We Music Foggers have had the pleasure of seeing some really great performances so far in this musical odyssey of ours. So, we decided to put together a "Staff Picks" list quite similar those in your friendly neighborhood video store (are they still around?). Anyway...each Music Fog staff member has chosen their favorite video that we've recorded so far. Listen...we love EVERY artist, we're just having a little fun here.
Jessie Scott (Chief Music Officer)
My fav is Jim McBean's Local Radio throw-down at the 2009 Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball. In light of all the recent firings in the radio industry, it is unfortunatley becoming even truer! And you didn't think I could pick a musical performance over all the others did you? And piss off the rest? I don't think so...
Jim McBean (Chief Technical Stuff Officer)
My Favorite Music Fog video is without a doubt James McMurtry’s “Rachel’s Song.” What an intense guy! He’s writes the real story, and doesn’t mind keeping his ties tight with the “Prozac industry.” Hey, he said it himself on stage at SXSW right after sparing with Jessie Scott in what I would perceive as an unhinged interview. It’s clear that the guy doesn’t want to have a self-absorbed discussion, because he has nothing more to add other than what’s already baked into his lyrics. I have to admit our Jessie Scott does try to get in there no matter what. But McMurtry can’t be cornered like a cat. Nice try Jess. McMurtry’s intellect is in his performance. Just him with a 12-string guitar is fine by me. He fills the room effortlessly. And if you are lucky enough to get caught in his intense stare – watch out. You’ll never find it easy to stare back, but you can’t help yourself.
Ben Krech (Chief Interneting Officer)
She showed up tired, hungry, and focused. I don't know if it was the fact that we forced her to perform this song twice, or if it's simply her honest emotion, but Lynn Miles "Fearless Heart" from Folk Alliance 2009 is my pick. Just listen to the lyrics, man! As a person with a mild degree of mental illness, I can completely relate to the opening line, "I wish I had a quiet mind." I ain't gonna lie to ya'll, I had never heard of Lynn before that event, but she impressed the hell out of me. I stand by this pick.
Runner Up Favorite: Bobby Bare Jr "Rock & Roll Halloween"
Aaron Lee (Chief Giant and Audio Goon Officer)
Shurman "Didn't I Tell You." When the guys from Shurman decided, just before load in (SXSW 2009), to ditch their original configuration of acoustic instruments stating, "We're a rock band." I knew it was going to be a great set. What I didn't know was how much passion and energy would flow through the cables back to the mixing console. It felt like they were performing in front of throngs of fans at a festival, rather than an intimate crowd in the back room of Threadgill's. This performance captures the raw essence of a band at their live roots, steamrolling their way into Americana history, and you are witness.
Runner Up Favorite: Eilen Jewell "Sea of Tears"
Sheila (Executive Vice President of Gophering/Texting/Fry Sauce)
I'm going with Kevin Welch "Marysville" from SXSW 2009. This song was inspired by true events and it's very impressive to take such a tragic event, write a wonderful song and be able to give back to the inspiration in a positive way. Seriously who doesn't like charity? Simple words carry a lot of weight. This is from the song: "I am a stranger where ever I go but I see what I see and I know what I know." It's a reflection of Kevin as a traveling musician but also can apply to anyone. The simplicity of the statement is amazing because the meaning is not...