Erik's Random 10

Loretta Lynn's Van Lear Rose, of which "Mrs. Leroy Brown" is a key track, was a remarkable achievement for a country musician completely forgotten by anyone under the age of 35. There's probably not too much I can say here that others failed to when the album came out. Jack White deserves immense credit here for producing this album. It's natural comparison of course is the Rick Rubin produced Johnny Cash albums. While I'd probably take the first Cash album over the Loretta, I most definitely prefer her work to the rest of the Cash albums. One of The White Stripes albums is dedicated to Loretta. All their fans thought it was some kind of ironic remark slamming on the music of their parents and grandparents. Of course, it wasn't. They love Loretta and old American musicians of many genres. Loretta still writes songs all the time, but like many artists when they age and are famous, she hadn't taken any risks in 25 years. Hopefully, White or another good producer gets with Loretta and they put out some more quality albums.

Also, I hope Meg White gets over her anxiety problems soon and The White Stripes can get back on the road.

1. Loretta Lynn, Mrs. Leroy Brown
2. Marc Ribot, Surf's Down
3. Lucinda Williams, I Lost It
4. Alex J. Chávez, Morena
5. Merle Travis & Joe Maphis, Freight Train
6. Waylon Jennings & Jessi Colter, Under Your Spell Again
7. Wilco, Christ for President
8. Laurie Galluccio, These Diamonds Are My Very
9. Dave Alvin, Help Me Baby
10. Carla Kilhstedt, Lonely Ugly

Porter!

God bless the White Stripes. First, Jack White produces that wonderful Loretta Lynn album. Now, they invite Porter Wagoner to Madison Square Garden to open for them. How awesome is that.

I've never been the biggest Porter fan per se, but it's nice to see him get some hip cred in his late career. His biggest contribution was probably discovering Dolly Parton, but he has some good songs of his own. And of course, he's been host of the Opry for about 300 years.

I have to wonder what the young hipster White Stripes fans thought of this old country singer, complete with Nudie suit and with his name on his guitar neck, playing for them. Or what Porter thought.