In 2008 when the Heartless Bastards accepted an offer to record a live set for the Austin City Limits TV show, the episode paired them with one of their favorite bands and musical influences, Sonic Youth. A special guest also appeared—good friend Alex Maas of The Black Angels.

Maas and the main Bastard, Erika Wennerstrom, took the opportunity to recreate the classic June Carter and Johnny Cash duet on Tim Hardin’s “If I Were A Carpenter.”

Wennerstrom and Maas started a side project called Sweet Tea, which showcases their unique collaborative take on classic country. Fat Possum released “If I Were A Carpenter” and the Ray Price classic “Crazy Arms” digitally.

[audio:If I Were a Carpenter.mp3]
“If I Were a Carpenter” by Sweet Tea