I’m not a music critic but I always thought there should be 3 columns for those of you that are. 1) Required Listening – music one must hear from bands that are somewhat well known to extremely well known, 2) What Were They Thinking? – music from the aformentioned group that sucks and 3) Give Em a Chance – music from bands that are almost totally unknown, that show promise and whose music is quite enjoyable. I always go out of my way to support those that should be in the last group because they need the help more than anyone else. Frankly, they DESERVE the help. No big contracts or corporate support but hungry and want their stuff heard – not ot take anything away from the big guys like Steve Earle, Guy Clark, Robert Earle Keen and John Hiatt – for example – because I do support them too.
I have always enjoyed No Depression – hard and soft copy – because, since good radio stations are rare – if even in existence anymore – they turn me on to so many bands I would never hear. I recently learned of Fifth on the Floor and Sons of Bill here. I’m not sure where I heard of Whyskey Myers but they deserve mentioning too – despite their self proclaimed Lynard Skynard (ripped off) style. Great stuff and I’ve gone out and bought everything these bands have available.
So, if you would indulge me, let me add a band to this “Give Em a Chance” category. I recently heard Swamp Donkie (not to be confused with Swamp Donkey – also of note) in a bar in Punta Gorda Florida. They did a few covers but mostly they did their own stuff – and it is very good. In fact, I was sent some of their songs that aren’t on their CD and they were perhaps even a bit better. I’m encouraging John Whiteleather (lead) to get these songs on CDBaby too, in addition to their self-titled CD. I won’t bother you with which song is the best, they are all really good. The only downside is the live performance was sonically a tad better, but hey, live usually is – right?
So if you want to give someone a chance – give Swamp Donkie a listen. Guitar, fiddle and vocals. A fairly simple formula that works here. They too, DESERVE a chance……
