Something to crow about: Old Crow Medicine Show live at KCLSU, London, 3 October 2007
In my defence, it’s darned easy to believe in Old Crow Medicine Show. Playing folk, country, bluegrass and blues with a red-raw energy, these five Nashville-based boys channel the original honky-tonk spirit, making the link between old-time music and rock ‘n’ roll appear pretty much seamless. It’s not easy to spot the join in their mix of traditional and original songs, either - and, quite rightly, not many people here tonight seem to care whether a tune was penned in 2006 or 1936.
Wholly acoustic and completely drum-less, Old Crow’s sound is highly addictive. Its big hooks are Ketch’s high-octane fiddle and harmonica parts, though banjo fetishists are well catered for too. Another draw, for me anyway, is the fact that the band doesn’t really have a frontman. Vocals are shared, with Ketch, Willie Watson and Critter Fuqua swapping leads from song to song and making harmonising sound the like the most natural thing in the world - a surefire way to pump up my goosebumps.
Personal highlights? I’m plumping for New Virginia Creeper (a train song that’s really all about sex); Minglewood Blues, which Willie embellishes with a spoken section that amuses me with its content and impresses me with its soul; and Union Maid, a Woody Guthrie tune whose meaning for me grew last year. Oh, and there’s a cool version of Lay Lady Lay, too.
Also of note is the fact that I’m here with my friend Tim - the guy who introduced me (musically speaking) to Old Crow Medicine Show last year - and get to spend some quality time talking music. Ordinarily, this alone would make a good night out. We’re honoured that Jim Royle managed to lift his arse off his armchair to join us.