Blackie & The Rodeo Kings "Shelter Me Lord"

There are times we are utterly overwhelmed by the sheer power and unpredictability of the weather. We wish healing and rapid rebuilding of lives for the tornado victims in Oklahoma, for the wildfire victims in California, and for the flood victims on the Mississippi River and elsewhere. Here is hoping for a quiet weather map this coming week. And this is a reminder that if you can help, the Red Cross is a good place to donate to disaster victims.

Photo Credit: Brian O'Brien

How about a song of faith? “Shelter Me Lord” is today’s tune, and it is from the pen of Buddy Miller. It was originally released on his album, Universal United House of Prayer. Though just a few years old, it has already been covered by Paul Thorn on What The Hell Is Goin’ On, as well as Blackie & The Rodeo Kings on their Kings & Queens. Almost two years ago, Music Fog set up shop at Marathon Recorders during the Americana Fest in Nashville. Of course plans are well underway for this year’s conference in September. Here is Blackie & The Rodeo Kings: Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson, along with John Dymond and Brian Owings, captured by the Music Fog crew at Americana Fest in 2011.

- Jessie Scott

Lake Street Dive "Got Me Fooled"

From here on my perch in New Jersey, the destruction that Sandy left behind is surreal. We still have no power at the house, so I sleep with many layers on, plus with my hooded jacket. I am thankful that it wasn't worse in my neighborhood. Some fared better, and tragically, some lost everything. I do have power at work, so it is possible to get some things done. It is remarkable how important having a charge for your phone is. The power strip has become king. Last night I waited on a gas line for an hour, only to have them run out before I got there. I can't wait til I can do the laundry again!

So I have the blues, along with all the other folks in the huge swath that Sandy cut. As life slowly returns to normal, I figured it would be soothing to hear a bluesy number today from Lake Street Dive doing the ultimate cold shoulder tune, “Got Me Fooled.” The band entered the studio mid-month in Maine to record their next album. They are as off the grid as you can get while they explore the creative process, and we can’t wait to hear what they lay down. We bring you a track from their self-titled album, done up Music Fog style from our Fall Marathon last year during Americana Fest in Nashville at Marathon Recorders.

Jessie Scott

Gretchen Peters "Five Minutes"

Today, this right here, is exactly what is wrong with today’s country music. The emotional resonance is just up and gone, you know? Everything is too squeaky clean, too packaged and predictable. Not like this song. This covers ground! This takes you from the insignificant to what is really happening with a fine eye for detail, one that makes it possible for all of us to see ourselves.

I was going to write about how fast everything is, then remind you to get your doctor for a check-up, and then I was just swept away by the human drama; regret, sadness and resignation to it all. What a song. And what a performance. Gretchen Peters is an impassioned purveyor of the truth. She is also on tour, glory be! You should go see her if she is in your neck of the woods! This is “Five Minutes,” from Gretchen’s latest album Hello Cruel World, with Barry Walsh on keys.

-Jessie Scott