Border Radio

This was fun. The great cliches of rural american music: factory closures, no good cheatin', "i done a crime and will be hanged", "troubles I got - you have no idea mate", "this town is fucked, i'm leaving" and the classic "all my problems are solved by drinking to excess". As well as few songs about significant weather events and a couple of warnings that war is bad and love is a bit tricky.

A selection of 60's and 70's tunes that are never forgotten. Also i speak to Finn Mclennan about promoting "Under The Arcade" a showcase of some of the best folksingers and songwriters which is happening at Whammy backroom and Wine Cellar this friday night Dec 7. Finn has started a label called Second Hand News which is also a folkmusic blog and he is starting to book tours and promote incoming overseas artist.

All over the place tonight with a blast from 1974 Rory Gallagher, brand spanking new Mary Elaine Jenkins and Sarah Shook and the Disarmers. Some outlaw country that might have actually been a bit shit, Marty Robbins, and some sadly beautiful Slaid Cleaves. Billy Bragg and Joe Henry because Billy's here this week, and a nudge to The Eastern and a couple from Reb Fountain just because those folks are national treasures.

Had some fun with a show full of covers and standards. So you've got your classic In The Pines, Knoxville Girls, Oh Susanna's and Long Black Veils as well as Townes doing Bruce, Joe Strummer doing Bob Marley, Johnny Cash doing Soundgarden, Shovels and Rope doing the Ramones and a lady called Katy Melua doing The Cure's Just Like Heaven so beautifully that people were fizzing on the phone line. Tuck in and enjoy.