Out the Other's ACL Previews: Explosions in the Sky, Street To Nowhere, Centro-Matic and More

Well, I posted the last of my guest previews last night, and I want to once again thank John, JD, Jeff, Chris and Becky for helping me out this year. Together they wrote 28 previews for me, and I wouldn't have been able to finish the site without their help. Well... it's not actually finished left, I have six previews left to write. While I work on those, here's an additional set of previews from my ACL Artist Previews Page.

Pierre Guimard - While it's impossible to find out anything about this French singer/songwriter unless you speak his language, at least the mp3s on his MySpace sound nice. (full preview)

Street To Nowhere - In June 2004, singer/songwriter Dave Smallen submitted a song to a contest run by San Francisco's Live 105, and now two years later, Street To Nowhere has a record deal with Capitol and long list of supporting gigs under their belt. (full preview)

Del Castillo - Brothers Rick and Mark del Castillo banded together in the fall of 2000 to start a latin flamenco-style project, which has evolved to incorporate additional musicians and a variety of styles. (full preview)

Lou Ann Barton - Lou Ann Barton is one of the best female roadhouse blues vocalists you may ever hear, and after decades spent on stage, you have to see her to truly appreciate her. (full preview)

Randy Rogers Band - After six years and several records, Randy Rogers and his band have taken their country/rock 'n roll sound all the way to Music Row in Nashville. (full preview)

Rodney Hayden - Although his website is down and his MySpace lacks a biography, frequent comparisons to Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and George Jones lead me to believe that we'll be hearing more about Rodney Hayden soon. (full preview)

The Durdens - Judy, Larry, Christy, Debra, Sharon, Antuon, Anthony and Albert Durden III have been touring and performing together for twenty-seven years, spreading their uplifting blend of traditional and contemporary gospel, rock and pop. (full preview)

The Jones Family Singers - This Pentecostal family gospel group is returning to ACL after last year's show-stopping slot at the festival, and their "traditional gospel with a contemporary flair" is a welcome addition to the lineup on the Washington Mutual Stage. (full preview)

Sylvia St. James and the Gospel Stars - Not only is Sylvia St. James a talented gospel singer who performs at the House of Blues Sunday Gospel Brunch every Sunday, she also serves as National Director of Gospel Talent for House of Blues Entertainment. (full preview)

New Monsoon - There are fewer jam bands at this year's ACL, which is all the more reason to check out New Monsoon's incredibly diverse blend of Latin, Brazilian and Indian percussion, with electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, mandolin, bass, keyboards, and even a didgeridoo. (full preview)

Centro-matic - Straight-at-you lyrics, strong melodies, heavy instrumentation and earnest vocals have all combined to make my friend JD regret never paying much attention to Centro-matic before now. (full preview)

Explosions in the Sky - Austin's Explosions in the Sky produce whispery pop instrumentals sans vocals, and if you'd like to check out exactly what that means, the band has offered an entire EP for free on their website. (full preview)