So even though I am not musically inclined, my dad is a small Hamilton celebrity.

Not many people know this, but after my dad’s rock ‘n’ roll dreams were interrupted by a wife and kids, he put out a country record called Lively Country with Stew Fargo. It included such classics as Wild Woman and Country Gigolo.

But that’s not where I was going with this. I keep that record framed in our house and it began a discussion one day about the resurgence of country influences in the music scene.

Just like Jack White did with his Dolly Parton cover, some well-known front men have chosen the folk path for their solo ventures. Chuck Ragan from Hot Water Music and Tim Barry from Avail have both put out amazing gut-wrenching records that go back to the storytelling approach of writing. With songs like Dog Bumped you get the raw Johnny Cash, tell-it-how-it-is sound. If you ever get the chance to catch them live, get ready to be amazed.

Bands like Hamilton’s Monster Truck have taken the Skynyrd side of country, mixed it with their metal greatness and made a delicious rock ‘n’ roll pie. Make sure to catch these guys at the Casbah on August 27. You won’t be disappointed.

And I can’t forget to mention Old Crow Medicine Show (Thanks Andrea) This shit is Wild West country with a bluegrass edge and a dash of Dylan. Seriously, you will listen to these guys and wish you were out in the country somewhere swigging homemade moonshine from a tin can.

So, it’s time to dust off the cowboy boots and get this rodeo ready for raging bulls with horns made of country goodness ready to penetrate your soul.

For Goodness Sake – Chuck Ragan
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/01-For-Goodness-Sake.mp3]

Dog Bumped – Tim Barry
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/03-Dog-Bumped.mp3]

Lovin’ You (Is A Science) – Monster Truck
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/01-Lovin-You-Is-A-Science.mp3]

* If you are a member or manager of the above bands and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans – new or old – please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.