Don't Need Anything

My Top 50 of the Year - #30-21

2008-01-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

30. Dustin Kensrue - Please Come Home
Another album that came out of nowhere for me. Great country influenced pop rock songs with anthems about love and blood. Don't let preconceived notions stop you from checking into this one.
Pistol

29. American Catastrophe - Excerpts From The Broken Bone Choir
This album first came out in 2006 but I didn't do a list then, and it was re-released on Oxblood Records this year, so I have to give it some love this year. It's dark, dank and kinda shoegazing, but man, Shaun Hamontree can howl.
Broken Bone Choir

28. New Amsterdams - At the Foot of My Rival
The best New Ams record to have come out in a while.
Revenge (Live)

27. Lavender Diamond - Imagine Our Love
Beautiful, carried by Becky Stark's incredible voice, didn't sound any better this year.
Open Your Heart

26. The Nightwatchman - One Man Revolution
Tom Morello gets even MORE political (I wasn't sure that could happen) from behind his acoustic and his microphone. The lyrics are intense and worthy of being studied.
One Man Revolution on youtube

25. Erin McKeown - Sing You Sinners /Lafayette
Erin delivered an album of stadards with kickin' horn arrangements and great playing from the band, and then turns around and gives us a great live album of (mainly) old favorites from her catalog and throws the horn section on there too. The version of "Blackbirds" on Lafayette is epic.

24. Sondre Lerche - Phantom Punch/Dan in Real Life OST
Sondre managed to draw heavily from his influences while still producing a sound that is very Sondre. His heartfelt deliver matched with some really interesting guitar playing and a great duet with Regina Spektor on the Dan In Real Life OST.
Phantom Punch on youtube
Also, check out a killer live show from Sondre over at
Lullabyes

23. Sara Bareilles - Little Voice
I first realized the power behind Sara's voice when I saw a youtube video of her playing solo behind her keyboard opening for someone who doesn't matter with the typical opening band chatter drowning her out. However, she then hit the amazing climax of the song "Gravity" and every stopped what they were doing and gave her a standing ovation. You could hear a pin drop during the last of the song. Every song is like that on this album.
Love Song on youtube

22. Fourth Of July - Fourth of July on the Plains
The Hangauer boys have sharp wits, sharp tongues and sharp instruments. Not knives or anything...
Can't Sleep

21. Queens Of The Stone Age - Era Vulgaris
This album is sleazy, grimy, dirty and joyous. A couple of songs that grate on the ears after a while keep this album from being top 10 material, but "Make it Wit Chu" is a contender for song of the year.
Make it Wit Chu on youtube

My Top 50 of the Year - #40-31

2007-12-28T13:14:00.000-08:00

Here's the next cluster. Somehow I ended up with three pop albums from Lawrence, KS in a row, but they all are very deserving.

40. The Shins - Wincing The Night Away
I didn't much like this album at first, but it really grew on me...
Phantom Limb

39. They Might Be Giants - The Else
The last couple of records by the boys just didn't have the same feel to them as before, but they struck back hard with this one. Learn some history and how much the working world sucks.
The Mesopotamians

38. Eisley - Combinations
Not quite as striking as "Room Noises", but still very melodramatic and sweeping.
Invasion on youtube

37. Stars - In Our Bedroom After the War
By far the slightest in their catalog, but when you have a catalog this great, it really isn't a bad thing.
The Night Starts Here

36. Nicole Atkins - Neptune City
Filled with symphonies, slick (but not too slick) production and Stevie Nicks-esque vocals, Neptune City is another album that came out of nowhere for me.
Party's Over

35. Rivers Cuomo - Alone
This is the Rivers I love.
Superfriend onyoutube

34. The Terrible Twos - If You Ever See an Owl...
We didn't have cool kids albums like this when I was a kid - instead of Matt Pryor, I got Alvin and the Chipmunks. I got jipped. The clean melodies make this album great no matter how old you are.
When I Get to Eleven

33. Tanner Walle - The Future of Tape
One of the best produced albums of the year, clever pop music isn't dead - it's just hiding in Lawrence Kansas.
Faultline

32. Dri - Smoke Rings
Slinky and sexy music from Adrienne Verhoven, produced by the cream of the Lawrence crop. This here by ends the Lawrence mini-section.
You Know I Tried

31. Dropkick Murphys - The Meanest Of Times
As blistering as anything the Murphys have put out to date. And get ahold of all the bonus tracks if you can - there's some killer covers in there.
Famous for Nothing on youtube

My Top 50 of the Year - #50-41

2007-12-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

Well, due to the snow, I had a bit of an accident on the highway this morning while heading to work. So I got that cleaned up and came straight back home. I'm glad to have the day here, because I put my finishing touches on my top albums of th year list and here's the beginning. I don't wanna upload anything for this one so mp3 links only where available - youtube links everywhere else.

50. Bettye Lavette - The Scene of the Crime
Bettye's voice has never sounded better and the music (done by the Drive-By Truckers) resonated a bit more with me this time around.
Talking Old Soldiers

49. White Stripes - Icky Thump
A big rebound from the mess of the last record, and it proves that the Stripes may be at their best when they're at their quirkiest.
Conquest

48. Thurston Moore - Trees Outside The Academy
Only a small departure for a man who didn't really need one. Most of the tunes woulda worked with the band, but kudos to Thurston.
Trees Outside the Academy

47. This is My Condition - Get Loose/This Mission
One album of one man freakouts, and another of two man freakouts. Both are a blast to turn up as loud as you can and scare your neighbors with.
This Mission from This Mission

46. Tim Armstrong - A Poet's Life
This album is a blast of good summery fun from yer favorite Rancid frontman. There isn't much more fun that you can have with an album this year.
Into Action

45. Bright Eyes - Cassadaga
I think the slicker production than before turned me off a bit, but I'll eat my shoe if "Four Winds" isn't one of Conor's finest songs yet.
Four Winds

44. Norah Jones - Not Too Late
Norah seemed to show us more about Norah and less about the writers and musicians around us on this album, and I liked. You don't expect edgy from Norah, you just expect to relax and enjoy.
Thinking About You at youtube

43. Miranda Lambert - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
I kept seeing this pop up on other peoples lists and thus gave it a try, and whaddya know, its actually quite good. If it didn't slip into dobro-laden ballads as much it would have rated much higher, but the spurned and angry Miranda is a load of fun.
Gunpowder and Lead at youtube

42. Maria Taylor - Lynn Teeter Flower
This one may be on the list just because I listened to it last night, but Maria's sound continued to expand this year and grew more upbeat and spacier. I never thought I'd put Maria on the list higher than Bright Eyes...
A Good Start

41. The Frames - The Cost
Maybe it's just my love for the new breed of Irish troubadours, but I think I could listen to Glen Hansard sing the phone book and fall in love with it, but that's not necessary - this album is lyrically quite personal and wonderful.
Falling Slowly

My Big Announcement

2007-12-26T05:32:00.000-08:00

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I have a pretty big announcement - this weekend I went to visit my girlfriend and I proposed - and she said yes.

When I went to go see the Flaming Lips earlier this year I gave her a show call during "Do You Realize??", so I thought it was fitting that she had been singing the song all morning long.

So this one is for you, babe.

The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize??

Allen Toussaint vs. Andrew Bird

2007-12-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

The other day I was sitting in my car listening to the last part of Allen Toussaint's incredible 1970 album, "From a Whisper to a Scream", which closes with the incredible tempo-changing instrumental track "Pickles". At nearly two minutes in I heard something that caught my ear.

I know that melody...where do I know it from?

Then it hit me - it sounds just like the intro to the album version of "A nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left" by Andrew Bird. I went home and compared the two and they sound just alike to me.

Please tell me I'm not crazy. Here's the songs. Listen to the intro of Bird's tune compared to the section at 1:50 into "Pickles". Lemme know what you think!

Andrew Bird - A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left Via andrewbird.net

Allen Toussaint - Pickles

And in case you're not familiar with Toussaint's work, you should be.

Allen at Wikipedia
Allen at Allmusic.com

His Name Is Alive - Xmmer

2007-12-09T15:45:00.001-08:00

I've been randomly thumbing thru various top albums lists for this year, and one name I've been surprised to see so sparsely is the band His Name Is Alive.

They put out what will most likely, when the dust settles, be a top ten album for me, "Xmmer." It does everything you could possibly want an album to do. It shimmys, it rocks, it mellows, it jives...it does everything but bring you waffles in the morning. If you don't like the song below from the album, listen to the album anyways. There WILL be something there that you will like.

From Xmmer:
Go To Hell Mountain

And then also, HNIA released a tribute to jazz saxaphonist Marion Brown that should currently be flying above your head on the way to my mailbox. Here's a track from that one too:
Bismillahi 'Rrahmani 'Rrahim (Via Pitchfork)

Official link:
His Name Is Alive Homepage

ALSO, speaking of waffles, I've been looking to find my way into a great site to get some food...

So...

2007-12-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

Apparently I've been gone for a really long time. It wasn't planned...it just happened. But I think I'm ready to come back. I think the blog will have a different vibe to it now but it's still me. And just in time for lists!

And here's a song to grow on:
Jason Anderson - O, Jac! (Just Right Click and Save As...it seems that trying to open it in-browser isn't working...)

Jason Anderson has been knocking me on my butt lately. Despite the fact that this track is significantly mellower than the rest, it still gets your head moving to the beat when the drums come in. And with Jason, it's all 'bout getting you moving.

So now let's get this blog moving...

Cover and Compare - San Diego Serenade

2007-06-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

My favorite song on my favorite Tom Waits album is "San Diego Serenade" off "The Heart of Saturday Night". I like my Waits a bit folkier and at his most expressive. This song finds both. Waits pressed to the piano and pouring his heart out speaks to me far more than the more recent incarnations we've seen. "I never felt my heart strings/until I nearly went insane" What a line! And on his first solo album, singer song-writer Arthur Dodge (who can usually be found fronting the Horsefeathers) chose to close with the tune.

Dodge's version steps away from the piano and instead moves to a solo guitar rendition, but he still carries quite a bit of the feeling with it.

Tom Waits - San Diego Serenade

Arthur Dodge - San Diego Serenade

And by the way, the entire Arthur Dodge record, "The Perfect Face" is quite stellar and is worth giving a listen. Here's two more songs off the record via Lawrence.com:
Wet Paint
Million Dollar Muse

Arthur Dodge's Official Site

Repost: Rare Jeff Buckley Demos

2007-05-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

Since it is still officially the 10th anniversary of Jeff's death today, and I was asked to re-upload these files, here are fresh links for the songs from my previous post Here.

When the Levee Breaks
We Could Be So Happy (Alt. Version)
Forget Her (Alt. Version)
Opened Once
River of Dope
When My Love Comes Down
Untitled

Also, I wish I had something big to say about the occasion, but unfortunately, I don't. However, Heather over at Fuel Friends had a wonderful post that I highly recommend reading.

I Didn't Leave!

2007-05-24T13:34:00.001-07:00

Well, I've been on one of my cold streaks again lately, so I thought I'd just get caught up to speed with a few songs I've been really diggin' on lately.

The Greyboy Allstars - How Glad Am I (with The Living Sisters)
A friend of mine introduced this track to me just a couple of days ago, but I'm already addicted. The funk-jazz group collects together Inara George, Becky Stark (of Lavender Diamond) and Eleni Mandell as the Living Sisters to lay down group vocals on the Nancy Wilson cover. It's just a highly enjoyable romp with a great swing and sway to it. The ladies voices blend well and hopefully this won't be the only time we hear from The Living Sisters. (See video of the ladies perfoming live here)

Neko Case - In California
This song presents longing and lonliness and seperateness more potently than any song I've ever heard. The Lisa Marr cover shines on the EP "Canadian Amp" and is a particularly great showcase for her thick-as-molasses voice.

Tim Armstrong - Into Action (w. Skye Sweetnam???)
This is just a fizzy ska track from the great Rancid frontman's new solo disc, "A Poet's Life". The Skye Sweetnam guest spot is a bit bizarre, but it's a great summer track for the backyard cookouts.
"Into Action" video on Youtube

Sean and Sara Watkins - No Way to Live
This song got an odd placement - on the soundtrack to the new horror flick "Bug". It's there alongside songs by Bryan Tyler, Serj Tarkanian and Scott Weiland...but frankly its an odd song. The harmonies feel incongruent on top of the piano, organ and electronic drums. All in all, its pretty cool tho. Maybe we have more of this to come with the Nickel Creek hiatus after this summer's tour.

Cracker - Eurotrash Girl
This one is reaching back a few years. 1993 to be exact. But the boys in Cracker are coming to the big new venue in Kansas City, The Crossroads, in July and I've already reserved my tickets to go see 'em so I've been going back and getting all caught up. This track is more reserved than their bigger hits, but it highlights the countrier aspects to their tunes. I can't wait to see what they're gonna pull out of their fifteen-year-plus catalog for the show.

Links:
Greyboy Allstars Homepage
The Greyboy Allstars' Myspace Page
The Living Sisters' Myspace Page

Neko Case's Homepage
Neko Case's Myspace Page

Tim Armstrong/Rancid Homepage

Watkins Family Hour Myspace Page

My Song of the Summer

2007-05-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

It isn't even summer yet, but already I have selected my song for the summer. It's Tanner Walle's amazing new song "Faultline."

The song is a delightfully slick pop song laden with electronic beats characteristic of one of Tanner's influences, Imogen Heap. And I've already been seen driving around the Kansas City area. Warm vocals, subtle guitar strumming are joined by backing vocals on the chorus that are guaranteed to get stuck in your head for days.

Tanner Walle - Faultline

Really, the entire new album, "The Future Of Tape" is stellar and worth your listening. I picked up my copy at The Love Garden in Lawrence, but you can also pick up yours on CD Baby. (Just in case I haven't mentioned it before, I love CD Baby.) It's easily worth the ten bucks. The production is great and features a couple of inspired guest spots.

Links:
Official Site (Currently Under Construction)
Myspace Page
Tanner on the Live Music Archive

The Decmberists are Possibly the Best Live Band in America

2007-04-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

I really do think that the above statement might be true. But I can't be sure. But after seeing them this Saturday night I may be able to confirm it. I'm gonna go catch them at the Uptown Theater with several hundred of my new close friends. I've been waiting on this show for a while and have been preparing by closely studying setlists and bootleg recordings.

And they're quite possibly the only band that can get me interested in Kate Bush, Joanna Newsome and Cheap Trick. Actually, I'm pretty sure they are.

Bridges and Balloons (Joanna Newsom Cover)
Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect (Live on KCRW)
Shiny (Live)
Wuthering Heights (Kate Bush Cover)
Southern Girls (Live) (Cheap Trick Cover)

From a Colin Meloy solo show:
The Apology Song (Live)

And quite possibly the best b-side in the history of b-sides:
Culling of the Fold

Official Site
Myspace Page

And download all the live Decemberists music you want at the Live Music Archive:
The LLAMA

Review:Day On the Hill

2007-04-19T07:17:00.001-07:00

Saturday was the day - the Day on the Hill, that is.
So that means I've been sitting on this for 5 days now. The review is long overdue...

First off, the weather was cold, the ground was super muddy and the sun was ducking in and out of the clouds. There had been talk about snow, but that all managed to hold off.

Perhaps the weather was the reason why, but when the Roseline took the stage, there was less than 50 of us there. They had been scheduled to start up at 12:30, but when that time came The Faint were still soundchecking. So the Roseline started up at about 1 o'clock. The music was immediately engaging. The harmonies were spot on, the rhythm section sounded amazing. Unfortunately, the big gigantic empty tent made the vocals as muddy as the ground we were standing in, but it was still wonderful. However, due to the late start, the band was only allowed to play three songs. The band obviously wasn't thrilled about that, and neither was the small crowd, but there was nothing to be done about that. They are definitely on my "must see" list, and since they got away before I could buy a CD, I tracked one down at the best record store in the midwest, The Love Garden, before heading back home that evening.

Between sets (except between G. Love's and the Faint's, during which we were bombarded by the same Fugees track for an hour...literally) there was a DJ in the back spinning some classic funk records out of a milk crate on some fancy turntables. I don't know if I recognized a single song, but if I could get ahold of that playlist I would.

Next up was Pomeroy. I'd seen a fragment of a set of theirs a few years ago, but they didn't play a single one of those songs in their short set. We did get some funky beats, fancy percussion and a long-haired headbanging keyboard player. I don't dance but even I can appreciate some great butt shakin' music and that's exactly what Pomeroy's music is for. Front man David Fairbanks' rapid fire vocals didn't seem to go over well with the majority of the crowd, but I had me a good ole time.

Next was G. Love and Special Sauce. By this time, the tent was starting to get full - not uncomfortably croweded, but nice and full. And folks were loving it. There were hippies in tie-dyed t-shirts dancing with their bare feet in the mud. There were heads bobbin', people bouncing up and down and even some mud slingin'. Garret pulled out some of the classics, several from the last album and even a tease of "Gin 'n' Juice." Most major props of the show go to Jimmy Jazz, the upright bass player. I was amazed at his skill and ability to jump off into crazy riffs without losing the groove of the song.

And finally came The Faint. I have heard mixed reviews of their live shows, but was uncharacteristically optimistic. And they were great. By this time, there was no grass left up front at all, so those of us who wanted up front just sunk down, got stuck and danced in the mud. And outside of one of the new songs, the first song of the encore (a strange choice to start the encore if you ask me...), no one stopped dancing at all. The almost sinister aspects to some of their songs were lost in the bright light of late afternoon and the video projections were nearly impossible to see, so it just kinda boiled down to a muddy dance party with great music. The new songs blended right in (except for the one) and the songs from "Danse Macabre" really stood out the strongest in the setlist.

P.S. - If you're looking for the mp3s and links, they're all in the last post. Just scroll down a bit.

Day On The Hill

2007-04-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Day On The Hill is a tradition at Kansas University. Down at the end of the year the Student Union Activities (SUA) throws a big concert out on the hill in front of the Lied Center on the KU campus for the students and some friends too.
It's usually been focused on alternative acts including Toad the Wet Sprocket, Pearl Jam, Gin Blossoms, They Might Be Giants, Soul Coughing and local boys (and girl) The Anniversary. The tradition stopped in 2002 to be revived again in 2006 with a line-up boasting Spoon, Ghosty and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. It seems like a good time was had by all and so its back again this year.

This year's list is two local bands, a great alt-country band The Roseline and white boy hip-hoppers Pomeroy and two great touring acts: G. Love and Special Sauce and The Faint.
It's looking like it might be bad weather, and frankly I don't know how that bodes for the day, but pending a few things I'm getting my butt out there. I've been dying to see The Faint live for a while, and a big party in Lawrence sounds like a great way to blow a Saturday afternoon.

As always, Saddle Creek is quite generous with mp3's from the Faint, which really span their career well:
I Disappear
Wet From Birth
Agenda Suicide
Glass Danse
Call Call
Worked Up So Sexual
Some Incriminating Photographs
Typing: 1974-2048

A couple from G. Love's site:
Rhyme For the Summertime
Blues Music

Tres from the Roseline:
Shakin' Shorts
Laudromat
Busy House

And dos from Pomeroy's live record "Cocoon Club":
Summer Night
Roboflow

ANOTHER Covers Day!? You Gotta Be Kiddin' Me!

2007-04-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

First picture that came up when I google'd "Cover Day"

Erin Bode - Graceland (Paul Simon Cover)
I owe the discovery of Erin to the man behind the blog "There Stands the Glass". This is less of a cover, more of a total reworking. If Norah Jones had covered this song, it would probably sound more like this. But I'm sure Erin is tired of hearing that by now. And I don't think Norah would have had the gall to cover this one. By the time you get to "human trampoline" you're all caught up and hate the fact that the track has to end.

The Decemberists with Lavender Diamond - Feel Like Making Love (Bad Company Cover)
Come on soundguy! Turn Becky's mic up! There's just something great about hearing Colin Meloy singing this song that made my ears perk up. I think the crowd is a bit more into it then the bands are, but it's still good listening.

Will Ferrel and the Channel 4 News Team - Afternoon Delight (Starland Vocal Band Cover)
My second favorite moment in the movie "Anchorman" (after the gang fight) was when Will and the boys delivered an acapella rendtion of "Afternoon Delight". Unfortunately, this isn't quite that version, but its still got their vocals over top of full instrumentation. Pretty funny if you ask me.

Mark Ronson with the Daptone Horns - God Put a Smile Upon Your Face (Coldplay Cover)
This track comes from what has quickly become one of my favorite albums of the year, "Version". But more on that later. This cover replaces Chris Martin's vocals with some slick horn playing and some funky break beats. Maybe its just the fact that I'm a fellow horn player, but I love hearing the brass blaring away. Next time I dj a party this one may be on the docket.

Ben Folds - Such Great Hights (Postal Service Cover)
This isn't the webrip copy that we've all heard and loved, but instead this is from Ben's DVD "Live at Myspace". Yes, that myspace. And you have to watch the video to see the guitar orchestra and the ringtone orchestra. And like ther person in the comments on the video, I'm wondering exactly when Ben started to look like Elvis Costello...

Tomorrow is Concert Day in Kansas City

2007-03-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

Wow...I was just looking at the concert lineup for tomorrow night here in Kansas City and Lawrence, and it's pretty impressive. There's something for everyone:

BB King
8 p.m., Ameristar Casino, Star Pavilion

Blue Man Group
8 p.m., Kemper Arena ($50.50 - $86)
Jeez! Are those prices serious!?

Billy Ebeling & The Late For Dinner Band
9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Slow Ride Roadhouse (Free)

Small Sails / The Capsules / Baby Birds Don't Drink Milk
10 p.m., The Jackpot Music Hall ($3 - $5)

Crawling With Kings / The Afterparty / OK Jones
10 p.m., The Hurricane

Softee / Ghosty / American Catastrophe / The PedalJets
Sonic Spectrum Anniversary Showcase
10 p.m., The Record Bar ($10)

Danny Pound Band / The Belles
10 p.m., The Eighth Street Tap Room ($2)

Personally, I'm looking at the Sonic Spectrum show. I'm poor but I think I can swing 10 bucks anyways. I hope that Robert Moore and AmCat don't think I'm stalking them.

Attila

2007-03-30T12:31:00.001-07:00

One of the "hip" things to do in music today is the two-man (or indie music - the boy-girl band) and thus strip the music down some, usually to just something you can beat on and something you can play some sort of melody on. It's very rare you get something TRULY unique out of the formula, but often times its still quite enjoyable. But before it was hip, it was experimental.

Back in 1970, Billy Joel teamed up with drummer Jon Small to create a project called Attila. Joel provided vocals and played an oddly distorted organ. This stuff was NOT "Just the Way You Are". It was some sort of combination of the early metal sound, with psychedelic and a touch of prog even. At times, Joel's vocals sounded somewhat akin to the wailing of Robert Plant, if you can imagine that. Once again, this was NOT "Just the Way You Are."

However, the album was a huge bust. No sales, the critics hated it (and apparently still do) and the band ended up getting dropped from their label after just the one album. Apparently, when they lost the record deal, Joel even tried to commit suicide by swallowing furniture polish. You're lookin' at Billy Joel a bit differently now, aren't ya?

Even down to today, it's considered by critics to be one of the worst all time records. It sounded so ridiculous that I had to hear it - but frankly, I really like it. But listen for yourself - you know you're curious about it by now.

01 California Flash
02 Wonder Woman
03 Rolling Home
04 Brain Invasion
05 Revenge Is Sweet
06 Tear This Castle Down
07 Amplifier Fire
08 Godzilla Pt. 1

Attila Wiki Page

New Reverie Sound Revue!

2007-03-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to hear last night about a new Reverie Sound Revue song! Apparently, the new album is just short of being completed and the band is still trying to figure out just exactly what to with it when it comes out. Just in case you didn't notice, the "label" field on their Myspace Page says "none". You mean to tell me Amy Winehouse can get a record deal, but these guys can't!? No justice!

But the song is pretty much everything you expect - driving percussion and bass lines, guitar used more for accents than anything else, and Lisa Lobsinger's voice cooing over it all.

Here's the trick thing tho - this is still an incomplete version of the song. It's not gotten the full mixdown yet, but the RSR folks were so anxious to share it anyways.

So, download the song. Watch the video. You'll like it.

An Anniversary Away

Official Page

Hey, check it out! I made it thru the whole thing without one mention of Broken Social Scene! Oh crap, I just blew it, didn't I?

Review: American Catastrophe with In the Pines

2007-03-26T13:16:00.001-07:00

Photo courtesy of Todd
Check out his page Flickr page too

Saturday night I hopped in my scary car, popped in a country mix CD and headed down the highway to Lawrence Kansas (which was quite depressed last night after the big KU loss) to go see two great bands - In the Pines (whom I've written about before) and American Catastrophe (whom I tragically haven't written about yet...) at the Bottleneck with some DJ work by the man known as Robert Moore.

I've seen both bands before on a bill with another band called The New Tragedies (you'll hear about them soon...) and the first time I was just so immensely impressed with both, In the Pines especially. So I was super excited to see both again.

First, Robert may have singlehandedly convinced me to make sure my radio still works and turn it on. I turned it off for the last time about 3 years ago because the music was so terrible, but last night Robert was spinning everything from Jerry Reed to Love to Peter Bjorn and John. I think I enjoyed the music he played nearly as much as the live music. It made a lot of sense to have Robert there because he is the man behind the new local record label Oxblood Records, whose first signees were American Catastrophe.

And second, I gotta say going to shows alone is not very fun. But on the other hand, I took a notebook with me and got a tom of leg work done for some future posts here. I could hear people behind me saying, "Yeah, so he's definitely a writer, but who does he write for?" I got a kick out of that.

Yup, that's from the notebook...

First up were In The Pines. The setlist was culled almost in its entirety from their self-titled record - the lone hold out was "How to Love Her" from the Oxblood Records comp "First Blood." It really added a new dimension into the set with the handclaps and great lead riff. "Dress on Fire" and "Never Say Too Much" closed out the set and they rippled with an enthusiasm and energy that was missing thru the rest of the set. The rhythm section boomed forward and carried them with the strings skittering atop the acoustics. The sounds were so delicate at times that you had to pay close attention not to miss the subtleties. I'm normally not okay with bands sitting while they play, but frankly, I'm worried for frontman Brad Hodgson - one of these days that chair is gonna fall apart as he rocks back and forth and nearly jumps out of it. And while we're on the subject of Brad, it has to be said that he doesn't really look like a typical front man - he's skinny, balding and unshaven and looks like he may work in the back room of your local guitar shop. But jeez - half the time he didn't ever have to sing into the microphone to get his voice out.

And then, after more Robert Moore and more notebook writing came American Catastrophe (AmCat). First it needs to be said - Shaun Hamontree is one beautiful man. All of the intimidating 6'5 of him. With a voice that sounds like a cross between Jay Munly and Tom Waits, he writhes and jukes in his chair while pushing out some of the greatest music that has one foot in rock, one in blues, a hand in folk and a pinky finger in post-rock. As good as their album is, its no comparison to seeing them live. Their set seemed perfect in the dim, somehow smoky without allowing smoke venue. The new tunes fit in perfectly amongst the ones from their recently re-released "Excerpts from the Broken Bone Choir". The themes of murder juxtaposing with and odd romanticism are continuing on (as well as I could tell from the lyrics). All in all, I can't wait to see what new stuff AmCat will be pushing forward on Oxblood.

These are the same songs from before, but if you haven't listened yet, trust me, it's time:
Dress On Fire
Never Say Too Much
And you can pick up the record here.

And one from AmCat:
Broken Bone Choir

And you can pick up the Oxblood Records comp "First Blood" here.

And my freaking goodness - does EVERYONE need to link to Arcade Fire's takeaway show!?

Burning to Shine

2007-03-19T09:10:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite parts of the Humanities class that I had to take was getting to listen to all the different kinds of music. That class, more or less, was my first introduction to classical music. Sure, we all hear it in Bugs Bunny cartoons and other places, but we really don't pay attention to it. The way the instruments interacted and the way they could convey a full range of emotions without a single word fascinated me. Some of the other students would nod out, but I was wrapped up in it. It's a shame that so few people give it the time of day anymore.

And because of that, the CBC Radio Orchestra is the last of its kind in North America. But their wonderful people were up to a new challenge. In 2006 Canadian Rapper K-os was contacted about doing a collaboration with the orchestra and having it filmed for a documentary. He decided to give it a try and the results were fantastic. I just got a chance to watch the documentary yesterday and it was quite interesting. The tension ran thick as they worked to meet their deadline while K-os repeatedly changed his mind and made adjustments and worked in ways that the folks associated with the Orchestra had never worked before.

All in all it was a very entertaining documentary and it made for a great track too.

Watch the documentary in its whole HERE.

And after you watch, check out the track too:
Burning to Shine

K-os Official Page
K-os Myspace
CBC Radio Orchestra at Wikipedia

Rachel Yamagata's New Record

2007-03-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Back in 2004, Rachel Yamagata was announced to be a part of the lineup at Bonnaroo. This led to a collective response of "Who?" Rachel isn't such an unknown anymore. Her music has been about everywhere and as a result she has too. Her smoky voice and plaintive calls on the piano are real attention grabbers and the pop hooks keep you coming back for more. Her live performances, while often containing awkward banter, are always changing including different versions of songs. I've probably heard at least five different versions of "Worn Me Down" alone. The moods vary from upbeat pop (see "1963") to brooding dark pop (see "These Girls") to "Did-She-Really-Say-That?" confessionals (see "Woman").

And later this year we get the LONG awaited second full-length from Rachel. She says its all done but hasn't yet given us a tracklisting or title and says that the artwork isn't done yet. That makes me nervous considering how long we've waited for this record, but at least the music is done now. It's said to be more guitar driven this time around, proven by the version of "Faster" that she played at said Bonnaroo performance.

All these following songs are possibilities to be on the forthcoming untitled record.

Live From Bonnaroo 2004:
Faster

Live From KCRW in 2004:
Sunday Afternoon
Woman

Live From KCRW in 2005:
Parade
What If I Leave?

Official Page
Myspace Page

And of course, as I hear more, I'll do my best to pass the word on. I'm really excited for this one.

Lavender Diamond

2007-03-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Frankly, I wasn't in a big hurry to get around to listening to Lavender Diamond after hearing the accounts of their opening sets for The Decemberists and front-lady Becky Starks antics. Not in a hurry at all. However, when Matador temporarily posted a track off their upcoming record, "Imagine Our Love", I decided to give it a shot. And I'm glad I did.

If you're looking for a life changing album, this is not for you, but its just a great pop record. Becky has an amazing voice and the instrumentation isn't flashy but its really solid and the album is really well produced. Lyrically, there's probably very little being covered here that hasn't been covered a thousand times over in the last 60 or so years, but the lyrics are carried by Stark's vocals and the pure sense of conviction in her vocals. When she repeats "I'll never lie again" in the track by the same title, you believe her. She obviously has corrected all her geneological imperfections to the point where she is physically incapable of lying ever again. And then, on "Open Your Heart", you almost expect Colin Meloy to jump in on vocals for a while, but Stark carries it out wonderfully.

Despite its imperfection, this is really a great record that is gonna be in my rotation for a while.

From "Imagine Our Love":
Open Your Heart
I'll Never Lie Again

From "The Calvalry of Light EP":
You Broke My Heart
Rise in the Springtime

From Becky Starks' "Artifacts of the Winged":
I Know You Had To

Links:
Official Page
Myspace Page

1090 Club

2007-03-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

What comes out of Billings, Montana? BESIDES Brent Musburger! Surprisingly, some pretty darn good pop music.

1090 Club was formed nearly by accident when they gathered to do up one song for a comp, but just kept going. Kinda like in Forrest Gump when he just kept running. Kinda like that. But it's a good thing. Everyone in the group contributes vocals, with violin player Megan Dibble's vocals really kinda stealing the show. That's not to say that they boys are slowing down the train...piano man Mike Galt, guitar man Sean Lynch, and drum...man...Steve Serfazo all hold their own and make for a heck of an enjoyable album.

The first references to the 1090 Club that I heard were references to Mates of State and The Postal Service. Sounds good to me. I'd also like to add to that list a good slice of Matt Pond PA. I think that's probably an even better reference to the sound.

(Puts on Levar Burton hat)
But don't take my word for it. Listen to the MP3's:
Second Hander
It Starts With

Links:
Sidecho Records Page
Official Page
Myspace Page

The Afterparty

2007-03-01T09:48:00.001-08:00

The Afterparty is not your normal country-rock band. Your normal country-rock band may cite Roy Orbison as an influence, but they wouldn't cover "In Dreams" on their latest record. They wouldn't feature a local pin-up girl on backing vocals. And they wouldn't have a rockin' picture with Andre Williams on their Myspace page (See above).
Nope. These guys are pretty unique. They'll kick you in the shins and then ask you to dance. And when you say no, they pull you out on the dance floor anyways. But man, they can dance.

And then last night, I was having a rough night and noticed my copy of "Under the Rainbow", their most recent release, and tossed it in the cd player and I learned it's actually one heckuva "pick me up" disc too.

And now they're going on a bit of a tour. If you live between Kentucky and Texas you may get a chance to dance afterall.

MP3's:
Down In
Hard Times
And if you swing by their Myspace Page, you can download some tracks off the most recent record, and a couple of great live tracks.

Tour Dates:

March 1- Louisville, Kentucky
@ The Rudyard Kipling
w/ The Sad Bastard Brothers & Warm in the Wake

March 2- Chattanooga, Tennessee
@ Black Sheep Pub
w/ Bathtub Gin and The Bohanons

March 3- Chattanooga, Tennessee
@ JJ's Bohemia
CFAR Pirate Radio Benefit

March 4- Memphis, Tennessee
@ Murphy's
w/ Girls of the Gravitron and Staags!

March 4- New Orleans, LA
@ Circle Bar
w/ Happy Talk Band New

March 6- Austin, Texas
@ Beauty Bar
w/ Matt Hubbard & Pink Nasty

March 7- Austin, Texas
Live on-air performance/interview
The House Call with Dr. J on KOOP 91.7 FM

March 8- Austin, Texas
@ The Mohawk
w/ Matt Hubbard and The Summer Wardrobe

March 9- Austin, Texas
@ Scoot Inn
w/ Etta Vendetta's Eyeful Tower & That Damned Band

March 10- Austin, TX
RECORDING!!!!
We'll spend the day with Mike Vasquez at Sweatbox Studios.

HUGE Show In Kansas City Tonight!

2007-02-24T07:59:00.000-08:00

I'm gonna really try to get out to an enormous show in Kansas City, Mo. tonight at the Record Bar, and if you like local music at all or are willing to give it a shot, you should get out there too.

Check the lineup:
The Architects 6pm
Lovers In Transit 7pm
Olympic Size 8pm
In The Pines 9pm
American Catastrophe 10pm
Be/non 11pm
The Pedaljets 12
Roman Numerals 12:30

And there's also a documentary being shot about the local music scene that will be filming there tonight , but I'll let Wayward Blog explain all that for ya.

It's gonna be a great show.