Part Woody Guthrie, part William Faulkner, Israel Nash Gripka is one of this year's biggest Americana sensations, thanks in particular to the fact that he doesn't really look or sound like everyone else out there. As he prepares for his upcoming tour of the UK in support of his highly recommendable new album, Barn Doors And Concrete Floors, starting on the 29th, we spoke to the New York-songwriter about Euro-friendly haircuts, abominable snowmen and the drummer from Sonic Youth. You know. The usual stuff...