Maynard And the Musties are Donna Mcelroy's friends and so I came to them with zero knowledge and, based upon two songs, thought they were definitely good enough. But I am a huge country fan so I probably would.
 
Then I was asked to do the Q & A today and planned to get around to really listening to the band before Thursday for sure. And I finally got to it today and I am systematically blown away.
 
I don't know why or how but I chose Christopher Paul Stelling, Woody Fuller chose Geoffrey Wilson and Donna and Joseph Franklin chose Joe Maynard -and all three are giften singer-songwriters.
 
Joe has a Willie Nelson-y twang and a Gram Parsons story telling vibe and you can hear it all on his breathtaking 2009 first album "So Many Funerals". I streamed "Great Life" at random and immeditaely went to itunes and picked up the album.
 
I may get around to reviewing  the album (I am doing the Q&A at Muse on Thursday, and I may write the review as well – I wouldn't mind it) but if I don't at least I can Grade it: A. Not just the songs, which are root strong, but the playing which is gorgeous. It is like John Wesley Harding had a shoot out with Merle Haggard.
 
If you won't take my word for it, here is the myspace, stream ur country ol' heart out. And check out the muse and music…
 
http://www.myspace.com/maynardandthemusties