Dear flower people -
My apologies for being out of touch for so long. This newsletter is long overdue, so we’ve got a little catching up to do, but I’ll try to keep it short and sweet. First of all, we’d like to thank you for helping to make 2007 such a great year. We were knocked out by the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to our album, Carried Away, a labor of love that seems to have struck a chord (pun intended) among pop music lovers around the world. It was thrilling to see that our humble offering made it onto many critics’ “Best of” lists for the year. Notably, it found its way to the very toppermost of the poppermost of Eric Snider’s Top 10 CDs of 2007. As Creative Loafing–Tampa’s Senior Editor, Eric has many years of journalistic experience under his belt, and with it, a reputation which carries a certain amount of credibility. Plus, he’s kind of sexy. At any rate, I’m particularly proud and honored that Eric would throw the weight of his reputation behind our CD. From years of reading Eric’s work, I know that he writes what he believes and believes what he writes, so for me to open CL and see our name above Feist, et al, on his list of faves was a very special moment for me.
So much for keeping it short and sweet, eh? I was also thrilled to see that Curtis Ross of the Tampa Tribune included our CD in his Top 10, along with another Tampa indie band, Giddy Up Helicopter. We also made it onto Philip Booth’s year-end list, as published on lasvegascitylife.com (that tour stop in sin city paid off after all!). We are grateful to Curtis and Philip for lending their editorial clout (have we mentioned lately that you guys have impeccable taste in music?). Again, the fact that these respected writers have no agenda other than to offer a recap of what perked their ears the most in 2007 makes me particularly proud that Carried Away stood out for them.
Apparently we’re doing well in Spain, too, as Carried Away popped up on a few lists posted on sites such as Power Pop Action and Under The Tangerine Tree. There’s also a recent very positive review posted on an English site here
Thank you to our friend and labelmate, Steve Robinson, for forwarding our disc to this gent.
Speaking of Mr. Robinson, he will soon break his non-performance vows and actually appear in public for a very special show in which The Ditchflowers are also involved. Please consult your calendars, circle February 9, and plan to be at Largo Cultural Center for what will be the final appearance of the legendary Headlights. Although I’ve had the privilege and the pleasure of standing in for Mr. Robinson at a number of latter-day Headlights shows, it is the classic lineup that everyone remembers and loves that will appear at this special concert, namely Steve Connelly, Steve Robinson, Scott Dempster, and Danny DiPietra. These guys were serving up great, original Americana more than a decade before that genre was even born. This is the unit that backed up Byrds’ frontman Roger McGuinn on his Back From Rio tour. I know you’ll want to be there to help these Florida legends turn the final page on their storied career. Steve Robinson will open the night with a solo set in support of his superb recent CD release, Undercurrent, followed by a set from The Ditchflowers, after which the mighty Headlights take the stage for their final performance.
This is long, I know...sorry. If you’re still reading this, I consider you not only a true Ditchflowers fan, but also a close personal friend. Therefore, I have a very special deal for you. For those of you who come out to the Headlights show at Largo Cultural Center on February 9, we will give you a free Ditchflowers’ Carried Away CD and autographed poster. Heck, Brian might even shake your hand and pose for pictures (also free). All you have to do to receive your goodies is mention the codeword “tangerine” at the door. If you’ve already got the CD, pass it along to a friend (they also make nice coasters).
I’ve got more news -- I really do -- but honestly, I’ve got to get back to work, and I’ve driveled on long enough. Please forgive me, but I will probably bombard you with more news tomorrow, particularly regarding another special show that is coming up even sooner than the Headlights concert. Stay tuned, and thanks again for your support!
- Ed
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