For whatever reason, this week's tune marks the seventh straight that comes from this century (and the next couple will make it nine). God knows the 21st century's music is not my forte, but it's a reminder that good music is as enduring as the sun rising in the east every morning. If nothing else, it's proof that you can teach an old fart new tricks. (Mercifully, this was the first of the bunch that didn't have multiple Wikipedia entries that were as lengthy as a novella....)
The Old 97's formed in 1992 in Dallas, Texas and were initially at the forefront of the alt-country movement before transitioning into a power pop band. While the band hasn't had quite the commercial success of the past few featured artists, five of their albums have charted with one of them hitting #30. They've also had several of their songs featured in various TV shows and feature films. For their career, the Old 97's have released twelve studio albums, two EP's, one live album, and twelve singles (with nary a one hitting the Billboard Hot 100). They are also noted for being a vibrant live band.
(Not so?) Fun Fact: The Old 97's are named for a famous rail disaster, the Wreck of the Old 97. There is also a well-known song (apparently--I'd never heard of it, though I did give Johnny Cash's version of it a listen and found it palatable), which over the course of the nearly hundred years it has existed has been recorded by artists too numerous to mention.
"Question" was not released as a single, and it appeared on their 2001 album Satellite Rides. The album was one of their five that reached the Billboard 200, peaking at #121.
Two minutes, fifteen seconds. That's how long "Question" lasts, and in that short time it says volumes. Featuring nothing more than lead singer Rhett Miller and an acoustic guitar, Miller weaves the tale of a man asking the love of his life to marry him, and the question in the title is probably the most important question many of us will ever ask--and answer. Miller's vocals are to die for--just the right touch of emotion and not a bit maudlin. Throw in some folk music at its finest guitar picking and playing, and a chorus that's as sweet as cherry wine and you have one hell of a song...and a nice reminder of how wonderful the idea of sharing a life with someone truly is.
Lyric Sheet: "Some day somebody's gonna ask you/A question you should say yes to/Once in your life/Maybe tonight I've got a question for you..."
Enjoy:
Republicans = Losers
Peace,
emaycee
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