Alpha Rev formed in 2005, when lead singer Casey McPherson’s former group Endochine disbanded. They released a self-titled EP in 2006 and a full-length in 2007 titled, The Greatest Thing I’ve Ever Learned.

Their newest effort, New Morning, hit stores about a year ago (April 2011). I saw these guys at SXSW in Austin this past weekend and it was awesome! Great group, please check ’em out!

This song was my favorite of the live set they played. It’s from another EP titled, City Farm: Roots – EP.

[audio:Lonely Man.mp3|titles=Lonely Man|artitst=Alpha Rev]
“Lonely Man” by Alpha Rev

I’ve loved them from the beginning – fifteen years and counting – and I finally took my opportunity to see Train live. Houston knows how to do it right. They’ll never make rodeo tickets too expensive, to the point where their own Houstonians don’t want to come out and enjoy the show. So, at $ 16 bucks a pop, we get to see some pretty great shows down here!

From the latest release, Save Me, San Francisco, have a listen to “Drive By.”

“Drive By” by Train

Plus, for old time sake, let’s revisit “All American Girl” from My Private Nation.

[audio:All American Girl.mp3|titles=All American Girl|artists=Train]
“All American Girl” by Train

2012 Houston Rodeo Setlist:

1. “If It’s Love”
2. “Meet Virginia”
3. “Drive By”
4. Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” and Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” (mashup covers)
5. Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” (cover)
6. “She’s On Fire” (sung with a country twang)
7. “Soul Sister” (sing-along/ fans were invited on stage)
8. “Calling All Angels”
9. “Save Me, San Francisco”
10. “Marry Me”
11. “Soul Sister” (reprise/ sung by Train)
12. “Drops of Jupiter”