I never paid much attention to Podcasts before. Not sure why, but I didn’t need another “thing” to listen to. Spotify’s endless catalog and smart suggestions filled my bucket just fine.
A good music buddy in Brooklyn (Jesse) suggested I try listening to podcasts. I decided to delve into podcast life on a recent long drive to central Pennsylvania. As a way to learn more about country music and its endless list of crazy characters, I invested in “Cocaine & Rhinestones” by Tyler Mahan Coe.
I am now hooked and a giant fan.
The program was created by the enormously talented guitar player Tyler Mahan Coe… and son of country music legend David Allan Coe. Started in 2017, the 33 episodes over two seasons entertain and educate music fans like nothing else. He saw and heard these stories first hand.
Here is a great piece by Sarah Larson in the New Yorker about Coe’s masterpiece (click here to read).
From Tom T. Hall to the many escapades of George Jones… listening makes me feel like Coe is the car with me talking music for hours on end. What a treat!
On episode 10 and 11 of Season one (click image below for more) I learned all about Buck Owens… what a crazy hard-working dude!
I admit, and my friends know, I have never been a country music fan.
Yet, I now enjoy the fast emerging gritty style of a subset of roots-based country music artists. Charley Crockett is one of my favorite artists. Others include musicians like Colter Wall, William Wild, Gabe Lee and Ryan Bingham.
I don’t dare to get into a discussion about what is and what is not country music. I’ll leave that to guys like Coe. Simply, these new guys sound and vibe aligns more with artists like Son Volt, Drive-by Truckers, John Prine and Ramblin’ Jack. My beat.
A few years ago my adventures led me to Rodeo Austin. It was life changing Americana at its finest. (click here to read that story). I loved seeing Shane Smith & The Saints (website) for the first time. I have been listening ever since.
Those guys kick ass.
When I saw that Charley Crockett was playing Rodeo Austin this year on March 18… I promptly picked up the phone and wrangled up an Austin-based long-time Rambler (Lee) to join me. (STAY TUNED FOR THAT STORY).
After years of listening, I finally attended one of Crockett’s shows. It was on June 6, 2024, at Capital Theater and I am very glad I was there. (Click here to read that phun story).
As a typical Ramble side bar… Lee’s Music People Project feature is fantastic. It centers on the underground punk scene in 90’s Long Island. (click below to watch.)
Back to the $10 Cowboy…
If you are on Instagram, follow his page (click here). Charley has a very entertaining and unique way of using video. He creates welcome depth to his songs and builds a bad ass west Texas image. This is my style of country.
See you at the Rodeo!
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