Bo DePeña – Old Bull Winter
To some, hunting is a barbaric activity, especially in the 21st Century and in places where people tend to die because of too much food, not out of its scarcity. But just like any great and frightening thing that has existed throughout time, it deserves to be talked about.
The greatest hunters aren’t the ones that pull the trigger fastest or travel furthest to for their prey. The greatest hunters are the ones who know that they’re going to die in much the same way as the creatures they hunt. Bo DePeña has plenty of respect for these old, timely figures.
Ernest Hemingway, great writer, notorious drinker and inspiration for “Old Bull Winter”, was charmed by hunting, bull fights and boxing. He was also petrified of his place in the world and of the way he might leave it. Everything becomes more poetic once there’s a great personal tragedy involved.
Bo DePeña’s “Old Bull Winter” is a brilliantly written song. In it, the animal being hunted takes on a mythical relevance. Much like John Barleycorn, it’s what keeps the reality of humans working and the thing that prophecies their doom. Bo DePeña’s singing is superb, and the country instrumental floats smoothly. It’s a great song, even though by this stage, we might all be better off seeking our freedom in other ways.
Jessica Breanne – Over the Bayou
We’ve been taught wrong. It’s not just our fault. The films, books and music videos all played a hand in it. They all made us believe that great songs and fantastic music stars are loud, and that the people who hear them yell over them to show their excitement. We’ve learned to listen to music while clapping our hands, stomping on our feet and taking pictures.
That’s been great news for the kinds of artists who could rely on these sorts of tactics to create excitement and little else. It has meant that bands can just make their amps ring out louder when the songs are no good, and pop stars can learn some fancy dance moves when there’s nothing worth saying. But what artists like Jessica Breanne and others truly deserve your attention?
Put your phone away and stop clapping for a while! In fact, close your eyes and place yourself somewhere in the background of the scene that Jessica Breanne paints on “Over the Bayou.” The soulful, highly talented country-folk singer makes music that requires your attention. This ain’t music that requires tricks, or that tries to get you to say that you like it even though it says nothing to you. It’s a song that really rewards those willing to listen closely.
