If you STILL don't know Ryan Bingham, then fuck you

After winning an Academy Award for his music, maybe now Meagan will finally listen to Ryan Bingham and respect his awesomeness. Because he is awesome.

He's what would happen if Bob Dylan could actually sing. He's what would happen if Bruce Springsteen were from Texas, not New Jersey. He's what you would get if you crossed the two of them, backed it up with the guitarest from the Black Crowes, and then added poetry.

His name is Ryan Bingham, and if you haven't heard his music, then you are wrong. Turn off your radio. Abandon Lady Gaga. Forget Simon. Lost Highway records is the only advice you need to find good music.

They signed Ryan Adams. There is not a bad song in his 200+ song catalog. "Come Pick Me Up" is the greatest jaded breakup song of all time. Featured on the Real OC and movies with Luke Wilson, you might be inclined to stop listening to him. The problem is that he's too fucking good.

They signed Black Joe Lewis. "Bitch I Love You" is the best big band funk to hit the airwaves since, well, ever.

But I already knew about these guys. And I already knew about Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, also part of Lost Highway records.

Who I didn't know was Ryan Bingham. Born in roadhouse bars, his lyrics are the dirt you find in your teeth after a hard days work. They're sunburns: painful, honest, and satisfying.

If you don't like him for his poetry ("... someone took a guitar and a match and set peace on fire" ), then you'll at least like him for his political views. He's the sort of republican/democrat hybrid that we all dream about: believes America is great, but that its politicians fuck it up with the notion that they know best. ("On the TV, there's a white man / too much make up on his wife with god's plan / Guess the religious vote made it to Congress").

I'm not telling you what to buy. I'm not telling you what to listen to. But if you want to feel the soul of the America beyond the sidewalk, then Ryan Bingham is your man.