Coming Attractions, January 2024
'Take the Blind Lemon Pledge and Stick It To The Man'
By Daryl Sanders
In many ways, The Snider Files is an experiment. Todd Snider and I have discussed that aspect of it a couple of times, and we both have wondered if this is the first time something like this has been attempted between a recording artist and a music journalist. Whether it is or isn’t the first time, we both suspect it won’t be the last.
As previously noted, beginning today — after the publication of this piece — only paid subscribers will have access to new “files.” I wish the The Snider Files could be free, but the work required to publish the files can only be done with the support of the readers.
For those still considering whether to upgrade to a paid subscription, here’s a glimpse at what’s coming up this month in The Snider Files:
Every month, there will be several “On This Day in Stoner Yodel History” features, as well as previously unpublished photos from Snider’s career by Stacie Huckeba, and January will be no different.
There also will be a two-part feature, “The Life and Death of Blind Lemon Pledge,” a comprehensive look at the rise and fall of one of Snider’s alter egos. There will be a Blind Lemon Pledge photo feature in conjunction with the two-part story, as well as some tracks from the unreleased Snider album Take the Blind Lemon Pledge and Stick It To The Man.
In addition, The Snider Files will premiere more of Snider’s unpublished writings this month, including “The Rules to Bored Game USA,” the 11-part poetic dissertation that provides further insight into the Blind Lemon Pledge and some of the more esoteric references in his songs. There also will be a previously unpublished poem “The Scarecrow.”
Also in January, The Snider Files will present a few more Spotify playlists curated by Snider, including a special Dylan playlist.
As always, The Snider Files welcomes your feedback, questions and suggestions.
© 2024 Daryl Sanders
I hope that lots more fans will join in this experiment and get the paid subscription. Hey, if you don't have $50, I get it. I've been there. You have bigger problems and I'm not asking anything of you. But if you DO have the cash, I think this is a great thing to support. The music industry lansdcape is changing dramatically and artists are getting screwed. Spotify and the like are great for us fans. Unlimited music from every genre for $10 a month? We don't HAVE to buy albums anymore like in the old days. But artists are making pennies per listener on these streaming platforms, they are really getting ripped off and have to scramble to generate alternative income streams through merch, etc. Daryl and Todd have come up with something pretty unique and cool for us to be a part of. If you really love Todd's music, and if you're reading this you probaly do, this is a cool way to support the guy who created that music. I think we as fans have to reconsider what it means to support our favorite artists. I personally appreciate this unique "behind the scenes" type stuff Daryle is sharing. It's definitely worth the price. More importantly I think Todd Snider is a great artist and I want to support him in any way that I can so that he can keep his lights on and stuff. Call me a happy subscriber!
Any idea how many completed but unreleased albums Todd has in the can? A boxset of unreleased material would be great.