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Son Volt — Afterglow 61
Album: Okemah and the Melody of Riot
Avg rating:
6.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 882









Released: 2005
Length: 2:40
Plays (last 30 days): 2
US highway from north to south
It's history breathing
Get out from under the gun
Drive down Highway 61

Hannibal's son saw the Gold Rush
Saw the civil war done
Then settled down some
On Highway 61

There's no reason to feel downhearted
There's music in the wheels it's there to be found

Goodnight Irene inside the prison walls
Killed a man and lived to sing about it all
Stella 12 on Highway 61

The immigrant son left the mining town
Electrified the traditional
And had it out on Highway 61
Comments (118)add comment
 idiot_wind wrote:

Ah. Highway  61 just across river from their hometown of Belleville, IL. Also, home to Stag Beer. 




And a bit north of Belleville, Bob revisited Highway 61 near Duluth Minnesota
you all should have seem him and jeff t in the band uncle tupelo, playing in bars in edwardsville il

  in the summer, not much a/c

small stage

small dance floor

drinking stag beer

at the stagger inn
you all should get out there on the road, see some shows

highway 61

theres a steak n shake just north of hannibal, mo
 msbostick wrote:


I totally agree.  The worst voice on RP!  Please Bill!  Stop this defilement!



Thom Yorke
Bob Dylan
Neil Young...

It's a long list before I would get to Jay Farrar.
Edgy, rough, unfinished, kinda raw.  Scruffy, unpolished, and smelling vaguely of sweat and something...moonshine, maybe.  A portrait of an unabashed folk rock garage band.  Son Volt is like a period piece, authentically capturing that essence.  Some art works best when it's real and in your face, raucous like a jaybird.  Likable enough - it gets a 7.
 msbostick wrote:

I can't stand this guy's voice!  Like a leaf blower crossed with a tile cutter!



I totally agree.  The worst voice on RP!  Please Bill!  Stop this defilement!
This guy hasn't met a note he couldn't miss.
oh...that's that southern IL grunge country rock and roll 
 Clark_Novato wrote:
I love it when people put it out there.  This singer wasn't gifted by God with an angel's voice.  He's not letting that stop him!
 
I happen to love the unique sound of his voice.
I love it when people put it out there.  This singer wasn't gifted by God with an angel's voice.  He's not letting that stop him!
 coccyx wrote:
Bad guitar player is helping to cover up the bad singer.  I think the solution is to get rid of them both.

 
crazy wrote:
make the bad guitar player go away..please
 

 



Wow. Both listeners can't tell a skilled guitarist when they hear one. I'd be interested to hear either of these dipsticks play something as good if what he's doing is so simple. Just controlling feedback like that is an art form in itself. I can't say I agree about the vocalising either. I'm going to give this a 10 just to annoy the idiots on here.
 msbostick wrote:
I can't stand this guy's voice!  Like a leaf blower crossed with a tile cutter!
 
I agree, heartily!
Not the most innovative songwriting, but one of my favorite vocals in recent music.
 PRoeder61 wrote:
I don't get the comments that essentially say "I hate this" (however cleverly stated).  Unless you are a rock star, none of us cares who you hate.  Really.  That fact that you think we do speaks only to your vanity.
this comment rates YOUR vanity even higher, don't you think?

I can't stand this guy's voice!  Like a leaf blower crossed with a tile cutter!
 SmackDaddy wrote:

San Diego County is home to over 200 craft beers including some of the most famous and well respected breweries. https://yournorthcounty.com/gu...

Stag Beer doesn't impress.
 
Craft beers are hardly unique any more. I think the OP was just paying homage to a recognized brand with a long history. 
 idiot_wind wrote:
Ah. Highway  61 just across river from their hometown of Belleville, IL. Also, home to Stag Beer. 
 
San Diego County is home to over 200 craft beers including some of the most famous and well respected breweries. https://yournorthcounty.com/gu...

Stag Beer doesn't impress.
Ah. Highway  61 just across river from their hometown of Belleville, IL. Also, home to Stag Beer. 
Thanks very much for broadcasting to us tonight. We're very glad to have you as a DJ.
 PRoeder61 wrote:
I don't get the comments that essentially say "I hate this" (however cleverly stated).  Unless you are a rock star, none of us cares who you hate.  Really.  That fact that you think we do speaks only to your vanity.

 
You showed us, that's for sure.

In the meantime, I like this a lot.
 Hippostar wrote:
My god this guy has no sense of pitch whatsoever... completely tone deaf.

 hanssachs wrote:

Agree - I was trying to listen to the song, but all I heard was out-of-tuneness ... does he produce his own records?

 
Too pitchy?!?  Well then it's really too bad that American Idol isn't around anymore for folks like you two.

Update: You can rejoice now... American Idol has returned.
Whatever ... 
 whomhow wrote:
I'm really not sure he could sing the melody of riot (or any other one) correctly.

 
That's part of what makes this genre - I guess it's Rebel Country, or Alt.Country - a more authentic feel, as much about the rawer feel, avoiding the layering, effects, over-production, and auto-tuned vocals.
9 - Excellent!
I'm really not sure he could sing the melody of riot (or any other one) correctly.
 PRoeder61 wrote:
I don't get the comments that essentially say "I hate this" (however cleverly stated).  Unless you are a rock star, none of us cares who you hate.  Really.  That fact that you think we do speaks only to your vanity.

 
so we care who rockstars hate?
I don't get the comments that essentially say "I hate this" (however cleverly stated).  Unless you are a rock star, none of us cares who you hate.  Really.  That fact that you think we do speaks only to your vanity.
Fun song...could use a vocalist.
I believe Son Volt has the lowest consistent ratings of any artist whose songs I have rated on RP. There are other artists who have mostly low, but some higher (Smashing Pumpkins, Neil Young, Pink Floyd*), but I have yet to hear a Son Volt song I'd rate above a 4.


* I know: heresy, right?
 Hippostar wrote:
My god this guy has no sense of pitch whatsoever... completely tone deaf.

 
Agree - I was trying to listen to the song, but all I heard was out-of-tuneness ... does he produce his own records?
Hey.. an Uncle Tupelo spawned band.


It has that midwest (Belleville, IL) RnR sound. 


      
My god this guy has no sense of pitch whatsoever... completely tone deaf.
 peter_james_bond wrote:

You are a good person! I like Son Volt - to me it has an organic, salt of the earth appeal - alt -country at it's best. {#Smile}
 
Me agree.
·))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
 
{#Guitarist}{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}   {#Yell} Rock On Son Volt!


 cohifi wrote:

I'm hearing voices myself.

 

{#Arrowu} {#Arrowd}Too bad your tender sensibilities were offended.  If you're looking for soft pop, maybe you'd be more at home here

 duchamp wrote:
Did a calf die or something?
 
I'm hearing voices myself.

Did a calf die or something?
We seem to be on a countryesque roll. not enjoying myself.
 MojoJojo wrote:
I try not to denigrate the individual for liking a song I can't stand or disliking music that I find appealing. I think that is where some folks fail to be considerate, regardless of what they think about a particular song or artist.

In this case, everything I have heard from Son Volt makes me go out of my way, if necessary, to reach the mute button or change channels. If, however, you like it - good for you.

One of my closest friends likes Neil Young's music, but to him, any Bob Dylan song is like nails on a chalkboard.  For me it is the other way around. We get a chuckle over it, and certainly respect each others opinion. The only jabs we take are in complete jest.

I'll get off my soapbox, at least until next year.  {#Wink}

 
H8rHater agrees whole heartedly (thanks for the commentary MojoJojo) For the H8rs out there.... if you don't like it and have nothing constructive to say, shut up.   Your vanity is weak.

 Alafia wrote:
guy can't sing for shit.

 

Brilliant insight. What do you do? Please let me know so I can criticize it from my unqualified vantage point - just as you have just done.
 MojoJojo wrote:
I try not to denigrate the individual for liking a song I can't stand or disliking music that I find appealing. I think that is where some folks fail to be considerate, regardless of what they think about a particular song or artist.

In this case, everything I have heard from Son Volt makes me go out of my way, if necessary, to reach the mute button or change channels. If, however, you like it - good for you.

One of my closest friends likes Neil Young's music, but to him, any Bob Dylan song is like nails on a chalkboard.  For me it is the other way around. We get a chuckle over it, and certainly respect each others opinion. The only jabs we take are in complete jest.

I'll get off my soapbox, at least until next year.  {#Wink}

 
I hear you but raise the point that isn't it so much more fun just to be plain rude to a stranger? My grandmother taught me a very good lesson. She said, ' if you can't say anything bad about someone don't say anything at all!'. She also said,' what's for you won't go by you'. She rued that a little as she got run over by a bus.... :(

 coccyx wrote:
Bad guitar player is helping to cover up the bad singer.  I think the solution is to get rid of them both.

 
crazy wrote:
make the bad guitar player go away..please
 
 

I think many - including me - would argue that technical accuracy does not necessarily translate directly into good art. In many cases, technical flaws can be outweighed by skill in another area - Bob Dylan, for instance. Or maybe you think he's a hack, too. If so, we have no basis for discussion.
guy can't sing for shit.

 MojoJojo wrote:
I try not to denigrate the individual for liking a song I can't stand or disliking music that I find appealing. I think that is where some folks fail to be considerate, regardless of what they think about a particular song or artist.

In this case, everything I have heard from Son Volt makes me go out of my way, if necessary, to reach the mute button or change channels. If, however, you like it - good for you.

One of my closest friends likes Neil Young's music, but to him, any Bob Dylan song is like nails on a chalkboard.  For me it is the other way around. We get a chuckle over it, and certainly respect each others opinion. The only jabs we take are in complete jest.

I'll get off my soapbox, at least until next year.  {#Wink}
 
You are a good person! I like Son Volt - to me it has an organic, salt of the earth appeal - alt -country at it's best. {#Smile}
Bad guitar player is helping to cover up the bad singer.  I think the solution is to get rid of them both.

 
crazy wrote:
make the bad guitar player go away..please
 


I try not to denigrate the individual for liking a song I can't stand or disliking music that I find appealing. I think that is where some folks fail to be considerate, regardless of what they think about a particular song or artist.

In this case, everything I have heard from Son Volt makes me go out of my way, if necessary, to reach the mute button or change channels. If, however, you like it - good for you.

One of my closest friends likes Neil Young's music, but to him, any Bob Dylan song is like nails on a chalkboard.  For me it is the other way around. We get a chuckle over it, and certainly respect each others opinion. The only jabs we take are in complete jest.

I'll get off my soapbox, at least until next year.  {#Wink}

make the bad guitar player go away..please
 Excelsior wrote:
RP is turning into an echo chamber.
 
So it only seems like you're posting 5 times in every song?

Incidentally, this song still sucks.  The guy sounds like he's singing while passing a kidney stone.
RobK wrote:
You last three commenters are clowns. You're dumb, deaf and blind to the greatness of Jay Farrar - that's your problem. Go away now.


God forbid anyone have a dissenting opinion on RP!  I've been noticing these types of comments appear more and more frequently in song comments:  "you don't like this song?  You obviously know nothing, and should go away forever.  Your opinion is not welcome here."

RP is turning into an echo chamber.

You last three commenters are clowns. You're dumb, deaf and blind to the greatness of Jay Farrar - that's your problem. Go away now.
Excelsior wrote:
Amen, brother. This track should have been chucked in the dumpster behind the recording studio, never to be heard again.
Uhh. Got to say this. I cringe every time this guy sings. Have to turn the volume down every time until it's over. Just can't listen to this voice. It is too bad for words. I have very broad tastes in music and have never felt that strongly about any singer. But this guy is just not broadcast-able even if other aspects have some merit. This is my first post. I felt compelled. Just could not bottle it up any longer. Sorry.
MrGreg wrote:
This guy can't even find the note. How does such a no-talent even get recorded?
Amen, brother. This track should have been chucked in the dumpster behind the recording studio, never to be heard again.
michaelgmitchell wrote:
Hey, this was last month. Do the tunes loop after a certain rotation? I didn't know this. A newbie. How frequent is this? (Uh Sun Volt? Pass.)
Yeah, same sets come around every so often. Not so much you would remember yourself, but it's funny when you read an earlier post where a reviewer lists a string of songs to express pleasure/pain/bliss- and it's the same set you just heard. Still, you cannot beat the variety and thought going into the programming. Keep it coming!
Moak wrote:
In my opinion, this is the best album Son Volt have produced yet. Good guitar work, melodies and lyrics on these tunes. I'm really just getting to know them and I usually start early and work to the present, but I think working backwards is the way to go with these guys.
Okay, do what you want, but you'll feel differently when you get to "Trace". I like the new stuff but nothing beats their first album.
come on. is this the police? sting discovers ludes?
Hey, this was last month. Do the tunes loop after a certain rotation? I didn't know this. A newbie. How frequent is this? (Uh Sun Volt? Pass.)
SO good, my head explodes! 7:30 am - Son Volt - Afterglow 61 7:27 am - Ryan Adams - My Winding Wheel 7:21 am - Rolling Stones - Moonlight Mile 7:16 am - The Audreys - Oh Honey 7:13 am - Pete Yorn - I Feel Good Again 7:10 am - Liz Phair - Ride
this guy gets around...love his work
MrGreg wrote:
This guy can't even find the note. How does such a no-talent even get recorded?
Judging from your highest rated songs you have poor taste.
MrGreg wrote:
This guy can't even find the note. How does such a no-talent even get recorded?
Sometimes it's not important to be perfect in what you do if the music fits into time or generation. Thinking of Sex Pistols i.e....
electronicshaman wrote:
at first I thought this was just a boring Foo Fighters track, then I realised that it's just a boring rip-off of a boring Foo Fighters track
Dave Grohl, in his dreams, could write like Jay Farrar.
Lots of Son Volt as of late ... Ok with me
On_The_Beach wrote:
Please, don't feel obligated to come back.
El_Penguino wrote:
The first few bars I thought it was the Hip.
you need to listen to more hip...
electronicshaman wrote:
at first I thought this was just a boring Foo Fighters track, then I realised that it's just a boring rip-off of a boring Foo Fighters track
LOL - Does boring equal a 1, 2 or 3 rating? I'm going with a 3 (ho-hum) as boring.
at first I thought this was just a boring Foo Fighters track, then I realised that it's just a boring rip-off of a boring Foo Fighters track
He sounds like a flat, off-key version of John Linnell.
MojoJojo wrote:
Almost as annoying as Neil Young, but not THAT bad. Still, changing stations for a bit...
Please, don't feel obligated to come back.
In my opinion, this is the best album Son Volt have produced yet. Good guitar work, melodies and lyrics on these tunes. I'm really just getting to know them and I usually start early and work to the present, but I think working backwards is the way to go with these guys.
optimusprime10 wrote:
what's up with highway 61 anyway? is it in the southeast?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_61
i still think this sounds like the verve pipe.
Almost as annoying as Neil Young, but not THAT bad. Still, changing stations for a bit...
and still anoying....so much for something growing on you.
Was this song on one of the Paste Samplers?
Yikim wrote:
I agree, the lead singer totally sounds like Gord Downie
The first few bars I thought it was the Hip.
Are these guys in some Hip cover band? I hear a lot of that new-Hip sound going on here
what's up with highway 61 anyway? is it in the southeast?
great song. Too bad the rest of the record does not match this one. The guitars sound really great, but most of the songs are plodding...
would love to see them live
I had the privilege of seeing Son Volt play live - so good! I have upped my rating based on their live performance. 128K played softly in a work environment just doesn't do this band justice...
Great song. The whole album is brilliant.
still anoying....
twangoosen wrote:
Reminds me of Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited, for obvious reasons. Would there be a connection?
Son Volt - Afterglow 61 US highway from north to south. It's history breathing. Get out from under the gun and drive down Highway 61. Hannibal's son saw the Gold Rush, saw the Civil War done, then settled down some on Highway 61. There's no reason to feel downhearted. There's music in the wheels. There to be found. Goodnight Irene in the prison walls, killed a man and lived to sing about it all Stella-twelve on Highway 61. The immigrant son left the mining town. Electrified the traditional and had it out on Highway 61. There's no reason to feel downhearted. There's music in the wheels. There to be found. The album Highway 61 Revisited (1965), after his conversion to electric instruments
Reminds me of Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited, for obvious reasons. Would there be a connection?
Guitar reminds me of Neil, but not the voice. No one sounds like Neil singing, and that may be a good thing.
Okay, okay, Bill, keep eatin' them Wheaties, or whatever, because you gotta long long day ahead (eels would be cool, too!) of you to keep toppin' the rockin' you been doin'! Thanks for turning me onto these SonVolt guys!
Bocephus wrote:
I thought it was Neil at first...nice tune.
Actually kind of sounds like a dropout from the Neil Young School of singing. Good band, I agree.
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I thought it was Neil at first...nice tune.
huebdoo wrote:
Sort of like the Tragically Hip I dont know if I like it or not yet.... Totally reminds me of the hip
I agree, the lead singer totally sounds like Gord Downie
Jeez these guys really rock!!
Moak wrote:
I really appreciate this raw, rootsy sound
ME TOO!
Alright! Two of my absolute favorite bands in a row. Thanks RP! I've had the change to see both Son Volt and BHTM in the last three weeks. What a month!
BKardon wrote:
True but based on what Tweedy has done in recent years, I have a feeling it was more Farrar than Tweedy pushing the americana feel.
I hear you there. Absolutely correct!
The_Waker wrote:
Agreed, kind of. It was Uncle Tupleo, which basically split into Son Volt and Wilco. Two of the best bands out there.
True but based on what Tweedy has done in recent years, I have a feeling it was more Farrar than Tweedy pushing the americana feel.
BKardon wrote:
These guys pretty much started the whole Americana/alt.country movement.
Agreed, kind of. It was Uncle Tupleo, which basically split into Son Volt and Wilco. Two of the best bands out there.
kazuma wrote:
Pretty generic Americana rock ... not great, not awful. Probably a hot bar band, but not too remarkable in this context.
These guys pretty much started the whole Americana/alt.country movement.
Thank you so much for playing Son Volt. Saw them last weekend and was SO glad they're back. Farrar sounded fantastic. New band but a great guitar player on lead. See them if you can!
I really appreciate this raw, rootsy sound
annoying....
This New Englander'd never heard of Son Volt, Wilco, Ryan Adams, Emmylou, Alt-Country 'til I lived in Michigan and hung-out with eviros in their late-20s - mid-30s from all over the interior of the USA. - A whole world of music to discover -
Sort of like the Tragically Hip I dont know if I like it or not yet.... Totally reminds me of the hip
would give it a lower rating if it wasn't about hitting 70 and doin' the crosscountry thing (which changes your whole perspective about everything)
Headache inducing.
Reminds me of the Longriders, nice!
i prefer the work of jeff tweedy who shared the lime light with son volt's jay farrar in uncle tupelo and then moved on to form his own band wilco. tweedy has a much more bearable and humble voice, and i think his work is more cleaver.
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
ya, he kinda drones and drones
Drones? I love Jay Farrar's voice! Great CD....
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
ya, he kinda drones and drones
drones? nevermind! it sounds like he's struggling to hit every note! not quite what i'm after. :(
nelsonha wrote:
I like the music, but the singer's voice can be a bit grating.
ya, he kinda drones and drones
Pretty generic Americana rock ... not great, not awful. Probably a hot bar band, but not too remarkable in this context.
I like the music, but the singer's voice can be a bit grating.
Love Jay Farrar & Son Volt - what an incredible comeback surprise, one of 2005's best.
Yes ... new Jay w/ Son Volt! Much anticipated. Much more needed. Much happy!.. Merci RP!
Trying to think of something to say so I can be the first... ummm... oh well... nice distorted guitar
First post woot!