This is the latest one that I’ve finished.  Believe it or not, it was actually more depressing in an initial draft, but now I think it has a slight bit of hope at the end:

It’s Complicated (6 String)

This guy sounds better with the 12 string, but I can’t seem to capture a good recording of that guitar.  Judge for yourself:

It’s Complicated (12 String)

And yes, I know this sounds a little bit like an Eagles song.  Maybe Don Henley will be flattered.

Tonight at The Independent, Those Legendary Shack Shakers held up my #1 theory about live music – if the band has an upright bass in it, they won’t suck.  Think SCOTS or Reverend Horton Heat with a scorching harmonica and 10x energy; the kind of band you’d expect to see in the Star Community Bar back in the Bubbapalooza days.  JD Wilkes is billed as the "…the last great rock and roll frontman."  I believe it.

This video gives an idea of the energy I’m talking about.

Though I’ve been tweaking it for a while now, this song came about as easily as a song ever has:

Nothing Left to Lose

This is the obligatory “Hello World” post.  Here’s an excerpt from my About page (which is sure to change in the near future):

My name is Brad Meador, I live in San Francisco, and I play music when I’m not working on the day job.  I hate artist bios that espouse the “exploration of dichotomous human relationships through sensitive folk music in a minor key,” so I’ll try and spare you.  I’ve been playing music all my life because it makes me happy and I share it with others in the hopes that they’ll enjoy it too.  That might sound odd from somebody who sings about pain, rain and driving at night (usually minus the rain and driving) but that’s the nature of the blues.  The music is largely acoustic guitar-based Americana with a dose of twang that comes from growing up in the Deep South.  In my earlier stuff you’ll hear hints of Chris Isaak, Lyle Lovett, James Taylor and David Wilcox.  In my later stuff hopefully you’ll hear hints of Brad Meador.  I’m not terribly prolific, but I hope to one day to write that perfect love song that is equal parts joy and heartbreak.  Watch my blog for posts on new music (mine and others), upcoming gigs and anything else that captures my fancy.

More to come soon.  In the meantime, check out some some music.