Top Ten Ruby Songs: Ruby (#1)

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The trip to Ruby Falls a few weeks ago got me interested in doing a countdown of songs with “Ruby” in the title. That dries up today, unlike the waterfall. (The guide said that, during heavy rains, the cave can close due to high water.) Here’s the rubiest Ruby of all on my list. #1: Ruby - Dave Rawlings Machine Americana music. It’s hard to explain. In some regards, it’s “roots-based” music: yes, some country and some bluegrass, but more rock or blues-based. Then you also have all the great acts of the 70s and 80s who are still making albums (like Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne) who get called “Americana” because they can’t get airplay on modern rock stations or on the classic rock stations that are still too busy playing “Something to Talk About” or “Running on Empty” to notice they’ve released new albums. Then you have people like Dave Rawlings and Gillian Welch, who have a hodgepodge of sounds that blend together into their magical music. I’ve seen them three times: twice as “The Dave Rawlings Machine,” and once as “Gillian Welch.” Their earthy music is terrific, although some might consider it too country (psst, Linda, talking to you, dear ). They are partners in life and music, so you can’t separate them. This was under Rawlings’ name. It’s a great song, comparing a woman’s solitary life to Rapunzel in the tower (“what good’s the finest tower when it hasn’t got a door? So let down your golden hair for me to climb”). And Dave Rawlings is an other-worldly guitarist. He’s amazing to watch live. I’m glad I went to Ruby Falls. And I’m overjoyed that I found this song. Thanks for reading. Ruby Written by Dave Rawlings and Gillian Welch Recorded by the Dave Rawlings Machine From A Friend of a Friend, 2009 You crystals and your Russian cigarettes: