Due to some health issues my list is short, but good.

It’s been a quiet week musically, and many single songs don’t make the list, with one exception. Whitney Fenimore & Addison Agen’s song Punching Bag. You can listen to it on the streaming platform of your choice.

Whitney Fenimore & Addison Agen

Punching Bag

Stream (single)

2023

Steve Earle

Essential Steve Earle

CD

1993

Corb Lund

5 Dollar Bill

CD

2002

I listened to Steve Earle numerous times with different intents. First, for the enjoyment of listening to some music that made me happy. Then, with intent, I focused on the lyrics. Steve Earle is a good storyteller, which first drew me in. The third listen was for the music; some mighty fine guitar pickin’ was happening. Then I went back to a final listen to enjoy the music again.

Continuing with the storyteller theme, I shifted my listening to Corb Lund. I think I have most, if not all, of his albums, and I have seen him live 3 or 4 times. Corb Lund is an authentic Western yarn spinner who is different from most. Corb Lund will approach songs from different angles than the standard 4/4 time, and he has some interesting lyrics, for example, the second song on this album, Expectation and the Blues. And then there’s Apocalyptic Modified Blues, a song with deep lyrical content set up with music that sounds like a collision between a gypsy caravan and a chuck wagon. These aren’t your standard country and western songs, although there are plenty on 5 Dollar Bill. All in all, it is a good album with lots of character and characters.