Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore are still here! Revisit this memorable show filled with rich songs and easygoing conversation from a duo of true musical legends. Texas songwriter Brennen Leigh also joins the stage with her take on classic country anchored in tradition and sharp songwriting. Plus, Nick has a sit-down with Lisa Morey, inventor of EcoBlox, to discuss the future of building with ancient materials.

When Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore released Downey to Lubbock in 2018, they mapped a route between California and Texas, two distinct musical landscapes meeting in common ground. Their 2024 album, TexiCali, keeps that line running, proof the highway is still wide open.

Long before they teamed up, Dave was a founding member of the roots rock band The Blasters, shaping the Los Angeles scene, while Jimmie Dale helped pioneer cosmic country with The Flatlanders in West Texas, his voice becoming part of the region’s musical identity. They share songs from the new record and more this week. It feels great to welcome them back to eTown.

Brennen Leigh writes from deep within the classic country tradition, clear-eyed and unadorned. Her latest album, Don’t Ever Give Up On Love, arrived after the original broadcast, and we are glad to share a few of those songs with you, some of the first times Brennen played them live.

And in our interview, engineer and designer Lisa Morey joins host Nick Forster to talk about rethinking how we build. As founder of Nova Terra, she is developing EcoBlox, an affordable wall system made from locally sourced natural materials.