In the summer of 1995, the Oxford, Mississippi based band Blue Mountain would release their sophomore effort Dog Days. The album would contain a tribute to our nation’s 39th president and all-around good human being, Jimmy Carter. In celebration of this great man’s 99th birthday, In Loving Recollection alumna Laurie Stirratt and her Blue Mountain bandmate Cary Hudson tell the story of their song “Jimmy Carter.”
Episode 18: Arabella by Laurie and John
In the Winter of 2003, twin siblings Laurie and John Stirratt found themselves living in the same city for the first time in many years. Taking full advantage of the reunion, the Stirratts decide to make a record. For Episode 18 of In Loving Recollection, John Stirratt (Wilco, The Autumn Defense, Uncle Tupelo) and Laurie Stirratt (Blue Mountain, Teardrop City) tell the story of their 2004 album Arabella. Recounting the events that led to the album’s creation, the Stirratts discuss the process of writing and demoing songs while living in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago as well as the inspiration drawn from their childhood spent in close proximity to New Orleans, Louisiana.