wow, i hope that is not prophetic on mellancamp's part - is he feeling ok? as for john hiatt, my husband will no doubt be buying this album. so far, i still think "crossing muddy waters" was his best, but i look forward to hearing more.

yeah, it appears that he's feeling fine. I have nearly his entire catalogue, and I have to say that this record is prob'ly the most "satisfying" he's done. I really think he turned a corner stylistically w/ Trouble No More ... the new one finds him a little more reflective about life at 55+.

Hiatt --- what's to say? He's one of the masters of his craft. He's being awarded the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award this Sept.

You might also check out the new releases from Neil Diamond, produced by Rick Rubin, who was so instrumental in the latter day Johnny Cash "American" recordings. It's a starker look at Neil's work.

thank you, chris. we just had a conversation here about neil diamond's "middle era" - not his best, but songwriting and voice have always been (are still) his talents, so his latest is worth checking out, too.

now playing?

I have Comcast Music Choice on the telly.

The last song was Nazareth 'Love Hurts'

now it's Deep Purple, 'Smoke On The Water'

funny...I have it on 70's and not Classic Rock....

these songs take me back to the teen years and hangin' out with friends.

.

I can hardly remember my teen years LOL, let alone any of the people from that miserable time of my life.

now playing...

Rocky Mountain Way - Joe Walsh

I saw Joe with the Eagles on the Hotel California tour 1977 in Miami

.

Fine choice, Julie. But, when it comes to picking a favorite Hiatt album, well, let's just say it's tough. I have to go with the individual tunes. The live version of "Memphis in the Meantime" is hard to beat! But, then again, there's "Icy Blue Heart," "Lipstick Sunset" and so much more. He's truly deserving of a lifetime achievement award.

And his concerts never disappoint!