2026 Big Ears Preview

Everyone has a different Big Ears. There are so many different choices to acknowledge when determining one’s path through the more than 250 individual performances that make up the festival. This has become apparent while covering Big Ears over the past few years and talking to the instantly new music nerd best friends that I’mContinue reading “2026 Big Ears Preview”

Favorite Albums of 2025

Every year is a good year for music. 2025 is no different. Getting the tap on the shoulder to be a contributor to Aquarium Drunkard this past spring meant that I also participated in the 2025 version of AD’s annual Year in Review compilation. Its existence is conclusive evidence of my opening statement. Personally, I’veContinue reading “Favorite Albums of 2025”

Flat Handed and on the Wing

Over the years, I’ve wondered why the bands Calexico and Brokeback both released a song called “Flat Handed and on the Wing.” Calexico’s version first appeared in 2000 on Travelall, a tour-only release. The Brokeback rendition came a few months later as the second track on their 2001 album Morse Code in the Modern Age:Continue reading “Flat Handed and on the Wing”