Finally a normal show. It began with Uncle Jeff's memories of his old GE turntable playing CCRs "Down On The Corner" followed by "Please Remember Me", probably referencing UJs plea for forgiveness due to a recent string of AWOLs.

A reminder came for listeners what Route 78 West is all about... "It is Western, it's travel, it's drivin' and we slip in some 78s to keep you educated", stated Uncle Jeff.

For a short time conversation went south and I thought we were sitting in the livingroom just talking, but then I blinked, we were in the studio and yes, the "on the air" sign was on.

A set of river songs included the sweetest trak of the show, "Waiting For a Train". I'm partial to the romance of the train hopping, freewheeling Kerouac lifestyle. More a past memory than a present reality for me.

Drive By Truckers is a favorite of Uncle Jeff and he can't hold back his praise for their accomplishments. Their music reminds me of previous life midwestern party days... Lynyrd Skynyrd, Reo Speed Wagon and The Allman Brothers playing at all weekend, nonstop, racetrack concerts. Bring a blanket, a cooler, and a girl to dance with... give it up, this is nothing new to you! That analogy is all I got, but if you like those old southern bands then you will dig the modernized southern rock sound of the Drive By Truckers. This band is at their peak so pick up the most recent CD, Decoration Day.

I enjoyed Loki's tale about meeting Bruce "U Utah Phillps" at the recent Folks Fest in Lyons. "U Utah Phillps" is known for the defunked KGNU radio show "Loafers Glory". Loki went on, "Phillips even critizes NPR for being too sold out, he's down to earth, the real deal, honest to god train bum, anarchist, passivist, from the Korean War who discovered what was going on wrong in this country and has been going around telling funny, ponent tales about it ever since". Loki first saw "U Utah Phillips" at a Joe Hill Day celebration in Salt Lake City. Utah can't stand commerical country music. So, if this sounds like your MO then track down some of Utah's albums for your collection or watch for rare appearances at local festivals. Trivia... A Phillip's trak was played on the very first Route 78 West show.

The show wound down with traks by Songs Ohia, Richmond Fontaine and a birthday tribute to UJ by Clem Snide.

DeVotchKa will be playing at the Fox Theater on September 5th. I recommend this show... get your tickets asap!

Post show was spent on the patio of Tom's Tavern. Tune in next week for some recently acquired rare 78s.