Coming straight from the mid- to late-90s alt country scene, The Handsome Family have a reputation for solid laid-back country styles woven with sparse, effective harmonies and gritty, tearing lyrics. Brett’s nasal delivery has enough boom to carry the weight of the lyrics and scratches enough to transfuse the pain directly to the listener, and Ronnie’s harmonies lift the lyrics into stark, empty, starless space. The feeling is truly a grounded, earthly feeling… while stretched hopelessly upward to the heavens.
In a slight change of pace, however, the new album “Honey Moon” treads into a slightly more pop-influenced sound. That is to say, a more regressive-country-pop sound, rather than the realm of modern-country-pop. The songs are lighter on Honey Moon – they are more uplifting and heartworn than on previous albums, but still generally drifting and grounded overall. Of course, the album has been advertised as a celebration of the couple’s 20th wedding anniversary, which certainly accounts for the gentle shift in the content of the lyrics. On the other hand, it might also forecast a shift in what’s to come in future releases. The very idea that the Handsome Family could be moving toward a more commercially-viable theme is not something I necessarily look down upon – “goth-country” is becoming sparse as a genre (I prefer “regressive-country”), and bands are still able to stick to roots Americana by writing love songs instead of murder ballads. I stand by murder ballads at the basis of country music, but there is certainly room for more sweet than bitter in bittersweet. In short, the album contains more of the Everly Brothers’ “Songs Our Daddy Taught Us” than the darker “American” series by Johnny Cash.
Songs like “Little Sparrows,” “A Thousand Diamond RIngs” and “Wild Wood” have a positively upbeat and country-rock feel, which is complimented by the drifting “The Winding Corn Maze” and light-waltz “Darling, My Darling.” My favorite track from the album, “When …
I was in New York City last weekend – definitely for a little bit longer than I wanted to be, but that’s ok. I got a chance to see some great music and check out some parts of NYC I hadn’t really been to before. Also, I was introduced to the joys of the Chinatown Bus, something I will try to avoid using for the rest of my life.
And the Moneynotes
The first thing I had a chance to see was at Piano’s Bar & Grille. They have an open mic night (sort of) on Friday nights, and a friend’s band was playing. I had no idea what to expect, but I was very surprised and pleased with what we saw. The band: And the Moneynotes (myspace, daytrotter session) – A pseudo jugband/country-rock/good-time band with heaps of talent and an obvious joy of what they’re doing. They mixed genres throughout their set – bluegrass, R&B, country-rock – it all fit, and was delivered without much effort. Their energy was directed into the crowd, and was generally well-received by everyone I was in elbow-contact with (it was PACKED). Tons of fun, and very impressive musically. They are enormous (at least in comparison to the stage at Piano’s), and carry a sound that is tight and well rehearsed, but slightly unhinged, giving them a sort of “sing-and-dance-around-the-fire-with-your-jug-o-wine” type attitude. Regardless of their low-brow genre, their music is serious, and they play directly to their audience. For country and blues enthusiasts, they are a must-see.
(both from the most current release “New Cornucopia!” Buy it from iTunes here.)
EDIT – I was immediately reminded of this song from the documentary “Heartworn Highways” when I saw them. It would be great to hear them cover this. Rodney Crowell – Bluebird Wine
[caption id="attachment_80" align="aligncenter" width="511" caption="April 4th - East ...
I had the pleasure of finally being able to see Bon Iver at the Wilbur Theater in Boston last Sunday. It was a great show, albeit in a weird space. I always enjoy general admission over sitting, but sometimes bands (or managers) like the relaxed atmosphere and extra space provided by larger venues. It’s always been my opinion that people pay to hear the music, and do not pay for comfort. When I bought my ticket I was somehow under the impression there would be no general admission/standing room space. I was wrong. So, I sat in the first balcony and watched the show from 100 yards away.
The absolutely best thing that could happen to me, happened. The opener was fantastic, and worth the price of the ticket by himself. And he was – by himself. The Tallest Man On Earth was an amazing act with equally amazing songwriting. His fingerpicking was soft and mellow at times, but he was able to vary the mood thoroughly throughout the show. His dynamic range on his guitars is very impressive, especially among the current pool of pop and folk musicians that play at one of two volumes – soft (aka “I’m so deep and thoughtful”) and loud (aka “I’m angry. Listen to what I have to say”). His songwriting might be considered melodramatic at times, but the listener is not bored to tears by unrealistic protest songs or flowery poetry – this is folk music, and I am not embarrassed to say it.
Ok, Kristian Matsson is his real name. He is Swedish, and he music comes straight out of his mouth (often, we are used to musicians’ songs coming straight from their ass). At times the songs seem to be playing him – very “shoot from the hip” style. He played each song without much hesitation, or at least with time to ponder which guitar to play. The music sounds very comfortable …
Jay Reatard (blog) has been around for a few years now, and he is still making waves in the Rock n Roll world. Most recently he was signed to Matador Records to do a string of 7″ singles, ending with a full album of Collected Matador Singles. He is best known for his consistent stream of quality output in 7″ form, and for his debut record in 2006, Blood Visions (In The Red Records).
I’ve been hearing about him for a while, ever since my wife was able to see him live in Philly, at a free show outside a newly opening clothing store. There was free beer, a sidewalk, and Jay Reatard. Those of you that know me and Amanda might say, “I don’t think those two would like Jay Reatard at all.” Well, you’re half right – although I have to point out that Amanda did not get to see him in a very controlled environment, and I got to see him in a decently small club. Our two experiences are hugely different, and perhaps explains why I like him more than she does.
To me, Jay (Mr. Reatard?) seems to be very focused on sound, and sound quality. I can’t say this about a lot of musicians in his particular genre, so this is definitely a compliment. The band is tighter than any punk band I’ve seen in that past few years – the guitar riffs are tighter than Mother Theresa, and louder than an attacking Rhino. I also noticed something that made the drummer stand out among punk drummers – he used his ride cymbal like a ping ride (usually), not just like a larger crash cymbal. It’s not that his drumming was subdued, he just managed to use the instrument to a greater potential than most mental and punk drummers I’ve seen recently. Jay Reatard is definitely pushing the sound of modern punk, and I hope he continues he semi-prolific output as long as he can.
If you were at the Middle East Upstairs last night, you caught a great show. If you weren’t there, you’ll have to settle for a YouTube clip. Check out their Tour Blog for plenty of pictures, thoughts, and movie clips.
Pela – Waiting on the Stairs. Middle East Upstairs. 6/8/08.
Great to meet everyone from GLG – thanks to Matt, Heather, and Janelle to putting together a great show! I’m already looking forward to reviewing Pela’s next album, which should (this is all hearsay) come out around Christmas.
I’ve been waiting on this show for a long time, because it puts a lot of bands in one place and makes them a little easier to keep track of, at least for one night. Hopefully this won’t run too long, but I would like to give my full attention to the last three bands, which I haven’t written about before. Following: upsides, downsides, past concert reviews!
Static of the Gods
I originally wrote about Static of the Gods in reference to their first full-length CD Cycles Follow Signs, which I was initially unimpressed with. Talent and songwriting aside, the album just didn’t do it for me. Several months later I was able to see them in concert, and was given their newly-released EP to check out. Vast improvements in sound and production propelled Static of the Gods from a formerly written-off state into a new band-to-watch category. Tarnished Cities is a good example of where the band is headed – hard, driving beat, almost syth-like bass (it’s actually a guitar on an octave pedal), and firm vocals. I’ve grown to like the band’s sound and uniqueness among emo-metal, and the Peluche EP provided the hooks that were lacking on Cycles Follow Signs. I hope they keep on this road for a while.
Static of the Gods – Tarnished CitiesPeluche EP
[audio:/stu/2008/06/05/Static of the Gods - Tarnished Cities.mp3]
The Motion Sick
I originally heard about The Motion Sick from a friend that worked at the AI: International in Boston. She heard the CD right after it was recorded, and immediately alerted me. They definitely stand apart from the other bands in this lineup, and adhere to a more “post new-wave” sound (”new-new-wave,” “post-second-wave?” It’s not really post-punk…) than the other bands. Their sound isn’t full and continuous – it’s broken up, with the empty space invoking the Talking Heads and other new-wave and second-wave bands.
They will be celebrating their 100th show on Saturday.
The Motion Sick – 30 Lives
[audio:/stu/2008/06/05/The Motion Sick - 30 Lives.mp3] The Motion Sick – Love Will Tear Us …
The previous blog I contributed to, Aural Fitness, was transferred from a blogspot blog called Trees-Lounge. The owner of the previous two blogs has been a huge Hayden fan since the late 90s, or slightly longer. Because of this fact, I tried to get into Hayden as much as I could. Just listening to a few of his albums, you can tell he doesn’t prescribe to a particular genre, except possibly the genre of loneliness, aimlessness, and emptiness. His website, wasteyourdaysaway.com is testament to this. I love it.
Hayden has been around for quite a while, and it was horribly surprising to see him touring with Feist earlier this spring. My fears of him becoming a huge pop star are completely unfounded, but it did worry me. If you’ve picked up his earlier albums, you can hear a definite grunge influence – a sound that has diminished but never gone away over the last few albums. His most popular album to date Skyscraper National Park is lighter sounding than the earlier recordings, but it still carries the drawn-out loneliness that characterizes his songwriting. Accompanied by better production and sound, it is still the most accomodating album for new listeners.
The best advice to get into Hayden was given to me by the owner of Aural Fitness – “Get Skyscraper National Park and listen to Dynamite Walls. Then listen to the entire album from beginning to end. After you do that, and only after that, get Everything I Long For and listen to it until you get it.” That’s what I did, and I’m a fan. I’m not sure I “got it,” but it’s hooked me.
This is bound to be a great show. Stand at the bar, sway to the music, and cry into your beer.
Hayden – Where and Whenfrom In Field & Town, Fat Possum Records
[audio:/stu/2008/06/02/Hayden - Where and When.mp3] Hayden – Home by Saturday …
Yes, it’s time to drink whiskey and dance like a fool. The last time I saw Slim Cessna’s was at the Middle East Upstairs, and it was worth the trip. They have been touring quite a bit, so if you miss them this time, there is always a good chance they’ll be back. Also, if you missed my post about their new CD (released in March) check that out here (mp3s included).
They are playing with The Dirty Truckers, The Wrong Reasons, and the Tony The Booker Orchestra. The Dirty Truckers describe their influences as “Cheap Trick, Steve Earle and the Replacements.” I haven’t seen them live yet, but a statement like that has a lot of living up to do. Here’s hoping. I remember The Wrong Reasons from the last show, however, I don’t actually remember their set. Could it be that I was already too drunk? Impossible. It’s a little dirtier – roots country/hillbilly music with a pseudo-rockabilly feel similar to Slim Cessna’s Auto Club. They were a good match last time, and I’m sure it will work again. I haven’t seen Tony The Booker before, so I’m looking forward to that as well.
Alternative Tentacles released the last Slim Cessna’s Auto Club CD, titled Cipher, back in March. If you want to see them, come to TT The Bear’s Place on May 31st to see Slim Cessna’s Auto Club with Dirty Truckers, The Wrong Reasons, and the Tony The Bookie Orchestra. It’s bound to be a whiskey-induced shitstorm of massive proportions.
Hailing from Denver, CO Slim Cessna’s Auto Club is one of my favorite bands over the past few years. In the vein of 16 Horsepower (also from Denver) and the Denver Gentlemen (der..), SCAC hits hard in the rockabilly/country/punk alley, with some possibly disingenuous preaching mixed in there. They’re loud, fast, and energetic, which makes them outcasts in this particular brand of music they are playing.
On the previous blog I did a fairly substantial article on “Goth Country” and the Denver music scene’s influence on the creation and spreading popularity of this genre. Bands like 16 Horsepower and the Denver Gentlemen have really popularized the movement, but if you want the good nitty-gritty from Denver, you really have to look no further than Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, and the individual members that make up “The Auto Club.”
Slim Cessna, of course is the leader of this group. His solo stuff is worth looking into, if you’re a fan of this genre. Munly is one of the guitarists/vocalists in the group, and brings a whole new meaning to “creepy.” I originally picked up Slim Cessna’s Auto Club through Munly’s solo release Munly and the Lee Lewis Harlots in 2004. Also worth a look is the Denver Broncos USA. Gritty hillbilly music at it’s best.
Check it out:
Cipher (2008) Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Americadio
[audio:/stu/2008/05/21/Slim Cessnas Auto Club - Americadio.mp3] Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – This Land is Our Land (Redux)
[audio:/stu/2008/05/21/Slim Cessnas Auto Club - This Land is Our Lands (Redux).mp3]
Jesus Let Me Down (2005) Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – He, Roger Williams
[audio:/stu/2008/05/21/Slim Cessnas Auto Club - He Roger Williams.mp3]
Perhaps more than 3500 years old, the tangelo is a citrus fruit resembling an orange, but is in fact a product of crossing a grapefruit with a tangerine. A tangelo is characterized by a slightly dark rind than an orange, and a sweeter taste than a grapefruit. They are, like this blog, thin-skinned and juiceaaaay.
In the spirit of the tangelo (a hybrid fruit), we try to feature music that is not easily thrown into a particular genre - a "hybrid" of many genres, if you will.
The Man
We are posting mp3s of 128-160kbps, which are not generally acceptable for any sort of serious listening. If you think that your lack of sales is a direct result of this blog, we will gladly remove the offending tracks. If our readers prefer low-bitrate transcodes over albums, chances are you weren't making any money off them anyway. All mp3s are removed after 30 days.
The Fans
Please support your favorite musicians. You preference in music is of little concern to us; it is your involvement that counts. You can buy CDs, buy mp3s, or go to shows. They wouldn't be able to make music if it wasn't for your support. Where do you think these mp3s come from, anyway?
