a great musician and greatly missed member of the Boston music scene, but unfortunately that's how it ended up. On the Bandcamp post for the song, Tom Baker says of it: "Justine and I started doing this song live a few years ago and liked it so much that we recorded it but never released it. Even though you’ve since left us Justine, with my heart turning upside down, I will always know You’re Still Standing There." You can listen to Tom Baker and Justine Covault's cover of "You're Still Standing There"...

In a year of complete shit, Justin Townes Earle's death truly hit me hard. I can't even imagine how it affected his family, especially his parents. Steve Earle channeled his grief into an album of his late son's music. The first single is "Harlem River Blues." It's a perfect remake, as you would expect from this type of tribute album. I'm going to avoid any attempts at delving into the new meaning of Steve Earle singing Justin's words, or attempt to dissect intonations in his voice. The song is a perfect tribute, and a must listen for fans of either Earle. You can listen to Steve Earle & The Dukes take on "Harlem River Blues" below. J.T.  will be released digitally on January 4, which would have been Justin's thirty-ninth birthday. Physical releases will follow on March 19 via New West Records. All royalties and artist advances will be put into a trust for Justin and Jenn Earle's three year old daughter. You can pre-order your cop...

Artist : Indigo Girls Album : Look Long Quick Description : New album from the folk legends. Why You Should Listen : I'm not someone who has ever really liked them, and I really liked this. Overall Thoughts : Everyone likes "Closer to Fine," and I'm very partial to 1994's "Least Complicated," but this is not a duo I've ever really gotten into. No specific reason, just not my style. This, however, is my style. This is a bit of a fun romp in some places, and a serious piece in others, and there are songs like album opener "Shit Kickin'" that just really do it for me. Don't skip out on this one, especially if you have some preconceived notions about the act. Recommendation : A solid listen this week. Artist : Steve Earle and the Dukes Album : Ghosts of West Virginia Quick Description : Another new album from another legend. Why You Should Listen : Steve Earle is basically showing us how classic, outlaw country is done. ...

Photo by Ken Sears Despite considering myself a fairly big Steve Earle fan, I had only seen him once before: The 2008 Newport Folk Festival, where instead of a backing band he performed with a DJ. For ten years I've wanted to see an actual Steve Earle set, but it hasn't worked out. (Not to mention I'm insanely cheap with concert tickets, and Steve Earle isn't an inexpensive show.) When I found out he was closing out the 2018 Prescott Park Arts Festival for an $8.00 suggested donation, I obviously had to make the trip. I had previously heard Steve Earle & The Dukes were going to be performing Copperhead Road in its entirely to celebrate the album's 30th anniversary, but I hadn't realized the Prescott Park show was going to be one of those performances. It was a pleasant and welcome surprise, especially with "Snake Oil" and "The Devil's Right Hand" present on that album. The night even included the album's closing song, "...

Thao & the Get Down Stay Down (Photo by Ken Sears) Located in Portsmouth, NH, Prescott Park is this absolutely beautiful and scenic public park right on the river. While just about every public park in America will have weekly music, it's usually the local marching band or jazz ensemble, mostly for senior citizens and families with small children. Prescott Park Arts Festival put on amazing shows every year with a TON of If It's Too Loud... approved artists.  I've only made it up there once for a Carolina Chocolate Drops show in 2013, but it hasn't worked out. This year I'm planning to make the trek a bunch. One of the best parts is the cost. They get a lot of acts that I'd normally be priced out of (you know, the $50+ range), but they only ask for a suggested donation around $10. Sure, you can cruise right in without paying anything, but you really should to keep this alive. You can see their full schedule here , with more to be added. This is a list of ...

The Green River Festival has long been one of the most beloved, if almost secret, annual New England music festivals. It was long run by the Greenfield, MA Chamber of Commerce and because of that always seemed to be geared towards an older audience. That started to change back in 2013 with the inclusion of Gogol Bordello to the festival, and last year it started being presented by Signature Sounds , the fantastic Northampton, MA based record label. The festival sold out in advance last year, and this year will be an even quicker sell out for its 29th year. Saturday is just ridiculous with Tune-Yards, Wood Brothers, western MA rock god J Mascis, Booker T. Jones, Milk Carton Kids, Langhorne Slim & the Law, blog favorite Lydia Loveless, Polaris (aka the band from The Adventures of Pete & Pete !), and more. Sunday is also solid with Steve Earle & the Dukes, Punch Brothers, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Valerie June, Elephant Revival, Joe Pug, and more. Besides music, the festi...