<p>Yesterday I decided that a good use of my free time would be listening to cds that I've pretty much ignored since acquiring them. I have lots of cds that fall into this category, many of them advances passed on by <a href="http://www.nodepression.net" target="blank">one of my freelance clients</a>. This will constitute an ongoing project, I'm sure, but I began yesterday with a couple by <a href="http://www.caitlincary.com" target="blank">Caitlin Cary</a>. The last song on <em>I'm Staying Out</em> was a really fine cover of "I Want to Learn to Waltz" by the <a href="http://www.continentaldrifters.com" target="blank">Continental Drifters</a>. Hearing that reminded me how much I miss the Continental Drifters and brought to mind a couple of other bands I miss.</p>

<p><strong>Continental Drifters</strong>: I bought their cd used at Full Moon Records*, largely because the group included the always interesting <a href="http://www.myspace.com/peterholsapple" target="blank">Peter Holsapple</a>. The music was so good, I convinced my sister and then-boyfriend** to travel to Birmingham from Atlanta to see them live. <a href="http://www.thenickrocks.com" target="blank">The Nick</a> is one of my favorite clubs ever, but it is a dive&mdash;and this night it was mostly empty. The Drifters rocked the small crowd but good: great rapport with each other and the audience, great musicianship, great songs (originals and covers). Based on this, I saw the Continental Drifters any time I could, probably four more times before they broke up&mdash;never a bad show. Another standout was the night at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta when Steve Wynn opened. Incredible. Also, this was one of just a few times in Atlanta that I saw (and recognized) "famous people": Mike Mills from R.E.M. and Chris Robinson from the Black Crowes were there. I was so sad when the band broke up. Continental Drifters recordings are good, but they are no match, and certainly no substitute, for their live shows. </p>

<p><strong>Blue Mountain</strong>: I first heard <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bluemountainlauriecary" target="blan">Blue Mountain</a> on the <a href="http://www.oxfordamericanmag.com" target="blank">Oxford American</a> Southern music sampler (the same place I first heard Lucinda Williams). Not long after that, they played at the Point. It was loud. It was good. They brought their dog.*** I saw them a few times. Then <a href="http://www.caryhudson.com" target="blank">the guitar player</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/laurie1967" target="blank">the bass player</a> got divorced. The end. For a while, anyway. They are reuniting to play <a href="http://www.twangfest.com" target="blank">Twangfest</a> and a couple of other dates.<p>

<p><strong>Whiskeytown</strong>: I only saw Whiskeytown live once, at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta. It was a great show, including little Ryan's antics (I always called him little Ryan). I must say that the loudmouthed yuppies at Smith's Olde Bar deserved it when he blew up and said (and I paraphrase), "Caitlin's going to sing her song now and if anyone talks while she's singing, I'm going to come out there and kick your ass." I've heard that little Ryan's antics weren't always so amusing. I don't remember the show so much as the cd, <em>Strangers Almanac</em>, that I played over and over again. None of Ryan Adams' solo work has resonated as strongly.
</p>
<p>I became aware of these bands at a time when I was seeing live music more than I ever have before or since. Sometimes I miss going to shows, but now when I do go out, I don't enjoy it that much. I've become spoiled by home comforts; precious few artists (and no venues for live music) can compete.</p>

<p class="note">*This has got to be my favorite used record store ever. The guy who owned it lived in back (and I think he was a major head) and usually worked in his sock feet. He had a great selection and great prices. Some of my most treasured acquisitions from Full Moon are albums on cassette. Seems quaint, doesn't it?</p>
<p class="note">**Maybe. It took a couple of times for us to break up for good; I can't remember whether or not this excursion was during the reconciliation period. We remained friends throughout the process.</p>
<p class="note">***Not onstage&mdash;I saw them taking him upstairs before the show. 