"Right Side of The Dirt" - NEW
"The only times I've ever grown was when I got pushed out of my comfort zone." - Antsy McClain
Antsy gives us an inside track to his preparations for his upcoming album with The Trailer Park Troubadours. He also talks about having a song in the film Witless Protection, and meeting the film's star, Larry The Cable Guy. Antsy's new album, due out September 1st, is tentatively titled Let The Good Times Roll, and will feature a cover of The Cars' classic hit of the same name. The album will carry on the "Enjoy The Ride" philosophy of Trailercana, with many of the songs addressing the theme of travel and wanderlust. Songs in this podcast include demos of Let The Good Times Roll, Right Side of the Dirt and a brand new song entitled A Better Past. 30 minutes long
"Defining Success" - NEW
"I have narrowly escaped success many times" - Antsy McClain
In this "lost" podcast (which was recorded in January '07, but got shelved after Laura Hopper's passing, when Antsy's interview with her took precedence), Uncle Fred Ehrensvard interviews Antsy in this up close and personal look into the daily life of the Poet Laureate of Pine View Heights. Antsy discusses the "singlewide" origins of The Troubs with his cousin Flem, and how he was inspired by the music his uncles would play when he was a boy. He also discusses what inspires him to write, what he looks for in a song, and the beauty of downtime when he's able to spend time with old friends and family – which, as we know is the source of most of Antsy's music. Songs in this podcast include fan favorites It Ain't Home Til You Take the Wheels Off, Ron Howard's Brother, DysFUNKtional, and a rare spin of the darker DWM from The Troubs' first independent release over a decade ago.
"Old Dogs and Guitars"
"It seems I keep coming back to the same old things: Old dogs and guitars and back porch swings." - Antsy McClain
In this songwriters workshop of sorts, Antsy presents several demos of new songs. Some are older ones that have never been heard before, and some are brand new, having just been recorded in the last 48 hours. Antsy gives a little background to the songs, and the stories behind them. "A Good Wishing Song," "Old Dogs and Guitars," "Hunky Dory," "The Ghost of Stevie Goodman," "Another Road to You," and "Drive-Thru Life." "I've been in a real writing spurt lately," Antsy says, "And I wanted to let Flamingoheads know what I've been up to. The songs are pretty simple, as far as production value -- It's just me and an acoustic guitar and layered background vocals and mandolin here and there -- but I think folks will get the idea. Some of these demos, like "The Ghost of Stevie Goodman," may never even end up on an album anywhere, I don't know. They were written as exercises, really, or journal entries, and because of their tone or message, they may not fit into a Trailer Park Troubadour set list. They're kind of misfits, I guess, but I still wanted folks to hear them." Antsy mentions in this podcast that he'll continue to share these songs under the condition that he get feedback from listeners. Let Antsy know what you think of the new music by e-mailing him at thetroubs@unhitched.com. Your feedback is always carefully considered, and even shapes the content of future albums.
"Cockroach After the Bomb"
"For years, I didn't want anyone to know that I'm a functioning disaster, which was always painfully obvious at our live shows." - Tommy Womack
Antsy McClain presents another demo of a brand new song: "That's What I Do," and covers some personal ground, giving insight into how he is wired, and examines why we do the things we do. Also in this podcast, Antsy talks with singer/songwriter Tommy Womack, whose new album, "There I Said It," is a wonderful collection of introspective songs that track Tommy's path into an unknown future - a concept we can all embrace with familiarity. Many of Tommy's songs are featured in this podcast. They are are honest and forthright; funny and thought-provoking. Despite being born the same year, and almost living in a paralell universe (Tommy's a Kentucky boy first turned on to music by bands like KISS as a kid), Antsy only recently discovered Womack's music. "It's been a big part of my summer listening," Antsy says, "And I wanted to share it with my friends." So Antsy got in touch with Tommy, who agrred to an interview. They talked in the living room of Womack's Nashville home. Tommy talks about songwriting, depression, and what he's learned from his years traveling with a rock and roll band. His answers might surprise you. He also reads from his popular book "Cheese Chronicles - The true story of a rock and roll band you've never heard of" which outlines the ups and downs of a 7-year long adventure with the rock band Government Cheese in the 80's and 90's. To learn more about Tommy Womack, visit his website at: www.tommywomack.com.
"A Life Like Ours"
"Somewhere past these gravel roads, high on a castle's towers, a rich man dreams of paradise, and sees a life like ours."
Antsy McClain presents a demo of a new song, heard only at recent live concerts: "A Life Like Ours." We've received a lot of e-mails from folks asking where they can buy the song. The answer: You can't. You can only get it here, for free, for now. Also in this podcast, Antsy talks with 88-year-old Flamingo Head, Laurita Cateur who has seen great changes in her life, and shares the secret of her longevity. Jerianne VanDijk of KVMR radio, takes the microphone again to interview Craig and Linda Peck of Sacramento. Craig recently had brain surgery to remove four abcesses that caused pain, memory loss, and even personality change. Instrumental music for this podcast is provided by award-winning guitarist Todd Hallawell, who was on our Polyesterfest Cruise this year. Check his music out at http://www.toddhallawell.com. To see pictures of Laurita's life and career as an actress and dancer, click here: http://www.unhitched.com/laurita.htm. Here's the podcast: http://www.unhitched.com/Podcast/podcast10.mp3
"Wonderful Baggage"
An interview with Laura Hopper of KPIG radio, posted May 29, 2007
Our friend Laura Ellen Hopper of KPIG Radio, died Monday, May 28th, 2007, after a short fight with cancer. We are forever indebted to her and the KPIG family, and we will miss her more than we can say. In this special podcast, we present Antsy's casual interview with Laura unedited and uncut, from this past Polyester Fest Cruise. No music. No website plugs. Just Laura, as we remember her: candid and honest. Here's the podcast: http://www.unhitched.com/Podcast/podcast9.mp3
Things Are Looking Up
Embracing The Mystery
A Tribute to Jack Nau and Ruben Romero
It's All in the Trip
Skinny Women Ain't Hip
Living in Aluminum
What is Folkabilly?
Merry Christmas from Pine View Heights