Good evening Otterites!
Inspired by Robert’s burst of creativity (and hoping to shame Francis, Cajun and the Imperator) I’m here adding a post. This week brings melancholy news of the passing at just 62 years of age of music legend Toby Keith.
You might not expect this Otterites, but old Martin here was a fan. Yes, this dedicated, mosh pit residing, fist shaking aficionado of many variants of heavy metal, this fan of Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Queensryche and Ronnie James DIo, this angry and angst filled head banger was a fan of Toby Keith.
Now admittedly it takes a lot for a country artist to grab my attention, and I am pretty fickle with them. Bocephus, Toby, Johnny Cash, and of course Kris Kristofferson have over the years reeled me in with some of their best stuff. Not everything mind you, but when they are on it, they are big time. So tucked in around Judas Priest and Anthrax in my Spotify you will find some Hank, Johnny and Kris.
I’m composing this while giving Toby’s Unleashed a listen for the first time in a long time. It isn’t for everybody, I get that. But the more I listen, the more I am impressed by Toby’s talent. He was a tremendously talented singer songwriter. Great voice and real songwriting chops. He wrote with feeling, and it comes through in his voice.
I guess that’s what much of my playlist has in common, some strains of good songwriting. Anger, fear, love, angst, regret, longing, whatever it is, if you are feeling it, write a song and I’ll be there. Don’t give a shit about dancing and a beat and all that. Make it give me the feels.
I’ve got some good bourbon here (duh, like what else) including a bottle of the I. W. Harper I posted a picture of last time around. Didn’t expect to see any of it around, it is a bit of unicorn bourbon. Strolled into the grocery store last weekend and there it was. Of course, I snagged 1 of the 2 bottles on the shelf. I don’t know what Toby’s favorite bourbon was, but he sang of beer in red cups and whiskey for his men, so it feels like it would be appropriate to salute him with a glass this weekend. Not sure if it will be that I. W. Harper (may save it for the next time the guys are here) or maybe some Eagle Rare, which seems appropriate too. I can’t have too many drinks in Toby’s honor you see, because much like Toby, I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was. Here’s to you Toby. Condolences to family and friends, but know he touched many lives, including some folks you wouldn’t expect.
(Album cover by Dreamworks Records)
