In 2008, Joe Pug released one of the most literate and stunning works of folk-americana with the Nation of Heat EP. Seven songs of imagery rougher than a steel-mill and hotter than asphalt in August. Pug's voice runs roughshod over the dynamic beat of his acoustic guitar, the occasional bleat of a harmonica melody sneaking in, occasionally quiet and often raucous. One of my favorite EP's of all time. Since that time, he has released two full length releases including this year's The Great Despiser. The home-grown Dylanisms have started to vanish from his vernacular, but the work is still quality alt-country. Don't feel like sucking back gallons of Dos Equis and tequila for your Cinco de Mayo celebration? Hit the Crocodile to see one of our generations more lyrically gifted troubadours.