Possessed by Paul James: “Shoulda’ Known Better”
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Singer and one-man-band Konrad Wert, also known by his stage name Possessed by Paul James, grew up in the swamps of southern Florida. Raised in the Mennonite tradition, music was always close by. Now based in the Hill Country, Wert’s raucous, stomping, punk-inflected folk may, at first glance, bear little resemblance to polite church music, but it burns with the same intensity and honesty as faith.
Over the last few years Possessed by Paul James has toured extensively stateside and in Europe. In 2009 Wert struck out with the Revival Tour, a road show conceived by Hot Water Music’s Chuck Ragan and featuring folk acts with punk spirit. His latest record Feed the Family won best alt-country album at this year’s Independent Music Awards, and contains today’s song of the day, “Shoulda’ Known Better”.
Feed the Family is full of hillbilly stompers, country blues, heart-wrenching folk and easy swingers like “Shoulda’ Known Better”. The song is sweet and hopeful even as Wert spins his bitter yarn about power of hindsight. It shows that even though Wert isn’t from Texas, he’s a darn good addition.
You can see Possessed by Paul James tonight at Frank.
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