I was not a big fan of the Paisley Underground sound or any of the other sub-genres deriving from that strangely titled beast: alt country.(I don't include the more traditional artists in this category; those who are often considered 'outlaws': Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt, early Beck, et al. I'm referring to the more commercial bands who seem to be lumped under this bludgeoning, marketable term.)
And I've never really been a big fan of Green On Red...
However.
This recording is quite special.
I've listened to other Green On Red recordings on the back of this one; but they don't come close; their studio sound epitomizes everything I dislike about this genre.
Sorry guys.
I don't know what it was about this gig - although the clues are there: recorded at the end of an apparent disastrous European tour; a stand-in last minute drummer, required due to the regular skin thumper walking away; and difficulties with legal and financial obligations - but they appear, to me at least, to be a completely different band.Maybe all that bad shit going on allowed them to perform as if they really meant it.
I normally detest blues played by WASPs, mainly because it's so disingenuous, but the two highlights of this album for me are the two big slow blues numbers: 'We Had It All' and 'Morning Blue', the latter being particularly moving; Chuck Prophet playing like I've never heard him play before (or since).
Together, the execution and performance of this set along with the lush recording makes for a great listen.
So if you too, like me, have never really been a fan of either the band or the genre, it may still be worth checking this out; you never know, you may be pleasantly surprised...
This version was released on cassette only; there was a 10" vinyl edition released, but it lacked two of the tracks featured here.
Green On Red - Live at the Town and Country Club (1989)
Excellent cassette rip @320kbsPoor ole Dan here
