I've written here on the Soul Corner about Gladys Knight before. Her voice, real as a heart attack, is one of my favorites in the Motown pantheon.
This vocal on her 1970 hit "If I Was Your Woman" is so striking, so powerful, so utterly convincing, I mean really, what man could resist this:
And let's praise the Pips. Honored and teased a bit in the Doonesbury comic strip, their silky smooth dance moves are legendary. But did you know they were family? The Pips were Gladys' older brother Merald "Bubba" Knight, who also served as her business manager, and their cousins Edward Patten and William Guest. Chuckle if you want, but those are some great backup vocals.
Taut, dark, sludgy, and lo-fi, with aggressive bass and a dose of distortion, the Spirals EP from Edinburgh's Epsilon One says "pay attention to me" from the opening notes of the title track. At times it seems late-night industrial indie rock, and at times a grimy nugget of electro-rock. This is one of those new and almost unknown artists that is worth getting to know before every social music site proclaims that Epsilon One is their new discovery.
The guitar, synths, bass, drums, programming and vocals are all the work of Dicky Lorin. The Spirals EP is out on Dog Got A Bone Records, and we understand that Dicky is planning a full length release in 2013.
Stream all for tracks here. Source it at the Bandcamp or the links below for Dog Got A Bone Records.
The Americana soul and doo-wop folk of Sam Russell and his collaborators, The Harborrats, have featured on this pages several times, but this appearance represents a little change of pace. In The Year of the Cow, Sam has pared down the contributing musicians and recorded an album of folk music. In essence, this is the first solo album in Sam's Blue Moon Bible project, in which he intends to record eight albums consisting of eight songs each with recurring characters. The Year of The Cow is the sixth in the series, by my count (although, as a former history major, I disclaim any responsibility for counting accurately).
This approach emphasizes Sam's warm, comfortably worn vocal delivery and the sincerity of the compositions. And both the delivery and the quality of the songs are capable of the burden of carrying the album. As the rainy season reaches the Pacific Northwest, and I look for musical accompaniment for my late night reflection, my choice these days is The Year of the Cow. The overall effect is that Sam is singing his stories just for you. And that is a very good way to spend some time.
Here are two of my favorites, "Monkey Trap" and "Mirage" --
If you would like to evaluate the entire album, you can stream it in its entirety at the Bandcamp site linked below.
The Year of the Cow was recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered in Seattle. All songs are written by Sam except for the closing track, "Whatever's Left", which was composed by Zoe Muth. The credits are Sam Russell (vocals and guitar), Ken Nottingham (upright bass and harmonica), Michael Spaly (fiddle, mandolin, banjo and percussion), and Daniel Walker (piano on "Whatever's Left").
San Francisco's psych/surf rockers The Mallard are on the move again. Apparently rested after their summer west coast and Midwest swing, they are gracing the east in November. It appears that they'll be done in time for The Mallard to eat turkey at home. We made our feelings about the band's debut album, Yes On Blood, know earlier this year (review). But in case you need a refresher, here is one of my favorite tracks from that album.
The Mallard also participated in a Velvet Underground tribute album curated by their label, Castle Face Records. The limited run vinyl album was sold out at the pre-order stage, but individual songs are available for download. The Mallard's contribution this smashing version of VU's "There She Goes Again". Ahem ... note the download button.
I've seen these guys live, and it is worth your effort.
1/07 DC Comet Pizza and Ping Pong 11/10 Toronto Parts and Labour
11/11 Detroit Lager House
11/12 8ball Ann Arbor
11/13 Chicago Empty Bottle
11/14 Cleveland Case University
11/15 Cleveland Now That’s Class
11/16 Pittsburgh Garfield Arts
11/17 New York Cake Shop
11/18 Brooklyn Death By Audio
The Ampersands are a New York-based rock band playing power pop - really good power pop, smart and catchy a la Fountains of Wayne. On This Is Your Adventure Too, you will hear echoes of all kinds of indie rock you have enjoyed, and there's plenty of creativity and smarts on this record... name me the last rock record you heard with two 5-syllable words in the lead track?
Opening track "Exoskeleton" (one of the big words - the other is "photosynthesize", because, hey, why not challenge your listeners to think if you're talented enough to write this stuff?) is a very good example of the quiet/loud indie aesthetic, and of the creativity in their approach. This is a song about a guy who's decided that the way to keep himself from getting hurt is to construct a protective outer shell (and no spine!) The first verse is intoned quietly, nearly whispered, until the guitars ramp up and it's off to the races. The second track, "Try This", is a very good song - bouncy, catchy - a real delight, with lyrics that intersperse encouragement and mythological imagery, another example of these guys' pretty unique approach. And they're happy for you to have a copy of this song for your very own - click here to download.
And you can listen, read their thoughts, stream and buy the whole thing at their website. It's as good an album website as I've seen - like I said, these guys are smart, creative and imaginative. If you like your music catchy, but with a brain, this will be something for you to enjoy.
On the website, it's set up as Side One and Two, and there does seem to be a split - Side Two's songs are mostly ballads, except for the last song. It's a short instrumental that doesn't really sound much like the rest of the record. Not surprisingly to me, these cats named it "Outlier". Like I said, smart. Lead men Aaron McQuade and Jim Pace have the voices to carry the ballads, too - and you know that isn't always the case with power pop bands.
All told, this is a very entertaining record - a welcome development and one of my favorites of the year so far.
Marrying the harder-edged punk side of power pop with the better produced end of garage pop, and garnished with a dose of punk attitude and surf-rock riffs, San Diego's Plateaus have recorded one my favorite garage pop albums of the year. The songs are brief, hook-filled, energetic and noisy. The drums pound, the heavy bass fuzzes and the dominating guitars bring the distortion and reverb. Try them out with one of the album tracks that previously was released as a single.
Plateaus are Kevin Gist Chris Rosi, Jon Greene and Elliot Moeller. They have been building buzz on the west coast via their energetic shows and some well received 7" for Art Fag Records, which also is the label for this record. This fall they toured with Colleen Green, and the hard-working guys both played their own set and served as Colleen's back up band.
When you update to the next version of ITunes and see that the genre list has been expanded to include "Rootstronic," you're going to thank us for having kept you ahead of the curve. That's what the cool kids are calling this startlingly unique blend of Kingston mashup and dubstep electronica you'll hear in the video below from the Courtney John Project. The sound may be new, but the creators are far from rookies. Courtney John, on the right in the photo, is becoming well known in his home country and the US for his Lovers Rock reggae, including 2009's critically acclaimed Made in Jamaica, released by Jamaican label FiWi Music. Steven "Lenky" Marsden (left) is is a Grammy-winning dancehall producer and multi-instrumentalist, while producer Nastasia "The Wizard" Hammond (center) recently teamed up with Nelly Furtado to do a dancehall remix of a song from the latter's brand new record. So check out this excellent song, "Soul of a Man," which will be on their debut album, The Future, to be released by FiWi at the end of January, '13.
I'm very fond of this kind of record. What kind of record is that, you might ask. It is a record that on the most immediate level dwells in the musical world of the past -- the Postcard, Sarah and Creation labels, the C86 sound, and production that is tasteful and competent by devoid of gloss. But at a deeper level, it is a record made by musicians that are making the record that they want to make because that is the sound they want and their mates are the guys they want to play with. Current musical tastes and charts just don't enter the picture. So The Memories That Hold Us Together by Falling Trees is an album that takes you back to a wonderful era of guitar driven pop music. And given that introduction, it is perfectly appropriate that the album is released on Exeter, UK's Pastime Records.
The members of the band are Andrew Padfield (lead vocals), Paul Stolworthy (rhythm guitar), Andy Botterill (lead guitar, bass, keyboards) and Chris Head (drums) and Andy Ward (additional drums). The production duties were handled by Andy Fonda, drummer from C86 favorites, June Brides.
Track 3, "November Rain", boasts a bubbling bass line and has a relaxing vibe.
There is plenty of genuine emotions in The Memories That Hold Us Together, but it never beats you over the head, and it is all adroitly dress in hooks and professional craftsmanship. The result is an album to savor and explore.
Bootsy Collins of Cincinnati Ohio was born on this day in 1951. Funky doesn't begin to describe this unique character and monster musician.
Bootsy's bass playing is the blueprint of funk music.
Digging around on YouTube for Bootsy clips is a lot of fun and I recommend it. Here's three I like a lot.
Bootsy out front "Stretchin' Out":
"Do That Stuff" by Parliament-Funkadelic on their legendary 1976 tour; keep your eyes peeled for Bootsy looking good on Halloween night:
And here is a young Bootsy backing up James Brown on an amazing live performance in 1971 of a great song featured earlier here at the Soul Corner:
We here are big big fans of Peter Buck. And garage rock. And noisy guitars.
So we offer you this with great pleasure:
That's the great Lenny Kaye too.
From Peter's solo album, available on vinyl only, very limited edition. (yet another excuse to visit Portland where the record was released).
This isn't, um, fancy pants R.E.M. stuff.
For the live shows. he's calling this band Richard M. Nixon, which I find both hilarious and perfect for reasons I don't know how to articulate. Funny is funny. And rock is rock.
And this is great fun.
Here is what Peter has to say about the record, James Brown and popcorn: Peter flying solo
The Jar Family are a seven-member "industrial folk" group from Hartpool. The sound is a mix of folk, blues and roots, and has plenty of energy and passion. They have released an EP and LP in previous years, and recently returned with the "Broken Minded" and "Getting Better" -
Here is "Getting Better" -
The band is Max Bianco, Dali, Al Devon, Richie Docherty, Chris Hooks and Keith Wilkinson. Their second full length album is scheduled for release in 2013. Meanwhile, "Broken Minded" is available from iTunes.
A few years ago the members of Boise, Idaho band The Very Most and Glasgow's The Hermit Crabs collaborated on a song for a collection. Simply because the centerpoint of a line between Boise and Glasgow resides on Baffin Island, the group also was named Baffin Island. Although their original bands are on-going (we covered a fine EP by the Hermit Crabs last month) they combined again in 2011 to release an EP on EardrumsPop, and have just released a four-track self titled EP on WeePOP!. It is fine, sweet music that will remind you of Camera Obscura and Belle and Sebastian. Suggested use: Background for getting close with someone else.
Baffin Island is Meanie Whittle (vocals, recorder, songwriting), Jeremy Jensen (guitar, bass, keys, vocals, songwriting), Jake Hite (drums), Chris Gilles (bass), and Jo Bunyan (keys).
When I first became aware of The Maginot Band, they weren't The Maginot Band. They were The Maydays (prior posts here and here). I don't know whether the Caithness natives (far northeastern Scotland) are hiding from the law, or just dodging some ex-girlfriends, but the name has changed. However, the lineup is remains the same, and they still make great music. Their latest effort is the Peace and Quiet EP, which is out now on the When You Awake label.
With six members (Jordan Shearer - vocals, Calvin Wilson - bass/vocals, Kevin Swanson - guitar/vocals, Jamie Swanson - guitar, Liam Whittles - organ/piano, and Darren Coghill - drums), the band features a full sound with bright guitars and athemic keys and vocals. The organ is prominent, and the overall sound is indie pop with a touch of psychedelia. It is great listening, folks.
All the tracks are included for your evaluation below. I have included the Soundcloud version of the lead single, "Slow Down Sundial", as well as the video because it contains a link for a free download.
You may stream and purchase the Peace and Quiet EP at the Bandcamp link below.
Begun by Melbourne's Josh and Joel Meadows when they were teenagers, Sugargliders were a DIY, mostly self-taught effort that produced honest, original, unpretentious pop songs about the things that mattered to them. Nowhere in their catalog of ten vinyl singles and one album does the listener sense that a song was imitating some other group, or following a trend to capture chart placement. They had a four-year run from 1990-1994, with releases on Summershine Records in their home country and Sarah Records in the UK and a stint living in the UK. The Meadows brothers were joined from time to time by Marc Fulker (drums) and Robert Cooper (The Earthmen). And then they were done.
Fortunately for we guitar pop fans, Popboomerand Records in Australia and Matinee Recordings in the US have joined to issue a 20-track compilation of Sugargliders, A Nest With A View 1990 -1994. Here is the trailer for the album, which provides snatches of the great music and photos of gig posters, band members, jacket covers and other memorabilia.
Warm guitars and clean, simple and affecting melodies. This is a compilation that can fill your fall days with the music you need. If you agree, the links are below. But first you can listen to a few songs. Go ahead, you deserve it.
A group of fresh-faced Norwegian teenagers who hew closer in sound to Fear than The Hives (not to impugn the Hives a bit), Honningbarna (Honey Children, in English) are making a tremendously promising splash. Check out their "title track":
They're currently preparing to tour Ireland and UK, and still working to complete an album which will apparently be released by EMI in the Spring. If you're in Ireland or the UK and wondering if you might want to see them, check this out:
And here's a video for "KLART BLIKK", made by 5th graders from Ve and Hånes elementary schools during an animation work shop at Kristiansand International Children's Film Festival 2011.
We hope to have more to share with you soon. They've nailed the old-school punk sound and between the buzzsaw guitars and shouted vocal harmonies - and the exclamation point provided by the unexpected cello front and center - it's both bracing and enjoyable.
Tift Merritt burst on the Americana scene 10 years ago poised for stardom with a beautiful voice, a warm and irresistible persona, and a dynamic stage presence. But she never wrote "that hit", radio died, the music industry crumbled, and she was too smart, NPR-like and too hard to pigeonhole to break through in a Z95 / American Idol world.
Despite 4 critically acclaimed records, files full of fawning national press, national TV appearances and an Austin City Limits DVD, last year the North Carolina native found herself dropped by her major label and her manager, and back to square one, traveling alone as it were.
So Tift did a very smart thing - wrote a series of songs exploring feelings of things breaking down and things picking up, and went into a studio in her new home of New York City and quickly recorded them. If you want to make a great record in just 8 days, my advice would be to enlist the A team like Merritt did here - one of the very best guitarists in the business Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Joe Henry), drummer John Convertino (Calexico), and multi-instrumentalist Eric Heywood.
The resulting Traveling Alone is the best overall work of Merritt's career, a deceptively simple record, warmly produced by Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket, Laura Veirs). Martine puts the vocals front and center which is where they should be on anything Tift Merritt voice ever gets near. Merritt has learned to use her voice more subtly in better service to her songwriting, which has also steadily improved over the course of her career.
Certainly one of the highlights is the title track:
Also, the gently rocking "In the Way":
Tift does a great duet "Drifted Apart"with fellow Tar Heel Andrew Bird who matches her gentle voice for gentle voice like Roy Orbison singing with Emmylou Harris, simply beautiful:
(Sorry for no video above, but hey there are worse things in life than spending a few minutes looking at Tift Merritt sitting at a bar table).
One more, "Sweet Spot", this one live in a radio studio:
Traveling Alone will make a great many best of 2012 lists, including mine. Even the most casual fan of Tift Merritt needs to go buy this record now. And for anyone who has not discovered Tift Merritt before, this is the place to start.
Sarah, Lauren, Jessie, Caoimhe, and Paula comprise the Dublin group September Girls. I am a fan of their fuzzy, reverb-heavy guitar sound and girl-group vocals. We wrote about their previous release earlier this year ( "Wanting More"/"Secret Lovers" ), and are covering them again because they are releasing a new two track single on Monday, October 22. The single is called "Green Eyed" and includes the title track and B-side "Danny Wood". The release is on Scotland's small Soft Power Records, an indie label that applies their limited resources only to really good music.
We have both tracks for you to try here. "Green Eyed" has a palpable dark tinge to it, and may remind you of The Raveonettes. "Danny Wood" is a rousing indie pop song. I love them both.
The single is available in a limited run of vinyl, for which Soft Power Records is accepting pre-orders. I do not know who will win the US presidential election, but I know that the vinyl run for "Green Eyed" will sell out. You can buy it in digital format at the Bandcamp link below.
What if the Beach Boys had been a dream pop/shoegaze band from Finland? They might have been Delay Trees. Originally from Hameenlinna, Finland and now based in Helsinki, the group has just release their second full-length, Doze, on Finland's stellar Soliti label. Try them out with showcase track "HML" is about their hometown --
On DozeDelay Trees launch from their pop song template into varied melodic dream pop improvisations. The result is a melange of hazy, melancholic soundscapes that tugs at the listener's emotions and memories. Each track boasts its own personality -- "HML" has a pop feel, "Dream Surfer" is dream pop, while others verge on the post-rock boundary. "Future" simply rocks. So it wouldn't be fair to any of them to declare a specific track to be typical of the album. Its gentle nature means that it doesn't demand more than the listener is willing to give, but that means Doze is the perfect background for a number of situations, including a late night meditation or an afternoon in the sunshine.
The members of Delay Trees are Rami Vierula, Lauri Jarvinen, Sami Korhonen, and Onni Oikari. The band was formed in 2007 and has released two EPs and one LP prior to Doze.
Twerps is the second act from Melbourne that we are highlighting this week. No, we're not in a rut, we're mining a vein of great pop music. Twerps have a delicious guitar sound that evokes Yo La Tengo, Go-Betweens and the Flying Nun label bands. They have followed up their fine 2011 release with the Work It Out 7". The vinyl version is available October 23rd, but the digital is available now.
The 7" has three tracks, the title track and two B-sides. The title track is a brilliant bit of guitar pop that stands up well to repeated listens. I've provided the Soundcloud link and a Vimeo video for the track. The Soundcloud link is reliable, but the video link only loads sporadically. Here is "Work It Out" --
Twerps are Marty Frawley (guitar and vocals), Jules MacFarlane (guitar), Rick Milovanovic (bass) and Pat O'Neill. Rick also plays bass in Boomgates, which we featured a couple of days ago.
The band is touring the United States at this time. I've provided the tour schedule below.
Here is one of the two B-sides:
Tour dates:
10/14 – Purchase, NY @ SUNY Purchase*
10/15 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie*
10/16 – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore, MD*
10/17 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat*
10/19 – Brooklyn, NY @ Public Assembly !
10/21 – Montreal, QC @ Le Cagibi *
10/22 – Toronto, ON @ Silver Dollar *
10/24 – Gambier, OH @ Horn Gallery-Kenyon College
10/25 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
10/26 – Northfield, MN @ The Grand Event Center †
10/27 – St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
10/29 – Missoula, MO @ Ole Beck VFW Post
10/30 – Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey
10/31 – Portland, OR @ Bunk Bar$
11/02 – San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
11/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Satellite
* = with Alex Bleeker
† = with Gap Dream
$ = with White Fang, Dignan Porch
! = Panache CMJ Showcase w/ Turbo fruits, Dent May, Dignan Porch, Mac Demarco, Vockah Redu
