This is a special re-podcast of last year’s Christmas show… kinda like re-gifting… Here’s the iTunes link to subscribe to or download the show and here’s the direct download link to listen right now on your computer.  Check the artist’s websites and order their CD’s or downloads and tell ‘em you heard the songs on the FTB podcast.  Don’t forget to email me with your picks for the best music releases of 2009!  4 names will be picked to receive a special “grab bag of CD’s”.  Enjoy the holiday season!

The Boxmasters – My Dreams of Christmas Christmas Cheer
Commander Cody- Daddy’s Drinking Up Our Christmas Hillbilly Holiday
Rosie Flores – Christmas Every Day Christmasville
Mark Erelli – Ain’t No Time of Year To Be Alone Hillbilly Pilgrim
The Davis Sisters – The Christmas Boogie Hillbilly Holiday
(mic break)
Brad Stubbs – Cowboy Christmas
Antsy McClain – Christmas at the Trailer Park Christmas at the Trailer Park
BR-549 – The Christmas Song To Kate
Pearl Bailey – 5 Pound Box of Money Hipsters Holiday
The Christmas Jug Band – Santa Lost a Ho Uncorked
(mic break)
Cam Penner – Balsam Fir
Robert Earl Keen – Merry Christmas From The Family
Jimmy Baldwin & Michael Oneill -Beer Can Christmas Tree
Asleep At The Wheel -Jungle Bell Boogie Merry Texas Christmas Ya’All
Phil Lee -Xmas Time With You
(mic break)
Hayes Carll –Grateful For Christmas

Bill Frater
Freight Train Boogie

Brenda Lee diorama

Show #50 features Christmas songs, both classic and not-so-classic, by both Americana and not-so-Americana artists.   There are a few new holiday releases from JEFF TALMADGE, GRETCHEN PETERS, BYRD & STREET and JOHN COWAN. The full playlist is posted below.  Here’s the iTunes link to subscribe to or download the show and here’s the direct download link to listen right now on your computer.  Check the artist’s websites and order their CD’s or downloads and tell ‘em you heard the songs on the FTB podcast.  Please  email me with any questions, comments or suggestions for the podcasts.

Show #50 (It’s Christmas Time Again!)

JOHN COWAN – Christmas Everyday Comfort and Joy
NRBQ – Christmas Wish
FOSTER & LLOYD – Christmas List
ADRIENNE YOUNG – Just Like Christmas
ZEE AVI – No Christmas For Me
CHRISTMAS JUG BAND -  I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
JOHN EVANS – Christmas In Texas Lollygaggin’
(mic break)
JEFF TALMADGE – In The Quiet Of Christmas
JOHN PRINE – I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
LOUIS ARMSTRONG – Zat You, Santa Claus?
BILL KIRCHEN – Santa Don’t Pass Me By
THE MOJO GURUS – Santa Won’t You Please Bring Me Some Beer
HANK SNOW – Reindeer Boogie
GRETCHEN PETERS – (Charlie’s) Angels Northern Lights
(mic break)
BYRD & STREET – Ain’t No Merry in Christmas
RIDERS IN THE SKY – Christmas at the Triple X Ranch
THE DRIFTERS – White Christmas
(mic break)
STEVE EARLE & ALLISON MOORER – Nothing But a Child For Kate’s Sake

Have a joyous holiday!

Bill Frater
Freight Train Boogie

Show #49 features a hodgepodge of recent independent Americana releases.  Artists include DAVID WILCOX, NELL ROBINSON, THE O’S, and JUDY TAMPA & BUNKO SQUAD. The full playlist is posted below.  Here’s the iTunes link to subscribe to or download the show and here’s the direct download link to listen right now on your computer.  Check the artist’s websites and order their CD’s or downloads and tell ‘em you heard the songs on the FTB podcast.  Please  email me with any questions, comments or suggestions for the podcasts.

Show #49

AMERICAN GUN – Girl In Texas Devil Showed Me His Hand
JUDY TAMPA & BUNKO SQUAD – Blindsided Tainted
ANDY FRIEDMAN & THE OTHER FAILURES- Road Trippin’ Daddy Weary Things
THE SHANKS – Oh, Oakland Russian River Songs
(mic break)
DAVID WILCOX – Modern World Open Hand
PEGGY WHITE – Still The One Falling
WINK KEZIAH - Country Comes To Town Hard Times
LODA DIMES – I Got Drinkin’ To Do 10¢ Instant Rebate
(mic break)
NELL ROBINSON – Misty Moonlight Loango
THE O’S -  We’ve Had Everything We Are the O’s
KELLY MANIX – Precious Emerald City
ASYLUM STREET SPANKERS -   Volkswagen Thing God’s Favorite Band
(mic break)
KATHRYN WILLIAMS and NEILL MacCOLL – Armchair Two

Bill Frater
Freight Train Boogie

Here are some of the better  music releases for the week of Deceber 8th, 2009.  The artist’s names link to their websites or MySpace pages and the CD title links go to either Amazon or CD Baby for easy ordering.  This will be the last new releases for 2009… but it’s now your opportunity to vote for your favorite CD releases of the year and your list could get posted here or on the Freight Train Boogie website AND you just might be one of 5 lucky winners of a grab bag of free Americana CD’s!  Vote now to this address with Top Ten of ‘09 in the subject line. Thanks and Happy Holidays!

JIMMY BUFFETT – Buffet Hotel (Mailboat)
New Album from the veteran singer, songwriter, author and American icon. Produced by long-time Coral Reefers, Mike Utley and Mac McAnally, the record contains 12 new songs including the opening track “Nobody From Nowhere” written by Will Kimbrough and Tommy Womack of band named DADDY.  Guest artists include Sonny Landreth, Jake Shimabukuro, Cedric Burnside  and Toumani Diabate.

SHANNON McNALLY AND HOT SAUCE – Coldwater (self released)
Coldwater is Shannon’s  10th album. She recorded it with her traveling band Hot Sauce, who are based out of Northern Mississippi. It was recorded at the late, great Jim Dickinson’s Zebra Ranch Studio in Coldwater, Mississippi. Dickinson also played keys on the session.

Various Artists – Freight Train Boogie 2: A Collection of Americana Music (Jackalope)
Ok, I admit that I co-produced this CD, but truthfully, it’s a great collection of songs!  Featuring new songs by LAURIE LEWIS, BRUCE ROBISON, DAVE ALVIN, AUDREY AULD and other songs by fine  artists.  And all profits go to KRCB-FM, public radio in Northern California.

NEIL YOUNG – Dreamin’ Man Live ‘92 (WEA)
The album is a complete live performance of Young’s album Harvest Moon drawn from various solo acoustic shows he performed in 1992 before the actual release of the album, which makes this performance even more unique.

.. more new releases.

Here’s a link to this week’s Americana Music Association  Americana Airplay Chart

Bill Frater
Freight Train Boogie

Show #48 features the new CD by CHIP TAYLOR called Yonkers NY.  Also new releases from  STAN MARTIN and WRINKLE NECK MULES. The full playlist is posted below.  Here’s the iTunes link to subscribe to or download the show and here’s the direct download link to listen right now on your computer. Check the artist’s websites and order their CD’s or downloads and tell ‘em you heard the songs on the FTB podcast.  Please  email me with any questions, comments or suggestions for the podcasts.

Show #48

CHIP TAYLOR - Hey Jonny (Did You Feel That Movie) Yonkers, NY
BARNEY BENTALL -  Hold My Heart The Inside Passage
MANDY MARIE AND THE COOL HAND LUKES – This Old Tattoo $600 Boots
WRINKLE NECK MULES – One Hand In The Furnace Let the Lead Fly
(mic break)
CAROLINE HERRING- See See Rider Golden Apples of the Sun
ISRAEL NASH GRIPKA - Let Me Down New York Town
JAY SIMS – Rest Of The Way Half Souls and Heals
CHIP TAYLOR – Barry Go On (Put Yourself On The Mountain) Yonkers, NY
(mic break)
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES – Empire Duluth
SHOTGUN PARTY - Paints A Yates Mean Old Way
STAN MARTIN – Missing You Blues Love Ain’t That Tough
TOM CATMULL AND THE CLERICS – After I’m Gone Glamour Puss
(mic break)
CHIP TAYLOR – Bastard Brothers Yonkers, NY

Bill Frater
Freight Train Boogie

Here are some of the better Americana music releases for the week of November 24th, 2009.   Things are starting to slow down… this week is mostly imports, but good stuff.  The artist’s names link to their websites or MySpace pages and the CD title links go to either Amazon or CD Baby for easy ordering.

BLUE RODEO – The Things We Left Behind (Phantom Sound & Vision)
This is a 2-CD Canadian import from Canada’a best “Americana” band,  they’ll release a US version in January.

LITTLE KASEY CHAMBERS & THE LOST MUSIC – Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill And The Little Hillbillies
Deluxe Australian CD + book release from the chart-topper and mother of two.  An album of family friendly songs recorded with father Bill Chambers (Poppa Bill) and the Little Hillbillies plus a gorgeous children’s book entitled ‘Little Kasey Chambers and The Lost Music’.  Contains 16 family-friendly songs in a full color hard cover CD sized book plus a bonus CD featuring an audio reading of the book by Kasey.

HEAD, HANDS AND FEET – Tracks (Import)
Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this 1971 album from the British band led by Albert Lee before he replaced James Burton in Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band.

THE TENNESSEE BOLTSMOKERS – Vintage All American Dream (Madjack)
Third release from this  left of center bluegrass band.   “The idea for the record really started with the title track, which I wrote after spending a day at a flea market thumbing through old vinyl collections and browsing a few thrift shops for some snap shirts and jeans.”

Various Artists – Dim Lights, Thick Smoke & Hillbilly Music: Country & Western Hit Parade 1951 (Bear Family)
This is one of 5 single disc releases on the famous and pricey German label.

TOM WAITS – Glitter and Doom Live (Anti-)
From 2008’s southern US tour,  17 performances hand picked by Waits from along the tour.  Nice deluxe packaging with photo booklet and a 2 CD called “Tom’s Tales” which is his between song banter and stories.  Amazon has a great price…

…coming soon: JIMMY BUFFETT, NEIL YOUNG, (both coming out Dec. 8th)… more new releases.

Here’s a link to this week’s Americana Music Association  Americana Airplay Chart

Bill Frater
Freight Train Boogie

Show #47 features the new CD by DAVE RAWLINGS MACHINE called A Friend of a Friend.  Also new releases from  CORRINNE WEST and STEVEN CASPER & COWBOY ANGST. The full playlist is posted below.  Here’s the iTunes link to subscribe or download the show and here’s the direct download link to listen right now on your computer. Check the artist’s websites and order their CD’s or downloads and tell ‘em you heard the songs on the FTB podcast.  Please  email me with any questions, comments or suggestions for the podcasts.

Show #47

DAVE RAWLINGS MACHINE - How’s About You A Friend of a Friend
DOUG & TELISHA WILLIAMS -  Kitchen Light Ghost of the Knoxville Girl
GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS – Still Lost Channels
CHRIS SMITHER – I Told You So Time Stands Still
(mic break)
CORRINNE WEST – Lily Ann The Promise
JOHNSON’S CROSSROAD – Those Lonesome Blues Blood in Black and White
MATT URMY – Renaissance Rodeo New Season Comin’ (East Nashville, Volume 3)
DAVE RAWLINGS MACHINE - Sweet Tooth A Friend of a Friend
(mic break)
STONE RIVER BOYS – Bluebonnet Blue (EP)
BETTY SOO – Get Clean Heat Sin Water Skin
THE COALMEN – Houston Memory Kids With Songs
STEVEN CASPER & COWBOY ANGST – Takes Me Back Topanga Ranch Motel
(mic break)
DAVE RAWLINGS MACHINE - Bells Of Harlem A Friend of a Friend

Bill Frater
Freight Train Boogie

Here are some of the better Americana music releases for the week of November 17th, 2009.  The artist’s names link to their websites or MySpace pages and the CD title links go to either Amazon or CD Baby for easy ordering.

NORAH JONES – The Fall (Blue Note)
Norah has taken a new direction, experimenting with different sounds and a new set of collaborators, including producer Jacquire King,  several songwriting collaborators, including Ryan Adams and Okkervil River’s Will Sheff, as well as her frequent partners Jesse Harris & Richard Julian. Musicians include drummers Joey Waronker  and James Gadson, keyboardist James Poyser, and cool guitarists Marc Ribot  and Smokey Hormel.  Norah even plays some guitar herself.  The 2 songs I’ve heard so far sounded really good!

BETH McKEE – I’m That Way: A Salute to Bobby Charles (Solo2/Burnside)
Beth McKee is a deeply moving Southern singer who loves the music of songwriter Bobby Charles so much she has recorded a whole album of his originals, which just happen to be some of the best songs ever written.  Ranging from “See You Later Alligator” to classics like “But I Do” and “Walkin’ to New Orleans,” right through “Tennessee Blues” and “Last Train to Memphis.”  The center of this music comes from southern Louisiana, great songs, well sung.

DAVID RAWLINGS MACHINE – A Friend of a Friend (Acony)
Just when I thought I’ve had my Top Ten CD’s for the year pretty much settled, along comes Rawlings, Gillian Welch partner and collaborator, with a beautiful debut album. Contributors includes bluegrass band Old Crow Medicine Show, Benmont Tench, and of course, Gillian Welch.  I anticipated a rockin’ set but this is mostly filled with nice acoustic songs featuring a 10 minute version of Conor Oberst’s “Method Acting” melding with Neil Young’s “Cortez The Killer.”  Highly recommended!

DAN ZANES AND FRIENDS – 76 Trombones (Festival Five)
Ex-rocker Zane has made an amazing career out of playing children’s music that adults like too, saving a whole generation from more Raffi songs.  Here he takes on Broadway classics like “Hello Dolly!”, “Gary, Indiana”, and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile.”  Happy and ingenious arrangements are what makes his albums work.  Think Christmas present for friends with young children.

…coming soon: BLUE RODEO, KASEY CHAMBERS, TOM WAITS, THE TENNESSEE BOLTSMOKERS …  more new releases.

Here’s a link to this week’s Americana Music Association  Americana Airplay Chart

Bill Frater
Freight Train Boogie

Show #46 features the new CD by SHELLEY KING called Welcome Home … and she’s backed by the subdudes.  Also new releases from  REBECCA TURNER, CHUCK PROPHET and LEEANN ATHERTON. The full playlist is posted below.  Here’s the iTunes link to subscribe or download the show and here’s the direct download link to listen right now on your computer. Check the artist’s websites and order their CD’s or downloads and tell ‘em you heard the songs on the FTB podcast.  Please  email me with any questions, comments or suggestions for the podcasts.

Show #46

SHELLEY KING - Everything’s All Right Welcome Home
CHUCK PROPHET - What Can A Mother Do Let Freedom Ring!
NORTON BUFFALO – Lovin’ in the Valley of the Moon Lovin’ in the Valley of the Moon
THE DIXIE BEE-LINERS – Heavy – Susanville
(mic break)
LEEANN ATHERTON – Daily Blues Heart Traveled Road
ERNEST TROOST – Real Music Resurrection Blues
DeSOTO RUST – Six Appeals Highway Gothic
SHELLEY KING - How You Make Me Feel Welcome Home
(mic break)
REBECCA TURNER -Listen Slowpokes
ALLEN THOMPSON - All These Years 26 Years
THE ALLENDALES – Drunkard’s Dream of Immortality Low Morals & High Standards
ANGELA EASTERLING – Big Wide World Blacktop Road
(mic break)
SHELLEY KING - Welcome Home Welcome Home

Bill Frater
Freight Train Boogie

Here are some of the better Americana music releases for the week of November 10th, 2009.   A surprising amount of female singers are featured, which is always good!   The artist’s names link to their websites or MySpace pages and the CD title links go to either Amazon or CD Baby for easy ordering.

PIETA BROWN – Shimmer (Red House)
Produced by Don Was, who also plays bass, the only other musician on this 7-song EP is Brown’s husband Bo Ramsey, who is playing his trademark sinewy lead guitar .

CAROLINE HERRING – Golden Apples of the Sun (Signature Sounds)
“Pitched at a point equidistant between honeyed and throaty, her warm, measured tones consistently deliver just the right emotional effect whether she’s transforming the songs of others or bringing her own to the table.” – AllMusic Guide

RICKIE LEE JONES – Balm in Gilead (Fantasy)
I’ve been hearing lots of good things about this new one… she’s overdue!  Includes guest artists Allison Krauss, Ben Harper, Victoria Williams, Bill Frisell and Vic Chestnut.

SHELLEY KING – Welcome Home (Lemonade)
Austin folk/blues singer is backed by members of the subdudes, John Magnie, Tim Cook, & Steve Amedee.  King’s strong soothing voice and  songs are at the forefront of this recording supported by layers of effortless “subdudes” harmony & superb musicianship

MICKY & THE MOTORCARS – Live At Billy Bob’s Texas (Smith Music Group)
Hard-twanging Texas group checks in with thier 5th release, obviously live.

CARRIE RODRIGUEZ – Live In Louisville (Luz Music)
A set recorded while Carrie was opening for Lucinda Williams in April 2007, was recorded at The Brown Theater.

Various Artists – Things About Comin’ My Way: A Tribute to Music Of the Mississippi Sheiks (Black Hen Music)

…coming soon:   DAVID RAWLINGS MACHINE, NORAH JONES, KASEY CHAMBERS, DAN ZANES AND FRIENDS …  more new releases.

Here’s a link to this week’s Americana Music Association  Americana Airplay Chart

Bill Frater
Freight Train Boogie