This week, too often, people with mental health challenges or substance use disorder wind up in jail. But crisis response teams offer another way. Also, changes to the Endangered Species Act could benefit big business. They could also kill animals like the eastern hellbender. And, in troubled times, a West Virginia writer says to find peace in nature.
The Texas trio have been called “more of a legend than a band,” and their status as both is unmatched. Comprised of Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, The Flatlanders have appeared four times on Mountain Stage with their unmistakable brand of country rock. With 30 years separating their first two recordings, the band went on to release Wheels of Fortune in 2006, Hills & Valleys in 2009, and The Odessa Tapesin 2012.
Our Song of the Week, “I Had My Hopes Up High,” is a Joe Ely composition that the group included on their Live From Austin TX recorded in 2002.
Tune in for more of this 2013 performance from The Flatlanders, plus full sets from UK alt-folky Billy Bragg, songwriting greats Joe Pug and Amy Speace, plus mother-daughter duo Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche on this week’s classic episode of Mountain Stage.
Brian Blauser
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Mountain Stage
Billy Bragg performing on Mountain Stage in Morgantown, W.Va. in 2013
If you feel under the weather, how do you know when it’s time to see a doctor? Also, a growing movement to make Appalachia the “truffle capital of the world,” is being led by a small-town farmer in southern Kentucky.
On this West Virginia Week, health care in the state may see transformation, Gov. Patrick Morrisey wants to bring out of state foster kids home, and we explore the origins of a popular American hymn.
This week, too often, people with mental health challenges or substance use disorder wind up in jail. But crisis response teams offer another way. Also, changes to the Endangered Species Act could benefit big business. They could also kill animals like the eastern hellbender. And, in troubled times, a West Virginia writer says to find peace in nature.
Written by a former slave ship captain, “Amazing Grace” has traveled far beyond its origins. In this encore episode, Us & Them traces how the hymn has become a powerful folk song and civil rights anthem — speaking to pain, forgiveness and the possibility of change.