Anyone who was paying attention in 2006 surely caught wind of a great album by the Indiana-based band, The Elms. Based in John Cougar Mellencamp’s hometown of Seymour, Indiana and brandishing a heartland-flavored mix of super-charged country and rock, the band released the stellar Chess Hotel on Universal South. David Bianco’s production brought each song to life and then some, paying careful attention to the subtle nuances of songs such as “Come To Me” without sacrificing any of the band’s live energy.
He’s A Whore caught up with Owen during sessions for the band’s anxiously-awaited new album and asked him for a list of his Top 5 Desert Island Discs (along with his comments about each):
-Bruce Springsteen, “Nebraska” (1982): I know this is a typical pick among Boss fans, but the songs make me see cinema in my head.
-The Honeydogs, “Here’s Luck” (2001): A truly wonderful album from a sadly overlooked Minneapolis band.
-Mindy Smith, “One Moment More” (2004): All new country female singers should have to take vocal courses taught by Mindy. She massages every tune perfectly, and channels heartbreak like nobody I’ve ever heard.
-The Rolling Stones, “Beggar’s Banquet” (1968): I’m sure most people would choose “Exile On Main Street”, but this is my favorite Stones record. I can’t imagine not having “Salt Of The Earth” to listen to. It’s the Stones at their most southern-fried.
-The Jayhawks, “Rainy Day Music” (2003): This is The Jayhawks most gentle record, and every song is gorgeous.
Here are a couple recent live tracks from The Elms. Enjoy!
Jammin’ Me (Tom Petty cover)
Promises
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