Going back to last Friday, Curiosity led me to see Rodriguez, a largely unknown, but somewhat legendary singer-guitarist from the last 60s and early 70s. I came into the show knowing very little about the man and hearing only a few potent songs. Now, I'm reading what I can about the man and listening to two recently re-released albums.

Sixto Rodriguez is a Mexican born, Detroit-raised music man who's mellow psychedelic songs from the hippie era will make you think of Donovan. He released two albums, Cold Feet (1970) and Coming from Reality (1971) that never took off in the states. So, the man return to a life outside of music, which included being a teacher, gas station attendant and day laborer. Meanwhile, his music was a smash and an inspiration in South Africa.

Fast forward to the internet age, an online campaign started by a fan sought the where abouts of Rodriguez. Rumors floated that he had died or was living on the streets of Detroit. Thanks to people like DJ David Holmes, the makers behind the Heath Ledger movie Candy and Light in the Attic records, Rodriguez is being discovered by a new legion of music fans.

Now, Rodriguez gets to tour the the U.S. and the world. At Bowery Ballroom, a modest crowd turned up to see what some may consider a living legend. The first thing you notice when the 65-year old musician as he walks on stage is that the man is blind or partially blind. Once the man and his excellent backing band (who are 40 years younger than him)  plays, you forget all that and get lost in the man's music. The guy embodies the aura of the 60s, with easy-going style and laid-back singing. On top of that, he imparted his words of wisdom to the crowd. Consider it I-Rodriguez instead of I-Ching. He said, "The secret to being in a lasting relationship is saying 'Yes, dear'" or "The secret of life is breathing in and out." Not earth shattering advice, but it's all a part of his gentle personality.

He best known song is "Sugar Man" which is tale of drug taking and drug dealing. In fact, he only recorded 25 songs. The ones to check out are "Only Good For Conversation," "Like Janis," "Heikki's Suburbia Bus Tour" and  "Halfway Up the Stairs".

So awesome are Philadelphia's The War on Drugs. I've been a fan of their lone album, Wagonwheel Blues, that was released via Secretly Canadian. They are one of those band that if you asked five people to describe their music, you'll get five different answers. Their do have a troubadour style in their music similar in style to The Walkmen. The three piece touring version of The War on Drugs do play with a lot fury and bite. Adam Granduciel, also of The Capitol Years, is the driving force of the band with Bob Dylan-esqe vocals. On record, Kurt Vile, a solo artist in his own right,  contributes to the writing and guitar playing

It would be a mistake to just call them Dylan rip-offs because the music is full of grandeur with spacey electronics thrown into the music. It makes some of their songs epic in nature. Check out a "Needle in Your Eye #16" because it has a great, open-road drive that you wished never ended.