You’re probably not supposed to say things like “Hallelujah” at the very onset of Lent, but how else could one respond to bangin’ new tunes from some Arkansas Times staff favorites?
First up, Kari Faux’s “Leave Me Alone” has been on constant repeat for the last couple of weeks. Thematically, it’s a sort of flip side to the bop that catapulted her words onto everyone’s lips in the first place; a longing for genuine connection, a disdain for anything less and an ennui about the whole affair. It’s kinda like the sonic version of meme factory Introvert Problems.
Icing on the cake: Kari smashing cell phones at batting practice, a full horror movie-style stop with an underlit landline phone.
And, another tale of disillusionment hot off the presses, this time from Forever Twang Kings of Arkansas The Salty Dogs. “Unfaithful Woman” gives us a nearly unaccompanied prelude from vocalist/guitarist Brad Williams, a boot-scoot-able rocker of a tune and a waltzy outro to bring it on home. The song was part of a songwriting challenge as part of Lenny Bryan’s webseries Verses. Check out its inception, along with a new tune from southern dirt rockers Go Fast, on the new episode:
I’m still not sure what fates have conspired such that we get to hear these guys play gigs within walking distance of my house, and for next-to-nothing admission, while Dwight Yoakam’s outfit plays to sprawling stadium crowds (luv ya, Dwight), but hey, I’ll take it.
Go see The Salty Dogs at Four Quarter Bar, where they’re playing an afterparty for the Alabama concert on March 23, or catch them at South on Main April 7 for a benefit concert with Shannon Boshears, Charlotte Taylor, Trey Johnson, Mark Currey and a whole host of others.