Garth Brooks Expands Schedule to Include Nine Shows

Complete this sentence for me: If I knew then what I know now . . .

Well, I wouldn’t go to prison.

There is a definite throw-back, retro vibe to The Gougers and their music. It is invigorating to hear a band crank out solid, country jams with such assuredness and ability. Along with Jason Eady & The Wayward Apostles, The Gougers are leading a wave of young, vibrant country musicians who have a sense of what was cool in yesteryear and what is cool now. A Long Day for the Weather Vane, firmly establishes that it’s going to be a long career for the Gougers in music.

Popular music has always been a leaky commodity, but the major labels have increasingly narrowed their scope to focus on a few superstars and one-hit wonders. The Internet has made eclectic listening easy again. Thomas’ crime (if we must label it that) was in not paying for the tracks she allegedly shared. But in a way, it was an act committed in self-defense, against the numbing effects of an increasingly narrowcast mainstream.

Laurie: It’s About Time (according to a family member of yours I’ve spoken with) also seems to refer to your former status as a single man. You’ve gotten married since your last record…has it changed your music? I’m hoping your music isn’t going to become “Tim McGrawed”

Roger: No problem, as long as my lovely bride doesn’t turn into Faith Hill. Which would be my worst friggin’ nightmare. But no, Mrs. K is a super-cool gal, so I’m not too worried about that. It’s true that being in a good relationship can take away some of that pent-up angst that makes for some cool music, and I do find myself doing more fun and generally less embittered stuff. But then again, I just recorded a song about a guy who offs a priest with a religious symbol. Nah, I’m not going anywhere.