Rock Docs Podcast: Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed, featuring guest Steven Woods
Rock Docs is back this week with a new episode on a familiar, recent subject: Jason Isbell. Listeners might remember that hosts Andrew Keatts and David Lizerbram recently hosted director Sam Jones on a recent bonus episode, with discussions about Isbell, Wilco and more. And this week, the Rock Docs hosts go deep on Jones’ new documentary, Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed.
The documentary covers the making of Isbell’s 2020 album with the 400 Unit, Reunions, as well as his relationship with wife and frequent musical collaborator Amanda Shires, including some of the conflicts that arise when your life partner is also a creative partner. The film also captures their life during the Covid era and some of the challenges that arise for both a family and recording artists in a pandemic.
This week’s guest is Steven Woods, one half of the San Diego-based radio team Ben & Woods, as well as a Jason Isbell superfan. And per our hosts, there’s a definite “Men will literally record a podcast about Jason Isbell rather than going to therapy” vibe to this one. So keep a close watch on those emotions, folks. It also precedes the release of Isbell’s new album Weathervanes, due out in June. (There also may or may not be a Jason Isbell installment of our ongoing album-essay series, Treble 100. Just sayin’.)
Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed is available on HBO and HBO Max, which is switching over to just MAX later this month (but don’t worry, the documentary will still be available). Hear the full episode below, and check out the trailer for the documentary as well.
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