Briefs

Musical genres are continuously changing and evolving. Country seems to be one of the guiltiest of the genres, especially when you look at the popularity of “Alternative Country,” and one band leading this progression is Cross Canadian Ragweed, who will take the stage at the Blue Gill Waterfront Amphitheatre June 23.

Grady Cross, Cody Canada, Randy Ragsdale and Jeremy Plato have created a sound too rocking to be full-fledged country and too country to be full-fledged rock-and-roll. This fusion could be described as our generation’s version of Southern rock, and it’s beautifully illustrated on their latest release, “Garage.”

With songs like “Dimebag,” CCR pays tribute to Pantera’s late guitarist Dimebag Darrell and Kurt Cobain. Other offerings such as “Late Last Night” and “Blues for You” show them raging on their instruments for a sound borderlining more traditional rock. One thing is for certain: this sound has earned them quite an impressive fan base, many of whom will be at The ‘Gill to catch these Okies, along with Austinites Back Porch Mary, who will get things kicked off.

AGO gets cozy with PBR

It’s official! Mobile’s own AllGetOut has been picked up as the first band in the Pabst Blue Ribbon Music Sponsorship Program. After our AGO guys sent the Pabst folks a shirt with their logo fashioned after the beer’s logo, Pabst felt they had found the perfect band to represent their red, white and blue brew.

AllGetOut has also been busy recording the follow-up to “Southern Business.” Drummer Albert Robinson gave me a chance to listen to one of their new songs called “Dixie Mountain,” and I must say their fans won’t be disappointed. AllGetOut has also found a new friend with Mobile’s newest venue, The Whiskey. On June 22, they will hit the stage at The Whiskey with tons of Pabst goodies and an attitude for a night of rowdy rock. Back Porch Mary will also be warming up for the Cross Canadian show by joining this party.

Back Porch guests are best

Take outlaw country’s attitude and psychobilly’s rage, and you get Back Porch Mary. With their self-titled, debut release on Dry Gulch Records, BPM has been winning over crowds not only with their memorable music but also their adrenaline-filled stage presence. If you’re looking to get rowdy and do a little drankin’, then this is the show for you! However, I wouldn’t suggest riding The Whiskey’s bull after pounding shots of bourbon.

Try the Samples at Monsoon’s

After 20 years of making music and 18 releases, The Samples are celebrating with a huge tour, including a stop at Monsoon’s on July 5. These guys are definite poster children for the indie rock movement. Their first batch of CDs was released on What Are Records. After working with MCA, they felt their indie roots pulling them back into the underground. Who could blame them? Their sound screams early-’90s college alternative, and is quite versatile. Listening to their self-titled CD tells the tale where songs such as “Feel Us Shaking” and “Waited Up” have a calypso/tropical sound while other songs such as “Could It Be Another Change” plunges into alternative-folk and bluegrass.

In 2005, The Samples released “Rehearsing for Life” under Apache Records and stirred up their fans nationwide. Once again, they have gone through musical evolution with this impressive release. However, this is not a change for the worse. The Samples still maintain that college-alternative foundation that gained them popularity, yet they have brought it up with the times.

This release has a chilled attitude with songs like “Heaven” calming the listener with dreamy instrumentation and heartfelt vocals. This one is a must for fans of The Samples.

The new Krewe

The John Word Building (across from the Cathedral, downtown) is once again hopping since the The Krewe has set up shop. With its historic feel and beautiful courtyard, I’m surprised that this building hadn’t been snatched up sooner, so I’m ecstatic that someone has not only moved into this place, but is also offering a variety of musical acts. I ventured out one Sunday afternoon to catch JackJaw Jimmy’s Sunday afternoon jam, and I wasn’t disappointed. To watch the McNab brothers and crew fly up and down the fret board in synchronicity makes me think that they are mentally linked.

Take a bite out of the one you love

Mobile’s The Colonel Dixies have been picking up speed as of late. Some of you may remember them from their unique street performances during the Mardi Gras season. These homespun youngsters have been traveling across the Southeast bringing their down-home, outlaw country sound to new ears. After a seemingly endless succession of drummers, front man Andre tells me that they have finally found a keeper. They have also been busy recording demos with Bucky Masters to shop around to the powers-that-be. Andre assures me that this studio work should result in a new album in the very near future.

Keep your eyes on this band. If their talent and determination continues, I see only good things coming their way.

Stephen Centanni is Lagniappe music editor. Contact him at scentanni@lagniappemobile.com.

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