Look, let’s cut to the chase, here. We all love Joe Pug and his folk-eriffic work over the past four years. When he finally released a full-fledged LP last year, Messenger, appropriate hosannas were sung by many, including this blogger, for sure.

While the recorded output of Mr. Pug has been consistently stellar, his live product is equally so, whether with a full band accompanying him, or if he’s just standing alone, letting all out for everyone to take in.

Joe Pug is hitting the Dallas/Ft. Worth area next week, as he swings by The Loft in Dallas. The Loft has seen an insane amount of talent grace its stage as of late (Frightened Rabbit, Felice Brothers, Trampled by Turtles, The Vaselines, among others) and of course, this coming Saturday will be no exception to that rule.

The folks at The Loft have been kind enough to give-away a pair of tickets to this show, which will be opened by the equally folk-ified Strand of Oaks. Want to win? Be the first to EMAIL ME – kelly@thegobblersknob.com – with Pug Is My Messengerin the subject line and your name will be at the door for a sweet pair of tix, courtesy of The Loft.

Man oh man. Yesterday I went on and on about new Midlake coming soon and now I will get all kinds of chatty, thanks to Joe Pug (Official / Myspace). Pug has become a blogger’s darling in the last two years. His two EP’s, Nation of Heat and In the Meantime give us but a glimmer of an introduction to this tremendous artist.

Messenger, Pug’s upcoming full-length album really delivers the goods. I really dig hearing Pug’s songs with a full band set-up, as opposed to his standard solo-acoustic scenario. The plugged-in version of “Speak Plainly, Diana”, which was a highlight from his Nation of Heat EP, is an absolute revelation. Below is one of the new tracks from the album, enjoy…

LISTEN: Joe Pug – “The Sharpest Crown” (from Pug’s upcoming Messenger album)

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By now, many of you may be aware of this, but I want to do my part to make sure you dont miss it, in case you havent seen this juicy bit of info thus far. One of my favorite talents of the last couple of years, Joe Pug (Official / Myspace), will be releasing a new full-length record entitled Messenger in February. His 2 EP releases have been mind-bogglingly great and it will be great to hear what he has come up with.

Thankfully, we don’t have to wait for a taste of what’s in store for us. Go to Joe’s official site and listen to not one, but two new tracks he has streaming. It looks like we are going to get the standard, high level of writing with more full, fleshed arrangements. I dig the pedal steel work in the title track. Well, what are you waiting for…HURRY!!!!

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