Friday, June 28, 2013

Full Show Friday: Jack White 9-8-12 itunes Festival

Last year we searched the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and posted them to the site monthly.  That was all well and good but this year RtBE is upping the ante with a show every week to celebrate Full Show Friday's.  These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Jack White!

This Month we have a special focus, RtBE favorite Jack White is getting all the love with our Full Show Friday's.

We end our Jackie Boy month with a huge show from his most recent tour, which features both of his touring bands, Los Buzzardos and The Peacocks.  Showing off his wide range of talent and his now immense back catalog White lets it all hang out, playing songs in a new fashion, mixing things up and allowing the muse to guide him.  While we appreciate all that White has done in the past one of the best things about Jack is we are even more excited about where he is headed, and judging from shows like this we are in for amazing music down the road.  Semi surprisingly he didn't play all of (or even most of) the tunes from our favorite album of 2012, but again just proof that the man is already a well established legend, hungry to keep going/growing.

The whole show is a highlight, but the power of "Sixteen Saltines"the texture of "Broken Boy Solider" and the light touch of "Love Interruption" all standout, but you should really clear your schedule and check out the full thing. 

Here is the whole shebang:

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Live Review: Deadstring Brothers 6/14/13 Bowery Electric, NYC

Hey All,

Got a new review up on Glide.

Read it Right C'Here!!!

It is of The Deadstring Brothers recent live show at Bowery Electric on 6/14/13.

Had a good time at this show, the band was very laid back (the very small crowd didn't help) and it seemed like a perfect spring night to sip some good whiskey and listen to Americana rock and roll.We reviewed their new album here in case you missed it.

BE is a great venue (even if the website drives me a bit mad) that I am glad is hosting good tunes. We used to go to this joint often, but lately we haven't, need to reactivate that as the bar tenders were great and the drinks flowed. Anyway, here is some live Deadstring (not from this show but this tour, so you can enjoy it anyway) their cover of the Band's dope tune, "Get Up Jake"

Wish they had the extra musician at the show I reviewed, an extra guitarist/piano would have helped overall. Here is another clip with a full band, sounds so much better:
"Like A California Wildfire"


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Album Review: This is Head -The Album EP



This Is Head 
The Album EP 
*** out of *****

While the indie-rock quartet from Malmo, Sweden may not be the best at naming their band, This Is Head, or their new release, The Album EP, they sure do make some impressive tunes.  Sounding like U2 circa 1994 the band mixes sonic palettes wonderfully.

The stand out song is easily the opening “Time’s An Ocean” which could put this band on the world stage with its broad appeal.  Starting with an odd electro siren the tune then transforms into a fluid and experienced pop framework via a crafty bass line and crisp instrumentation.  The expansive sound grows behind soaring vocals and rolling wave like rhythms.  

“Staring Lenses” ups the instrument ante incorporating strings into its frantic finale while “A B-version” starts eerily with pulses and electro wind wisps before a bouncy/freaky build up.  “XVI” is a late night instrumental for hipsters to slow dance too; some poorly timed piano fills detract but lush guitar sounds fill out any missteps.   

The 25 minute EP ends with “0007 (A Remix By Koralleven)” twinkling with spacey sounds, digital horns and drums.   The band has created landscapes of engaging textural sound that seem to flow effortlessly into the horizon.  
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A lucky one to stumble upon, This Is Head have 4 solid tracks here.

Support the artists here, peep some samples below:
"Time's An Ocean"

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Album Review: Brent Amaker and the Rodeo -Year Of the Dragon

Brent Amaker and the Rodeo
Year Of The Dragon
*** out of *****

Putting a smiling wink on the country road song Brent Amaker and the Rodeo unleash Year Of The Dragon. With killer cover art and a press photo like this one you get a sense of the bands mindset before you even put the disk on. The group have a clear respect for classic country sound but twist their own warped perspective into the genre.

"The Tiger Inside" kicks things off with a warning as Amaker's rich, deep vocals lead a band of drum tight players through a cautionary tale for whoever may be in their sites. Tracks like the opener, "I Put My Boots On" and "What's Wrong With You" show that the group isn't taking themselves too seriously. There is a sense of Les Claypool gone full blown country to the proceedings (minus any bass antics) and the song writing on Year Of The Dragon.

It isn't all jokes and games though as "Country Sky" is a sweet ode to it's title and "Troubled Times" hits home via a tasty piano solo. "Hustler" is a great album closer while "Time To Set Things Straight" channels "Rawhide's" riff's; the overall tone of the album feels like a honky-tonk on a lonely highway.  Musically the group stays behind Amakers lush vocals, but the crisp snare, snake like guitars and varying keys all manage to shine in their own time.

Things aren't always successful, tracks like "Captain Of The Ship" and "Suitcase" seem like one note castoff's but overall the band mixes thing up enough to keep it interesting while always appreciating the classic-country waters they are swimming in.    
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Pretty interesting disk, had never heard of Brent Amaker and the Rodeo before, but will def keep an eye out for them in the future.
Support the band here, grab the disk here, see them live here, and for a limited time you can stream the full album for your self here.

"I Put My Boots On" Live

Monday, June 24, 2013

Dylan Cover #92 Triggerfinger "Love Sick"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a live cover by Triggerfinger playing "Love Sick"

Thoughts on Original:
From our first cover take on this song:
The opener on Dylan's 1997 classic Time Out Of Mind, signaled to the world, that the old bard had tons of great songs left in him.  Considered by some (not RTBE) his comeback album  Time Out Of Mind showcased stark songs with biting lyrics and most importantly lush sounding production; Dylan ditched modern sound for one he liked better.  The result was a true winner, no better seen then on this disk opener.  Dylan identified with every human via the lyric, "I'm sick of love/and I'm in the thick of it"  Who hasn't been there?  A great song that kicks off a great album, it would be nice if he played it live though...  
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
I never heard of Triggerfinger before. Turns out they are a Belgian rock band, they have released a few albums and been fairly successful in Europe. Will have to check them out more in the future.
Thoughts on Cover:
Power, this song has it in every way shape and form. The stripped down rawness presented by Triggerfinger here is majestic. Really dynamite cover, I could have gone for one more raw guitar solo to close things out, but otherwise a real winner.   
Grade: A-

Friday, June 21, 2013

Full Show Friday: The Raconteurs The Eden Sessions 2008

Last year we searched the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and posted them to the site monthly.  That was all well and good but this year RtBE is upping the ante with a show every week to celebrate Full Show Friday's.  These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...The Raconteurs!

This Month we have a special focus, RtBE favorite Jack White is getting all the love with our Full Show Friday's.

Today we have a pro-shot (well if MTV can be considered pro's) show from 6-29-2008 Eden Sessions.  Jack obviously loves Jolly Old England and this show is just another example that The Raconteurs are one of the best groups on the planet when they are playing. We love everything White has done so far, but there will always be a special place in our heart for this collection of musicians.  They just slam on all fronts and make up what could be an all time great band if they stuck around together a bit more. That said you need to enjoy what you got, and what you got here is an hour of pretty special songs, the whole set is a highlight...  

Let the Rock Reign!


1) Consolers of the Lonely
2) Level (3:55)
3) The Switch and the Spur (7:20)
4) Steady As She Goes (12:10)
5) Blue Veins (w/ jam intro) (18:00)
6) Attention (27:45)
7) Many Shades Of Black (32:30)
8) Salute Your Solution (37:10)
9) Carolina Drama (40:15)

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Album Review: Ratty Scurvics -A Wooden Nickel On Fire

Ratty Scurvics
A Wooden Nickel on Fire
***and 1/2 out of *****

On his newest solo effort the constantly creating artist Ratty Scurvics puts his talents into crafting an engaging collection of songs that recall David Bowie dramatics and style.  The New Orleans multi-instrumentalist touches on quite a few genre's but keeps a constant musical theme throughout. 

The opening "Cheap Suits" shoves that Bowie influence to the front of things but also wraps the listener up in intriguing lyrics and big swells.  Theatrical tendencies show up throughout but never overwhelm things with an off-Broadway feel. Other tracks in that vibe are "Is It Over", "Mistake" with it's instrumental intro, the marching drums on the rising "Don't Tell" and "Weapons" which is big and bright containing fuzzed up guitar lines and passionate singing.

There is a light industrial/electronica feel to "Start!" with it's laser guitars and "Dirty Strokes" with digital enhancements present but the acoustic guitar and chanted poetic lyrics ringing memorable. "Banana's" ends things on a lighter tone with organs that sound church like mixed with up an upbeat silly chorus, showing two of the many sides of this musician. A track like "Pulling on Golem Locks" proves how chaotic things can get with metal like smashes before dipping into quiet, creepy whispered vocals; Scurvics is obviously comfortable in any style of musicality.    

Having worked on everything from writing musicals to scoring films to noise rocking live performance's Scurvics can't sit still, but if it keeps him creating music as rich as A Wooden Nickel On Fire then keep rolling on solider. 
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We first heard Ratty back when we caught wind of The Rough Seven, and we interviewed him for that album's release.  We have met him briefly a few times at the shows we have seen, for the longest at our show of the year from 2011, but also hope to talk to him more in the upcoming months regarding his numerous projects. 

Grab the album here, follow Ratty Hereand here and you can stream the album below:


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Album Review: Dead Confederate -In The Marrow

Dead Confederate 
In the Marrow
**and1/2 out of *****

On the third release from these Georgia based rockers their musical palette has opened but fans will still find solace in the massive guitars and feedback.  The most unique track opens things up as "Slow Poisons" creeps out of the swamps to drip into the ears. The psychedelic journey is a haunting and majestic one that sets up the album for something magical, and In The Marrow starts that way if unfortunately it doesn't finish in the same style. 

After the cosmic opening track things stay positive with the riff heavy "Vacations" powering out. The snarling vocals and screeching ending scruff up this tune wonderfully as T. Hardy Morris nails the whining style of singing while Walker Howle scorches the six string.  The low end gets to shine with a fuzz bass and drum highlighted "Bleed Through"before the title track brings things even higher as grandiose arena ready noise rock.

After the first 4 tracks things are pretty much perfect in the vein of 90's tinged loud rock, unfortunately the second half of In The Marrow can't live up to the first half, dragging immensely.

"Best Of The Worst" starts the trend of mid tempo blah as it just isn't sludgy enough to succeed. "Dead Poetry" is the oddest track here, an upbeat tune whose vocals are woefully out of place sinking the whole effort. The final tracks "Big City Life" and "Winter Waters" are slow wanderers that never show much signs of life, ending things on a down note.    

A tale of two halves for Dead Confederate as In The Marrow shows some real high points before becoming stale. Split the difference with this one if you can. 
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Dead Confederate is a band I always think I will enjoy more then I actually do. All of the influences are there, as is the playing, but for me it hasn't fully come together yet in my brain. I would love to catch them live as I am sure I will enjoy their playing. As it stands In The Marrow is a mixed bag and a tale of two sides, I will go back to the first half, but skip the second.

Support the Band here, see them live here grab the disk here and peep some samples below:
"Slow Poisons"

"Vacations"

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Album Review: Lemuria -The Distance Is So Big

Lemuria
The Distance Is So Big
**** out of *****

After a quick blip of an intro "Brilliant Dancer" kicks off Lemuria's neweset release with a splash of catchy-cool, pop-based rock that showcases the immense musical confidence this band has in store for the listener. While they still show their love of 90's alt-rock, it is in a sweeter tone, fuzz and feedback are gone, more quirkiness and odd changes are mixed in.

The Buffalo, NY based trio of Alex Kerns (Drums, Vocals) Sheena Ozzella (Guitar, Vocals) Max Gregor (Bass) have crafted a winning disk with their third full length. "Clay Baby" is engaging power pop with a slight 80's vibe. The trio continues to hang their hat on ear altering changes that are unique and rich making short pop-rock tracks can seem like winding adventures. "Scienceless" showcases the wispy vocals of Ozzella behind sturdy rock while "Oahu, Hawaii" shows off an odder side if ending up a bit thin.  

"Paint The Youth" is a disk highlight with it's angular style, electro flourishes and positive message over a bumping bass line outro. On past disks the male/female vocals got stuck in relationship bickering, on songs like this one the words elevate the whole proceedings.

"Dream Eater" brings back the Veruca Salt-lite comparisons as the band dips into the 90's scene while the dynamic drumming gives the low-end showcasing "Bluffing Statistics" some edge. "Public Opinion Bath" could be a reaction to critics, or an enemy and while the music bubbles, the lyrics distract; when the groups lyrics seem to be cast-off, the songs suffer no matter how fresh the trio's instruments sound.

Tracks like "Congratulations Sex" however are a the total package as the band bangs out in different tempos before linking for a bridge behind Ozzella's best vocal and lyrical effort here.  Honesty and heartfelt emotion are on display in front of dynamic crescendos and gallops.    

Lemuria seem to be on the verge of a breakthrough and The Distance Is So Big could easily push them to new heights as the band continues to evolve. 
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Having caught Lemuria live and reviewed their album back in 2011 we were excited to see what they did; color us impressed. They are a hell of an act, and one that could get even better with time, age and frankly a bit better lyrics.  Overall though this is an excellent album, the playing is top fucking notch.

Support the band here, buy the album here and for a limited time you can stream the album at NPR. Also peep some samples below:
"Brilliant Dancer"
 

Monday, June 17, 2013

Dylan Cover #91 Died Pretty "From A Buick 6"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is by Died Pretty doing a cover of "From A Buick 6"

Thoughts on Original:
The electric Dylan and one of the few songs where the Band Bob played with overshadows his early talents. Namely Al Kooper on organ and the great Mike Bloomfield on guitar as the two rip it open.  Bob is in a lighter mood and recalling old blues tunes like "Milk Cow Blues" but he also has a stream of consciousness appeal to the lyrics. Nowhere near one of his best, but one that lots of musicians like to cover because of it's kick ass blues rock feel.   
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
I have never heard of Died Pretty, but I love their name. They are a "alternative" band from Australia who were big in 80's/90's down under. From their Wikipedia page they seem like a group I could really get into, will need to check them out more.
Thoughts on Cover:
The raucous feeling and heavy bass instantly are enjoyable to these ears. The group seems to be goofing around with the heavy speedy playing, slicing guitar notes and then things are really cooking. The one down spot is the vocal recording. The volume is just too low, it is almost as if the full band were playing in front of the lead singer as he is tough to make on the recording.  Even with that detriment I can't hate on this track too much as the music is a pure joy.  
Grade: B+

Friday, June 14, 2013

Full Show Friday: The Dead Weather Montreux Jazz Festival 2010

Last year we searched the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and posted them to the site monthly.  That was all well and good but this year RtBE is upping the ante with a show every week to celebrate Full Show Friday's.  These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...The Dead Weather!

This Month we have a special focus, RtBE favorite Jack White is getting all the love with our Full Show Friday's.

This week White moves to the Drums with his leather rocking outfit The Dead Weather.  We loved this group from the first moment we caught them live, they had it...Sexy is the word that keeps coming to mind and with reason. This show is pro shot, so lots of closeups and visuals, if it is edited a bit choppy for our tastes. 

Highlights from this night of rocking in Canada are the power filled "Gasoline", the guitar screeching of "Will There Be Enough Water?" and Mosshart's powerful vocals for "The Difference Between Us".  The band was focusing on their second release and firing on all cylinders.  Enjoy:

No Horse
Gasoline
The Difference Between Us
I'm Mad
Hustle and Cuss
Die By The Drop
New Poney
Will There be Enough Water?
Blue Blood Blues
I Can't Hear You
Treat Me Like Your Mother

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Album Review: Candye Kane - Coming Out Swingin'

Candye Kane
Coming Out Swingin'
*** out of *****

The California Songstress Candye Kane has had a rough go of it lately (recently battling Cancer a second time) but her new release Coming Out Swingin' finds her on top of her game when it comes to the blues/soul/rock that she has become famous for.

The title track pumps some tight horn arraignments in a retro swing style reminiscent to The Brian Setzer Orchestra. "Rock Me To Sleep" plays up the old timey blues rock with a tight guitar provided by the fantastic Laura Chavez.  That 50's rock takes on a distinct Jerry Lee Lewis piano turn on "Au Revoir Y'all" and the shaking blues styles may have hit a high with "Barbed Wire Mouth".

Kane tries a bunch of classic tried and true styles, but her voice fits much better to the rock and blues numbers then when she tries to get soulful.  "When Tomorrow Comes" and "Rise Up" are cuts straight out of Motown and while the band carries off the playing, the vocals just don't match up all that successfully.

However when Kane lets the blues flow she is dynamic and that happens for the majority of tunes on Coming Out Swingin'.  "I'm The Reason Why You Drink" is catchy, punchy blues rock while the horn led "Darling Baby" cooks.  Her vocals also take center stage on two slow burners, "Invisible Woman" and "What Love Can Do" showing that Kane still has raw power in her pipes.

Known as an activist for gay rights and a proud bisexual Kane goes bilingual on the upbeat disk closing shake of "Marijuana Boogie" ending things on a lighthearted upbeat note.  Lets hope things stay that way for the energetic and talented songstress.

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Candye Kane has had a crazy career and life, this disk is just one more chapter.

You can support her here, buy the album here (It comes out in 2 weeks) and peep some samples below:
 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Album Review: Buckethead -Pikes 13

Buckethead
Pikes 13
***and1/2 out of *****

The man the myth the guitar legend Buckethead has been called many things. He is known for his eccentric appearance (KFC Bucket, White Mask etc), his shredding guitar style, his nun-chucks, his elusiveness and bizarre horror movie like website/persona, but rarely has the term emotional been brought up when describing the man and that is the first word that comes to mind when listening to Pikes 13

The Pikes series is a quick/direct way for Buckethead to release material directly to his devoted fan-base at a low cost. The stream of music may dilute things in the long run, but it allows the artist almost instant access and expression. Overall if this is a good thing can be debated; I wonder what an artist like Frank Zappa would have done with so much freedom? 

Zappa is also a decent comparison for the music on Pikes 13, where both Frank and Bucket were known as virtuosos both are also known as oddballs alienating people with their bizarre wanderings at times. What Pikes 13 proves is like some of the best Zappa tracks ("Watermelon In Easter Hay" being one) that emotions are at the core of music and true feeling can shine through without words.       

The tracks here are mellow, instrumental and not even titled. Acoustic guitar mixes with electric over sometimes light drums or mellow loops and samples, no trademark shredding or in your face freakouts. There seems to be honesty mixing with grief in these tracks. "Track 2" has weeping notes reminiscent of Funkadelic's excellent "Maggot Brain" which Eddie Hazel burned into ears forever while "Track 3" has a sense of forbading lurking around the edges.

"Track 6" is the disk highlight with a building mix of acoustic electric that is simply gorgeous at the end. The album flows as one piece and a distinct hint at where Buckethead's mind is can be glimpsed at from the album art. The Pike series overall has a comic book feel with simple sketches or odd photos gracing the covers of most of the releases. However, Pikes 13 is the first time Buckethead has released anything with a picture of him on it without his mask.  The image on the front shows a young Brian Patrick Carroll in his formative years with what looks like a black bucket on his head an acoustic guitar in his hand while hugging his father.

For this reclusive artist the picture is incredibly telling, in a world where style means so much more then substance, to then have Carroll release this touching collection of tracks and momentarily step from behind his created curtain, it points to this collection music being more personal and hence elevated above the others in this series. 

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Not much more to add, you can collect the Pike Series here, get lost in Bucketheads world here and peep a sample or two below:  
Track 2:

Track 6:

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Album Review: The National -Trouble Will Find Me

 Hey All,

Got a new review up on Glide,

Read it Right C'here!!

It is of The National's newest release Trouble Will Find Me.

Here's the brass tacks of it: this has been the hardest review to write this year.

I don't think I will personally listen to Trouble Will Find Me again, (I realized after I reviewed High Violet I didn't listen to it again) it is a gorgeous album but one I don't particularly enjoy.

I can't deny the arraignments and music the band produces.  If they had a different vocalist/lyricist they may be one of my favorites, but as it stands with making "pop" or "indie rock" you need an engaging front person, and Matt just doesn't do it for me on any level. All that admitted I still think it is an album that is worthy of critical praise, just not multiple spins through my personal headphones.

I think it boils down that the group as a whole could use a little more heart and a little less head in their song construction if that makes any sense.  

Also this line was removed from the review overall, I kinda still feel this way, but after talking with Shane who runs Glide we decided to take it out:
The National work so hard at crafting perfect sonic indie-pop and the listener unfortunately can feel all the work as the end result too often winds up incredibly boring. It is as if playing music is really their day job and they would rather spend their nights as accountants.

I have written enough now, but check out this which I wrote regarding the band's last release, I feel the same way pretty much.

Support the band here, grab the album here and peep some samples below:
"Sea Of Love"

"Don't Swallow The Cap" Live on Letterman


Monday, June 10, 2013

Dylan Cover #90 Sweetmelody2011 "Tempest"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is by Sweetmelody2011 doing a live cover of "Tempest"

Thoughts on Original:
We wrote this when reviewed the album by the same name back in Nov 2012:

"Tempest" deals with the Titanic and manages to bore almost from the get go becoming a weight around the neck of the album.  It never develops any real energy in the lyrics or the playing, which itself becomes a major issue with the album.

We still feel that way, I think this track is a stinker but I came across this version on youtube and gave it a spin, probably because I am impressed anyone took the time to learn all the words...
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
Got no info on Sweetmelody2011 except his video page on youtube.  
Thoughts on Cover:
Well as we were never fans of this original, I have to say the cover is fine.  This is not an easy song to cover, especially since he is doing it live and in one take. A very very tough task for Sweetmelody2011.  That fact alone bumps up the cover grade. but his voice and playing are great accompaniments to the song. I am not sure but if he is singing all of these verses in his second language (it says he is from Germany) then I would def raise the grade even higher, but I can't be sure about that, either way who cares what I think, give it a listen. 
Grade: B
 

Friday, June 7, 2013

Full Show Friday: The White Stripes Live at Glastonbury 2005

Last year we searched the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and posted them to the site monthly.  That was all well and good but this year RtBE is upping the ante with a show every week to celebrate Full Show Friday's.  These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...The White Stripes!

This Month we have a special focus, RtBE favorite Jack White is getting all the love with our Full Show Friday's for June, strap in.

First up is the first way most people came to know him as main ringleader of The White Stripes. While we know this is most peoples favorite stuff Jackie Boy has done, we have mentioned before it is our least favorite. Either way we still love him, so get ready for over an hour of rockin' from their headlining set at the flooded out English Festival back in 2005. The band was touring behind their Get Behind Me Satan disk so a lot of those songs are the focus here.  

Some Highlights, the raw as hell "Let's Shake Hands", the vibes in "The Nurse", The always powerful Stripes live tunes of "Ball and a Biscuit" and their flat out amazing cover of "Jolene".   

On with the Show:

1. Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground
2. Blue Orchid
3. I Think i smell a rat
4. Passive Manipulation
5. Lets Shake hands
6. The Nurse
7. Hotel Yorba
8. Jolene
9. Ball and Biscuit
10. My Doorbell
11. Cannon
12. Ball and Biscuit
13. Passive Manipulation
14. The Same Boy youve always known
15. The Hardest Button to button
16. We're Going to be friends
17. Little Ghost
18. Death Letter
19. I Just Dont know what to do with myself
20. Screwdriver
21. Passive Manipulation pt 3
22. Seven Nation Army

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Wu-Tang Back, Stream "Family Reunion"

Well this was a surprise, granted I am not big into the hip-hop scene these days, but a full on Wu-Tang album coming out at least deserves some mention. You can stream the laid back memory song "Family Reunion" here:

I don't think Wu-Tang can ever be the same with Ol' Dirty Bastard gone but I will give it a spin in the Fall...ah who am I kidding, have they ever released an album on time?  Lucky to hear this full disk anytime in 2013.  Anyway, not a bad track, not much to it though...a few old (and great) Wu-Tang songs for you this Thursday evening:

Album Review: The Unnaturals -The Unnaturals vs. The 50ft Bettie

The Unnaturals 
The Unnaturals vs. The 50ft Bettie
***and 1/2 out of *****

The New Orleans based trio The Unnaturals slip and slide around surf rock with scuzzy ease on their first release The Unnaturals vs. The 50ft Bettie. Incorporating elements of punk/garage/rockabilly the group keeps their instrumental tunes rolling early into the next dawn.   

Kevin Bowles on guitar, Jenn Attaway on bass and Dano Cardona on drums inject the proceedings with spit and spirit also titling the tracks pretty perfectly as openers "Sex Wax" and "If Only Keith Richards Could Surf" sound exactly how you think they would; The Ventures by way of the Gulf Coast. 

"Redneck Riot" contains some catchy bass and guitar dueling while "Dead Man's Hand" is a nice ode to Dick Dale. On some opposite ends of the spectrum are "Tequila Mockingbird" which contains a metal edge before "Ballad for a Rebel" shows off a bit of the trio's softer side.

The title tracks shines with a glorious 50's vibe while "Rumblebee" is a showcase for Bowles guitar technical prowess.  "Unnatural Progression" sums up the band nicely in one track as it begins with a country sway before building up the pace to metal speed then inserting punkish breaks.

The group has their style and sound locked in on their first release showing a supreme level of musicianship. Hopefully in the future a tad more variety will mix in with things, but for fans of instrumental surfing rock and roll you need grab this album today.

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We mentioned catching The Unnaturals open up a show at Siberia during our Sazerwrap-up of Jazzfest, so it is with great joy that we found their newest album on bandcamp.  You can buy the album or stream it here.  Peep some live samples below, this band cooks with more raw energy when they play live and we love that.
"Dead Man's Hand" Live

"Attack of the 50ft Bettie" Live

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Album Review: Luke Winslow-King The Coming Tide

Luke Winslow-King
The Coming Tide
*** out of *****

The stripped down blues of Luke Winslow-King flow out with ease like a warm breeze on a summer day felt from a back porch in the delta. LWK is practicing an art form that was birthed in the south and this New Orleans based (by way of Michigan) artist has a knack for the folk blues, pairing with e Esther Rose on vocals deepens the layers on The Coming Tide's 11 tracks.

The two are vocally compatible as they run through the folk blues of songs like "Staying In Town", "Keep Your Lamp Trimmed And Burning" and the NOLA ode "I've Got The Blues For Rampart Street".  The voices are a great match as King can sound detached and laid back while Rose sounds lithe and urgent. The duo are augmented by drums, a rich toned slide guitar and horns for the disks opener and title track. The horn work is also a highlight of "Let'em Talk" with the brass blowing wonderfully.

The story tune of "Ella Speed" adds a distinct folk dialect to things before the closing cover of George Harrison's "I've Got My Mind Set On You" ends the disk on a high note.   

Overall the mood can feel a bit too laid back over the course of the disk, while the trumpet cooks on "Moving On (Towards Better Days)" Kings vocals are so mellow and removed that the track never gets the energy or gospel passion it deserves. A track like "You Don't Know Better Than Me" would benefit from more vibrancy and bite from the front-man.  

Overall the third album from LWK on the consistently great Bloodshot Records finds the artist proudly playing the delta-folk-blues like countless artists before him, another link in the great Americana chain.  
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Solid pre-war blues here, old timey in an excellent way. Another winner from Bloodshot.

Support the artist here, buy the album here, catch'em live here and peep some samples below:
"Ella Speed" Live

"The Coming Tide" Live

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Album Review: Dumpstaphunk -Dirty Word

Hey all,

Got a new review up on Glide (check out the spiffy new layout!).

Read it right C'here!!!

It is of Dumpstaphunk's newest release, Dirty Word.

Ever since we first saw Dumpstaphunk at BB King's (with very special surprise guest Trey Anastasio) back in 2005 when they were just getting rolling,, we knew we were onto to something special.  The funk just flowed with ease.  It could be the 2 bass attack or just the pro musicianship of Ivan Neville, things were cooking from the get go. Much love needs to be given to Nikki Glaspie who is amazing on the drums here, minimalist, tight and funky. 

Check the review, the album is really good. Support the band here, buy the disk here (not released until July), def catch them live here and peep some samples below (you can download two of the tracks):

Here they are live at last years Jazzfest absolutely destroying it on "Meanwhile":


Monday, June 3, 2013

Dylan Cover #89 Micah P Hinson "Not Dark Yet"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. This week we have Micah P Hinson, doing a live cover of "Not Dark Yet".

Thoughts on Original:
A excellent Dylan tune from any era but one that in particular screamed "I'm Still Alive And Kickin'!" on Time Out Of Mind at a time when Dylan was simply an after thought in current popular music scene. One of Dylan's most haunting tracks; it is hard not to feel his emotions and finality of the coming darkness as Dylan sings this lyric set.  An all-time great that is mysterious, foreboding, honest and powerful. 1st class Bob.
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
I have never heard of Micah P Hinson before, but he seems like a folk singer based in London. Wouldn't mind hearing more from him, wonder also if he is related to one of my favorites, Unknown Hinson...  
Thoughts on Cover:
Really cool concept to film in what looks like a subway or train station in Europe somewhere.  I dig the people walking buy and adding background noise to the proceedings, gives it an alive feeling.  As for the trio playing, they do a great job to a wonderful song. Micah's vocals are strong and true, adding a bit of a wandering scat thing to it was nice (because it was short) and the stripped down instrumentation just works wonders for this gem if not particularly different then the original.  
Grade: A-