Mike Doughty, formerly M. Doughty of the 90’s now defunct Soul Coughing is a bad bad man in the best way possible.  I’ve been a fan of him for years and am thrilled to see that he is releasing an all new album soon.  His 2008 release titled Golden Delicious won me over and I had nothing but nice things to say about it when I reviewed it for Blogcritics.org.

The CD will be released on ATO Records once again.  In case you did not know, ATO Records was founded by Dave Matthews back in 2000.  Dave Matthews was a huge fan of Mike Doughty’s work and still is for that matter so it only makes sense to see them working together. 

As much as I was a fan of Golden Delicious, other die hard fans of his prior solo material did not welcome the album as much perhaps from the more pop feel to it.

This time around Mike Doughty took consideration and decided to pull from his roots in hopes that the older fans will once again appreciate his material.  It sounds like more acoustic tracks will appear on the album which I know I myself will enjoy tremendously.  I am sure it will be full of humor and weird antics as well.

Mike Doughty had this to say about the upcoming release:

“I tend to take sharp left turns. Every time I put out a record, the audience seems to like what I did two years ago better. You’d think I could shrug it off because that’s what always happens, but it always gets to me.”

He continued by saying:

“The songs on Sad Man [Happy Man] are more arcane and convoluted songwriting-wise, though they’re sparer in terms of instrumentation. Although my choruses are still simple — I love taking phrases and repeating them ad infinitum.”

With Sad Man Happy Man dropping soon I can only wonder how amazing it is going to be.  I also am pumped to learn he will be touring again in support of the release this fall and is making a pit-stop in Cleveland.  I will finally get to see him again after my drunken 2000 experience when I saw him at the Odeon and remember absolute squat.

That’s not entirely true…  I do remember Mike Doughty on stage that night all by himself and he was changing guitars.  While grabbing a smaller instrument he mentioned something about it’s size.  I screamed “it’s not the size that matters, it’s how you use it!”  He chuckled as did most of the fans and replied “size does matter.”

Anyways, I truly believe you have to have a certain type of appreciation for music to enjoy and understand Mike Doughty.  I only speak from the truth as some of my friends absolutely worship every move he makes while others cringe at the thought of hearing anything by him because they never were a fan.

Growing up Soul Coughing always caught me in a good way and even as sad as it was to see the band part ways I was happy to see Mike Doughty continue on his own path.  I can not wait to hear his next release.

I can’t help but to smile every time I see this video and it’s not just because it makes you feel good but because I know one of the dancers in the video.  I won’t go into detail about her but she is an absolute sweetheart…

Mike Doughty “Fort Hood” Music Video – For more funny movies, click here

Mike Doughty Fall ‘09 Question Ball Tour – all dates subject to change
OCTOBER
10/8 Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe(2 shows), ages 21+
10/9 Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe, ages 21+
10/10 Toronto, ONT, Canada – Drake Hotel, ages 19+
10/11Toronto, ONT, Canada – Drake Hotel (2 shows), ages 19+
10/13 Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
10/14 Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
10/15 Chicago, IL – Schubas (2 shows), ages 21+
10/16 Chicago, IL – Schubas, ages 21+
10/17 Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall, ages 21+
10/18 St. Louis, MO – Blueberry Hill
10/20 Louisville, KY – Zanzabar, ages 21+
10/21 Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley, all ages
10/22 Athens, GA – Melting Point, ages 18+
10/23 Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic (2 shows)
10/24 Charlotte, NC – Evening Muse
10/25 Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle
10/27 Carrboro, NC – Arts Center, all ages
10/28 Charlottesville, VA – The Southern, all ages
10/29 Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
10/30 Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theatre, all ages
10/31 New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge, ages 18+

NOVEMBER
11/12 Northampton, MA – Iron Horse (2 shows)
11/13 Cambridge, MA – Regatta Bar (2 shows)
11/14 Newmarket, NH – Stone Church (2 shows)
11/15 Portland, ME – One Longfellow Square
11/17 Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Lounge (2 shows)
11/18 Albany, NY – Revolution Hall, ages 18+
11/19 Syracuse, NY – Westcott Theatre, all ages
11/20 Ithaca, NY – Castaways
11/21 Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
11/22 Charleston, WV – Mountain Stage
11/24 Harrisburg, PA – Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, ages 21+
11/25 Towson, MD – Recher Theatre, all ages

MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED…