I have got to quote some Townes Van Zandt here from “White Freight Liner,” “….Half of my friends are dying.” Monday I heard the news that Carl Gardner, who was a founding member of The Coasters, passed. I got to know him during my tenure at Old Town in Kissimmee, Florida, when I was working with the larger-than-life Wolfman Jack. My heart goes out to Carl’s wife and manager Veta and the rest of family. He was an American original, that’s for sure.
It has been a tapestry of rich threads, memorable characters, and as much present time as I can muster. During Bonnaroo on Friday, I wandered over to the Sonic Stage to see Hayes Carll’s performance there. Got to chat with him a minute afterwards. I am so proud of him for this album, and for being so nose to the grindstone as he has been for the last 5 years. The song that we bring you today speaks of all the broken heartedness that life has to offer, yet, the glimmer of hope that lives in each of our hearts. Keep it safe, protect it from the cold winds blowing it out, and it will serve you well. If it was 20 years ago, this would be a stone smash on country radio. But mainstream country don’t swing this way that much anymore. Good thing we do. “Chances Are” was filmed during our AmericanaFest coverage in Nashville in September.
-Jessie Scott
PS: There is now an official video for “Another Like You,” with a cameo from Mary Matalin and James Carville (WARNING: It starts with a commercial. We are sorry, but we can’t do anything about that.)
And there are a pile of dates coming.
