Today is a wonderful day in ninebullets.net world. There is a definite taste of fall in the air, the weekend is almost here and Ben Nichols solo cd was made available today.

For those who don’t know, Ben is the lead singer of ninebullets.net fave, Lucero. His solo album, The Last Pale Light In The West, is based on the novel Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy and features Ben on guitars and vocals, Rick Steff on accordion and piano and Todd Beene on pedal steel and electric guitars.

While Ben’s actual solo cd isn’t getting released until sometime next year you can get a special Lucero web store EP over on luceromusic.com and get instant access to DRM free mp3’s of it for download plus you’ll get the physical cd mailed to you on October 10. Or, like me, you can order the CD/T-Shirt combo. Hell, while you’re over there I suggest you buy every cd they have that you don’t.

That sounds great Autopsy, but what does the album sound like?
Glad you asked, it sounds like it could have been the acoustic out-takes of Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers but with non-typical Lucero subject matter. It’s a great snack while we wait for the next Lucero album. My only complaint is that it’s way too short at 7 tracks but that still doesn’t keep me from putting this bitch on the Essential Listening list.

ALSO, FOR THE TAMPA/ST. PETE READERS: You can see Ben live next Tuesday (9/30) with Tim Barry, Chuck Ragan and Austin Lucas on the Revival tour at The Orpheum. Should be a good time and I hope to see some of y’all. If you see me holler, we can share a whiskey drink.

Ben Nichols - Toadvine

Lucero’s Official Site, Lucero on myspace, Buy The Last Pale Light In The West

P.S.: I’ve never read this book. Is it good? Should I give it a read? Anyone wanna mail me their well read copy?