Dixiedining’s Weblog

This issue just came out — I scored my copy at Barnes & Noble.

The annual CD release is as excellent & eccentric as always.

Don’t miss Ella Fitzgerald’s killer version of Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love.” No kidding, folks — it is actually very good. The big band rocks and Ella gives the rock standard her own unique twist.

Neko Case’s “Hold On, Hold On” is 100% pure ear candy. This track alone is worth the cost of the 2 CDs and magazine that I am here to usher into your lonely little word. Neko’s voice is silky smooth & loaded with emotion.

Also noteworthy is Jerry Lee Lewis’ take on Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Comin’.” Lewis is backed by the Stax rhythm section of Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, etc. It’s a very unique interpretation I think you’ll dig.

I met Jerry Lee two or three years ago in Memphis. I told him that he still sounded great. He gave me a glassy-eyed stare, grinned and replied in his easy Louisiana drawl, “Why, Thank ya!” The Killer looks very frail these days, but he will no doubt go down rockin’ and rollin’.  Shake it, baby! 

’TIS THE SEASON FOR SOUTHERN MUSIC

Let the parties begin—The OA’s 10th Anniversary Music Issue is out! To celebrate this special birthday, we’ve packed TWO groovin’ CDs with firepower: enough fierce, funky, and fun music to keep your days and nights rockin’ into 2009 (and beyond). That’s right, kids, this issue is accompanied by FIFTY-FIVE party tunes (from Jack Tea to Jerry Lee, Little Walter to Lucinda, plus thrills and chills galore).

In addition to the music, the issue is chockful of exuberant and daring writing by some of the best writers in the country (and one or two from abroad). See below for FOUR FREE ARTICLES from the issue.

We’ll be updating the website every week in December with Online Exclusives: feature articles, multimedia extravaganzas, Editor Marc Smirnoff’s CD Liner Notes, interviews, holiday offers (check out our new line of stylish T-shirts), and other neat stuff.

Shangri-La in Memphis (a great record store and record label) has this to say about the issue: “Check out the bitchin’ cover pic of Jerry Lee Lewis in Mad Plaid! It’s fun time around the Shangri-La HQs when this issue comes out, and this year is no exception. Order it from the folks who keep Southern culture flowing.”

www.oxfordamericanmag.com