Sammy Llanas' Absinthe could easily be the most depressing album ever. He recorded it right after his brother committed suicide.

I've seen Kurt solo a few times, and they were enjoyable sets. However, I truly believe that Sammy is the heart and soul of the BoDeans.

The BoDeans don't currently have a label deal, but are recording. They really got screwed in the whole recording industry consolidation - their live album Joe Box Car sold over 300K, which is outstanding for a double disc, and yet they got dropped.

They remain a strong draw here in the Land of Cheese and Cannibals. I understand that they make enough at their annual Milwaukee Summerfest gig alone to survive. They usually do a practice set here in Madison a week or so before it, so I have gotten to see them a number of times in small clubs. They are awesome live.