(photo by Chris Davis)
Old 97s came to town earlier this month for their “Holiday Hoopla” tour, and we had a chance to check it out at the Tower Theater. They are still one of my favorite bands, and I recommend that you go check them out any time they come near your area. Hell, go see them on the road some time, as it’d make a great road trip, as well.
The guys have been playing together for a long time, yet the song sound fresh. Their last two albums “Graveyard Whistling”and “Most Messed Up”have also been some of their best. “I don’t want to die in this town” and “Bad Luck Charm” are two of my recent favorites. There’s a realism to their lyrics that sucks you in and makes you laugh at the same realities that you have faced or at least thought about before.
They played some of their past favorites during the show, as well. “Big Brown Eyes” is always a favorite, and so is “Doreen.” I love the way they play together and seem to genuinely have a good time. It also helps that Murray (bass) is from Oklahoma, so that always counts for points with me.
Rhett Miller, lead singer and rhythm guitar, opened the show with a solo acoustic set, which was rollicking and irreverent, and if you’ve ever had the pleasure of having a conversation with Rhett, it was vintage Miller.
There was a magician in the middle Casey Magic, which was an interesting interlude between musical acts.
All in all, another great show. I’m glad that there are some medium size venues in Oklahoma City now that are attracting these acts, as in the past it was often overlooked for Tulsa or Dallas.
As 2019 fades, I hope everyone has a great end of the year with plenty of time with the people you want to be with. If things get too tough, as we all know they can, please reach out to someone and let them know. We are all here for each other. I’m here for you, even if we barely know each other. Drop me an email through the site, and I’ll be happy to chat or buy you a coffee or water, or whatever you want to drink. Don’t feel you’re alone.
To paraphrase the Old 97s...I’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been alive…which is mostly true, but I still thank God for music and what it means to me. See you in 2020.