Boardwalk on Stones Throw
Boardwalk Facebook
Thursday, May 23, 2013
NEW SONG: Boardwalk - "I'm To Blame" from forthcoming S/T debut
Boardwalk on Stones Throw
Boardwalk Facebook
Teardrop Factory - Topshop EP
Teardrop Factory is a promising young trio from Brighton, who express themselves via reverbed, fuzzy and distorted guitar and a driving rhythm section wrapped around some catchy melodies. You'll hear touches of The Jesus and Mary Chain and Sonic Youth here, but there is a psychedelic sheen as well. On May 27 they are releasing the four-track Topshop EP via Faux Discx. Two of the tracks are can be streamed below, and "Vanity Unfair" is available to download. Good stuff, people.
I understand that the vinyl 7" is limited to 300 copies, but the EP is available for digital download as well.
Website
Bandcamp
Faux Discx
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
REVIEW: Mark Lanegan & Duke Garwood - Black Pudding
Like Lanegan's voice, Garwood's guitar playing is unique, distinctive and more than a little haunting. There is other instrumentation on the album - drum machines set the pace on some cuts ("Cold Molly", "Mescalito") and there is some well-placed piano, sitar and horns on a few of the songs - but the guitars are a perfect accompaniment for an album full of dark, understated country blues.
Here's "War Memorial" - behind Lanegan's voice and Garwood's guitars on this one is a single mournful horn - perfect for a song that consists of a soldier asking for his medals and describing the horrors he has seen, concluding: "Don't tell me the ending of the play, don't make me look in the mirror":
This is an amazing record. It's sort of a folk album, but folk blues in the tradition of artists like Skip James and John Fahey. But it's also a jazz record - a very spare, evocative kind of jazz, along the lines of McCoy Tyner or some of Coltrane's work. It gives me chills, every time I listen to it. Lanegan says his favorite two songs are the instrumentals that bookend the album. Given that this is probably just modesty, still, he fails to give himself the proper amount of credit - both his voice and Garwood's guitar are indispensable instruments here. The album would be less than it is without either part.
There are places where Garwood is apparently meandering, only to snap right into something that will take your breath away - but the meandering has its own appeal, honestly. I'm reminded of Tom Waits' observation that his favorite part of the symphony is when all the musicians are warming up, before any order is imposed from outside.
Here's "Pentecostal" - just love the way it seamlessly morphs into a spiritual a la Fahey even before Lanegan's voice comes in, and then it's pure blues:
down so long now jesus
you know i been down so long
far turned out and freezing
won’t you carry my body home
this is why i came
to live a life in a day
with a fire in my head
who’s got the keys to the workhouse?
satan has locked the door
got no wings to take us
up off of that killing floor
Most of the album is obsessed with death, and of course that's heavy theme that, in the wrong hands, can become pretty hackneyed. Sure, there are a lot of timeworn lyrical snippets from the blues canon, history and literature (including the Bible: "If death rides a white horse/Then I ain't seen him yet" from "Death Ride"). But putting those musical ideas together, like arranging notes and instruments into an inspired form, is a real skill. Otherwise, all bluesmen would be Howlin' Wolf. The skillful interplay and, most of all, the execution make this a very special record.
Here's a great interview with the two of them from Uprooted Music Revue - it gives you some insight into the mutual respect and dedication to craft that allowed these two to reach across the Atlantic to make such an intimate, nearly perfect album.
Mark Lanegan Website
Duke Garwood Facebook
Ipecac Records
NEW SONG: Golden Suits - 'Didn't I Warn You" from upcoming album Golden Suits, due in August
Golden Suits, which is the new solo project of Department Of Eagles' Fred Nicolaus, will release its debut self-titled album on August 20th, 2013 via Yep Roc.
For now, they've made one song available to stream (and download via their website - link below), the majestic pop number "Didn't I Warn You":
On this album, Nicolaus played most of the instruments, but had help from Chris Bear and Chris Taylor from Grizzly Bear; Fraser McCulloch from Milagres; Becca Kauffman and Felicia Douglass from Ava Luna; Kris Nolte and Ian Davis from Mason Jar Music; and Daniel Rossen.
Golden Suits Website (free download available)
Golden Suits Facebook
Yep Roc Records
REVIEW: Club 8 - Above the City
Sweden's Club 8 is Johan Angergard and Karolina Komstedt. They've been making music together for nearly two decades, and they owe that longevity to remaining consistent in quality while exploring ways to vary their sound to delight their audience. Their latest effort is Above the City, a fourteen track album presented in three stylistically distinct acts. The first act consists of four tracks of the clean electro-pop often associated with Swedish pop music. The first and fourth tracks are more dream pop, while tracks two and three, "Stop Taking My Time" and "You Could Be Anybody", respectively, are made for the late night dance floor.
The second set is playful and summery, even tropical in feel.
The third act shifts a bit into pop and rock anthems. It may be the least consistent stylistically of the three sections, but it has undeniable charm. Here is the album closer --
Above the City is out now on Labrador Records.
Website
Labrador Records
Reverberation Radio #63
If it's Wednesday then it's time for another edition of Reverberation Radio. This week's curated list includes classic 60's cuts from the International Submarine Band, The Ventures, Glen Campbell, The West Coast Consortium, The Pretty Things, Wimple Winch, Afro-Soultet, and The Soft Machine. Let these tunes open the door to more music the folks at Reverberation Radio. Click on the artist's name and find out more from Allmusic.com.
1. The International Submarine Band - Luxury Liner
2. The Ventures - California Dreamin'
3. Glen Campbell - Guess I'm Dumb
4. West Coast Consortium - Come on into the Warm
5. The Pretty Things - You're Running You and Me.
6. Wimple Winch - Colored Glass
7. Tame Impala - Mind Mischief
8. Afro-Soultet - Mozamba
9. The Soft Machine - Love Makes Sweet Music
10, Marine Girls - A Place in the Sun
REVIEW: Just Handshakes - Say It
My first introduction to Leeds' Just Handshakes was their engaging jangle pop song "London Bound". The sound was wonderful and with the excellent vocals from Clara Patrick I was reminded of one of my favorite C86 bands, The Popguns. I'm pleased to report that the band's new full length, Say It, does nothing to diminish my early enthusiasm. The twelve tracks are uniformly high quality, with an up-front sweetness and hints of melancholy. While there is plenty of C86 jangle, the contributions of the synths and the delicate vocals keep a foot planted in the dream pop world as well. And the collection ranges between gentle tunes and tracks that show a more than a bit of muscle and fuzz. The band appears to have a sense of humor as well -- their original name was Just Handshakes (We're British), playing on the reputation of British reserve.
Say It deserves attention for its own qualities, to be sure. But when one considers some of the qualities that make it so appealing -- he tight interplay of the musicians, the vocals, the carefully structured songwriting -- it looks likely to be a launching pad for exciting future efforts from Just Handshakes.
And here is the video for "London Bound" --
Say It was released on May 20 by California label Bleeding Gold Records.
Bandcamp
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Bleeding Gold Records
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
REVIEW: French Films - White Orchid
Finland's French Films have the big college rock sound - up-tempo, big hooks, guitars set on reverb and high in the mix, a carpet of synths and choruses that soar to the rafters. There are a lot of similarities with Paisley Scotland's Close Lobsters, and any band that favorably compares to Close Lobsters is A-OK with me. It is a sound I love, and I usually have a band that delivers it in my music rotation. Right now, I'm getting my dose from White Orchid. I think you'll understand my affection for the music when you listen to "Latter Days". Turn up the sound, that's what anthems like this are for.
White Orchid seems made for wide open spaces, outdoors in the back yard, road trips with the wind down, sitting under the stars at night. If you demand an album with multiple styles and changes of pace, this is not the one for you. I recall only one slow number and overall the song structures and sound are similar. But if, like me, you love this sound, there may be no better representation of it this year.
French Films are Johannes Leppänen (guitar/vocals), Joni Kähkönen (guitar/vocals), Santtu Vainio (keyboards), Antti Inkiläinen (drums), and Tuomas Asanti (bass). The album is out now on GAEA Booking & Records.
GAEA Booking & Records
GAEA Booking & Records on Facebook
REVIEW: Purson - The Circle And The Blue Door
The Circle And The Blue Door is a terrific record. Much like the Wolf People record reviewed here recently, it does a wonderful job of molding together some very original (though sort of timeless) lyrical ideas - from literature, music and the supernatural - with some well-executed musical ideas, from the folk music of "The Sailor's Wife's Lament" to the all-out heavy rock of "Leaning On A Bear", my favorite song on the record:
And here's a live video "The Contract":
Other highlights include the melodic "Spiderwood Farm", which has an almost lullaby feel, albeit with a heavy prog rock base: "Spiderwood Farm is about ghosts," says Rosie. "I was looking through a copy of Sounds from 1972 when I saw a band mentioned called Spiderwood Farm. From there I thought of a song about ex-dwellers, who are, of course, dead. The council are trying to evict them, but they're not doing anything wrong. They're just hanging about."
"Tragic Catastrophe" describes her dreams of being a rock star and feeling like a girl out of time. "It starts with me as a kid, going through my dad's 70s music magazines in the attic and being fascinated with these people, and wondering how on earth I could ever do guitar music today." At its best, rock music transports you. That is the goal of The Circle And The Blue Door, and Cunningham has succeeded.
The Circle And The Blue Door was released Apr. 30 on Metal Blade/Rise Above Records.
Shannon & the Clams - Dreams of the Rat House
Taking doo wop and late '50s - early '60s rock and roll through a garage/surf/punk filter, Oakland's Shannon & the Clams have crafted one of my go-to party soundtracks for the summer. Perfect for the beach, driving in the sun, playing loud enough to annoy the neighbors when the keg is tapped in the back yard, Dreams in the Rat House should be on your list, too.
Shannon & the Clams are Shannon Shaw (vocals/bass), Cody Blanchard (guitar/vocals), and Ian Amberson (drums/vocals). The contributions of Blanchard and Amberson are significant as they add the musical flourishes that ground the music in the retro garage/doo-wop groove (and the male vocals star on some of my favorite songs on the album). But the flexible and powerful instrument that it Shannon's voice likely will command the most attention. It ranges from innocent girl-group croon to garage growl with conviction.
You can take the album for a test spin with three tracks below. I wish I could share the vampy rhythms and surf guitar accents of "The Rabbit's Nose" with you on this page, but you'll have to stream it here.
Dreams in the Rat House is out today, May 21, on Seattle's Hardly Art label.
Website
Hardly Art
Monday, May 20, 2013
REISSUES: Townes Van Zandt - High, Low And In Between and The Late, Great Townes Van Zandt
Here, from the Omnivore press release:
"High, Low and In Between, Townes Van Zandt’s fifth album, originally released by Poppy Records in the fall of 1971, was an album that saw Townes becoming the songwriter revered today. Full of original material, including “You Are Not Needed Now,” “Blue Ridge Mountains,” and “To Live Is To Fly,” it opened eyes and ears to his abilities. His backing band included folks like Larry Carlton, who would play on Joni Mitchell’s Court & Spark, who accompanied Steely Dan on The Royal Scam... [it] is, in the end, a classic Townes Van Zandt album...
The Late Great Townes Van Zandt, his sixth effort, hit the shelves in 1972. The album built on High, Low and In Between, adding texture in both song and production. It’s probably best known for “Pancho & Lefty” — the song Emmylou Harris covered for 1977’s Luxury Liner and which Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings would take to the top of the charts in 1983. Full of originals, as well as covers like Hank Williams’ “Honky Tonkin’,” the release was Van Zandt’s perfect storm, with every element in place."
I don't have much to add, except my agreement. These records are absolutely breathtaking and, although a lot of their beauty is in the space between words and notes, they are rich and full, and absolutely reward repeated listening... even after all these years.These remasters will be available on CD, in a digipak with liner notes from award-winning scribe Colin Escott, as well as on 180-gram vinyl, with the first 1000 pressed on orange and clear colored vinyl respectively. (Future pressings will be on standard weight, black vinyl.)
High, Low and In Between
1. Two Hands
2. You Are Not Needed Now
3. Greensboro Woman
4. Highway Kind
5. Standin’
6. No Deal
7. To Live Is To Fly
8. When He Offers His Hand
9. Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold
10. Blue Ridge Mountains
11. High, Low and In Between
The Late Great Townes Van Zandt
1. No Lonesome Tune
2. Sad Cinderella
3. German Mustard (A Clapalong)
4. Don’t Let The Sunshine Fool You
5. Honky Tonkin’
6. Snow Don’t Fall
7. Fraulein
8. Pancho & Lefty
9. If I Needed You
10. Silver Ships of Andilar
11. Heavenly Houseboat Blues
Omnivore Records Website
Cherri Fosphate - Burning Youth EP
On their new Burning Youth EP, Glasgow's Cherri Fosphate demonstrates that they are worth marking down as a band to which attention should be paid. Not that I'm first to this party, as a little investigation shows that they have already attracted the attention of influential DJs in their home country. Why the buzz? Dual guitars, up-tempo songs and a willingness to let a crack rhythm section standout make these four tracks a winning package. Below we have the video for the lead track, a stream and free download for "Wool", and a stream of the final track, "Kerry Rogers".
Cherrie Fosphate is Jonathan Sharpe, Alan Robinson, Jordan Lannigan and Sonny Kainth.
Burning Youth EP is out now on CTN Records.
REVIEW: Del-Lords, Elvis Club
I am a sucker for the great American bar band. Guitars turned up loud, rock solid drummer, hints of R&B and '60's garage bands, maybe a country or folk-rock song or two, no frills, a little swagger but not taking themselves too seriously. By definition these bands are generally unheralded, unless they happen to be Bruce Springsteen or Tom Petty's band.
And one of the all-time great bar bands, the Del-Lords, from New York City, has released its first new LP since 1990. Elvis Club does the Del-Lords legacy proud and comes out just in time for your backyard summer BBQ parties. Just add beer.
You wait 23 years to release a record, stands to reason you won't want to fool around ouf of the box, and the first track here "When the Drugs Kicked In" is a sure fire winner, with its big pop hooks and good time feel.
Other standout tracks here are tough Americana of "Flying", the jangly "Everyday" (co-written with the legendary Dion, yes that Dion!), the blistering record closing cover of (speaking of great bar bands) Neil Young and Crazy Horse's "Southern Pacific", a beautiful ballad "Letter" (with this great line: "The devil says true love's a lie, but the devil's a liar"), and the rolling down the highway blues-rocking "Chicks, Man":
Appreciate the fiery and tasty guitar playing on "Chicks, Man"? Well, you'll find plenty to like here as Eric "Roscoe" Ambel, who started his career as a member of Joan Jett's Blackhearts, has spent the last 20 years honing his considerable guitar skills as a hired gun for the likes of Steve Earle. Ambel is also a top producer and gets just the right sound for his own outfit here on Elvis Club.
The original lineup of the Del-Lords is nearly intact. Scott Kempner is the lead singer and main songwriter and is in fine form throughout. Drummer Frank Funero you may know from Cracker and Camper van Beethoven, and is so solid, a great rock drummer. The band's original bassist is now a practicing attorney (hey it happens, even to bar bands) but is capably replaced by Michael DuClos ("the only man to have played with both Pete Townshend and Buddy Hackett" dryly notes the band's bio).
If you like real rock'n'roll, and value the heart and craft of it, Elvis Club is the record for you.
http://del-lords.com/
http://del-lords.bandcamp.com/
Del-Lords Group at Facebook
Sunday, May 19, 2013
REVIEW: Bleached - Ride Your Heart
Growing up they taught themselves to play - "Me and Jen were punk kids who weren't taught how to play instruments," says Jessie. We taught ourselves how to play, out in the garage." And after a period of time sneaking into LA punk clubs, they formed an all-girl band, Mika Miko, which eventually broke up. Jen and Jessie went their separate ways for a while, but eventually were drawn back together. The rapport they have, and the joy they feel in playing together, are evident in the music - twelve tracks of some of the best pop/punk you will hear all year.
Here's "Next Stop" - don't stop, don't think, just bop along:
I really like the vocal harmonies - they have a way of rushing into and out of them that keeps the momentum of the song going, but still adds some depth to it.
I also like the guitars and the punk drumming - sometimes you want to listen to Blondie, sometimes The Ramones - but sometimes you think it would be nice to listen to both at the same time, right?
Ride Your Heart is out on Dead Oceans, released earlier in April.
And they're touring in Europe - dates below:
05/20/13 - Leeds , UK - Brudenell Social Club
05/21/13 - Glasgow, UK - Art School
05/22/13 - London, UK - Corsica Studios
05/23/13 - Paris, FR - La Fleche d'Or
05/25/13 - Brussels, BE - Magasin 4
05/26/13 - Hamburg, DE - Molotow
05/28/13 - Stockholm, SE - Debaser Slussen
New French Punk Discovery - Owen Temple Quartet - Rot In The Sun
Great stinging guitar work behind the wild vocal abandon on this one, "My Wild Spanish Love":
And here, on "The Remains" they pick up the pace to all-out punk:
It's out on Casbah Records, released earlier this spring and available in electronic and vinyl format. They make 'em in France, but they'll convert it to US$ and ship 'em to the US if you want. Your friends certainly won't have this sucker, but they will want to listen to yours.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Chelsea Light Moving - video for "Lip" from Chelsea Light Moving, short UK tour
"Lip" is a good example of the album's combination of rock urgency - guitar tension, punk drumming - and a beat poetry vocal approach (with a protest theme, both to the song and the video):
Also, some UK tour dates:
June 14th – London, Village Underground
June 16th – Dublin, Whelans
June 17th – Bristol, The Fleece
June 18th – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
June 19th – London, Meltdown Festival (Purcell Room - NO CLM, Thurston improv)
Chelsea Light Moving at Matador Records
"Palmreader" and "Dark Corners", from upcoming Sonny & The Sunsets album
Friday, May 17, 2013
REVIEW: The Heligoats - Back to the Ache
Otepka describes the lyrical theme (which also informs the tone of the album, I think): “The word ache appears throughout the album, it was a theme that emerged only after the record was done. The recording process actually happened in spurts over 5 (Feb - July 2012) months and in-between I was touring around the country, North and South America. This record was fun to write at home, on the road and in the studio. I was never anywhere for more than a few days at a time. So, the ache became the familiar place."
Otepka spent time in Clem Snide with Eef Barzelay - and they are sort of kindred spirits. Just for fun, here's a clip of the two of them covering Bryan Adams:
Eef Barzelay & Chris Otepka cover Bryan Adams
If you enjoyed Clem Snide's literate, carefully-phrased folk rock, you will enjoy The Heligoats for sure. But this album also veers into rock territory, displaying in several places a real punk energy. After all, Otepka says the reason he's settled the Heligoats into a quartet is because of his re-connecting with drummer Nate Lanthrum, with whom he played in Midwest pop/punk band Troubled Hubble, which dissolved in 2005. Otepka says “when we got together for the first time in over seven years, we picked up right where we left off.” Also on board was Steve Mitchell (guitars/keys), Dave James (bass), Nick Lombardo (keys) and even some added percussion from Erik Rassmussen (who recorded and mixed part of the album).
Otepka spent time in Clem Snide with Eef Barzelay - and they are sort of kindred spirits. Just for fun, here's a clip of the two of them covering Bryan Adams:
Eef Barzelay & Chris Otepka cover Bryan Adams
If you enjoyed Clem Snide's literate, carefully-phrased folk rock, you will enjoy The Heligoats for sure. But this album also veers into rock territory, displaying in several places a real punk energy. After all, Otepka says the reason he's settled the Heligoats into a quartet is because of his re-connecting with drummer Nate Lanthrum, with whom he played in Midwest pop/punk band Troubled Hubble, which dissolved in 2005. Otepka says “when we got together for the first time in over seven years, we picked up right where we left off.” Also on board was Steve Mitchell (guitars/keys), Dave James (bass), Nick Lombardo (keys) and even some added percussion from Erik Rassmussen (who recorded and mixed part of the album).
Here's a strong rock track, "Sulfur, Baby":
And here's "Tofutti"... this track and the opener, "Good Morning" remind me the most of Clem Snide:
The album was released in March on Greyday Records - and I am happy to add to the chorus of praise that's emerged since the release. You can learn more, and buy it at Greyday's website:
Greyday Records Website
The Heligoats Website (worth checking out if only for the show posters)
Greyday Records Website
The Heligoats Website (worth checking out if only for the show posters)
New Video from The Tablets - "Flowers"
There are a lot of postpunk female-fronted bands playing a take on garage or beach rock. There aren't many playing stuff this dark and jagged - it's well worth checking out. The album will be out June 4.
REVIEW: Luxury Mane - Natural Beauty
Bad news and good news. It appears the Semis are no more, but the good news is, Summer is back with a new band, Luxury Mane, and a new album, Natural Beauty. It may or may not be the same lineup that performed as The Stone Eagles, which was also a Summer band and had some of the same songs.
"University Dropout Blues" is the opening track, a raunchy lo-fi guitar workout with the vocals down in the mix:
"Youth Envy" is, for want of a better term, an "old school New Wave" track, but again, it features a generous helping of jangly, Stones-inspired guitars, some killer riffs and hushed harmony vocals:
At 5:02, it would seem to be the centerpiece of the album... but to me, the best track is the penultimate one: "Cougar", with its catchy, sort of twangy guitar riffs, some timely piano and a lo-fi fadeout at the end.
It's just fun music. Whenever I posted reviews of Semis, I would hear from people in the area who just rave about their live performances. If they're a great bar band, that would not surprise me, and "great bar band" is one of the best compliments you can give to someone who plays rock music for a living. For example, on Springsteen's last tour, that's how he proudly described The E Street Band - as "a Jersey Shore bar band here for your enjoyment". Lucky for us, Summer's being encouraged by the fine people of St. Petersburg, FL to keep making music and is putting some of it on record. It's good news, and you're encouraged to check it out... and to tell your rock music buddies. They'll thank you.
REVIEW: Porcupine - The Sensation of Being Somebody
You may not consider La Crosse, Wisconsin to be a likely source for hard hitting and high quality rock and roll, but an important part of enjoying life is to never stop learning. And on this one we may have been a bit ahead of you, because we have been following Porcupine for a couple of years. Their charms include a bracing combination of '90s alt rock riffs and rhythms -- think Dinosaur Jr, The Queens of the Stone Age and those fighting Foos -- and enough crunchy power pop to satisfy the brain's need for hooks. The fact that the trio has a wry, Midwestern sense of humor just makes it all that much more appealing. The latest edition of Porcupine rock is The Sensation of Being Somebody, available now from Hang Up Records.
Casey Virock (vocals and guitar), Dave Reinders (bass and backing vocals) and Brian Kerr (drums and backing vocals) are Porcupine. The trio is a well oiled machine (well, in Wisconsin the lubricant may not be oil) and efficiently make a considerable amount of well focused and adeptly crafted noise. And they are veterans, so they can write and record music with a clear understanding that pleasing themselves is job number one, because chasing anything else is likely to end up in disappointment. Indeed, I suspect that the band's comfort with what they are doing and what to expect from it is one of the things that makes The Sensation of Being Somebody a delight.
The set of songs on the album is uniformly strong, but in my view, "Witness to a Chase Scene" is the showcase track in the collection --
You may also be interested to know that the album opener is available as a free download --
The band also made a little documentary about making the album --
You can stream and buy the album at the Bandcamp link below. If you prefer, you can use iTunes and Amazon as well.
Website
Bandcamp
Twitter ( @porcupineband )
Friday Nuggets: "Let's Talk About Girls" The Chocolate Watchband
One of the most beloved cult favorites of the garage rock era was the Chocolate Watchband from San Jose CA.
"Let's Talk About Girls" from 1967:
The Chocolate Watchband didn't sell a lot of records but their crazed live performances were legendary and the band had a big influence on next generations of garage rockers. One of those is the great Irish band The Undertones who did this version of "Let's Talk About Girls" in 1979:
The Chocolate Watchband's web page features a detailed history written by lead singer David Aguilar that is a a great read: http://www.thechocolatewatchband.com/history.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Say a Prayer for Philip Chevron
Word has made it to us that the great Phil Chevron, of the Pogues and the Radiators, has been diagnosed again with cancer in his head and neck. He battled esophageal cancer for several years beginning in 2007, beating it back enough to participate in the last tours of the Pogues. Now, though, he is being told the cancer is inoperable. Louder Than War reports Chevron as saying "This time the cancer is lethal." He's only 55, for goodness' sakes.
The Radiators from Space were formed in Dublin in 1976, and have been called the first Irish punk band. They released two critically acclaimed albums in the late '70s before disbanding in '81. They later reformed, for a time joined by former Pogues bassist Cait O'Riordan. Last year, they even released a covers record. Here's a great old Radiators song:
Phil Chevron is one of the few native Irishmen of the Pogues. He's only given writing credit on three of the band's songs, but one of them is among the most memorable and moving of the band's catalog. Here's a short clip of Phil playing "Thousands Are Sailing" followed by a very fine live version from 1988.
Keep Phil in your thoughts and wish him well.
Irma Thomas - The Soul Queen of New Orleans - Reissues In Between Tears
Alive Naturalsound Records has released the soul classic In Between Tears by Irma Thomas - the Soul Queen of New Orleans. Thomas' third album was produced by Jerry Williams Jr (Swamp Dogg) and features Duane Allman on a couple cuts. Irma Thomas never received the first name recognition of other 60's soul divas like Aretha, Patti, Martha, Diana and Tina. Much of this was due to the economic marginalization she experienced in her youth. Irma had her first child at 14 and by the time she was 19 she had been married twice and had three more children. Despite these roadblocks, Thomas managed to become noticed in the Crescent City music scene. Her first two albums were produced by NOLA legend Allen Toussaint. Her first album featured the original version of "Time is on My Side." The Rolling Stones recorded it soon after without a tip of the hat to Irma's vocal phrasings or Toussaint's instantly recognizable arrangement.
Irma continued to work with Toussaint and other producers. Her biggest hit was the '64 soul classic "I Wish Someone Would Care" which reached #17 on the Billboard R&B Charts.
Motown and Stax were the only labels with the infrastructure required for national distribution of music which had been, until recently, described and marketed as "race records." Relegated to small labels with poor distribution and minimal promotion budgets, Irma Thomas was never more than a regional presence during the 60's. In the wake of Hurricane Camille in 1969, Irma left New Orleans to find a musical future in LA. This did not happen. Four years later she was back and looking to record.
Jerry Williams, whose production helped Betty Wright achieve national recognition. was selected to record Irma's third album - "In Between Tears." The album is the music of a strong woman reflecting the nascent women's movement of the the early 70's.
1. In Between Tears
2. She'll Never Be Your Wife
3. These Four Walls
4. Whats So Wrong With You Loving Me
5. You're The Dog (I Do The Barking Myself)
6. Medley: Coming From Behind (Monologue)
7. Wish Someone Would Care
8. Turn My World Around
9. We Won't Be In Your Way Anymore (CD & digital bonus track)
10. I'd Do It All Over You (CD & digital bonus track)
Eight of the ten tracks were written by Jerry Williams Jr, aka Swamp Dogg Track 8 - "Turn My World Around" was penned by Irma Thomas. The fifth track - "You're The Dog (I Do The Barking Myself)" features Duane Allman on guitar. The album is a soul classic which will complete the collection of Irma Thomas' early recordings. Enjoy these two cuts. Let them be your entry ino the world of the Soul Queen of New Orleans.
I'd Do It All Over You
Irma Thomas makes multiple appearances every year at Jazzfest. I have been blessed to see her many times. She has not lost a beat. Buy this music now. It is a great substitute for enjoying the lagniappe of New Orleans in person. Go to Alive Naturalsound Records and order your copy. While you are there check out Swamp Dogg's "Gag a Maggot." It's a musical twofer which should not be ignored.
"I Heard", new song from Young Fathers
We reviewed Tape One from Young Fathers earlier this year (link). The Edinburgh group is back in our spotlight because they are preparing to release Tape Two soon. To keep our interest at a high level, they have released the track "I Heard". Consider my interest level very high, lads.
Website
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REVIEW: Eleventh Dream Day - New Moodio
If you (like me) are a longtime Eleventh Dream Day fan, you're aware of their winning combination of VU-inspired vocals and often pitch-perfect Crazy Horse guitar freakouts. To me, their sound was one of the highlights of the Louisville and Chicago indie rock scenes. What you may not know is that their 1993 album El Moodio is not actually the album the band originally intended it to be, nor is it the album they recorded and mastered on their own with Brad Wood at Idful Studios in Chicago. In fact, the one released was a re-recording of most of the original album, with at least three songs left out of the final sequence. So, the band has been inspired to go back and release the original with the three songs back in their proper place... and have christened this beast New Moodio.
From the label - because they kindly put this beast together, let's let them tell the story:
So what do we have on this LP? Three songs ("Thinking Out Loud," "Where is My Saint," "Everywhere Down Here") have never appeared anywhere previously, one ("Dakota"), found its way onto the compilation "Milk For Pussy," "Sunflower" was re-recorded as an "El Moodio" cd single extra, and the rest were re-recorded in 1992 with Jim Rondinelli in New York for the "El Moodio" cd - never released on vinyl in the U.S.
"New Moodio" is Eleventh Dream Day's "lost record," a parallel world version of "El Moodio." It is also the snapshot of a band at its peak. Recorded and mixed in just a few days, there is an urgency and excitement that courses through these songs played by a band empowered by freedom and possibility.
Here's the galloping "Thinking Out Loud" - pure joy as the guitars slowly build to a crescendo, starting about 2:00 in:
Just fantastic - for me the highlight is "Rubberband" - but it's all fantastic, including Janet Bean's lead vocal on "Making Like A Rug". Read to learn more, or just order it (a must if you like guitars) at Comedy Minus One. It's out just this week (May 14).
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
REVIEW: The Felt Tips - Symbolic Violence
Like the drawing implement referenced in their name, Glasgow's The Felt Tips create vividly colored social commentary, highlighted by lead vocalist Andrew Paterson's evident Scots accent and Miguel Navarro's delightful guitar. Their songs address melancholy, conflict and other manner of mature-rated subjects. But at the hands of The Felt Tips it all sounds great and, at least musically, it is perfect for a sunny spring day -- proving that social commentary doesn't have to sound grim. The well-listened indie pop fan will hear elements of Belle & Sebastian, The Housemartins, Camera Obscura and The Smiths. But what I think sets The Felt Tips apart is their ability to balance their elements in creating a package of nearly universal appeal. The melodies, fine musicianship, and sincere performances all make Symbolic Violence one of the indie pop finds of the year.
An example of The Felt Tips' juxtaposition of wry observation and pop melody can be found in "Iron Lady", the opening track. It tells a story set on a New Year's Eve, with the chorus consisting of Kate Moss' famous quip that 'nothing tastes as good as skinny feels'.
The band was formed in 2005 in Glasgow when vocalist and guitarist Andrew Paterson was joined by Miguel Navarro, a guitarist from Spain. Neil Masson on bass and Kevin Carroll on drums completed the quartet. Their first album was released in 2010.
Life is complicated. "In The Heat of the Summer" Paterson first sings that he's never felt so alive, but eventually concludes that he has never felt so alone. And in "Lyrics by Lennon" the narrator takes aim at icons John and Paul --
The album, and the musical portion of our post, ends with this song centered on sibling rivalry --
Symbolic Violence was released on Firestation Records on May 6. It is available on vinyl, CD and via digital download.
Website
Firestation Records
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
REVIEW: Cool Ghouls - Cool Ghouls
We have standards here at When You Motor Away. If we are going to mess around with ghouls, at least we insist that they be Cool Ghouls. Unlike regular ghouls who hang around scary hallways and moan, Cool Ghouls create the most exuberant and joyful garage pop on the market today. Whether singing in unison and call-and-response to shaggy surf and roots inflected jams ("Ballin'"), proving their psychedelic chops ("Witch's Game"), penning a modern classic '60s hit ("Queen Sophie"), or creating the best Monks songs the Monks never did ("In the Morning" and "Supernatural Forces"), the emphasis in their self-titled debut LP is on energy, hooks and, most of all, fun. And they know that getting in and out of the song in about three minutes is the way to do a pop song. Would you like proof that these ghouls are cool? Try "Natural Life" --
Cool Ghouls - Natural Life from Robert Thomas on Vimeo.
Cool Ghouls are Pat Thomas, Ryan Wong, Pat McDonald and Alex Fleshman, and they make their home in San Francisco. While they have released material previously, Cool Ghouls is their debut album. Their influences are on the surface, and you'll readily detect the twangy roots style of the Sir Douglas Quintet, the folk/punk of The Monks and the garage psychedelia of The Troggs. But the sense I get is that Cool Ghouls aren't intent on recreating anyone else's history, they are writing their own.
OK, pay attention to some procurement details. The vinyl and digital of Cool Ghouls is available from Empty Cellar Records. The Cassette is available from Burger Records. Here is a link for the digital download as well as the vinyl order.
Here are the remaining tour dates:
May 15 - San Francisco, CA - The Depot
Jun 2 - Portland, OR - The Know
Jun 3 - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
Jun 5 - Santa Rosa, CA - House Show
Jun 6 - Santa Cruz, CA - Jury Room
Jun 7 - Fullerton, CA - Burger Records
Jun 8 - Los Angeles, CA - The Smell
Jul 13 - San Francisco, CA - Phono Del Sol Fest
Aug 3 - San Francisco, CA - San Frandelic Psych Fest
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Bandcamp
Empty Cellar Records
Burger Records
Unchain your inner Dogg - Outsider Art in a Mainstream Package
Swamp's impeccable production values and musical arrangements recorded at Miami's TK Studios with the horns of the Swamp Dogg Band, Ivan "Breeze" Olander's drums and Willie "Little Beaver" Hale's guitar. (Little Beaver is a musician's musician who inspired finger-picking god Leo Kottke to write an eponymous homage to Little Beaver's finger picking skills.) The result is difficult to describe. Swamp is the ultimate musical and lyrical shapeshifter. He and his bandmates are whatever the listener wants them to be. Check out the requisite Swamp Dogg love song - "I Couldn't Pay for What I got Last Night.". As I listen it is alternately Memphis soul, Nashville Country or Texas R&B. The horn arrangements can change in a measure from the Memphis Horns to Ides of March "Vehicle." Swamp is a master while having fun with our ears. He is constantly echoing The Contours famous lines....."Watch me now, oh......Do you love me?" How can love not love Doggbrother Number One?
The remastered album includes two bonus tracks recored live in 1972 at KSAN radio: "Mama's Baby, Daddy's Maybe" and "Honky Tonk Woman".
GAG A MAGGOTT TRACK LISTING:
1. Wife Sitter
2. Choking To Death (From The Ties That Bind)
3. I Couldn't Pay For What I Got Last Night
4. Mighty Mighty Dollar Bill
5. Midnight Hour
6. Please Let Me Kiss You Goodbye
7. T T
8. Why Must We Fall (When We Fall In Love)
9. Plastered To The Wall (Higher Than The Ceiling)
10. Mama's Baby, Daddy's Maybe (Live) (CD & digital bonus track)
11. Honky Tonk Woman (Live) (CD & digital bonus track)
1. Wife Sitter
2. Choking To Death (From The Ties That Bind)
3. I Couldn't Pay For What I Got Last Night
4. Mighty Mighty Dollar Bill
5. Midnight Hour
6. Please Let Me Kiss You Goodbye
7. T T
8. Why Must We Fall (When We Fall In Love)
9. Plastered To The Wall (Higher Than The Ceiling)
10. Mama's Baby, Daddy's Maybe (Live) (CD & digital bonus track)
11. Honky Tonk Woman (Live) (CD & digital bonus track)
This is not some raggedy-ass reissue music deserving to
remain buried in the dust archives of soul impostors. Swamp Dogg is the real thing. The usual rating systems only scratch the
surface of the man, the legend, the Doggfather.
5 stars or 10 out of 10 are deserved for his entire body of work. Nobody has described Dogg better than
himself:
“If your dog sleeps on the sofa, shits on the rug, pisses on
the drapes, chews up your slippers, humps your mother-in-law’s leg, jumps on
your new clothes, and licks your face, he’s never gotten out of character. You
understand what he did, you curse while making allowances for him, but your
love for him never diminishes. Commencing in 1970, I sung about sex, niggers,
love, rednecks, war, peace, dead flies, home wreckers, Sly Stone, my daughters,
politics, revolution, and blood transfusions (just to name a few), and never
got out of character.”
So be the the first on your block to do it Swamp
Doggystyle. Make your parents or kids
squirm. Order it now as a digital
download, cd, or the grandeur of a color vinyl pressing.
ORDER HERE
NEW SONG: The Love Language - "Calm Down" from upcoming album Ruby Red
For now, this song "Calm Down" is all you have to go by - but it's a good one - upbeat drumming to start out, nice reverb on the vocals:
Listen, read and pre-order at Merge Records. If you are one of the first 250 pre-orders, there's a limited edition cassette of demos available.
Love Language Facebook
Monday, May 13, 2013
NEW SONG: Myron & E - "If I Gave You My Love" from upcoming album Broadway
Myron & E (Bay Area soul players Myron Glasper and Eric "E da Boss" Cooke) have teamed up with the Soul Investigators to make an album, Broadway, that's due out in July on Stones Throw. The groove is tremendous, and they sing together well - this is fun stuff.
Check out "If I Gave You My Love", and download it here:
Cooke (DJ, Producer) worked with the Investigators on the beginnings of this album when they were on tour in Europe together, then he came back to write and sing with Glasper, and they make a heck of a team.
I was recently reading the story of Hall & Oates' beginnings in Wax Poetics, and in reading about Myron & E, I was struck by some similarities... Like Hall & Oates, these guys came from the same area, apparently met by chance, and connected later on to make some really smooth music that seamlessly moves from old soul to new soul. They're pretty new, but they're also good and clearly committed. More to come from Stones Throw in advance of the album's release in July... stay tuned.
Myron & E at Stones Throw
Myron & E Facebook
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