Thanksgiving Americano

I'm hanging in the Motor City today, still in my pajamas, drinking coffee, recovering from drinking my brother's beer last night, and being very thankful for all of you jokers who read my blog! Thanks for indulging in my vanity. I post the same every year on Thanksgiving, so here we go...

This isn't exactly a Thanksgiving song, the third verse perfectly describes the Rockstar family back in the day. I heard James McMurtry perform this song live in 2007 at the El Mocambo in Toronto, and he did the last verse about the Iowa guardsman going back to Iraq a capella. You could have heard a pin drop. One of the most incredible vocal performances I have ever seen.

Now granny she's yelling.
She's ready to eat.
She's havin' conniptions.
Cause they won't take their seats.
But she's got 'em all gathered
now under one roof.
With her camcorder loaded.
She's gonna get proof.
"But do you have to wear that?"
"Well I just don’t see why."
"Please pass the potatoes."
"Aw, eat shit and die."
"Did you hear about Ellen?"
"She’s leaving, you know"
"How 'bout those Packers?"
"Think it’ll snow?"
And the minute it's over
They'll scatter like quail.
Off down the freeway
in the teeth of a gale.
Silent and shattered
and numb to the core.
They count themselves lucky
they got through one more holiday.

Holiday.mp3
Buy: Childish Things (2005)


Eric Rhame is a folksinger from Duluth, Minnesota, who frequently writes about life in the upper Midwest, like how friggin' cold it is next to Lake Superior. This song is the only true Thanksgiving song that I know of, and it perfectly describes the Midwest family Thanksgiving experience. The other track has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but I just like it! Thanks for letting me use your tunes Eric!

Thanksgiving Day.mp3
Tahoe to Texas.mp3
Buy: Timber and Steel (2008)

Thanksgiving Americano

On this fine day I am very happy that all of you read my blog! I really enjoy my blogging hobby, and I am so glad that you drop by! I am spending the holiday in Detroit Rock City hanging out with Kid Rock, Eminem, and my family. My folks are morning people, which means that we are registered to do the Turkey Trot at 7 freakin' a.m. this morning, which I am not thankful for. However, I am thankful that Thanksgiving cocktails start immediately after the run.

Here are the only two Thanksgiving songs that I can think of. The first I posted a few weeks ago, and while it isn't exactly a Thanksgiving song, the third verse perfectly describes the Rockstar family back in the day.

Now granny she's yelling.
She's ready to eat.
She's havin' conniptions.
Cause they won't take their seats.
But she's got 'em all gathered
now under one roof.
With her camcorder loaded.
She's gonna get proof.
"But do you have to wear that?"
"Well I just don’t see why."
"Please pass the potatoes."
"Aw, eat shit and die."
"Did you hear about Ellen?"
"She’s leaving, you know"
"How 'bout those Packers?"
"Think it’ll snow?"
And the minute it's over
They'll scatter like quail.
Off down the freeway
in the teeth of a gale.
Silent and shattered
and numb to the core.
They count themselves lucky
they got through one more holiday.

James McMurtry - Holiday.mp3
Buy: Childish Things (2005)


Eric Rhame is a folksinger from Duluth, Minnesota, who frequently writes about life in the upper Midwest, like how friggin' cold it is next to Lake Superior. This song is the only true Thanksgiving song that I know of, and it perfectly describes the Midwest family Thanksgiving experience. The other track has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but I just like it! He has a gig coming up in Superior, Wisconsin, on Dec. 4. I also happen to know that he just got himself hitched. Congrats Eric! And thanks for letting me use your tunes.

Thanksgiving Day.mp3
Tahoe to Texas.mp3
Buy: Timber and Steel (2008)

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

This US ex-pat is spending American Thanksgiving Day in Canada. I usually spend it with family in the US, but due to a family emergency it was not possible this year. At least I am still skipping out on work. Whoo-hooo! I wish I was a better cook though. Sigh. At least I still get to watch football! Oh wait, the Lions are playing. Never mind. Maybe I'll do some laundry.

Old 97's - Lonely Holiday (live).mp3
Buy: Alive & Wired (2005)
I posted the album version from Fight Songs a few weeks ago. Great song from a wicked live album.

Mary Gauthier - Thanksgiving.mp3
Buy: Between Daylight and Dark (2007)
Damn, I hate it when I have to visit momma in prison on Thanksgiving Day.

James McMurtry - Holiday.mp3
Buy: Childish Things (2005)
The third verse of this song describes my family perfectly. I saw McMurty in early 2007 and he did the last verse of this song a capella. The last verse is about a soldier going overseas, presumably to Iraq. You could have heard a pin drop. Amazing performance. Do yourself a favor and pick up this album.

Eric Rhame - Thanksgiving Day.mp3
Buy: Timber and Steel (2008)
Eric Rhame is an indie folk singer from Duluth, Minnesota. This song has everything you want on Thanksgiving - football, drunk uncles, and not a lot of leftovers.