Hayes Carll & Cary Ann Hearst

A profile on NPR's “All Things Considered” recently introduced me to Hayes Carll, country-rock satirist. The title track on Carll's new album, KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories), is a driving and picaresque tale of a young man's misadventures serving his country. (“KMAG YOYO” is army slang for “Kiss my ass guys, you're on your own.”) The NPR piece rightfully compared its style to “Subterranean Homesick Blues.”

Hayes Carll - KMAG YOYO [YouTube] (iTunes)

Another highlight is “Another Like You,” which chronicles a drunken political argument turned romantic encounter and features the wonderful Cary Ann Hearst. Turns out Hearst and Michael Trent (as Shovels & Rope) are supporting Carll on tour as well. I've already gushed about Shovels & Rope and included my favorite tunes of theirs, so here's some solo Cary Ann, my favorite track from her 2010 EP of the same name.

Cary Ann Hearst - Are You Ready to Die [YouTube] (iTunes)

Tour Dates
(Hayes Carll supported by Shovels & Rope)

3/31 - Tulsa, OK - Bob’s at Cain’s Ballroom
4/1 - Oklahoma City, OK - Wormy Dog Saloon
4/2 - Lawrence, KS - The Bottleneck
4/3 - Des Moines, IA - Vaudville Mews
4/5 - Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theater
4/6 - Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon
4/7 - Champaign, IL - High Dive
4/8 - Chicago, IL - Schubas
4/9 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
4/10 - Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
4/13 - Greenville, SC - Handlebar
4/14 - Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge
4/15 - Louisville, KY - Headliner’s Music Hall
4/16 - Maryville, TN - The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson
4/19 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theatre
4/20 - Charlottesville, VA - Jefferson, Theater
4/21 - Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live
4/22 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
4/23 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall