[country, rock and blues] daren't call it southern

Now this is not a joke. I'm serious and thank His Girl Friday for the tip. I've decided to put this up is because the piccies are superb. Just a word of warning - this youtube might flip over to the second track automatically so unless you press Pause, you could be listening to country all night:



This is going to come as a shock to regular readers but though it's true I'm not greatly into country music and certainly not into western, three country songs have been in my top ten favourites over 30 years:

1. Wide River, by Elvin Bishop. Can't get it on youtube or anywhere on the net for some reason but it's an absolute country classic. If any kind soul ever finds it, send it to me please.

2. In My Own Way, by the Marshall Tucker Band. The only possible way to get through this song in one piece is:

a. Get enough beer in;
b. Arrange the computer speakers near the window closest to the verandah;
c. Clear the bench, bring the nibbles and get started;
d. Sock back sufficient cleansing beers, you and your good lady, that you reach the maudlin stage;
e. Press play and let In My Own Way start;
f. If you happen to stumble inside at some stage, the fuzzy visuals on the clip should become crystal clear.

8. Travellin' Shoes, by Elvin Bishop. Forget the visuals on this one too - by now, she should be in your arms. After this song starts, you'll need to start dancing and brace yourself for the punch in the face at 1:22 and the end of your relationship.

Seriously though, non-Americans, give this one a chance - it's one of the country rock classics of all time, especially the last four minutes. Elvin Bishop's music was always so human and always had that element of high spirits and good humour to it.