I don't know that I've ever said it in so many words, but regular readers of this journal may not be surprised to learn that I have a serious weak spot for good old shit-kicking country music. I've also mentioned that The Attic (a venue I have only just begun to learn to appreciate) is closing down in the next couple of weeks.

So it was with some delight that I learned one of my last chances to go to that establishment was going to be a show by the Divorcees, a Moncton-based outlaw country band (if you've ever been to Moncton, you'll understand that makes perfect sense) and one I think I've mentioned I have been meaning to check out. I was a little sorry that my old blue Alberta western boots seem to have gone astray in one of the moves I was making about ten years ago: since I wore them exclusively in the barn they were, in fact, actual shit-kickers (to the extent that the exposure to ammonia had turned the feet sort of... green.) They are the stacked-heel kind that's been out of fashion for years but I would certainly have worn them last night. As it was I decided the new Ariats I've been breaking in for the past week or so would have to do, these being sort of incipent SKs, as it were.

Anyway, having been to The Attic a couple of times before, I was aware of the drill and didn't bother coming out until after midnight. The ID-checking dudes downstairs were marginally friendlier than previously, the purse-check was more extensive than usual, but the female door and bar staff were as cheery as ever. (I could see people putting up with the security guys just because the bartenders are so nice. I hope they all have new jobs lined up.)

By the time I arrived the opening act was already playing, a local group called Ryan Cook and Sunny Acres. I understand Ryan is one of the people in charge of Honky Tonk Hiccups, the country show at Ginger's on Tuesday nights. Exposure to his band makes me sorry my Tuesdays are all tied up again, but rest assured that if Adam and Rob take a night off I'll be there.

Ryan was an acoustic-playing lead singer decked out in a silver felt cowboy hat suitable for winter wear, and he and his band played the kind of country that makes me wish I knew how to two-step, you know? Their CD is out on March 8th and I have marked the date of the CD release party on my calendar.

And since I am now pressed for time I'll say of the Divorcees that cheerful outlaw country just baout covers them: they have two excellent lead singers (a small hairy guy and a larger one with Our Lady of Guadelupe tattooed down his forearm) and I took to them at once, especially the tune that gives this post its title. Hee!

The only bad thing about the night was, as far as I could tell not a single person in the place knew how to two-step. But that didn't mean there weren't a few folks trying!

More on this later, I suspect--probably after I've gotten the CD. For now, I recommend their originals and also their covers, including one of Waylon's "Lonesome, Ornery and Mean." Yowza!