Go West, Young Man
I lost my job of 9 years and bought a Stetson.
That's the way it goes these days, I guess. I've been watching a lot of westerns lately and dreaming about wide open spaces. I've been tied to this job for almost a decade, and Covid-19 forced their hand into ending that run. I'll be alright.
To be honest, I feel a small sense of freedom in it. My future lies in front of me.
So I bought a cowboy hat to make myself feel better and brave the future I'm faced with. This mixtape will help.
I'll be making two physical copies of May's mix, Coming up on Blanco Canyon, once we're allowed to leave our apartments. Hit me up, as always, if you want it. <3
Coming up on Blanco Canyon
Created for the Wide Open Prairie.
I've long been fascinated with the American landscape and the west. Obviously, there's an enormous number of problems with the western expansion of America, but I like the sentiment of the promise of potential it offered. Fresh starts. New possibilities.
I watched the 1958 film Big Country a few weeks ago. I hadn't seen it since high school and had all but forgotten about it, but it was incredible to rewatch. It stars Burl Ives (my fav), Gregory Peck, Carroll Baker, Charlton Heston. The landscapes are incredible, and the score is just as good. I recommend it.
So that's sort of the jump off point for this mix. It's called Coming up on Blanco Canyon, based on a pivotal location in the film. The mix begins with the main title from the film. It seemed fitting.
I approached the mix as a sort of soundtrack to prairie travels and a pleasant, simple, country life. There's a lot of bluegrass, country, and Americana all over.
I recommend it if you like any of those things, and especially if you like old singing cowboy movies like I do.
Love you all. Hope you enjoy!
Join Me: Vibing Along to My Analog Journal DJ Set Series
These videos popped up into my Youtube recommendations recently, and I've had...uhhhh....more time to investigate those recently. I love these vids.
My dude just films himself doing a way laid back DJ set with some good tunes from around the world. It's become part of my morning workout cool down ritual to just throw one of these on while I eat my breakfast and make my coffee.
If you need something to just play in the background while you keep yourself busy, I highly recommend it!
Watch/Listen to My Analog Journal's "CBS: Brazilian Grooves Vinyl Set" (YouTube).
RIYL: funk, soul, tropicalia
Follow My Analog Journal here.
Other Music Things I Love
(that you might love too!)
Gems on VHS - This is probably my favorite YouTube channel going right now. Some great folk/country/roots music field recordings from modern movers and shakers. This guy is a regular Lomax, and I thank heaven every day he's doing this work.
Repeater - Buddies Evan and Pat have an excellent podcast about music that's worth your attention. You can go through the archives to find an episode with me talking about The Steeldrivers's "Blue Side of the Mountain". Or listen to anyone's! It's all interesting folks and interesting tunes. Stay tuned for an upcoming ep where I talk about comforting music in these stressful times.
The Bop Pod - Another buddy, Ilana, has a great podcast about music! I also have an ep! But there's a whole bunch of incredible guests talking about the music that's important to them.
New York City Ballet Digital Spring Season - The ballet had to cancel its spring performances, so it has been uploading performances to YouTube for you to enjoy. I love the ballet, and I hope to go back soon, but this is a nice substitute in the meantime. I shouldn't have to tell you, but there's some wonderful music with all of this.