One of the best things about the Thanksgiving weekend in Austin is the annual release of the KGSR Broadcasts CD. I buy them every year, and they’re usually amazing. While KGSR has yet to match the sheer perfection of Vol. 4 (1996) or Vol. 8 (2000), I can say that after a few days digesting Vol. 14, it comes pretty close.
The set opens with Bruce Robison’s “Virginia” followed by a very cool “Soul Meets Body” by Death Cab for Cutie. The first disc also includes such diverse artists as The Blind Boys of Alabama doing “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” Spoon’s “I Summon You” and Kris Kristofferson’s brilliant and timeless ode to burning the candle at both ends: “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”
Despite the treasures on the first disc, the second is my favorite. It opens with World Party’s “What Does it Mean Now” and goes into “The Pugilist at 59” by Tom Russell, a song I heard a few times last summer and really liked without catching the title or artist.
KT Tunstall, Alejandro Escovedo, Slaid Cleaves, along with usual suspects Eliza Gilyson, Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin make appearances as well. In all there are 38 tracks each capturing a unique performance by a very eclectic mix of artists.
These sell out fast, but you can order them from Waterloo Records for only $20 and all proceeds go to benefit the SIMS foundation.
James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.
We picked it up and have gotten to the Blind Boys of Alabama song thus far…and it does indeed rock to this point. I always buy a few copies to “Give Austin To A Friend”
Oh… and one correction to your post. I’m pretty sure they are $15 (although they are worth every bit of $20).
My wife and I are the Official Givers of the KGSR CD to our family (sorry if I spoiled Christmas for you, Mom and Dad). It’s the perfect gift.
You’re right that it’s only $15 when you buy it in the store, but ordering through Waterloo’s site costs $20. Perhaps that includes shipping.