Bobby Bare Brings 1960s Country Music to Life

1 Aug 09

I feel like I got a gigantic dose of country music injected right into my bloodstream at a small Bobby Bare concert last night in Nashville, sponsored by BMI. When he sang “Detroit City,” I was singing along on “Oh, how I wanna go home,” but I didn’t really mean it. I could have listened for another hour because you rarely hear live country music from the 1960s anymore, even in Nashville. Plus, Bare is still in fine form, cracking jokes and covering tunes by the likes of Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson and Shel Silverstein. It was like a living history/music lesson. I thought I might need to pinch myself, until one of my friends leaned over and did just that — exclaiming, “Country music, Craig!” Yes, I know!

I wrote down all the song titles so I could see if they’re available for download, and top-of-mind is “The Winner,” which could be a big ol’ hit today for any country singer with a goofy personality. As he was singing about a guy who seemed to have it all, Bare had each one of us in the palm of his hand. I also enjoyed “Dropkick Me, Jesus,” “500 Miles Away From Home,” “Shame on Me” (with a recitation!), “Streets of Baltimore” and “Four Strong Winds.” For cheating songs, it doesn’t get any better than “Margie’s at the Lincoln Park Inn” with its killer clincher — “I’m almost out of cigarettes/And Margie’s at the Lincoln Park Inn/… And I know why she’s there.”

To close the show, Bare brought up some friends and family to squeal along on “Marie Laveau.” Unlike most showcases, where I walk away unable to retain a single verse or lyric, I could go on and on about this one — without a doubt, a winner.

Photo credit: Drew Maynard/BMI

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Posted By: Fan Country / Shows / Popularity: 1% [?]

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