That Open Road
Working on the Chain Bridge
It’s been just over a week since I packed up and headed for Europe, but it truly feels like it has been a month…but in a good way. And since I am still on the road, this week’s Wonderful Wednesday will once again focus on that subject matter.
I stumbled across the Ozark Mountain Daredevils one fortuitous afternoon at CD Warehouse in Fort Smith. Though I’m not entirely sure what their ledger sheets looked like, I’d venture to guess that I was single-handedly keeping them in business in those days. Digital was just taking off and I often felt like the only person continuing to buy the “old fashioned” CDs. Frankly, I’m damn glad I did because it was the cover photo of the Ozark album that drew me towards it. Buying Time Warp: The Very Best Of was one of the smarter decisions I made as a youth.
Walkin’ Down The Road – Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Like much of their work, this song has a simple universality about it. And for a traveler, it especially rings true.
Well, these two dollar shoes, Lord, they hurt my feet,
but that fifty-cent liquor, well it could not be beat
and I see no reason, reason to be sad
Many folks are already keenly aware of my adoration for The Theater Fire, a little known band out of the Denton/Fort Worth area of Texas. Many a fond memory has been born out of a Theater Fire live show, so I feel quite an attachment. With the sullen brass accompaniment, this particular track is slightly downtrodden. It’s the end of a long day as sleep creeps in around you, the weight of your road resting heavily on your shoulders.
Peaceful Traveler – The Theater Fire
Rufus Wainwright is a particular favorite of my little sister. Despite having witnessed him on stage in a rainbow onesie, I have to admit to being a Rufus fan as well. While this particular track is a bit harsher towards America than I’ll (hopefully) ever be, it sort of fits my frame of mind. That is, I’m having a grand ol’time and while there are things waiting on me, I am acutely aware that “I’ve got a life to lead.”
