Robbie Fulks - Upland Stories
On this episode we discuss one America's great modern singer-songwriters -Robbie Fulks, and his wonderful 2016 album Upland Stories.
Produced by the late, great Steve Albini, Upland Stories combines folk and traditional country elements into a rich collection of narrative-driven songs. The album and the fantastic opening track “Alabama at Night” both earned a Grammy nominations, recognition for what is considered by many to be Fulks' finest batch of songs.
The album is full of poignant character studies, told with emotional and literary lyrics that are deeply rooted in American storytelling (Let Us Now Praise Famous Men - James Agees' Great Depression account of impoverished tenant farmers is a major touchstone). Like much of Fulks' discography, the album is an eclectic yet highly satisfying mix of tunes, both serious and humorous. Upland Stories explores diverse themes sung by a remarkably rich voice, backed by some topnotch musicianship, and told by a songwriter at the absolute top of his game.
Recommendation for this episode: Bluegrass Vacation by Robbie Fulks.
Here is Robbie Fulks talking about Doc Watson, who was a huge influence on him, and performing “Hold the Wood Pile Down” while displaying his amazing picking talents.
Robbie Fulks on guitar (L) with Special Consensus.
Here’s Robbie Fulks performing the song “Every Kind of Music But Country” from his debut LP Country Love Songs on Austin City Limits.
Fulks performing the title track off of his 2006 LP Georgia Hard.
Robbie Fulks talks abouy recording Upland Stories and working withe the late, great Steve Albini on WNCW radio.
Robbie Fulks performs “Alabama at Night” on JBTV.
Robbie Fulks and his band performs “Aunt Peg’s New Old Man” on Audiotree live in April 2016.
Robbie Fulks taught Tina Fey guitar at one pint. Here they are performing a Loretta Lynn song during the "Skull Juice Live" comedy summit at City Winery in New York City in August of 2016.
Robbie Fulks and his band perform “Fountains of Wayne Hancock” at The Hideout, Chicago, in May of 2012. They morph his song“Fountains of Wayne Hotline” into a cover of Wayne Hancock’s “Juke Joint Jumping.”
In August of 1970, Joni is persuaded to perform at the Isle of Wight Festival.
