In House #1850: New Live Scott Miller; Ray Price in Idaho Falls

It's a common complaint: a band is a bring-down-the-house, whirling dervish of raw energy live, but for whatever reason can't sustain that mojo when committing their sound to a recorded product. Indeed, there have been more than a handful of post-gig impulse buys made by folks who are later disappointed when the same magic doesn't happen in their respective living rooms. Some bands are just better taken live, it seems. While similar complaints may, or may not, have been directed toward the Knoxville, Tennessee-based Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, they wear live well on the new Reconstruction, recorded over three nights last December at the Down Home in Johnson City, TN. While it's been difficult to quibble with the results of the first three studio releases from Miller and his band, they truly sound in their element here as they tear through their back catalog including stellar versions of "Amtrak Crescent," and "Eight Miles Per Gallon," as well as Neil Young's ever-pertinent "Hawks & Doves." The album is now out on Sugar Hill.



Also today, music from the legendary country singer Ray Price, who plays the Colonial Theatre in Idaho Falls tonight. As you may recall from our recent feature, Price, along with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, issued Last of the Breed last month on Lost Highway. After recording his first single in 1949, Price later single-handedly founded the 4/4 country shuffle on his 1956 version of "Crazy Arms," and the form would go on to dominate the country recordings of the late 1950's and early 1960's. Other hits included "Don't Let the Stars Get In Your Eyes," "Release Me," and "City Lights." Price will also play several dates in Montana later in the week, before joining forces with Nelson and Haggard for The Last of the Breed Tour later this year.

In House #1850.
Airdate: 4/17/07
Focus: New live album from Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, Reconstruction, plus the legendary Ray Price plays Idaho Falls tonight. Also, new music from Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard, Asleep At the Wheel, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, from Reconstruction:

"Amtrak Crescent (LIVE)" (MP3)

Ray Price, recorded in 1956:

"Crazy Arms" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #294