Untouchable Sound

Those Darlins LP Launch(s)

2009-07-14T16:59:00.003+10:00

So seeing as I ain't in the same town, city or even country as Those Darlins, I figured i'd assemble a collection of posts from the blogworld from the various live dates that the girls are performing at in support of their newly released self-titled record. Buy it here. I've recently heard a preview of the record and lemme tell you right now - it's killer!

Mercury Lounge, NY (July 9th)
Thanks to Pop Tarts Suck Toasted

Those Darlins - "Little Darlin' Pal of Mine," (Carter Family)

Those Darlins - (surf instrumental)

Those Darlins: Lake Fever Sessions

2009-07-04T14:42:00.003+10:00

Those Darlins, easily the most exciting Tennessee prospect thesedays have just popped in to the good folks at Nashville based Lake Fever for a brief session as a leadup to the release of their massively anticipated s/t debut. Check out Kelley's lead break on DUI or Die... killer!

Those Darlins "Hung Up On Me" from Lake Fever Sessions .

Those Darlins "Snaggletooth Mama" from Lake Fever Sessions .

Those Darlins "DUI or Die" from Lake Fever Sessions.

U.S. Summer Releases '09

2009-06-23T18:29:00.015+10:00

We'll we're rolling full steam into winter down here in Melbourne, which means switching from beer and BBQs to scotch and roast dinners. Another comfort is the wee batch of forthcoming releases by some of my fave bands: A.A. Bondy, Wilco, Those Darlins, Jim James from My Morning Jacket (as Yim Yames) and the Avett Brothers.

WILCO - WILCO (THE ALBUM) June 30)

Having briefly having heard the stream on their website, I felt that the band are really moving in a new direction with their songwriting. The easiest way that I can think of describing them is to liken the new direction to that of 'Impossible Germany' from 'Sky Blue Sky'.

The artwork has made its way around the blog community for some time now and apart from it's absurd hilarity, it's actually quite a beautiful scene - possibly conceived by Tweedy as it has the makings of a kids picturebook.

THOSE DARLINS - THOSE DARLINS (July 7)

Loved everything about 'em ever since I heard Wild One around the start of the year. Rawkus, swaggerin' and a whole lotta fun. Three Darlins from Murfreesboro, Tennessee apparently met at a band camp started by bassist Kelley and immediately clicked. Initially their music was closer to the Appalachian traditionals and roots of the Carter Family than the rollicking twang of these days.

What's really endearing in their tunes is the inherent subversion of the oh-so-male-dominated strand of songwriting of the next-morning alcoholic remorse but with a cheeky not-so-self-serving grin. They wanna and gonna party. You keen?

Much of the track listing can be pieced together from their Daytrotter and HearYa live sessions. My tip for debut of the year already!

YIM YAMES - TRIBUTE TO (GEORGE HARRISON) (July 7)

My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James shares his affinity for the solo work of George Harrison with a 6 track EP tribute to the great man, originally recorded in 2001. The majority of tracks within come from Harrison's seminal 1970 LP "All Things Must Pass"

A.A. BONDY - WHEN THE DEVIL'S LOOSE (September 1)

No signs whatsoever of the sophomore slump shall be found here, based on the title track which has been posted for a few weeks now. It shares many common traits as that of Lover's Waltz from his American Hearts debut LP in pace, sound and sonic weight. As with Those Darlins, Bondy has been making appearances at both HearYa and Daytrotter, from which you can get a preview of the tracks "Mightiest of Guns" and "Oh the Vampyre".

Here's the title track:
A.A. Bondy - When The Devil's Loose (mp3)

THE AVETT BROTHERS - I AND LOVE AND YOU (Sept 29)

The first full length LP since 2007's fantastic Emotionalism. Originally slotted for an August release, I and Love and You has been pushed back to late September, in order for the Brothers to "release it in it's best form possible" according to their recent press release.

As a result of the delay, they have also recently released a 3-track EP to get you by in the meantime.

Here's the title track:
The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You (mp3)

A.A. Bondy: When The Devil's Loose

2009-06-15T17:54:00.005+10:00

It's really hard to contain your sense of excitement and anticipation upon hearing of an upcoming release by your favorite artist. For a few years now i've felt obliged myself to become the evangelist for the wonderful A.A Bondy. In terms of publicity and name fame, he seems relatively unknown, given that his record and sound have many common musical elements with those that have shot to superstardom. (Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Felice Brothers).

So on September 1st, 2009 A.A. Bondy will release "When The Devil's Loose" on Fat Possum records, the same label that reissued his stunning debut, American Hearts. (initially released by Superphonic records). A full band will be backing Bondy this time around and no word as to whether it will be the Band of Ghosts, who dropped in for a few wonderful numbers on American Hearts.

One final note is that the cover art is ... interesting... but not to worry, because the last time we saw a gnashing cat was on Smog's "Knock Knock", and that's a dead set stunner!

Here's a first taste: A.A. Bondy - When The Devil's Loose

Versatile: Phil Collins

2009-06-02T21:12:00.017+10:00

There are definitive moments in a child's life: first kiss, first fight, first love. But for Phil Collins, it must've been when his mum told him he's got a good head on his shoulders. The problem is that he took her too seriously and either over indulged her statement in its most literal form, never cared for a second opinion from the record label's creative department or is too busy writing disney soundtracks to possibly think of an alternate concept art.

Maybe it's justified, I mean Eminem cites him, he did see that guy drowning and instead of helping, single him out at a concert later on (thankfully the guy attended). He did play on both continents at Live Aid (and hit that bum note in front of the world during "Against All Odds"). He divorced his Mrs. via fax machine, can't dance can't talk and possibly has a bigger drum kit than the guy form Pink Floyd.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner of the the cranial versatility award: Mr. Phil Collins.

...and for those who have just tuned in, here's a recap on the incredible versatility of ex-Genesis drum virtuoso...

Live: Jenny Lewis @ Palais Theatre (02/04/09)

2009-04-03T18:09:00.012+11:00

So last night I got the chance to catch Jenny Lewis with her band (sadly no Watson Twins) opening for Snow Patrol down St. Kilda way as a sideshow for the V Festival. It couldn't have come at a more exciting time for me, seeing as i've been so spellbound by the massively unappreciated Acid Tongue LP for the last few months.

Truth be told if I hadn't have known the recordings so well, i'd have probably been quite apprehensive of seeing her show, as most modern bands always parade the attractive (read: marketable) members in order to draw the cool card and attract hip crowds with no musical taste. That coupled with the fact that I really don't take to Rilo Kiley's too-eager-to-please-ness. Fortunately Lewis is more natural in her non-Rilo incarnation.

From the opening track, See Fernando, Lewis makes the late entrance and immediately takes to the edge of the stage in order to encite a dialog between band and crowd alike... the best thing anyone can possibly do to a seated Melbourne audience. The band is dressed to kill, spearheaded by Lewis' mid-70's arrangement of her mother's wardrobe. Her moves are somewhat calculated and rehearsed in thaty Karen O hip kinda way, but her endearing attitude prevails and then there's her voice... a distinct reiteration of why we are love her records. Note for note, pitch for pitch and unrequiring of any technical or studio enhancement.

From then on she zigzagged between favoured cuts of her two records. The Watson Twins harmonies were amply filled by rhythm section. On lead guitar is Johnanthan Rice, obviously her man, given the glowing glances between the two. He's compelling, sincere and a great band leader reminiscent of Ryan Adams/Gram Parsons' babyfaced ambition.

Running through Carpetbaggers, Jack Killed Mum, You are What You Love, Godspeed, The Next Messiah and concluding with a gorgeous rendition of Acid Tongue (gospel-backed) and the lovers duet Love Hurts, which she cites as a perfect song. An utterly compelling performance that i'd even brave the V-Fest for, and that's saying something.

Here's Acid Tongue in Glasgow 2008:

Jenny Lewis Hits Town!

2009-03-27T16:26:00.009+11:00

Forget the childhood appearances in Golden Girls, Growing Pains or Pleasantville or her part in Rilo Kiley. To get to the truth of Jenny Lewis is to listen to the two solo records. Rabbit Fur Coat received immediate universal acclaim, whereas the even better Acid Tongue received nothing short of a critical slagging, so much so that the only positive review can be found at allmusic. I feel so compelled by Acid Tongue that i'd probably say it's 2008's most overlooked record. Apparently written and recorded to tape in a three week period and each song has a pulse and will live very comfortably outside of it's own collective.

The point of this post is to pay attention to the fact that Ms. Lewis is appearing in Melbourne as part of the horrid V Festival, which is an unnecessary $200+ spend for only two interesting artists (Lewis/Duffy). She can also be found as the undercard for Snow Patrol at the Palais Theatre, which I will be seeing (i'm on the guest list, thankfully). Why on earth a small venue like The Toff or Northcote Social Club or even an instore appearance are not providing a solo outing is beyond me, but then again these touring festivals usually have these kinda "tough shit, no playing outside of the festival" stipulations attached. Well, at least she's touching down on our very distant shores.

Anyhoo, in anticipation of this upcoming show, i've dug around and found a few live recordings from both record tours as a taste and i'll letcha know how it went. Buy her LP's in the meantime kids.

JENNY LEWIS @ THE ORPHEUM THEATRE
30TH OCTOBER, 2008

Tracklisting:
Rabbit Fur Coat
Jack Killed Mom
The Charging Sky
Rise Up With Fists!!!
Carpetbaggers
Happy
You Are What You Love
Bad Man's World
The Big Guns
Acid Tongue
The Next Messiah
Sing A Song For Them
Love Hurts
Encore break/Intro
Under The Blacklight
Godspeed
See Fernando
TUNE IN - MEGAUPLOAD

JENNY LEWIS & THE WATSON TWINS @ THE ECHO
10TH JUNE, 2004
Tracklisting:
Intro
Run Devil Run
The Big Guns
Melt Your Heart
You Are What You Love - False Start
You Are What You Love
Somebody Else's Clothes
Rabbit Fur Coat
Rise Up With Fists!!!
Outro
TUNE IN - MEGAUPLOAD

Viva La Laundromatinee!!

2009-03-10T15:12:00.003+11:00

I might be a little late to the party with this one, but nevertheless another fantastic discovery that promises massive ongoing treasures, much like the wonderful Daytrotter, Black Cab Sessions and HearYa. According to their site, Laundromatinee began as a collaboration between My Old Kentucky Blog founder Craig Lile and Jeff Dupont, a then highschool radio station manager, to showcase touring bands.

What results are an impressive amount of professionally recorded and filmed sessions of emerging indie artists. Here's 10 for the road of which you can find the entire sessions here.

DR. DOG - THE OLD DAYS

SUPERGRASS - ST. PETERSBERG

BLITZEN TRAPPER - BLACK RIVER KILLER

THE WATSON TWINS - ONLY YOU

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE - SO DIFFERENT BLUES
(MANCE LIPSCOMBE)

BON IVER - LUMP SUM

CASTANETS - UNTITLED #1

BUFFALO KILLERS - IT'S A SHAME

MARGOT & THE NUCLEAR SO & SO'S - CHILDREN'S CRUSADE ON ACID

LANGHORNE SLIM & THE WAR EAGLES - DIAMONDS AND GOLD

Hangin' Out On E-Street

2009-02-26T13:23:00.005+11:00

Just like Uncle Bob and Neil, it's a great time to be alive and a fan of the Boss.
Bob Dylan in the past few years has been rockin the dials with his Theme Time Radio Hour, has had a few cinematic representations I'm Not There and No Direction Home and is apparently working on part two of his incredible Chronicles Volume II.

Neil Young is still on the road showing crowds what true musical passion and sideburns are all about, has given us some fantastic recent records, is also tinkering with automotive sustainability and might finally release his infinitely delayed archives.

Further to that is Bruce Springsteen, giving us the Superbowl halftime performance of a lifetime, campaigned with Obama, and wrote a truly stirring musical ending for The Wrestler.

Now there's Hangin' Out On E-Street, an initiative from Bruce's website inviting bands to reinterpret his back catalog. Here's a few current examples with many more to come:

THE AVETT BROTHERS : GLORY DAYS

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM : BACKSTREETS

TED LEO : DANCIN' IN THE DARK

MAT KEARNEY : ATLANTIC CITY

JULIANA HATFIELD : COVER ME

Turd Journalism: Doug Wallen

2009-02-25T18:40:00.022+11:00

Sometimes responding to idiotic claims can actually dignify them. However when it's this blatantly misguided (as pictured above), something needs to be said.

I awoke to an SMS this morning, my buddy TJ alerted me that there was a review in the local street press for A.A. Bondy's "American Hearts"record, which was released in mid 2007 in the U.S. and about a year later here in Australia. Personally speaking this record has been in my player and on my mind since I very first heard it by chance on holiday in the U.S.

It must've been around about the week it was released, because it took a bit of finding and not many people knew of it. I truly believe that A.A. Bondy is the finest of the current crop of songwriters and this recording being no less a statement of that.

"Five years later Bondy has re-emerged under his birth name to tap into indie rock's current obsession with skeletal, haunted Americana" ... "It's hard to soak up this painfully familiar album and not feel like he's a bit late to the party."

To say that Bondy has made a concerted decision to follow the trends supposedly set by the likes of Bon Iver and the Fleet Foxes is completely untrue. He had all but given up on the music scene and relocated to upstate NY since '03 recording alone in an old chicken shack on a four-track. The record had a mid 2007 release by Superphonic Records, and reissued by Fat Possum Records a year later. Sometime later it got local Aus. release by Shock Records and that's when it made it's way to you.

The person late to the party ain't Bondy. It's you, Doug.

If it's familiar, that's probably because the influences are proudly in full view: Bruce Springsteen Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt, complete with flat fingerpicking style, world weariness and utter sincerity. If it's painfully familiar, then it's quite likely that the reviewer isn't into this kinda music anyways. Bondy alludes to addiction and familial dischord, but they aren't the endearing elements, rather points of songwriting reference to build from. What you get when you hear this record is exactly as it is: a guy in a shack recording the kind of reflective Americana that naturally arises given enough distance from overblown and highly overrated 90's/2000's.

"He delivers stark murder ballads that have atmosphere, but little ingenuity"... "Bondy's songwriting remains self-consciously character-driven and hung up on all things southern and biblical" ... "He climbs into a well-worn cliche of late 60s/early 70s songwriting"... "stranded amongst pained entries"

The flaw of this review seems the same that Jon Landau made in his 1975 review of Blood On the Tracks: assuming that the record is made with chosen indifference, and that you are being cunningly conned.

There seems to be much more effort into pigeonholing the songwriter as another in a long line of Dylan imitators, rather than genuine focus on the songs. There's a few citations of lyrics, but their criticisms sound more like reactive preconceptions. Maybe it's a simple matter of just the wrong record in the hands of someone who probably finds inspiration in something like Interpol or Arcade Fire.

Robert Christgau once stated that he has no interest in historical timelines or who came to the party first and that he cares only for what is done well: Well this record was there at the inception of this insisted movement, it's the genuine article, easily the pick of the bunch, and will remain there for the rest of this decade, and beyond. This record is an epiphany.

Bootleg: BÖC 1977

2009-02-19T17:53:00.007+11:00

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT
BBC ROCK HOUR
LIVE: COBO HALL - DETROIT (1977)

Hot Rails! Just stumbled across this on one on the expansive Dino & Princess' MP3 Bootleg Tunz World Blog where you can find just about anything your bootleg lovin' heart desires.

This BBC Recording of the Blue Oyster Cult original lineup playing at the tail end of '77. As the cover art suggests, it's of the Spectres tour, with both Rockets and Detective opening that night. The sound is absolutely thunderous, the crowd are fully into the show and you can hear them pull out the lasers during "Born To Be Wild". What a find! A fantastic document of one of the hottest live bands ever. Thanks Dino & Princess!

Setlist:
RUReady 2 Rock
ETI
Cities On Flame
Hot Rails To Hell
Godzilla
Summer of Love
Born to be Wild
(Don't Fear) The Reaper

TUNE IN - RAPIDSHARE
Password: sparkyibew

Back In Town: Slobberbone

2009-02-16T17:42:00.008+11:00

"I wrote this song about 12 years ago about how shitty radio was and here we are 12 years later and it's worse!"

I kinda got onto this late, but thankful nevertheless... Slobberbone - The boys from Denton, Texas have reformed for two shows last week at Dan's Silverleaf and The Barley House as to whether it's long term or not is kinda unknown at this point.

Recently they have been playing together (minus bassist Brian Lane) as The Drams, a hybrid of the ol' Slobberboners and Budapest One.

I came across these guys headlining for Bob Log III back in 2002 at NY's Mercury Lounge. All really nice guys who bought the shitkickin' barroom rock to new glory. The songs are absolutely exceptional, lyrically and melodically, and Slobberbone are loud, rowdy and fun as hell. Some songs have the tendency to slide into swashbuckling pirate ship songs, whilst others pine for time lost whilst drunk. Gotta love that drinkers duality!

It's more than great to have them back, be it short or long term. Either ways, the records are still spinning at my joint.

The 2nd show at the Barley House saw a 30-track, close to 3-hour performance including a new cover of Neil Young and the Bee Gee's and the drummer splitting for a piss, a few girls throwing up and some dude getting thrown out for being an asshole... Aah Texas!

Setlist:
Cinnamon Girl (Neil Young)
Boy Howdy
Whiskey Glass Eye
Write Me Off
Everything You Thought Was Right Was
(I Can Tell) Your Live Is Waning
Lame
Gimme Back My Dog
Lumberlung
Bright Eyes Darkened
Barrel Chested
Springfield, IL
Find The Out
Meltdown
Trust Jesus
Pinball Song
Lazy Guy
Little Drunk Fists
Sweetness That's Your Cue
To Love Somebody (Bee Gees)
Billy Prichard
Engine Joe
Placemat Blues
Dunk You In The River
Lodi (CCR)
I'll Be Damned
(Tony Has To Pee)
Haze Of Drink/ Band Intros
(tuning)
Big Time (Neil Young)

Here's the Show in 192kbps MP3 Format:
TUNE IN SENDSPACE

Here's the original FLAC posting. Many Thanks to Taper Dave Sell
ORIGINAL FLAC TORRENT

Also here's some YouTube examples of the Slobberbone live experience. Boy Howdy!

BARREL CHESTED (LIVE @ DAN'S SILVERLEAF)

STUMBLIN' (LIVE @ DAN'S SILVERLEAF)

BILLY PRICHARD (LIVE @ DAN'S SILVERLEAF)

Handsome Family Valentine

2009-02-14T20:17:00.001+11:00

Gentlemen, the hallmark of all hallmark days is upon us.

You can either go and populate every overpriced restaurant in town, or finally get that haircut you've been reluctantly promising, you can wear an ironed shirt for once, you can try and not use the word fuckin' as every other adverb, pronoun or adjective, or you can sit down with your lover and let the Handsome Family do the work for you.

Available on Friday February 13th, they are offering a free download of the track "Darling, My Darling" from their forthcoming "Honey Moon" LP here.

Happy Valentines. Make it a 365-day long one this year.

Holy Trinitys: Martin Scorsese

2009-02-12T19:27:00.015+11:00

To argue against Martin Scorsese's grasp of the visual medium is to be doing yourself an eternal disservice. Time and time again (well maybe not recently) he has paved new ground in cinema, be it in shots, narration or mise-en-scène.

What seems to vastly overlooked and underrated is the marriage of soundtrack to motion image. The fusion between the Italian/American cultures is also represented musically in all of Scorsese's films, allowing pop culture and traditionalism to harmoniously co-exist.

Here's three examples which will instantly illustrate how wonderfully the soundtrack is employed and how memorable this match can be.

RAGING BULL (2005, CAPITOL RECORDS)

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Actually a 2005 release due to the inability of obtaining the songwriting clearances at the time of original release (1980). Chosen by the inseparable Scorsese and Robbie Robertson of the Band, Raging Bull's soundtrack evokes the setting: 1940's Bronx. A walk through the record collection of Scorsese's parents: Italian sentimentalist classical orchestration meets popularized nightclub dinner-and-a-show performances of Ella, Bing and Benny Goodman. In fact a good majority of the credited artists within are usually succeeded by "& His Orchestra".

The instantly recognizable "Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo" at dancing title sequence and interludes by Pietro Mascagni mark the films deepest moments of reflection, just as the sizzling brass in "Drum Boogie" and the percussive whistling in "Big Noise From Winnetka" allow us to take upon the first person vision of Jake or Joey during those dramatic nightclub exits. One moment or a simple sideways glance of a character like Salvy Batts to the tune of something like "Big Noise" does more for character turn/development than any amount of words ever could.

A good amount of the music within may not be immediately memorable as having been part of this film, however it is used more as a means of scene setting, attributing to the authenticity of the time. Extremely evocative, hauntingly intimate, and beautifully paired with some of modern cinemas most revered visual poetry. Also a great road into long favored Italian music for the uninitiated.

GOODFELLAS (1990, ATLANTIC/WEA)
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Part two of the Scorsese gangster trilogy. Right from the start we hear "Rags to Riches", by Tony Bennett punctuating the Henry Hill's introduction. "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster." Lyrics pining for super stardom and acceptance and "must I forever be a beggar, whose golden dreams will not come true" emulating the dogma of Henry and the family: Go out, work hard, stick your neck out, and if you want something... take it!

Goodfellas exists as a play in two halves: the rise and fall. The rise is punctuated, by doo-wop ballads and upbeat croons celebrating meteoric rise of success and celebration during cheerful nights. The fall sees the desperations according to drug dealing and addiction with fast paced jagged rhythms matching instability and inner turmoil.

Most memorably is the Nilsson track "Jump into the Fire" playing during the surveilling helicopter and paranoia laced scenes of Henry coked up and burning out. Not only does this scene completely set the template for the majority of the editing in PT Anderson's "Boogie Nights", but the long droning Nilsson moan represents the impending rise of the demons slowly catching up.

As with Raging Bull's emphasis on nightclub orchestras, we see a shift in Goodfellas more toward the spotlighted crooners in the same candlelit clubs. The big names are all there: Bennett, Sinatra, Mathis and Darin along with a number of doo-wop and girl group numbers which punctuate the narrative. Make no mistake: There is no coincidence between the lyrics of the tracks and the narrative. Scorsese reportedly used extreme consideration when choosing the tracks to richly texture both the scene and immediate character. Song's like "Then He Kissed Me" during the dating scenes between Henry and Karen act as a kind of predictive subtext, further to her narration.

Also noteworthy is the very first instance of a few recurring tracks in later films: The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter", a tune Scorsese will employ time and time again in scenes of excessive turmoil and also the "Layla (Piano Exit)", narrating the comedown.

CASINO (1995, MCA/UNIVERSAL)
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Furthering the choice of soundtrack found in Goodfellas, is the Third in the Gangster trilogy. Just as Raging Bull evoked the life and times of the 1940's and Goodfellas feautred the 50's/60's, Casino observes the 70's/80's. Further to that notion it also acts as a fusion of the use of signature orchestration found in Raging Bull with the sub-textural characterization used in Goodfellas.

Opera makes it's first appearance in these soundtracks, as does the reiteration of Geroges DeLeRue's "Camille's Theme", previous found on Godard's Le Mepris. The carbomb blast plunging us into the incredible Saul & Elaine Bass title sequence is accompanied by "Mathaus Passion", immediately acknowledging that we are in for a titanic truggle, and ultimately Ace Rothstein's lone descent from the highest point in Las Vegas into insignificance.

Instead of the intimate nightclub acts, Casino, appropriately is populated by the big-timers like Fleetwood Mac, Moody Blues, Otis Redding and Muddy Waters. Scorsese finds each opportune moment with which to include music: televisions, radios, stereos, distant sound from an open door at the end of the corridor, leaving very few moments of silence - of which are intended for reflection.

The characters and their plotlines follow a very path to those in Goodfellas: Two close friends ascending the ranks, only to eventually become dysfunctional until Joe Pesci's character dies, horribly. There is also the elaborate wooing of the wives, the strains of the marriage and the drug fueled paranoid hysteria. The kind of soundtrack that accompanied these scenes are thematically identical.

Through these films, Martin Scorsese's marriage of soundtrack and motion picture is so persuasive that in the end you no longer think of the Animals when you hear "House of The Rising Sun", you think of Ginger on her last legs sliding down the wall. You no longer think of Nilsson singing jump into the fire, you start looking for helicopters and When you hear those Italian strings, look for the dancing Bronx Bull.

Incoming '09: Handsome Family

2009-02-10T18:36:00.005+11:00

THE HANDSOME FAMILY - HONEY MOON

LOOSE RECORDS - APRIL '09

To mark their 20th wedding anniversary, Handsome Brett and Rennie Sparks are releasing "Honey Moon", a twelve tracker of love songs that "that take place under bowed branches and deep within winding corn mazes. Lovers kiss in dripping wet caves and call to each other from trembling mountain peaks. They sigh on windy drawbridges and weep silver puddles in the street."

Recorded at home in their converted garage studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico and lightly peppered with a few musical friends... as per usual. As they currently prepare to tour the U.K. and U.S.A, we eagerly await this, the 8th release, by the keeps of the desert Americana flame.

Tracklisting:
Linger, Let me Linger
Little Sparrows
My Friend
When You Whispered
The Loneliness of Magnets
June Bugs
A Thousand Diamond Rings
Love is Like
The Petrified Forest
Wild Wood
Darling, My Darling
The Winding Corn Maze

Here's "My Beautiful Bride" from the "In The Air" LP

Incoming '09: Dex Romweber

2009-02-10T17:55:00.004+11:00

DEX ROMWEBER DUO - RUINS OF BERLIN
BLOODSHOT RECORDS - FEB '09

Dex returns, with that instantly recognizable sound this time with his kid sister Sara on drums and a few drop-ins from Neko Case, Rick from SCOTS and Cat Power. By all accounts read, we are finding the duo in peak performance, possibly the best yet.

I was lucky enough to catch the Remweber Duo back in 2006 in NY opening (and blazing away) for The Memphis Rhythm Band & Cat Power. Live Dex is like a calling from a garage-punk-rockabilly preacher: he's charismatic, soulful and utterly dedicated.

Press Release: "Dex’s guitar conjures the primal ghosts that live in the scratchy grooves of 45s that snake through our collective musical DNA; some are well known, most long forgotten, but no one can draw the line between Link Wray and Marlene Dietrich and have it make sense like Dex. And when he sings, you get the sense, sometimes uneasy, that here is a man that HAS to sing, has to let it out, or all the pain, longing and triumph of the heroes and hep cats and sinners and losers he sings about will tear him apart from the inside."

According to Dex: “We’re making original rock and roll, but fast and weird and throwing in different things. Let’s get it done, no bullshit.”

Tracklisting:
Lookout
Lover's Gold
Picture of You
Love Letters (w/Cat Power)
Cigarette Party
Camilla's Gone
Lonesome Train (w/Exene Cervenka)
People, Places and Things
Still Around (w/Neko Case)
Ruins of Berlin
Oh, Lover's Gone
Polish Work Song
Grey Skies
Is It Too Late?

Two tracks have been posted by Bloodshot Records for digital consumption:
LOOKOUT - MP3
PICTURE OF YOU - MP3

Incoming '09: Felice Brothers

2009-02-09T11:12:00.001+11:00

THE FELICE BROTHERS - YONDER IS THE CLOCK
TEAM LOVE RECORDS - APRIL '09

Recorded in the Fall of '08 in a converted chicken coop, this new Felice Brothers record was titled from the pages of Mark Twain and according to the press release:

"Yonder Is The Clock is teaming with tales of love, death, betrayal, baseball, train stations, phantoms, pandemics, jail cells, rolling rivers and frozen winter nights. This is music that hasn’t lost sight of the history of the land from which it came, and that quality alone makes The Felice Brothers the next great American band."

Tracklisting:
The Big Surprise
Penn Station
Buried In Ice
Chicken Wire
Ambulance Man
Sailor Song
Katie Dear
Run Chicken Run
All When We Were Young
Boy from Lawrence County
Memphis Flu
Cooperstown
Rise and Shine

Again no audible releases available at this point, but here's some youtube footage from their blistering SXSW and Newport Folk Festival appearances which oughtta tide you over. Word is that a nasty storm cut the power and threatened to shorten their performance and they continued nevertheless. I'm not entirely convinced it wasn't Pete Seeger.

Peaceful Valley (Newport Folk Fest)

This Land Is Your Land (Newport Folk Fest)

Frankie's Gun! (Newport Folk Fest)

Frankie's Gun! (SXSW)

Incoming '09: Bill Callahan

2009-02-08T15:58:00.006+11:00

BILL CALLAHAN - SOMETIMES I WISH WE WERE AN EAGLE
DRAG CITY RECORDS - APRIL '09

After absolutely nailing his last record, "Woke On A Whaleheart", the Smogless Bill Callahan returneth with his sophomore effort "Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle".

Last month I got to see him play with the Dirty Three's Mick Turner and Jim at the All Tomorrow's Parties up in Mt. Buller, although no new songs were previewed. Little to no information about this release has surfaced except an April release date and the track listing.

Tracklisting:
Jim Cain
Eid Ma Clack Shaw
The Wind and The Dove
Rococo Zephyr
Too Many Birds
My Friend
All Thoughts Are Prey To Some Beast
Invocation of Ratiocination
Faith/Void

It looks like he did perform a new track during his Sydney Festival performance though (and a beautiful number at that):

Incoming '09: Bonnie 'P' Billy

2009-02-08T15:57:00.003+11:00

BONNIE 'PRINCE' BILLY - BEWARE

DRAG CITY RECORDS - MARCH '09

Quite possibly the most prolific musician of our times, Mr Oldham's umpteenth release in as many weeks features thirteen new tracks, a cast of cameos and an obvious cover art nod to Neil Young's 'Tonight's the Night'. According to the press release:

"Breaking through the dirt and shooting upward into our atmosphere is a new variety of exotic Bonnie 'Prince' Billy plant. Stronger. Stinkier. It blooms in low light and cold but thrives in the sun as well, showing enticing spots and eating small creatures as they wander into its jaws. They had it coming, they were weak…and you're next! Beware.

Beware is a much more measured exploration of the soul's frailty and the sorry state of human relationships than your typical, everyday, bleaked-out, all-and-nothing roots rock platter. Song titles suggest half of a heated dialogue, perhaps just one side of a super-apocalypto phone call. Yet, there's humor here as well, some of it too cute to call black. Lyrically, domestic ripostes are mixed with I-thou asides, statements of lusty selfhood and subtlety in between the lines, examining culpability and the need for release and rebellion, if you must know. Basically, if you haven't learned already, love goes down mazy, anfractuous paths, on some days giving rise to irritations (both spiritual and physical) and the difficult consideration of an alternative fate. Sometimes all you want to do is f**k. Then there's the times of fun, laughter and learning, and the sudden appreciation of your partner, your only friend. And with all these things in hand, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy says Beware."

Tracklisting:
Beware Your Only Friend
You Can't Hurt Me Now
My Life's Work
Death Final
Heart's Arms
You Don't Love Me
You Are Lost
I Won't Ask Again
I Don't Belong to Anyone
There Is Something I Have To Say
I Am Goodbye
Without Work, You Have Nothing
Untitled

BPB recently performed a WNYC's Soundcheck:

Incoming '09: J.T. Earle

2009-02-08T15:55:00.003+11:00

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE - MIDNIGHT AT THE MOVIES BLOODSHOT RECORDS - MARCH '09

After an awe-inspiring visit to Melbourne late last year, the son of Earle returns with his second full length, a few of the tracks which were previewed at those very shows. Eleven new tracks plus a formal recording of the Replacements' "Can't Hardly Wait", which he laid down in his Daytrotter Session.

According to the review on HearYa, this record is gonna catapult JT Earle in superstardom, at least to an already converted audience and that attempting to articulate the greatness of this record is quite intimidating.

According to Bloodshot Records: "If you didn’t look at the songwriting credits, you’d swear the songs were penned on the stoop of a one-pump filling station in dust bowl era Oklahoma, the smoke-filled song and dream factories of Tin Pan Alley, or at the back door of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville."

According to me: "This record is gonna be fucken great."

Tracklisting:
Midnight at the Movies
What I Mean To You
They Killed John Henry
Mama's Eyes
Dirty Rag
Can't Hardly Wait
Black Eyed Suzy
Poor Fool
Halfway to Jackson
Someday I'll Be Forgiven For This
Walk Out
Here We Go Again

Here's an MP3 taste: "Mama's Eyes"

"They Killed John Henry" (Live in NJ)

Incoming '09: Neko Case

2009-02-08T15:54:00.002+11:00

NEKO CASE - MIDDLE CYCLONE
ANTI- RECORDS - MARCH '09

The cover alone has been causing pulses to race ever since being revealed late last year. This new fifteen track release (inc. two covers) comprises of Case's core band, but also features an abundance of cameos like M. Ward, Garth Hudson, Sarah Harmer, The New Pornographers, Los Lobos, Calexico, The Sadies, Visqueen, The Lilys, and Giant Sand.

Recorded in Tucson, Brooklyn, Toronto, Vermont and sounding like the logical successor to 2006's beautiful 'Fox Confessor Brings The Flood'. Middle Cyclone showcases yet another wonderful artist at the height of her powers... with more to come.

Tracklisting:
This Tornado Loves You
The Next Time You Say Forever
People Got A Lotta Nerve
Polar Nettles
Vengeance Is Sleeping
Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth
Middle Cyclone
Fever
Magpie To The Morning
I'm An Animal
Prison Girls
Don't Forget Me
The Pharaohs
Red Tide
Marais La Nuit

The first single has been previewed by Anti for free download:
Neko Case - People Got A Lotta Nerve

Here's the making of the record:

Incoming '09: Van Morrison

2009-02-08T15:53:00.002+11:00

VAN MORRISON - ASTRAL WEEKS LIVE
LISTEN TO THE LION RECORDS - FEB '09

Van 'the (grumpy old) man' returns with a live release of the absolute classic Astral Weeks, which was performed over two nights in November '08. This is also the first time that the record has ever been performed live, as "it received no promotion, from Warner Bros."

The decision for the live reprisal was made because, according to Morrison, "The Hollywood Bowl concerts gave me a welcome opportunity to perform these songs the way I originally intended them to be".

In typical Morrison style, there was apparently only one rehearsal amongst the featured orchestra and band, which contains members (Jay Berliner + guitar) featured on the original recording.

The definitive story of the original '68 recording is clouded in mythical gossip - everything from Morrison being present at only the single take improv vocal recordings, to John Cale's recollection of the entire record being recorded by Morrison alone with his acoustic guitar due to the impossibility of anyone working with him. For whatever the process entailed, we are truly thankful for its wonderful resolution.

Recently in cinema, Coppola, Lucas and Spielberg have spearheaded apprehension towards artists revisitation of their seminal works and you can't help but feel that it's economically or politically generated. However with some of the great musical troubadours (Dylan, Springsteen, Young, Waits) there's always wonderfully redeeming elements in these reworkings. It's a take what you get scenario and more often than not the inquiry is extremely rewarding. You can't help but feel that this may well be one of those.

Tracklisting:
Astral Weeks/I Believe I've Transcended
Beside You
Slim Slow Slider/I Start Breaking Down
Sweet Thing
The Way Young Lovers Do
Cyprus Avenue/You Came Walking Down
Ballerina - Move On Up
Madame George
Listen To The Lion/The Lion Speaks
Common One

Here's a preview of Sweet Thing:

The Roots of...

2009-02-06T19:32:00.003+11:00

Ok, and whilst we are thinking about the roots of The Cramps, here's some other compilations from the President and Catfish Labels and also Mojo Magazine. Many thanks to Be Bop Bino for some of these terrific postings. I've always found it quite interesting that as your musical tastes broaden, you tend to look backwards. This thought actually seems to translate in books, film and just about any expressive medium.

The other side of this coin (and sometimes a dangerous one) is that looking too far back into the roots of a particular artist that you dig can actually show how unoriginal that paticular person has been and how much they owe to their little known mentors. Judge for yourself...

STEP IT UP AND GO!
TEARING UP THE ROOTS OF ROCK 'N' ROLL
(PRESIDENT RECORDS, 2004)
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE PART I
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE PART II

THE ROOTS OF CHUCK BERRY
(CATFISH RECORDS, 2001)
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

THE ROOTS OF ELVIS PRESLEY
(CATFISH RECORDS, 2001)
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

THE ROOTS OF THE SEX PISTOLS
(MOJO MAGAZINE, 2005)
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

THE ROOTS OF HENDRIX
(MOJO MAGAZINE, 2005)
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

THE ROOTS OF BOB DYLAN
(MOJO MAGAZINE, 2006)
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Born Bad

2009-02-06T17:13:00.001+11:00

Further to the sad loss of Lux interior this week, i've decided to post six volumes of the Born Bad compilation series, which celebrate those very song with which the Cramps found inspiration. They've been around since the early 1990's, but still remain a turntable favourite in just about every situation... the perfect way to kick of the weekend...

Born Bad: Volume One
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Born Bad: Volume Two
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Born Bad: Volume Three
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Born Bad: Volume Four
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Born Bad: Volume Five
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Born Bad: Volume Six
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Purple Knif Show

2009-02-05T22:19:00.009+11:00

Rather than my feeble attempts to articulate my sadness of the loss of such greatness, i'll let Mr. Lux Interior conduct his own eulogy. Recorded in July of '84 at a Hollywood Radio Station. R.I.P.

THE PURPLE KNIF SHOW
(1984, Skydog/Melodie)

Tracklisting:

The One Way Streets: "Jack the Ripper"
The Swamprats: "Louie Louie"
J.J. Jackson: "Oma Liddy"
Trashmen: "Bird '65"
The Sparkles: "Oh, Girls, Girls"
Link Wray: "The Fuss"
Bill Carter and the Rovin' Gamblers: "Baby Brother"
Tides: "Midnight Limbo"
Earl Hagan & The Interns: "New Interns Watusi"
Mad Mike and the Maniacs: "The Hunch"
Billy Strange: "007 Theme"
Ted Weems & His Orchestra: "Heartaches"
Ray Anthony: "Dragnet"
Grady O'Neal & The Bellatones: "Turkey Neck Stretch"
Enchanters: "Cafe Bohemian"
Jam Space & The Cadets: "Take me to your Leader Chachacha"
Archie Bleyer: "Fernandos Hideaway"
Vic Mizzy: "Addams Family Theme"
Spark Plugs: "Chicken"
Frantics: "The Whip"
5 Blobs: "The Blob"
Commercial: "Miller Beer"
Ward Darby and The Raves: "Safari"
Cozy Cole: "Topsy Pt. II"Time"

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Vale: Lux Interior

2009-02-05T21:35:00.011+11:00

Fucken Hell, it's only just the second month of 2009 and already we have lost another infinitely significant comerade. In January we wept at the news of Ron Asheton, and just now sadly we tip our hat to the supreme franken-zombie genius: Lux Interior.

With Mr. Interior we had the greatest narrator of the history and roots of American pop and sub-cultures all contorted in sweaty, crawling, lewd, microphone swallowing, leopard print undie wearing motherfucker.

To say that you don't dig the Cramps is to say that you don't like music. Because at the very core they represent and celebrated the roots of Rock 'n' Roll in all elements country, rhythm and blues and garage. Rather than the conventional cover version, (his band) The Cramps fused their love of 50's sci-fi with the likes of Hasil Adkins, Roy Orbison and Jerry "Killer" Lee Lewis.

So after 30 years of unbridled mayhem at the ripe age of 62, we lost our beloved Lux Interior to a failing heart: Something he certainly shared infinitely with us.

Here's a couple of 7" covers that I dug outta the archives. As always the best way to deal with this kinda news is to listen to the music.

Here's the one that always persuaded me to get the fuck outta the house 'n go out and paint the town:

"LET'S GET FUCKED UP" (1994, MEDICINE)
TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Lux Poster Credit : Rob Jones

Tequila

2009-02-05T15:29:00.007+11:00

A little piece of rock journalism from my buddy TJ Healey:

I like My Morning Jacket, They are an innovative band they challenge themselves they're entertaining and diverse and they play a lot of gigs with Neil Young. I still haven't heard them on Triple JJJ so that just confirms how good they are.

Anyway I have been lucky enough to see both Neil & MMJ four times in the last 12 months so my diet of good music is pretty healthy.

When I saw My Morning Jacket at HOP Farm in England last July they came on just after Rufus Wainwright and just before Supergrass contrary to what the British press said. The rain stopped when MY Morning Jacket played What a Wonderful Man not when Bobby Gillespie and his other coked up ego junkies swaggered on to the stage to play another bloated set of Primal Scream Stones covers. While we're at if anyone of you like Primal Scream its best we cease our friendships NOW. Their output cannot be justified, they're an ordinary excuse for a band.

Anyway last week I did some driving work for the Big Day Out and the last job I did was drop My Morning Jacket off at the Airport bound for Adelaide. All the way Jim James insisted i swig his tequila, I resisted. I was driving and it was midday, not quite tequila o'clock.

So after some pretty funny banter on the drive to Tullamarine I felt we had had a great drive, the traffic was good, no one demanded for an ice cream and all five members in the band greatly enjoyed playing eye spy. As a thank you Jimmy gave me his tequila. (check out the attached photo)

Those of your curious to take me up on an arguement on good bands here is my top ten hate list of overrated bands
in no particular order.

Rancid
Sex Pistols
Radio Birdman
Ramones
Turbo Negro
The above mentioned coke heads
The Cribs

Anyway that is my opinion I wear it comfortably, those of you wishing to take my opinion on will be subject to this torture. i will gaffa tape really good head phones to your head connected to an ipod which plays one song by the above disliked bands, you'll soon come around to my taste of music.

salada Justin
teejayhealey@yahoo.com.au

Cardinals, Twice

2009-02-02T17:13:00.004+11:00

So after one of the biggest months of live shows i've yet encountered, I did the double dose of (David) Ryan Adams and the Cardinals at the Forum in Melbourne.

Just writing the review now, but in the meantime, here's some links to:

Some Flickr flickers of the two shows:
Flickr - linesbleed
Flickr - boelsen
Flickr - soniarocktographer
Thanks Flickers!

Thanks also to Adam who posted Saturday nights show on archive.org
TUNE IN - ARCHIVE.ORG

The Daytrotter 11

2009-01-29T13:31:00.018+11:00

Most definitely one of the best sites around is Daytrotter.com, who record small inhouse sessions of indie artists and post them for public consumption. Both the recordings and calibre of artists are quality. Each session comes neatly categorized with interview, essay and a killer watercolour illustration by their creative team.

The archives are quite extensive (since March '06) and here's a list of the 11 essential sessions that i've come across sofar.
Browse the archives here

All Daytrotter Sessions are engineered by Patrick Stolley and/or Brad Kopplin at Futureappletree Studio 1, Rock Island, Illinois.
Contact them here

Andrew Bird featuring Dianogah
(Monday, October 29, 2007)

Blitzen Trapper
(Wednesday, September 3, 2008)

Bon Iver
(Monday, July 21, 2008)

Bonnie Prince Billy
(Sunday, September 3, 2006)

A.A. Bondy
(Wednesday, May 21, 2008)

Dr. Dog
(Sunday, February 18, 2007)

The Felice Brothers
(Monday, August 25, 2008)

Golden Boots
(Friday, November 28, 2008)

Justin Townes Earle
(Monday, September 8, 2008)

Kelley Stoltz
(Tuesday, April 8, 2008)

William Elliott Whitmore
(Sunday, December 3, 2006)

Best of 2008

2009-01-27T14:37:00.040+11:00

Ok, so it's been long enough to shake the hangover and all the 2008 bad juju, so I figure now is a good time to be able to list the best of the year with any sort of impartiality.

THE 12 THAT MATTERED IN 2008

12. BON IVER - FOR EMMA, FOREVER AGO
(JAGJAGUWAR)

Everyone's favorite find, and least-kept secret of the year. He recently toured Melbourne and was blown away by the reception that greeted his deer-hunting, haunted shack lullabys. Beautiful work, Bonny-Vair!

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

11. SUN KIL MOON - APRIL
(CALDO VERDE)

Mr. Kozelek's second original LP, and another whispering stunner. For each moment of apparent monotony, there is an equal transformative journey. Another of those great records who relentlessly give with each listen.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

10. THE SEA AND CAKE - CAR ALARM
(THRILL JOCKEY)

The latest from one of the few bands that can rightly call their sound their own. There is no great variance in this recording from the previous work, however where most begin to stale, The Sea and Cake prevail.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

9. RYAN ADAMS AND THE CARDINALS - CARDINOLOGY
(LOST HIGHWAY)

The logical successor to 'Easy Tiger' both thematically and sonically. Whereas the earlier recordings of Ryan Adams and the Cardinals seemed to have Adams as the spotlight, the songwriting within seems to be more of a unanimous whole promoting the band. The previous aggression in performance seems to now be substituted for a more free-flowing and whimsical lyricism.

For all the apprehension toward the audible shift that I first felt with 'Easy Tiger', both time and a live viewing were the key to it's endearment. I'm sure that this record will follow suit. Listen for the truly beautiful harmonies between the three guitarists.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

8. NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS - DIG!!! LAZARUS DIG!!!
(MUTE)

It got all the usual Bad Seeds tricks: Biblical Mythology, multi-angled instrumental attacks and more words than both volumes of the Yellow Pages. That and, of course, the best rhythm section in the modern world. As with the masterpiece 'Lyre of Orpheus/Abattoir Blues', Warren Ellis' inclusion is instrumental to the slow release of the sonic fury. A sure sign of a band that seem to constantly be at the height of their powers.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

7. SPIRITUALIZED - SONGS IN A&E
(SPACEMAN)

THE SPACEMAN RETURNETH!! thankfully and gloriously. Having almost lost him from super-advanced pneumonia earlier in the year, the recording took place in the aftermath. Inter spliced with gorgeous interludes and intermissions, it's the return of the hypnotic minimalism that made 'Pure Phase' and 'Ladies and Gentlemen' so endearing. Definitely toned back in the sonic assault department, in favour of restrained and poetic acoustic flow. When the Queens of the Stone Age wrote 'Lullaby's to Paralyze' title, they should've forfeited the title to Mr Pierce and co. Absolutely Stunning.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

6. MOGWAI - THE HAWK IS HOWLING
(MATADOR)

The latest offering from the Scottish post-rock masters. Like The Sea and Cake, they have paved a very distinguishable sound, and this record is a mark they aren't satisfied with resting upon their laurels, rather expanding their melodic perimeters. As with all Mogwai records, pushing through the sonic confusion will usually lead to a plateau of subtle melodic beauty...

It seems the guitar lords have also got a firm grip on song titling, kicking off with 'I'm Jim Morrison, i'm dead'. Good enough for me.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

5. THE DRONES - HAVILAH
(ATP RECORDINGS)

Easily the best Australian band in the past decade and featuring a new guitarist, Dan Luscombe, bringing in a more refined technical precision as opposed to the past aggressive bravado. Recorded in a cottage in Mt. Buffalo in a two week session, Havilah (meaning stretch of sand) is their most world-weary record to date, lyrically at least. Featuring songs about Human Waste, Divorce and Cult Ascension with the usual plethora of varied tones, mostly inspired by the Neil Young 'Zuma'-era of expansive guitar noodling: a kind of punishingly beautiful country darkness.

Also one of the best live experiences you can possibly hope to have.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

4. BLITZEN TRAPPER - FURR
(SUB POP)

They're all here: Dylan, The Byrds, Beatles, Petty, Neil Young, Springsteen and Big Star all worn in plain-sleeve view. Let that not be a deterrent whatsoever, they own it, and then some. Reminiscent of Ween's 'Chocolate and Cheese' in it's multi-persona narrative, without the degenerative disease jokes. Fresh, lively, beautifully performed and potentially a rocket to superstardom. Listen for those fantastic guitar lead breaks and the awesome wolfman title track in this wilderness wandering indie tour de force.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

3. DR. DOG - FATE
(PARK THE VAN)

Why do I constantly think about the Band when I listen to these guys? Maybe it's the playful Huck Finn adventurousness? The vocalist that sings and plays like Rick Danko? or more simply the lusciously crafted and gorgeously harmonized Americana? Whatever it is, even if it's none or in fact all of these, it just works.

A truly wonderous followup to 'We All Belong' without a single shred of sophomore slump. Genuine, sincere and affecting Americana.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

2. THE FELICE BROTHERS
(TEAM LOVE)

The major label debut featuring reworkings of many of the tracks found on the 'Adventures of The Felice Brothers Vol. 1', which could only be obtained from the band at shows. This recording is instantly reminiscent of Bob and the Band's 'Basement Tapes' with the Dylan whine, the revivalist folk songwriting.

The genuine nature of The Felice Brothers, both band and music, is unquestionable. They look like inhabitants of the town of Machine from Jarmusch's 'Dead Man', and i'm not talking about the well to do accounts in clown suits. These are a crew that you see when you look between the gaps of dusty floorboards, they bathe from a frying pan and make it a nightly ritual of falling off of their barstools, drunk, after a beating. The songs feel like the remnants of hazy dreams from their alcoholic comas.

Featuring the song of the year 'Frankie's Gun' and the best badass bandito poetry that 2008 ever knew.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

1. WOLF PARADE - AT MOUNT ZOOMER
(SUB POP)

What can I say? I once heard that this may well be the 'Marquee Moon' of our generation. I'll leave it at that. Enjoy the ride.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

Essential S/T Releases

2009-01-23T15:37:00.025+11:00

Traditionally it seems that most Self Titled records have been the uninspiringly named debut, but here's some that have caught my ears, and hopefully yours...

DAVID AXELROD (2001, MO' WAX)

The final studio LP from L.A's Maestro Composer/Arranger, which was released in 2001 by the Mo' Wax label. Word seems to be (via Axelrod) that a number of these tracks were originally prepared and semi-recorded in 1969, only to be canned by Warner Brothers. Mo' Wax apparently got wind of this, believing that it would be a crime for these to be kept unreleased. Thank fuck they did.

What came about is possibly one of the most beautifully urban records, by a 65-year old no less, in the history of history. If you thought he was over-sampled before, wait 'til the world wakes up to this masterpiece. One of the most stunning gatefold LP's you could ever hope to own...

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

TED NUGENT (1975, EPIC)

Yep, thats right, Uncle Ted makes the list. For all his bigmouth and survivalist hunting ways there's at least one record that pays off. Here it is, a prime-cut cocksure slice of heavy rock Americana, which i'm sure blew as many people away as heard it, then and today. Later in his career Ted will ride Buffalo onstage, swing around in a tarzan loincloth and shoot his guitar with a bow & arrow. Thankfully that was later.

Featuring such classics as "Snakeskin Cowboy", "Motor City Madhouse" and "Stranglehold", a feature of the Melbourne Stripper circuit (Thanks, Kimbo!) So strap on the fox tail and go Stormtroopin'...

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THE MODERN LOVERS (1976, BESERKLEY)

Oh the summer Jonathan Richman must've had. Mr. Velvet Underground uberfan #1. Relocating from Boston to NYC via LA around '73 to record with John Cale and laying down teenage anthems laced with snide humour, geeky desperation and suburban sentimentality. Richman apparently scrapped the original and much rawer recording of this LP, due to the his terrible head cold.

Featuring soon-to-be members of the Talking Heads, the Cars and the Real Kids (read: CBGB's - Volume II). Listen to that locked-in rhythm section, especially those hypnotic drums. Count 'em off Johnny...

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LITTLE FEAT (1976, WARNER)

Featuring Lowell George playing slide socket-wrench in oily overalls, this masterful debut is one of the treasures of 70’s Americana. A great mark of a band that came outta nowhere, whilst the rest of LA was too busy with it’s head up its own arse, (James Taylor, Jackson Browne) So good are the songs that the Byrds covered a few on their Untitled LP. George’s supremo writing is and will always be the strength of this band, with odes to passer’s by, the downtrodden and late afternoon sun.

It contains “Willin’, the song that got Lowell kicked outta Zappa’s band, due to the drug references. It’s also the mark of a band at their best, who never really sounded like this again. Fresh, greasy and loose, a trucker anthem goldmine...

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

THE BAND (1969, CAPITOL)

Late 60's, enter a mindless self-indulgent mess of a music scene, with each band getting more overblown than the next. Here comes The Band, a group of honky troubadours who end up recording two of the all-time great LPs which go in the complete opposite direction to the climate at the time. Recorded live on about 4 microphones and with a drum sound like a guy chopping wood, this endearing classic remains as one of the great thumbed noses to the record industry ever.

This, the second LP from the Band, showcases a slightly more refined sound than Music From Big Pink and features the classics "Up on Cripple Creek", Rag Mama Rag, and the astonishing "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"...

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT (1972, COLUMBIA)

Long Island, NY – 1972. From the paisley and irreverance comes a dark, brooding, echoey, astronomically-minded psychedelic nightmare known as the Blue Öyster Cult.

Riffin’ like Steppenwolf, prophesying like an oracle and giving both Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath a red hot run for their money. Songs about failed drug deals, self-proclaimed superstardom all fueled by their manager’s sci-fi poetry. Hot Rails...

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ROXY MUSIC (1972, ISLAND)

Aah, Roxy Music, the perfect fusion of art school ambition, fashion and electronic experimentalism. At this point featuring Brian Eno's fantastic sonic treatments, Ferry's abstract songwriting/delivery and some sizzling saxophone leads. What could really end up as musical confusion is held together by sheer attitude and cool determination. Born cool...

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

TINDERSTICKS (THIS WAY UP, 1993/1995)

Possibly the most supremely cinematic pairing of records of the 90’s and perhaps any era. Fusing lush brooding chamber orchestration with the kind of Scott Walker melancholy that can actually subvert it’s own grimness into hope. There’s also that labyrinth lyricism that we’ve enjoyed in Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen. I think of these records as like a slow tide coming in, slowly building and elaborating upon itself. A double headed monster masterpiece...

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE
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LOOSE FUR (2003, DRAG CITY)

Really an extension of the songwriting between Wilco's Jeff Tweedy/Glenn Kotche and Jim O'Rourke around the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot LP. Intended as a device to further the Wilco sound, a very endearing and under appreciated release.

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

4 for the dance floor...

2009-01-21T16:54:00.022+11:00

Ok, heres 4 amazing soul/funk/party compilations that seem to be out of print theses days. Two are from the killer Soul Jazz label, which are always worth the enquiry.

ALL THE LADIES NEED FUNK:
ALL GIRL FUNK AND SOUL RIOT
(Parlour, 2002)
As the title suggests all Female led funk groups and with titles like "Cop My Stuff", "Payback" and "Know what To Do When You Get It", who could pass on this gem?

TUNE IN - RAPIDSHARE

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IN YO' FACE:
THE ROOTS OF FUNK 1/2
(Rhino, 1994)
Part of the extensive Rhino history of funk series.

TUNE IN - RAPIDSHARE

TUNE IN - SENDSPACE

NEW ORLEANS FUNK:
THE ORIGINAL SOUND OF FUNK 1960-75

(Soul Jazz, 2000)

The first of the Soul Jazz focus' on New Orleans Funk.

TUNE IN - RAPIDSHARE

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SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY:
NEW ORLEANS FUNK AND SOUL
(Soul Jazz, 2001)

Part two of the Soul Jazz focus' on New Orleans Funk. No elaboration required.

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Howdy Doody

2009-01-20T15:55:00.001+11:00

Hey Kids,
Welcome to the Untouchable Sound.
We got a lot of ground to cover, so let's get the party started...

All links & posts are intended for evaluative purposes only and should not be treated in any other way - for profit or otherwise. Consider this a heads up, a leg up, a mainline to your next party

Mick