Before dawn, the watermen are already out there. Tonging oysters the same way their granddaddies did — hand over hand, iron teeth scraping the bottom. Maryland law says you harvest under sail or you don’t harvest at all. That ain’t romance — that’s statute. Crisfield, Deal Island, Tilghman — whole towns built on shell. The reefs are thinner now, the young ones leaving. But every October, the ones who stayed raise the sail. Same as 1880. The modern world just hasn’t figured out how to replace him

Third Rate Romance put the Amazing Rhythm Aces on the map in 1975. Written and sung by Russell Smith, the sly, story-driven tune tells of two strangers sharing a one-night stand in a roadside motel. With its laid-back groove, sharp lyrics, and smooth harmonies, it crossed over big—hitting number 11 on the pop charts and number 14 country. Blending country, soul, and soft rock, it became the Aces’ signature hit and a jukebox favorite, perfectly capturing their cool, offbeat sound. #country | Truc