Through the growing popularity of Texas Americana/Roots music, etc., there are numerous performers and bands encompassing the term OKOM.  The Canadian Fred Eaglesmith and his band fit into this eclectic genre quite well for many reasons.  They play the spectrum of OKOM from one end to the other.

 For the beginning Fred connoisseur, “Ralph’s Last Show” is a good place to start.  This double CD set is LIVE from Santa Cruz at the last performance with former bass player Ralph Schipper.  Though my two favorite Eaglesmith songs are not included in this set, there are jewels to delight the music fan.  For anyone who has even seen an Eaglesmith show, they would probably agree it’s a good “feel” for what his shows are all about.  High-spirited, often deep storytelling put to song with incredibly talented musicians. 

The band does a variety of styles with their unique sound, enhanced by Washboard Hank’s amazing percussion abilities (mostly on his ever-so-impressive-looking-and-sounding washboard contraption) and Canadian folk legend Willie P. Bennett's original sounding Mandolin and Harmonica abilities.  The CD kicks off with rockin’ tunes like “Freight Train” and “105”, later includes fun tunes such as “White Trash”, “How’s Ernie?” and “Big Hair”.  There are sad, yet touching songs like “Carter”and “Flowers In The Dell”.  The song “A Pretty Good Guy”,  co-written with Chris Knight is on this CD, and though I’m a Knight fan too, this is my favorite version.  Some of Fred’s storytelling abilities shine in “The Old John Deere” and “Carmelita”. 

 “Alcohol and Pills” laments the passing on of such greats as Hank Williams and Elvis, a dark reminder that fame isn’t necessarily all it’s cracked up to be.  Another of my favorites, “Time to Get a Gun” seems more relevant as time marches on.  Fred’s had this song for a while, and just this week I saw yet another argument on a music list start because of it!!!

 These 24 songs are a really good sampling for someone wanting a taste of Fred’s music.  I can almost promise it’ll leave you wanting more.