get a CD.....or ELSE!

If you're looking for Gary Bennett, he's still making music and touring. You can visit him here. Jay McDowell is now a film/television producer/editor in Nashville. Ain't that cool?

In any case, BR549 is classic honky-tonk music. If you haven't heard them before -- start with the new disc and work your way back. We will always love them here at Starrwatcher Online.

LIVE FROM ROBERT'S

Here's their debut EP -- featuring some of our all-time favorites! "Slewfoot," "Bettie Bettie" and "Me An' Opie (Down By The Duck Pond)" are rousing, fast and will get you out of breath! We never thought it possible to headbang to country music until we heard...."18 Wheels & A Crowbar."

BR5-49

Fans call it "The Phone Record" -- and when BR5-49 is on the line, well, buddy, you better take the call! Favorites on this disc are "Cherokee Boogie," "Even If It's Wrong" and "I Ain't Never." The band's originals stand up to the covers! Clear the dancefloor, Washboard Lady coming through!

BIG BACKYARD BEAT SHOW

More great songs. Chuck Mead is one twisted lyricist as you'll see in the tracks "Change The Way I Look" and "Outta Habit." You will headbang AGAIN to the sound of "18 Wheels & A Crowbar." Honestly, they could put that song on EVERY one of their CDs and it would be just a little different -- but still just as good.

COAST TO COAST

Recorded during the 1999 Brian Setzter Tour, there are new tracks ("Pourin' Pain") and golden oldies ("Uneasy Rider") for everyone's taste. Chuck Mead gets us laughing again with "Waiting For The Axe To Fall" -- I mean, you're in a bad way if the suicide hotline won't take your calls! AAAAY! There's one track at the end which will stick in your head like "It's A Small World." Use caution when playing "Humdinger." People might get hurt!

THIS IS BR549

The band has moved to a new record label and has a brand new record producer, too. Their sound is continuing to evolve -- and their songwriting is getting really solid. Loaded with great tracks like "Look Me Up," "The Game" and "Psychic Lady" -- they sound like they are all pulling together and have really polished their sound on the road. Some folks will always prefer them as a live act -- but BR549 have really amassed an amazing body of work. Gary Bennett's tracks "Different Drum" and "While You Were Gone" are well-crafted country songs in the old school tradition. Get this record now so you can tell everyone you were way ahead of the other johnny-come-lately fans.

TANGLED IN THE PINES

What a difference a personnel change makes. This is a very light-hearted, fun collection of twangy, rockabilly infused tunes. Nice to see that band members have written all the songs -- and truly, Chris Scruggs has given "The Professor" Don Herron a run for his money in terms of musical versatility, chops and excitement. Go, boys, go -- and we hope this one takes ya'll over the top.

DOG DAYS

Released in January 2006, this rockin' set includes a fun song by bassist Mark Miller ("You Are The Queen") and the usual wackiness ("Let Jesus Make You Breakfast") plus some infectious songs like "Poison" and "The Devil In Me" (featuring the world-famous Jordanaires). There's also a cool song about Leonard Peltier called "Bottom of Priority." Definitely worth adding to your BR5-49 pantheon of favorites.

A Prairie Home Companion With Garrison Keillor (30th Anniversary Season Celebration)

This was a really cool appearance from back in 2004, filmed live at the Fitzgerald Theater. BR549 still had the line up with Chris Scruggs and Geoff Firebaugh and they did a great job and really fit in with the Lake Wobegon regulars. Thrill to their performances of "That’s What I Get" and "Honky Tonkin’ Lifestyle." Funny, funny cool show!