We’re less than two weeks out from the April 26 release date of Lost Dog Street Band’s highly anticipated record Survived, and the full project can’t get here soon enough.
In addition to the three other records that frontman Benjamin Tod has released solo throughout his career, Survived marks Lost Dog’s eighth album and latest addition to a timeless catalog of well-written, emotion-evoking, and thought-provoking country music.
The forthcoming project’s first single “Brighter Shade” was released back in February, following a relatively brief a hiatus, or period of uncertainty for the band’s future, at least. And ever since, with the release of each single and music video, each post to social media, the anticipation for Survived has grown steadily amongst fans of authentic country music.
Coming as the fourth and final single leading up to the project, “Hubbardville Store” was released back earlier this week, and as has been the case with each single, we’re in for a treat of this is any indication of what the rest of the album will be like. A rare cover in Tod’s catalog, “Hubbardville Store” is actually a long standing folk song written by Larry Murray and recorded by Jim Ringer in the 1970s.
While the track may not have been written by Tod, as most of the music he releases is, it serves as an interesting homage to one of his lesser known musical influences, and he delivers the tune with such conviction that one can’t help but recognize how much the words mean to him.
In an Instagram post made by Lost Dog Street Band, Tod provided valuable insight into his connection with their latest single “Hubbardville Store,” and the larger story behind the song.
“‘Hubbardville Store’ is a tale as old as time about injustice, and a young man’s revenge. In America from early in the 20th century, local general stores and company stores had ungodly amounts of power and were often corrupt and exploitive. These stores often gave out lines of credit and sold products 10x over retail. This ensured the family would never be able to pay the debt. Hubbardville ain’t a real town, but I’m sure this story took place in every state in the Southeast at some point.
This story is particularly personal for me because my one side of my family lived in Brilliant, AL and was beholden to the coal mine company store and the other side ran a general store in Muhlenburg County, KY. The rich history of the stores and their power shaped the lineage of my family and influenced the people who raised me.
This tune was originally written by Larry Murray but the version I fell in love with is from Jim Ringer. Jim Ringer is an obscure singer from the 70’s folk era. He has been a huge inspiration on my life and is easily in my top 20 influences. Go give him a listen.
-Benjamin Tod”
So, with that information in mind, go ahead and give “Hubbardville Store,” the final single off of Lost Dog Street Band’s forthcoming record Survived, a listen for yourself
And while we’re at it, as you prepare for the album’s release, check out the tracklist and the other singles that have already been released below.
“Brighter Shade”
“If You Leave Me Now”
“Survived”
Alongside Tod, Lost Dog Street Band features original members Ashley Mae, Tod’s wife, on fiddle, and Jeff Loops playing upright bass, as well as new additions Tebbs Karney on Pedal Steel and drummer Ben Duvall to round out the band’s new full band sound.
Together they’ll be bringing their new songs to a venue near you this spring in promotion of the new album, and you’re not going to want to miss it. Make sure to mark your calendars for the release of Survived on April 26, and grab those tickets too before they sell out.
Tour Dates
4/18 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall*
4/19 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre*
4/20 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall*
4/21 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone*
4/23 – Morgantown, WV – Metropolitan Theatre*
4/24 – Rochester, NY – The Essex*
4/26 – Portland, ME – State Theatre*
4/27 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Ballroom*
4/29 – Boston, MA – Royale*
5/1 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg*
5/3 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl*
5/4 – Washington, DC – The Howard*
5/5 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater*
5/8 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm*
5/10 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel*
5/11 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre*
5/12 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse*
5/29 – Greenville, SC – Peace Center^
5/30 – Cary, NC – Koka Booth Amphitheatre^
5/31 – Union Hall, VA – The Coves Amphitheater^
6/1 – Lexington, KY – Railbird Festival
* Support from The Resonant Rogues
^Supporting Trampled By Turtles
