Hey all, Part 4 is the last part of a series titled I Love Rock & Roll up now over on NYPL's Blogs. It is a look at The Raconteurs for those uninitiated.
I love it when the day job and the hobbies combine, after having lunch
with a fellow coworker and realizing that she was doing an I Love Reading group of blog posts over on NYPL I decided to finally get together this idea I have had simmering for a while and contribute to the site.
I hate it when friends or just random people mention there are no good
rock and roll bands these days. I am not talking hipster style "this
band is so cool no one knows them with their synth's and quaffed hair", I
am talking gut check, straight ahead rock and roll. These bands I
showcase on NYPL blogs
will not surprise any readers of this site, but I just wanted to reach a
wider audience with some great acts that are worthy of attention, so
give them a click and voice your opinion.
RtBE loves Jack White and The Raconteurs are our favorite thing he has been a part of because they are a straight up band in every sense. The White Stripes are him and below average drumming, The Dead Weather are great, but feels more like another side project then The Raconteurs do. Perhaps it is another accomplished song writer in Brendan Benson, but any which way the band smokes. The songs are kick ass, the albums are intricate and the live shows are bombastic. They are everything Rock and Roll is about, that is why we ended this NYPL series with them, if they were a full time gig, I would easily rate them as one of the best American bands. Give it a read and then give these a listen:
2012 has already been a great year for live music and this show kept the awesome train a rolling by pairing two touring beasts with a classic piece of rock and roll. Karl Denson's Tiny Universe andAnders Osborne have been touring together for the last few months off and on playing individual sets and closing with a tag-team cover of The Rolling StonesSticky Fingers.
The review is pretty detailed, so I won't write too much more on the show, but wrapping up: Anders trio set surprised, KDTU's set underwhelmed a touch and the Sticky Fingers combo action was glorious. Perhaps the coolest thing was the group taking songs that you might not expect them to jam out and running wild with them ("You Gotta Move" & "Sister Morphine") and ones that you thought would be explored like "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" were played close to the album version.
Sticky Fingers is my favorite Rolling Stones album and the bands did it more then justice, they nailed it up and down. This was a great night of tunes, here are some live video from the tour:
In this ongoing Monday
Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan
song's. Today's tune is a cover by Rise Against doing "The Ballad of Hollis Brown"
Thoughts on Dylan Original:
One of the most bleak and powerful songs of Dylan's strongest period, "The Ballad of Hollis Brown" is like the mentioned shotgun blast and story told to the listener; fierce. Instantly a kinship is felt with the central character and as the situation becomes more direr, horror and finally (somehow) hope creeps in. The last lines are some of Dylan's best as the murder happens and yet optimism or at least irony flows through via "There's Seven New People Born"...The wheel keeps on a'spinnin'.
Cover:
Thoughts of Cover Artist:
Unfortunately I am not too familiar with Rise Against, but having grown up on punk rock I appreciate the genre. I do not think however these guys would have gotten much of a listen from my younger self as the tracks I have heard fall closer MTV friendly groups like Fall Out Boy, but as I admitted earlier I am not that knowledgeable regarding them.
Thoughts on Cover:
This is the first cover we are tackling from the Amnesty International Album, which you should all pick up right here. We will be covering lots of tracks from it so stay tuned. As for this one, I am a complete sucker for a good punk cover of Dylan's songs as I think the angst fits them perfectly. However this one doesn't live up to that promise, and "Hollis Brown" is perfect for this kind of interpretation. It takes until a minute and a half for the energy to pick up and when it does there is a consistent thundering as the band goes more for moody atmosphere then straight ahead power. Then ebb's and flows don't really do it for me, tricks aren't needed for this strong of a song, the breakdown at the end is nice, but what leads up to it less so. I think they could have done this one a bit better with less thinking and more rocking.
Grade C-
Wilson's Take:
Janasie's Take:
In the blues tradition, a lot of time is spent on drunkeness, sex, and despair. But there are times when the realities in life and the influences of forces like these combine and the bluesman is then compelled to tell a tale that is simple, pure horror. It is represented in the field recordings of forefathers like Robert Johnson and it is the kind of material that makes you think, "What hell brought this about?" Maybe this is why the blues was/is thought of as the devil's music - at times, it does come like a celebration of evil's handywork.
"Ballad of Hollis Brown" is a tale of terror rooted in that blues tradition. It surpasses the stories of men with hooks for hands or knives for fingers because events like this South Dakota tragedy actually happen in our world. Not with frequency, but with frightening regularity. The "Ballad of Hollis Brown"could easily be the "Ballad of Josh Powell.' And we could rename it every year. It captures the moment when we all are forced to question our own sanity, what we could be driven to, as well as the sanity of the collective as a whole.
The Times They Are A-Changin'is stuffed with brilliant musical statements and so "Ballad of Hollis Brown" is often viewed by the listener as but one piece of dark glass in an exquisite mosaic. However, when we take the time to really look at it, separated from the larger work, when we examine the thought that went into its creation as an individual piece of art, we can really see the artist's genius in full. A simple, brutal, stunning song.
On this cover, Rise Against gives the piece its proper weight. Kudos to this band, it is a version I have enjoyed since first I heard it and will continue to enjoy for years to come. And it was the impetus for a closer examination of the original work. Thanks, fellas.
I love it when the day job and the hobbies combine, after having lunch
with a fellow coworker and realizing that she was doing an I Love Reading group of blog posts over on NYPL I decided to finally get together this idea I have had simmering for a while and contribute to the site.
I hate it when friends or just random people mention there are no good
rock and roll bands these days. I am not talking hipster style "this
band is so cool no one knows them with their synth's and quaffed hair", I
am talking gut check, straight ahead rock and roll. These bands I
showcase on NYPL blogs
will not surprise any readers of this site, but I just wanted to reach a
wider audience with some great acts that are worthy of attention, so
give them a click and voice your opinion.
This week is another RtBE favorite, Band of Horses with their angel like vocals and soothing tunes. They bowled us over the first time we ever caught them live at Jazzfest and we have been fans ever since. Their new album is hopefully out this year, and if their last few live shows were any indication it could be a bit noisy which is all this band lacks. Here are a few songs from the fellas to hold you over...
"The Funeral" This is the first national appearance I talked about in the blog post:
"Compliments" Live on The Late Late Show with the bands current line up.
In 2010 Dr Dog moved over to ANTI Records and (more importantly) brought in an established outside producer (Rob Schnapf) to help them out. The resulting Shame, Shame was the groups most polished and accessible effort, if just slightly beneath their best (that would be 2008's Fate). Now the band has discarded those outside influences returning to their lo-fi style of production and song writing with odd changes abound and instead of leaping forward seem to be retreating a touch.
While growth or mainstream love may not be found here, the levels of oddity and vocal harmony is just as rich and in some places the best it's been. They are never escaping the 3 B comparison (Beach Boys/Beatles/Band) yet have added some strange sounds to the proceedings perhaps influenced by found sound lover and label mate Tom Waits. Also flashes of strange in the vein of Ween and Flaming Lips, which have always been present in Dr Dog's sound, are more pronounced here.
The first three songs are the shortest on the album and also the three most successful. "Lonesome" takes sparse beats and vocal cries to drag the simple to huge highs as Toby Leamen lets you know just how easy it is to get into the title's mental state. Scott McMicken puts on a Paul Simon suit next to twist around cliches floating through "That Old Black Hole" and "These Days" is the most alive the laid back bunch has sounded in a while with riffing guitar lines and urgent feelings being pumped through the keys and bass.
Other highlights are the groovy piano fills in "How Long Must I Wait" and the lazy drifting of the disk closer "Turning The Century" which sounds like it is played on instruments from the 1800's. Other tracks here you just feel could be better if there was an outside voice in the proceedings as songs like "Big Girl" simply runs on too long, and "Warrior Man" seems like an in-joke that would be better left in the studio. "Over Here, Over There" is the first time McMicken's animal focused lyrics seem straight out silly, forget the song trying to tell you something, it is just an excuse to bounce around at a high pace.
While a solid overall album when the disk wraps up it is hard to shake this feeling of wanting for the group to bust out big time with a more highlight laden effort. Perhaps they are content to be a consistently engaging band that is comfortable playing their own mid level oddball pop rock, and who can blame them for that?
_____________________________________________________________________
This is a perplexing disk from the Philly Dr. Doggers, some really great songs ( I can not get enough of the first trifecta) but some really shake your head moments (Never need to hear "Warrior Man" again and "Over Here, Over There" is close to that territory). While Fate was amazing, Shame Shame was on the same level just with a slicker vibe, this one feels more like a return to the We All Belong days; simply put it is more hit and miss. Certainly worth checking out if you are a fan and I am curious how this one will age as the years progress, this one included. We shall see, grab the disk here and preview some songs below:
Enjoy this Mardi Gras with some fantastic tunes, some tasty libations and a pretty person by your side. If you are in NOLA, then you need no help, if you are up here in NYC, give this list a peak for parties and concerts that will do the Big Easy proud. Below are a bunch more songs for you to pump as you party.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Sing it Louis!
The legendary Professor Longhair laying it straight with "Go To The Mardi Gras":
In this ongoing Monday
Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan
song's. Today's tune is a cover by Norah Jones of "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight"
Thoughts on Dylan Original:
A simple little number coming off of John Wesley Harding it discards the lyrical wizardry for a down home spin. We are rewarded with easy bliss, not often found in Dylan tunes. The emotions displayed by the singer here are heartfelt, hearty and easy going, just like the tune as a whole. Always a pleasant ride, bring that bottle over here...
Cover:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
Back in 2002 when Come Away With Me was sweeping through peoples brains and picking up Grammy's along the way, I heard Norah Jones described as "Sunday Morning Music". I took that to mean not church music (big difference), not Football music (even bigger) but "relaxing, reading the paper while the sun is shining in the kitchen with some tunes on in the background music". Yeah, that about sums it up.
Thoughts on Cover:
For a vocal Jazz singer, Norah's biggest key may be showing restraint. This tune doesn't need much and she doesn't force anything. Repeating the chorus at the end isn't overload by any stretch and lets the song breath a bit. The sparse, piano and guitar lines float in and out effortlessly and are nice touches, all in all a solid song because not too much was asked from this performance, not too much given, and the result is pleasing.
Grade: B
Wilsons Take:
If Norah Jones didn't look like Norah Jones; and if she weren't younger than the Dylan song she's covering, it's tough to imagine her inhabiting the mega-career she now enjoys. She's a beneficiary of the Michael Buble-effect: where the young sing the old...and the old wax nostalgic about how "timeless all the best things in life are." Her soothing, melodic numbers seem tailored-made for a Nora Ephron film, probably staring Diane Keaton, and probably involving a late-life romance set to fine wine, country homes, a raffish younger man, and a supporting cast of boring-straight-laced adult children. Those increasingly-ubiquitous films in which, even in retirement, Boomers must hold center stage as the most interesting people alive...hence why all their films have their children written as vanilla, stogy lemmings. Fifty years ago it was their parents who didn't "get" it; now it's their kids. So what does any of this have to do with Norah Jones? The daughter of Ravi Shankar, this soothing and promising singer, rode that demographic to sell 20 million copies of her debut albumCome Away With Me. Bravo, Ms. Jones, Bravo.
20 million copies.
In the 21st century, at the height of P2P file sharing, those are bonkers numbers. And you don't outsell Hootie and the Blowfish'sCracked Rear View without becoming the white noise that Boomers play at dinner parties. Tackling Bob Dylan would seem a natural fit, and when her cover of "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" began it offered a glimpse of original hope...it begins with a low, smokey rhythm, which "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" has always needed. But with an uninspired arrangement it quickly becomes the plane rolling down the runway that never gets off the ground. Still, because it's Norah Jones, it's agreeable. Oh so agreeable. Perfect...White...Noise. The thing is, I keep waiting for Norah Jones - this immensely talented vocalist - to sing like sheneedsto. Like she isn't the unbearably-cute daughter of a famous icon; like she didn't sell 20 million albums her first time out. I keep wanting her to sing as if we're listening.
Janasie's Take:
"I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" is one of my favorite tracks onJohn Wesley Harding. I always liked the laid back feel of the tune. Dylan sounds like a bit of a drunken lounge singer on it and Dylan makes a good, drunken lounge singer.
I am a casual fan of Norah Jones. I'm not a big fan of this cover, though. It seems a little, I don't know, dull. The cover is lacking some of the whimsy present in the Dylan version. That shufflin' rhythm that is the foundation of the original was lost somewhere in translation, too.
The thunderous noise rock trio Dinosaur Jr. hasn't announced any more live shows yet this year, but the band is going to be releasing their new Live DVD captured last year on their Bug tour.
The Beastie Boys did something like this a few years ago with their concert film Awesome; I Fuckin' Shot That!RtBE was actually at the one day premier of this film in Union Sq when the Beasties themselves came out and answered some questions, which was pretty cool. The film itself however was straight up weaksauce. Things were very amateur and scattered which is part of the reasoning going into this, but I haven't watched it since that day in the theater because of these flaws. Quite honestly the filming itself from some of the 50 camera people could have been fine, but the spastic editing ruined a decent concept, take a peak:
Back to Dino though, filming in a the small 9:30 Club in DC will probably lend itself to less running around by the crew; lets be honest the rock trio move a hell of a lot less then the Beasties do. I am sure the band won't let out anything with crappy sound, so as long as levels are OK (which could be tricky with feed back) I am willing to give it a shot. It comes out next week, and you can pre-order the DVD with some nifty posters, T-shirts and other gear here.
Also as an added bonus here is a Free MP3 Download of the classic "No Bones" from the DVD in advance, just slap in your email address to receive the link...pretty nifty huh?
A Austin, Texas staple who has been garnering rave reviews for his live shows and blues-tastic playing Gary Clark Jr. is primed to explode onto the national and world scene in 2012. This 4 song EP showcases what Clark specializes in, straight up roadhouse blues. Ep's need to be special to receive 4 stars out of 5, but each song contained here is a joy and worthy of 1 star on it's own. The title track and most complete effort tackles New York City's "Bright Lights" and how they can change a person come sun up. A fantastic lyrical tale over full on strutting guitar that chugs and dirties up the groove every way it can. Popping drums propel everything forward hooking the listener in the first time through; you will know Gary Clark's name by the end of the song.
"Don't Owe You A Thang" revs up the boogie-woogie with it's hip shake rhythm and whiskey soaked fretboard fuzz blues solo's. The final two tracks are just Clark live in a solo setting on acoustic guitar showing off an in the moment flair that is intoxicating. "Things Are Changin'" displays Clark's rich voice and is a demonstration that he could be mainstream friendly instantly. EP closer "When My Train Pulls In" shows off the 6-string majesty that has people comparing him to Hendrix. The run up closing fireworks mimic the title train pulling into the desired station in exhilarating fashion. The only negative with The Bright Lights EP is that there isn't more goodness to sink your ears into.
___________________________________________________________________ RtBE has to give props to our friend Pat who turned us onto Gary Clark Jr. Wow, he is a force and one we hope to catch live in 2012. Firing on all cylinders Clark can't be stopped on this EP; music lovers from all walks of life will probably find something to enjoy in this 4 song quick shot and that is impressive by itself. You can grab the album here and for under 4 dollars you may not find a better deal all year. Below are a few video previews of the talent:
I love it when the day job and the hobbies combine, after having lunch
with a fellow coworker and realizing that she was doing an I Love Reading group of blog posts over on NYPL I decided to finally get together this idea I have had simmering for a while and contribute to the site.
I hate it when friends or just random people mention there are no good
rock and roll bands these days. I am not talking hipster style "this
band is so cool no one knows them with their synth's and quaffed hair", I
am talking gut check, straight ahead rock and roll. These bands I
showcase on NYPL blogs
will not surprise any readers of this site, but I just wanted to reach a
wider audience with some great acts that are worthy of attention, so
give them a click and voice your opinion.
This week it is Dr. Dog(you will be hearing more about them here soon) and their Beach Boys, Beatles, Band, born again 60's vibe. The group is very retro, but have a flair of their own, making them a new band that "classic rock" lovers should be hip too. Here are a few preview tracks if you ain't heard...ya heard?
While RtBE missed the Screaming Females this weekend in NYC, it is with great joy that we get to present their first single off their upcoming album Ugly.
The album comes out in early April, so hopefully we will have a review upcoming for you. The group deserves all the publicity they can get as they rock....hard. Check out their other albums here and peep some live performances from the past below.
In this ongoing Monday
Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan
song's. Today's tune is a cover by Jason and the Scorchers of "Absolutely Sweet Marie"
(RtBE Note sorry for the break in Dylan covers for January, don't fear the series will continue in 2012, also RtBE has purchased this, we think you should too, expect to see many of these appear here over the next year and beyond.)
Thoughts on Dylan Original:
Color me shocked that we are 36 covers into this series and just now we are getting to someone covering "Absolutely Sweet Marie". The original was one of the most complete songs Dylan has written even if you are never quite sure what he is addressing. He likes the song but surprisingly never played it live until 1988, I find that kinda odd. He dove into this songs' lyrics specifically during a 1991 interview published in Paul Zollo's book Songwriters on Songwriting, Dylan gives an idea of how he sees the song in his explanation of a line about a "yellow railroad":
That's about as complete as you can be. Every single letter in that line. It's all true. On a literal and on an escapist level.... Getting back to the yellow railroad, that could be from looking someplace. Being a performer, you travel the world. You're not just looking out of the same window everyday. You're not just walking down the same old street. So you must make yourself observe whatever. But most of the time it hits you. You don't have to observe. It hits you. Like, "yellow railroad" could have been a blinding day when the sun was so bright on a railroad someplace and it stayed on my mind.... These aren't contrived images. These are images which are just in there and have got to come out.
Tight taught and still somehow allusive, pretty cool and totally Dylan at his finest.
Cover:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
I had never heard of Jason and the Scorchers before, but after some research it seems they have a pretty solid what they call a "cowpunk" career for a very long time now, since 1981 in fact. They have had on again off again reunions and moments in the sun, but they have gained a cult following and that is what counts and they are still at releasing their newest album Halycon Times in 2010.
Thoughts on Cover:
A great song to get back into this series. Honestly when you jam a Dylan song up faster my ears will perk up as the idea of Dylan's somewhat harsh lyrics and punk rock is a perfect fit for me, but "Absolutely Sweet Marie" was never a track of his I thought of for that treatment. Granted this isn't out and out punk rock, but the energy and spirit the band infuses into this cover is tight and charming, like the original itself, but completely separated from it. This is cover that will get multiple listens and one that you should certainly check out.
Grade: A-
Wilson's Take:
Janasie's Take: Ladies and gentlemen, SIU's own Jason Ringenberg! Blonde on Bloneis at the very tip top in the Dylan catalogue hierarchy, but it is probably safe to say that "Absolutely Sweet Marie" is not the primary source of that acclaim. It is, however, a fun and interesting song representative of Dylan at his peak. Jason & the Scorchers really grabbed hold of the fun in it and (for 3:38, anyway) made it their own. I don't think I'll run out and buy any cowpunk records, but then again, I don't have to. Chances are good that Jason and the boys will be back at Hangar 9 any day now.
Thanks to Glen for the heads up that Primus played on Jimmy Fallon's (who should be drawn and quartered) version of a late night television program. They did a tune on air and one off for the web exclusive, so we will present both here.
On air the trio played "Lee Van Cliff" off of Green Naugahyde.
RtBE hasn't reviewed that album or the show that we saw on that tour, because when you have nothing nice to say about your ideals, I think it is best to say nothing. It isn't that the album is bad, it just feels much more like a Claypool solo disk then a Primus album; when you have the ability to release an album under different aliases and you choose your most revered the album better be statement. This one wasn't. The song itself seems to be a retread of Purple Onion's weaker tracks or Of Whales and Woe's stronger ones, not a Primus song.
On the web exclusive they dig out their most popular tune, "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver", but the energy isn't there which can be expected in the late night setting:
All that said we still love the band, missed them these two nights in NYC on their benefit tour, but caught some other amazing music that will be reviewed up here soon...Until then have a great weekend.
Great venue, amazing sound all over, we spent part of the show almost as far away from the stage as possible and it still sounded dope, they could use more outlets to get drinks to people but otherwise a great night.
The opener was Afroskull, but when I talked to the baritone player post show he mentioned the band was sort of a mashup between Afroskull and Outer Borough Brass Band. Either way the grooving sounds coming from the stage would be music to any fan of the jam-band scene's ears while still engaging a funk crowd.
The break was short when the Soul Rebels began their march to the stage and the rests would be brief over the next few hours as the band just blew and blew the night away. It is so hard to pick a favorite Brass Band currently on the scene as all are so tight, but Soul Rebels party's may be the funnest as they are just there to have a good time and throw down. They are certainly high on the list of RtBE's favorites.
The covers and snippets help get first timers to groove and keep things fresh for both fans and players alike. the group is worth your time and hard earned money, so check them out when they cruise to your neck of the nape. Tour dates here.
"Drink A Little Poison" with John Rooney doing up the vocals
Their crazy show closer "Seek and Destroy" with Metallica a few months ago:
I love it when the day job and the hobbies combine, after having lunch with a fellow coworker and realizing that she was doing an I Love Reading group of blog posts over on NYPL I decided to finally get together this idea I have had simmering for a while and contribute to the site.
I hate it when friends or just random people mention there are no good rock and roll bands these days. I am not talking hipster style "this band is so cool no one knows them with their synth's and quaffed hair", I am talking gut check, straight ahead rock and roll. These bands I showcase on NYPL blogs will not surprise any readers of this site, but I just wanted to reach a wider audience with some great acts that are worthy of attention, so give them a click and voice your opinion.
NYC's own Hold Steady are a good start as they are a RtBE all time favorite, and there is no need to go itno much more on that. Lets hoist up some cold ones and listen to some tunes now huh?
It is of Storm Large's new book, Crazy Enough: A Memoir.
I love checking out rock and roll books, and Storm's was a breezy enjoyable romp. She had lots of zinging lines that made you snicker or shake your head and she had the well constructed writing technique of weaving her troubled relationship with her mom into the memoir throughout adding a recurring theme that was engaging.
I had never heard of Storm Large before (sorry I skipped Rockstar Supernova) so I went in with a clean slate. She seems like a witty, gregarious woman who has lived a unique life and loves to tell about it with a smile on her face, maybe to mask the pain or show a sense of bewilderment at it all, you can decide for yourself.
Few things get my goat or make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up the way a Neil Young & Crazy Horse jam does. Jesus-Christo this bunch of hooligans have their finger on the trigger of simplistic rock and roll graciousness. The alive vibe and aching sound is done like no other; it is basic yet complex as life itself....
So when the masters get together and put forth a jam at almost 40 minutes for us to savor it is a blessing, hit this link now and listen to the goodness. Around 13 minutes when you feel it dipping, you can sense the band re-grouping, this is interplay at its finest. The at 18 minutes is does cut off and we get a whole new sun-rise sounding take that dips into old school territory, "Cortez" anyone?