'Rebel' Rod's Ramblings and other things - Show at Lazy Days Canteen in Hunt, Social Distortion, "True Grit", & James Franco

Billy Bright

By 'Rebel' Rod Ames

I just have a few things on the grey matter this morning. Besides, I haven't really written anything of substance in a while, so here goes.

First - I just want to re-re-reiterate the show tomorrow night at Lazy Days Canteen at The Roddy Tree Ranch between Ingram and Hunt, Texas, smack-dab in the middle of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The show will feature Billy Bright and his magnificent talent on the mandolin. He will have Dennis Ludiker accompanying him on the fiddle and Jesse Dalton on the upright bass to round out the trio. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. It promises to be a great show. Call 367-2871 for tickets.

Secondly - I just finished reviewing Social Distortion's latest record "Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes". It is a beaut and I am in the process of putting the finishing touches on that. You will be able to read the review in its entirety on No Depression and of course, right here. If you like great, guitar driven rock 'n roll you are going to love this record. A little hint - How can you have the first track be an instrumental called "Road Zombie" and it not be great? Yes, they had me at "Road Zombie". I love any thing zombie. A guilty pleasure, I don't know why. 

Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn

Thirdly-Congratulations to Jeff Bridges for his nomination for best actor for his role as Rooster Cogburn in the updated and much improved version of "True Grit". Sorry Matt Damon was skipped for best supporting actor. He made his character somewhat menacing to Glen Campbell's humorous approach, and it was only humorous because Campbell was such a terrible actor. However, Jeff Bridges, as good as John Wayne's portrayal was, is far superior, as is the rest of the film. Kudos to the Cohen Brothers for respectfully re-doing this one and staying very true to the1968 novel by Charles Portis.

James Franco in 127 Hours

Lastly - Congratulations also  to James Franco for his best actor nomination in "127 Hours". I have been a fan of his since first seeing him in Judd Apatow's "Freaks and Geeks" back in the late 90's. He is just one of those amazing actors with a great talent who possesses the magical ability to successfully transfer to film. Simply put, the camera makes him look great. He is the whole package. However, I have an amends to make. After all the films he made after "Freaks and Geeks", hilarious films like "Pineapple Express" for example. I thought the guy just might be a stoner playing a stoner. I was wrong. The other night on "The Daily Show" with John Stewart, Mr. Franco said he got word of his best actor nomination on his way to class, at Yale where he is working on his doctorate in English! Mom was right; "you can't judge a book by its cover"

 

That is about it for this segment of "Ramblings". Don't forget to listen to great roots country music on KOOK 93.5 in Junction, Texas if you live in the area, and if you don't, simply click on the button above. My show is on Saturday nights from 10pm - 2am. It's on later so I have a little freedom to do just about what ever I want, within FCC guidelines, of course. I promise it will be roots, and it will range for bluegrass to rock 'n roll to blues. So tune in. I will not let you down.

Enjoy Billy Bright's Supergroup performing "East Compton Blues"!