Summary: Todd White of 90 Acre Farm grew up listening to his older cousins playing outlaw country on the radio and playing everything from those tunes to classic rock at pickin' parties. Those foundations combine with White's personal listening collection to form the Americana sounds of 90 Acre Farm. Their debut album, Always Somethin', brings some of White's previous songwriting into their current band line-up ranging from six to eight players, depending on who is available for a given gig. 90 Acre Farm released an EP in 2002 that reflected a strong vision but ultimately not the sound intended by the band, so their decade interim allowed them to reclaim their identity and record what they knew was their music for their first full-length release. 90 Acre Farm's songs resemble 1960's country folk music, with lots of instrumentation in a simple presentation, and light harmonies. Their live performance resembles the record, by design. The recording method was as close to what they actually create as possible, and the tempo and fills were worked out well ahead during years of demo-ing at home. By the time they were ready to record at Full Moon Studio in Watkinsville, Georgia, 90 Acre Farm had worked up their tracks, making it an easy process. Day jobs and other commitments keep 90 Acre Farm on "weekend warrior" status right now, but their intent is to use this album as a springboard to spread their name further, but most especially, to share the songs. White would love to have others record his songs as they see fit, and do with them what they feel moved to interpret. 90 Acre Farm plays regularly around Georgia, but selectively in their home town of Athens, so as not to wear out their welcome with local audiences. They are an excellent fit for the annual Gram Parsons Guitar Pull in his former hometown of Waycross, Georgia. The next year should bring them to many more audiences regionally. Songs in this week's radio show include: 90 Acre Farm Always Somethin' "Better Than Gone," "Helplessly In Love With You," "Pick It Up Train" John Hiatt Walk On "Walk On" Gram Parsons The Complete Reprise Sessions (US Release) "A Song For You" Widespread Panic Space Wrangler The Take Out (discussion of David Blackmon's fiddle playing--this is the first song I knew featuring his fiddling, and Panic are also from Athens, GA) Eric Andersen Blue River "Pearl's Goodtime Blues" (I am genuinely unsure if I've selected the correct version of Andersen's album. I chose the one recorded in Nashville in the 60's, but there is also a live version that is more recent.) Tom Russell Love and Fear "Stealing Electricity" (beginning of the discussion about Texas music) Ray Wylie Hubbard The Grifter's Hymnal "Lazarus" (extended discussion about Rick Richards, Ray's drummer) The Welfare Liners High On A Hilltop "Who Killed TK" (fiddler Adam Poulin is discussed, and he also plays in this bluegrass band)
