I just checked on his date in DC. He's opening for Justin Jones. Weird. He's been headlining tours in the past, I wonder if this is just for that one, or if he's taking stepping out of the spotlight for a bit.

Cooley getting clean? Is he not drinking anymore?

getting "clean" was a poor choice of words. He quit smoking and cut back on his drinking.

d/l'ed it, gonna wade in now.

(crosses fingers, drags waste basket closer in case of puke)

and this was A+ btw.

Jeesus, "Dancin' Ricky" is just... tired.

Hasn't the iron been hot for 5-6 years now? I know they continue to build on their success with each album but it's not like this new tour or new album is going to make them pop stars. They've been playing the same size venues (sold out mostly) for years down here. I guess I just take exception that all of this is an excuse for putting out lackluster material and I certainly think "dealing with families" isn't the reason Cooley collapsed in Europe. I just think this band has always been blue collar and I think they're terrified of losing what they've gained so they continue to push and push and work and work. Sometimes you got to let the creative juices recharge.

Full disclosure, I haven't heard a note of Go Go Boots yet but it was all but in the can by the time The Big To Do tour started and was recorded at many of the same sessions.

ALso, The Big To Do will be in my top 20 and think it's another solid addition to their catalog but completely understand Rads point of view that much of their new output is starting to sound stale.

The family issues were on the Patterson side. As far as them being hot for 5-6 years, I agree that maybe press and critics have been paying attention to them, but from going to shows I've seen more and more people coming and shows selling out more and more. Of course this is me close to the Mason/Dixon, so take that for what its worth. The Big To Do was supposed to be a "make 'em or break 'em" record. Unfortunately, it wasn't the hit that people thought it would be. I do think that they are making strides in the public forum (i.e. magazine covers, ACL, festivals). They've been crazy about social media as well, making little vignettes for each song, etc, not to mention promoting the documentary.

Am i the only one who thinks their best record is The Dirty South?

It's close for me between the Dirty South and Decoration Day. Probably give the nod to Dirty South but kind of depends on mood.

no

I know it's shocking, but Tanner and I agree.

I think I probably listen to Dirty South the least. I'm definitely a SRO/DD guy.

FYI:

DBT's NYE show at Terminal 5 in NYC will be broadcast live on Sirius XM's Outlaw Country channel.

Patterson's year-end wrap-up

http://www.rollogrady.com/patterson-hood-2010-year-end-round-up/

He is truly a wise man...

That Dylan Leblanc album will probably make my top 10. Or just outside of it.

FYI - this is about former 40 Watt bar manager, Ricky P, who now holds the same job at Brooklyn Bowl.

i like the title track, but not a whole lot else

thankgiving filter ain't bad

Interesting. I didn't know him. Must've been after my time. I knew Barry and some bartenders over the years, but no Ricky.

Finally gave this a spin last night. I refused to believe going in that it was as bad as you guys said, but man should I have. "Everybody Needs Love" is groovy as hell, but beyond that there wasn't too much else to get excited about. Oh well. I'll still buy it and go see them whenever they're playing within 150 miles.

But, FR is dead right about them bringing the fucking heat live these days. I downloaded the 40 Watt show last night. Now I am just waiting for them to replace Shonna with Oteil Burbridge, and start playing 35 minute versions of stuff like Hell No I Aint Happy.

Oh, and I can't wait to hear "Mercy Buckets" live.

Which night was it? Apparently Friday's show was off-the-hook craziness.