Old Crow Medicine Show

There is this band that I keep meaning to blog about. Not just any band, but the ultimate band, in my opinion. You can check them out on my play list, but better yet check them out here. And catch them live if they ever hit your neck of the woods. They are a quintent of young men, all but one of them is under 30, who have incredible talent with folk instruments. Many of them play multiple instruments, often simultaniously. Like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen before them, they are an impressive sight to behold and their sound takes me away to a place in my heart that brings me joy! I can't help but smile when these boys are playing on my radio.


This band has been as influential to me as artists such as Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead and Crosby Stills Nash and Young. In my opinion they are as relevant to modern times as they would have been 40 years ago, with timeless lyrics and a raw but polished sound. They adored by fans ranging from hard core country and bluegrass lovers to die hard punk rockers. Outlaw Bluegrass is the genre many music journalists have given them. It is fitting.



There have been bands that have represented my generation over the years. Artists that I felt captured the spirit and essence of who we were at that time in our lives. Nirvana would be the perfect example. A raw and raucous symphony of anger and insecurity at a time when being a teenager just sucked. For me Old Crow Medicine Show is another band that has captured and very honestly represents my generation of misfits and delinquents, somewhat reformed and actively redefining our parents version of the American Dream. Old Crow Medicine Show offers pure musical talent, blanketed in lyrics that both take you back to a simpler time and yet remind you of the complicated times we live in. It's safe to say I am a die hard fan!

I discovered them accidentally when our local country radio DJ begrudgingly played their single "Wagon Wheel". I fell in love instantly and ordered a few CD's. Oddly enough, the DJ was not impressed with their sound, but he's an idiot! ;0) This song's chorus was written by Bob Dylan but never finished. One of the band members is quoted as having this to say about finishing this song and turning it into a masterpiece (imo) "maybe all great songs are already out there, to grab it out of the ether and make it come alive". My sons love this song and it is listened to about a dozen times a day in this house...and it truly never gets old. It is a beautiful beautiful song....in includes a line that gives me goosebumps every time and reminds me who I am and what I love about my life....

"And if I die in Raleigh, at least I will die free"

Check them out sometime! You won't be sorry.