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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
 

 

Today's Quick Mention:  So, which of you will be tuning in for a brand spanking new episode of Lost tonight?  I know I'll watch.  However, I am hesitant that they'll follow-up their harrowing season premiere with one of their classic "we'll answer that question later" episodes.  Maybe not though.  Guess we'll see.

It seems like forever since the last time Josh Ritter popped into my brain (I'll always love the song Wolves), so it was definitely a bright point for me when I stumbled across a new single from him last night.  Hear it below and then look for it on the upcoming So Runs The World Away, which actually isn't due out until the very far away day of May 4.  Oh well.  Enjoy.

:Josh Ritter - Change Of Time:  Wow.  I figured I would be presented with a foot tap-worthy folk tune when I clicked play, and instead I ended up with four minutes of slow building perfection.  Get your headphones for this.  Also, mark my words: if the rest of the songs on the new LP are this well crafted and inspired then Josh's name is going to be all over the place in 2010.


Josh Ritter - Wolves (Live)

- John Laird -
 


Monday, February 8, 2010
 

 

Today's Quick Mention:  Do me a favor and give the comments section some attention this week.  Haloscan, the FREE service that I very happily used to manage comments with, is now an unknown PAID contraption called Echo, and I need to know if it's worth sticking with before my trial period expires.  Thanks!

This is going to be an insanely busy week for me, so today I'm purposely starting it off with an upbeat number to try and trick my brain into thinking everything's going to be easy breezy.  Or something.  In any case, the track below is from a boy/girl duo who call themselves Slow Club., and you're probably going to want Yeah, So when Moshi Moshi releases the LP on March 3.  Enjoy.

:Slow Club - Giving Up On Love:  It's way too early to start thinking about what may or may not make my year-end song list, but given how amazingly attached I've become to this gem I have no choice but to at least make a mental note.  I mean, it just doesn't get more infectious than this when you're talking retro-pop.  By the way, just so you know, this is pretty much the only song on the album that sounds like this.  The rest are somewhat like She And Him ... if they weren't so concerned with being cute.


Slow Club - It Doesn't Have To Be Beautiful

- John Laird -
 


Saturday, February 6, 2010

:SOTO - Episode 114:   This week has my latest favorite album and music from Sweet Apple, Caribou, The Strange Boys, Or, The Whale, The Like, Cars And Trains and Lali Puna.  Enjoy.

If you would like to subscribe to this podcast in iTunes then you can do so here.

- John Laird -



Friday, February 5, 2010
 

 

Today's Quick Mention:  Need something to do tonight?  Then attend the Prototype Fashion Freakout at the Mohawk.  Doors are at 8pm, funnyman Matt Bearden is hosting, the Carrots are playing and a very nice reader by the name of Zoe will be working.  That's called a complete package, right?  I think so.
 
Why? didn't exactly (in my eyes, anyway) continue their incredible album streak with last year's Eskimo Snow, but it's impossible to remember that when the band is chugging along and calling in artists like the brilliant Amp Live to craft a remix EP based on said full length.  See below for my favorite selection off the five-track effort titled One Dark Eskimo.  Enjoy.

:Why? - Blackest Purse (Amp Live Remix):  I tend to think of remixes as good songs turned into something I'm not that interested in hearing, so this should probably just be labeled as an alternate version.  Plus, it's not like Amp Live really does anything crazy to this track, he just presents a very nifty shift from the original's dark and moody sound to one that's much warmer and accessible.  Now if only I could decide if I like his take more.


Why? - Song Of The Sad Assassin

- John Laird -
 


Thursday, February 4, 2010
 

 

Today's Quick Mention:  The Dead Weather have let it slip that they're planning to release a new album later this year.  Honestly, I'm OK with that (the debut was solid), but I'm beginning to seriously feel the need to not have a Jack White-lead project around for a long while.  You with me?
 
As if they knew I needed a little help getting through the week, Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings are back with a new single!  Do yourself a favor and give it good listen (or 50).  Also, be sure to make a note that the upcoming I Learned The Hard Way LP will be released to the masses on April 6 via the one and only Daptone Records.  You'll definitely want to pick it up.  Enjoy.

:Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings - I Learned The Hard Way:  I've always thought of Sharon and Co. as having an accessible sound, but this is actually a step up from that.  Will it net them an even bigger following?  Maybe, as it does have a more modern bent to it and it's not as if the love that Amy Winehouse garnered has actually been followed up by anything.  Either way though, it's awesome to see this force still racing along and being fantastic.


Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights

- John Laird -
 


Wednesday, February 3, 2010

If you live in Austin you’ve probably heard of Matador Records new compilation album, Casual Victim Pile - Austin 2010.  You’re probably also aware there’s a three day release party at Beerland starting tomorrow night.  But, mostly importantly, have you actually listened to the album yet?  Well, if you haven’t, trust me when I say that you’re missing out!

Before we delve into my favorite tracks though, let’s explore the back story a bit, shall we?

The man behind the album
meant to celebrate the numerous unheralded bands playing in Austin each night is Gerald Cosley, Austin resident and co-owner of the great Matador Records.  Also, the record title, while having a having a menacing and cool rock sound to it, is actually just an anagram of "Live Music Capital". 

Now, it's obvious that when a guy like Cosley, who has signed and championed legendary bands such as Spoon, Pavement, Liz Phair, Yo La Tengo, Mission of Burma, Sonic Youth, and many more, picks seventeen Austin bands (and two from Denton) for you to listen to - you listen and just assume he got it right. 

Still, even for a man of Cosley’s experience, compiling an album which captures the Austin music scene is no easy task.  No matter what, talented bands deserving of recognition will be omitted, and this album is no exception (personally, I would’ve included a La Snacks tune).  With that being said, Cosley wasn’t necessarily looking to cast a wide net and capture a variety of rock genres, so I do have to give it up to him for the stellar job of highlighting some of the best garage and punk tunes the city has to offer.  We both clearly love stuff that's drunken and distorted ... yet oddly catchy.

It was tough to select just three songs since my favorites change almost daily (a sign of a great mix tape), but here are three I think everyone needs to hear:



:Follow That Bird - The Ghosts That Wakes You:  The album kicks off with this hard-driving tune featuring echoing guitars and syncopated drums.  I’ve been on a girl group kick lately so I really dig the vocals on this burner.  Follow That Bird is one band I’m sure to write about again very soon.

:Tre Orsi - The Engineer Tre Orsi is one of two Denton bands on the album (The Bad Sports being the other).  They distinguish themselves nicely with this standout featuring big guitar and powerful yet intricate drums.  I have a very specific reason why I find this song so appealing - it reminds me of a not-too-successful band out of Illinois called The Poster Children.  Back in college I used to listened to their Steve Albini produced albums, Flower Plower and Daisychain Reaction almost daily.  If you like The Engineer, then do yourself a favor and check out The Poster Children.

:Kingdom Of Suicide Lovers - Hoboken Snow
The alternating guy-girl vocals and obvious Sonic Youth (not too surprising Cosley liked it, right?) influence was enough for me to declare this a winner.

So there you go  - three tracks off what’s sure to be one of my top albums of 2010.  Pick yourself up a copy of the album and then stop by Beerland tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday night to see the bands perform live.

 

Dan Corbin also writes for a blog called DC Rock Club.  If you would like to contact him in regards to his writings here at Side One: Track One then please do so here.

- Dan Corbin -



Tuesday, February 2, 2010
 

 

Today's Quick Mention:  Sorry for the suddenly wonky delivery of new content.  I thought I was having PC problems, but it actually turned out to be a router issue.  Or something.  In any case, all should be well now.  I hope.  Keep those fingers crossed.

Since today's post is going up so late I figured it would probably be best if we just got weird.  So, let's talk Frog Eyes.  I've never been much of a fan, but their next album is due out on Dead Oceans and that label is on such an incredible roll that I almost have to support them.  Plus, the song below is bizarre in all the right ways.  Paul's Tomb: A Triumph is due April 27.  Enjoy.

:Frog Eyes - A Flower In A Glove:  You probably won't believe it, but when this ends you'll be left puzzled at the fact that nine minutes has seemingly evaporated.  That's right, nine whole minutes of your life will be up and gone before you know what's happened.  And the best part?  You won't be able to tell if it's because this beast is legitimately enthralling or just too crazy to not love.  Let me know what you decide.


Frog Eyes - Idle Songs

- John Laird -
 


Monday, February 1, 2010
 

Today's Quick Mention:  Tonight I'm joining up with some people from work and heading down to the Austin Chronicle/Grounded In Music's first ever Mind Over Music trivia competition.  It'll probably be pretty difficult, but my guess is that it will also be equally fun.  Anyone else out there have a team?

Sorry for no podcast this weekend.  As I tweeted, my PC was having a variety of issues (not even sure if it's fixed now) and I just couldn't get it done.  On the bright side, I picked the five best songs I had planned on putting in it and posted them up today.  Enjoy.

:The Tallest Man On Earth - King Of Spain:  It's weird, I've definitely heard this folk-ish, alt-country sound from acts like Deer Tick, Langhorne Slim and many more, and yet somehow this, which isn't even close to being groundbreaking, feels as fresh as ever.  Is it the voice? Maybe the songwriting?  I'm not sure.  But I'm anxious to hear more so that I can figure it out.  Dead Oceans will release The Wild Hunt on April 13.

:Electric President - Safe And Sound:  A number of years back this band's debut had me excited with what was - to me anyway - an interesting take on the Postal Service.  These days though, Ben Cooper and Alex Kane have shifted gears from their very electronic ways of the past to something that feels a bit more organic.  Thank whoever it's still good.  The Violet Blue is due February 23 on Morr Music.

:Man/Miracle - Hot Sprawl:  I wasn't too fond of this track the first couple of times I checked it out, but after a while I noticed an incessant need to revisit it as often as possible.  There's just something about its odd vocal delivery and bizarro-pop arrangement that eventually wins you over, pulls you in and doesn't let go.  Third Culture Records will release The Shape Of Things on February 23.

:Best Coast - When I'm With You:  While there's a part of me that does think noise pop reached a point of over-saturation in 2009, there's still some great songs out there, and this is definitely one of them.  Now if only everyone else would learn that it's not all about seeing how much fuzz can be jammed into three minutes.  This single is out on 7" now, and on February 9 you'll be able to get a new one titled Something In The Way.

:Joanna Newsom - 81:  Despite not being an artist who releases a ton of albums, I think I've gotten to the point of taking the lovely Joanna Newsom for granted.  Is this song beautiful?  Yes.  Just as I knew it would be.  And the next LP, will it be as grand as anything she's ever done?  Of course!  That can be the only reason for why it's three discs.  Way to spoil me, Joanna.  Drag City will release Have One On Me on February 23.

- John Laird -
 


Friday, January 29, 2010
 

 

Today's Quick Mention:  If you don't have any plans tomorrow then I highly recommend that you grab a cowbell and head to the Austin Convention Center at 7pm to support the Rhinestone Cowgirls as they take on the Putas Del Fuego in an epic roller derby battle.  Go Dill Dozer!

Nick Krgovich is a busy man.  Not only does he have a variety of duties in No Kids and P:ano, but now he's joined up with
producer/engineer Colin Stewart (Black Mountain, Cave Singers) and created Gigi, a glorious pop project that I've instantly become very attached to.  Maintenant is the name of the debut full length and it's due out February 10 on Tomlab.  Enjoy.

:Gigi - No, My Heart Will Go On (With Chorus):  "With a reverent eye on the past and a deep respect for the airtight songsmithery of artists like Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry and Shadow Morton (among countless others), the songs aren't content to be throwback-y pastiches or polka-dotted retro workouts but rather stand as attempts at working within a specific and incredibly rich tradition of pop music production."  I'd normally scoff at such press release tomfoolery and call it a lame attempt to justify the act being retro, but this song is crafted in such a warm, old school fashion that it actually makes me want to run out and buy old pop LPs.  Speaking of vinyl, I must own Maintenant on it as soon as possible.


No Kids - Dancing In The Stacks (Live)

- John Laird -
 


Thursday, January 28, 2010
 

 

Today's Quick Mention:  It could probably wait until the news update, but I'd like to go ahead and note the death of Zelda Rubinstein.  The actress did some super great character work in movies like Teen Witch, Sixteen Candles and Poltergeist, and she seemed like an all-around awesome person.  R.I.P. Zelda.

As you probably don't recall, way back in August I mentioned a buzz band by the name of The Splinters.  Well, all these months later the lady quartet is still generating some excitement, and I'm still very much on the bandwagon.  Look for their debut Kick to be released by Double Negative Records on March 9, which is conveniently right before they storm Austin for SXSW.  Enjoy.

:The Splinters - Mysterious:  "Oh you're so mysterious/Should make me furious/Instead I just get curious"  With a furious pace and a runtime that comes in at just a smudge under two minutes, you'll probably listen to this garage pop gem about 40 times in a row before you realize what's happened.  That's certainly not a terrible thing.  I just want you to know it's coming for you.


The Splinters - Cool

- John Laird -
 


Wednesday, January 27, 2010

And just like that it’s 2010, huh?  I hope everyone had an enjoyable New Year’s.  I myself rang in the new year holed up in a bar in Shanghai with a DJ spinning 80s-ish jams (read: New Order, Blondie and The Go-Gos) and made a few resolutions.  The ones I still have faith in accomplishing include:

- Listen to more local music.

- Listen to more jazz music.

- Eat less P. Terrys and run a marathon.

I’m shooting for two out of three.  So, naturally, this will be a year of more posts on local music, and possibly some adventures into both the jazz scene and good records I pick up.

Asia impressed me in the jazz department; dark jazz clubs catering to Shanghainese and foreigners ("Laowai" to the Shanghainese) were one of the highlights of that city to me, and jazz shops in Seoul’s Hongdae and Tokyo’s Shinjuku not only carried enormous numbers of both popular and harder to find albums (crammed into tiny retail spaces, mind you), but organized them all by instrument.  What a relief from Waterloo’s "We’ll just throw it in the Rock, R&B, and Hip Hop" scheme!

But alas, I digress.  Let’s start with some two great new releases (well, one of them is old news, and one is due on in February, but they’re both new to me).
 


The first is Thief and Rescue, the first solo album by Lee Barber. Loosely based on the destruction wrath on New Orleans, the material combines both direct and metaphorical references to the storm itself, with a darker sense of personal loss and bewilderment categorical of the human mind in general.  We see the characters interact with the storm both literally, as in The Broken Cup ("In the morning there’ll be signal flags / chrome yellow, red and blue / but tonight we’re down at the broken cup / and we’re waiting here for you."), and within the scope of the storm as a more emotional turbulence, as in, well, the entire album.

The imagery throughout is stunning, both in its ability to trace the effects of the physical world on human emotion (see "It smells like Sherman’s ghost down here / someone’s poisoned the squirrels," in 1000 Miles, which contains a wealth of other excellent lines) and a general sense of the variety of emotional turbulence. Take the nostalgic lines "My sister's laugh, my brother's grin / my mother's hands are good to me / my father weeps, I cup my hands for water," which both convey your classic longing for the past, but hint at a deeper turmoil.

That deeper turmoil is difficult to define, though the sum of about 150 excellent images throughout the album do a fairly effective job of approximating it.  Where the lyrics leave off though, the music fills in the gaps with a warm breath of guitars, horns and woodwinds, all used just sparingly enough to accent each push through the shallow darkness that lingers in the foreground.  The arrangements are subtle, but oddly, the more you follow the lyrics the more you realize the music is the perfect accompaniment to the depths of their despair and flittering of hope.

Needless to say, I think this album is excellent and would highly recommend it. (Hell, Darla, the duet with Will Scheff, even has a little jazz to it: "The trombone comes in late / he leans hard on the eight while he’s draining the spit from his horn.")  Although it came out last year and seemed to top a few Best of 2009 lists, I never really listened to it until 2010.  I even missed that Will Scheff was on it until I ran into his voice on Darla.  Regardless, here’s to Lee Barber for starting my year off on the right foot. If you haven’t already heard the album, I suggest it as a good starting point for 2010.

:Lee Barber - Broken Cup:


Our second album is from one of Austin’s staple-crops, Bill Baird, aka "Sunset" (formerly aka "{{{Sunset}}}", but what do I know). A number of questions always come to mind when I listen to Sunset albums. More specifically:

 - Are Bill Baird & Co. insane?

- Are Bill Baird & Co. geniuses?


-
And are the two mutually exclusive?

Now, if you follow anything I write, you’ll know I talk about Sunset a lot.  But that’s because of those questions above.  Sunset is one of a few bands in Austin able to distinguish themselves with a unique sound - that is, when you hear Sunset, you know it’s Sunset.  Leaving aside the many singer-songwriters don’t differentiate themselves on lyrics, there are far too few bands which, like Sunset, not only define that sound, and continue to explore new developments for it.

So sure, the band in some sense are geniuses, locking in that one unique sound, but insane in the sense that you never know what new direction the band might try (some good and some bad, granted).  But that’s the glory of Sunset: they’re beyond the point of "refining their sound" and well into the real challenge of managing the sound and exploring the range of new possibilities.

One of those new possibilities is Gold Dissolves to Grey. Much more compact than the sprawling Golden City, but more concise than the meandering jams of Bright Blue Dream, the new album is a perfect introduction to Sunset for new listeners, and an interesting addition for us avid fans. In some sense, there are a lot of similarities, such as the multi-instrumental melodies that range from zany to downright catchy, whether they mean to be or not. And of course, Baird’s unique voice is as much an instrument as any of the hundreds that show up all over the album.

But to a large extent the album is much more accessible than were the two big Sunset albums of last year. Take Civil War or Garden of Eden which in Baird’s own unique way channel a much more precise instrumentation, the former a country-western flavor, and the latter a ragtime-esque clarinet.  Each sees Baird bringing his signature off-the-wall lyrics to the table: "Once upon a time, mankind was all a bunch of apes / we all had furs and we all ate steaks!" is typical of the kind of demented children’s book attitude towards evolution/creationism that Garden of Eden takes, and "Oh the Mason-Dixon line, well I guess that’d be my spine," should give you an idea of Civil War’s metaphor between the American Civil War and Bill Baird’s body and soul.

Our Dreams Did Weave A Shade
which features a duet with a female vocal part and a much more straightforward arrangement adds to the surface trend toward accessibility.  There are moments where it seems the arrangements will fester off into long instrumental pieces, but typically the album features Baird’s vocal parts much more prominently, hence the accessibility, if you want to call it that.  Behind the scenes, though, it’s still very much the odd interworkings of Bill Baird, unpredictable as always, dependable as ever.

:Sunset - Civil War:


And those are the two albums that have kicked off 2010 for me.  I hope the albums you've picked up this year are deserving of the potential associated with the new year, and I certainly hope these new suggestions add to that potential!

To round off the post, I’ve got a quick jazz number for those who are interested.  A year or two ago, one of my favorite authors, Haruki Murakami, writing in The Believer, spoke highly of this Thelonious Monk album, 5 by Monk by 5.  I saw a copy of Monk live in Tokyo in a store in Seoul, but resisted buying it because it was $40.  Needless to say, I went back home and bought 5 by Monk by 5 to try to make myself feel better.  I hadn’t heard it before, and I can say it was a good recommendation on Murakami’s part.  So I’m passing it along to you. (By the way, that’s Thad Jones, who spent his early days with the Count Basie Orchestra, soloing on cornet in the back half.)

:Thelonious Monk - Jackie-Ing:

See you in February with a new batch of CDs.
 

John Michael Cassetta keeps his own blog, Big Diction, and writes for the local website Austin Sound.  Comments, complaints, and solicitations may be directed here.

- John Michael Cassetta -


Unless otherwise expressly stated, all text in this blog and any related pages, including the blog's archives, is licensed by John Laird under a Creative Commons License.