‘Singing Judge’ makes good CD
I feel that most would agree the term rooster (male chicken) symbolizes aggressiveness, confidence, and virility. Adages such as ‘struttin’ like a bantee rooster,’ ‘he’s game,’ ‘cock-of-the-walk,’ and ‘flogged him like a bantee rooster’ have become part of our everyday vernacular, especially here in the Bible-Belt South.
Anyone who has been raised on, or been around, a country farm well knows that a rooster maintains a vigilant watch over the hens (female chicken) under his domain, and, indeed, is subject to flog anyone or anything that attempts to encroach on his territory.
As a young boy, I had a frightening experience with a rooster: One day, I made the mistake of walking into our chicken house wearing ‘ and proudly so ‘??a bright pair of Redball Jets tennis shoes. Something about the bright red set off the rooster, and he commenced flogging me for everything he was worth, riding my back as I retreated back the house. Luckily, my mother heard my frantic screams and came to my aid, beating the rooster off me. Needless to say, I never again wore bright red when I ventured into the chicken house.
However, a rooster, also, can be a source of humor and entertainment. A couple weeks prior to this past Christmas, a friend gave me a CD, titled ‘ wouldn’t you know it ‘ ‘I Hate Roosters.’ All 10 songs on this quality CD were written and performed by local attorney Barry Medley, affably known as the ‘Singing Judge.’
On the CD, Medley not only exhibits exceptional musicianship and songwriting ability, but also covers a wide range of subject matter, providing a little something for everyone: from the title cut ‘I Hate Roosters,’ which details a scary, though funny, experience Medley had with a rooster in an outhouse when he was a youngster (eerily similar to mine), to ‘The Gavel,’ recalling Medley’s time as a Sessions judge in Warren County, to ‘Dottie Was a Country Girl,’ a heartfelt ode to late country music star Dottie West.
I must mention that I heard Medley showcase his CD live, at Capalano’s several weeks back, and, too, I must say that I was thoroughly entertained. Adding yet more credence to the quality of this CD, Medley was challenged by the ‘Junkyard Dog,’ a local singer of controversial renown, who took the stage and graced the audience with a country vocal as only he can do.
It’s safe to say, though, that Medley was the crowd favorite, hands down. His songs having an effect that was somewhere between Burl Ives and Arlo Guthrie, simple enough for the working man to understand, yet witty and sincere enough to be appreciated by the intelligentsia.
Well-known songwriter Jack White best sums up Medley’s ‘I Hate Roosters’ CD: ‘Barry is a great songwriter ‘ great humorist ‘ and talent. I highly endorse this collection of Barry’s work. He is a total and enjoyable original.’
Copies of ‘I Hate Roosters’ can be purchased at the following Warren County locations: law office of Farrar, Holliman & Medley; Capalano’s Cafe; Warren County Furniture; Highland Rim Music; and Southern Museum.
Do yourself a favor and purchase one, and listen to our very own ‘Singing Judge’ crow a bit. You won’t be disappointed.
Mike Vinson is a Warren County columnist who can be reached at [email protected].