"Ghost Rider" by Henry Rollins
Saturday, July 30, 2011
CD Review: England Keep My Bones
There are some records that just hit you from the first note and you can’t help but scream “this band could change the world.” That’s the feeling I had the first time I heard U2, 7 Seconds, Minor Threat, the Dropkick Murphys, and the Hudson Falcons. I got that feeling again listening to Frank Turner’s England Keep My Bones. From the opening crescendo of “Eulogy” (which I want played at my funeral) to the closing gospel-like chorus of “Glory Hallelujah,” England Keep My Bones is an incredibly powerful album that brings elements of folk, pop, country, punk, and gospel together mixing them with such brilliance that it is hard to believe that these different genres aren’t combined this perfectly more often.
England Keep My Bones is Turner’s fourth solo studio album. Prior to slinging an acoustic guitar he was the lead singer of the post-hardcore act Million Dead. Turner is one of a slew of punk artists who have taken to playing folk, country, and alt country in recent years. He and Chuck Ragan are probably the biggest acts in this scene. What I love about this movement (for lack of a better term) is the camaraderie and almost family like atmosphere to it. In a lot of ways it reminds me of the pre-Nirvana underground scene, the accepting and familial environment that existed when punk and its descendants were still ignored by the mainstream. (Editor’s note: At some point I plan on putting together a piece about the punk gone folk phenomenon, but in order to do it justice it might take some time.) This welcoming and friendly attitude permeates through Turner’s music.
Thematically England Keep My Bones deals with issues of individuality, freedom, perseverance, the power of music, and England Boston
For those who have never heard Frank Turner but are fans of Chuck Ragan, Austin Lucas, Tim Barry, or Drag the River then I highly suggest getting a copy of England Keep My Bones. It is easily the best album of the year.
Here’s a video for the opening track “Eulogy” and the lyrics to give you a taste of the entire record.
Not everyone grows up to be an astronaut,Here’s a video for the opening track “Eulogy” and the lyrics to give you a taste of the entire record.
not everyone was born to be a king,
not everyone can be Freddie Mercu-ry,
but everyone can raise their glass and sing.
I may not be the perfect kind of person,
I may not do what mum and dad dreamed,
but on the day I die, I'll say at least I fucking tried.
That's the only eulogy I need,
thats the only eulogy I need.
And here are the videos for the album’s two singles “I Still Believe” and “Peggy Sang the Blues.”
Currently Listening
1. “100 Pages of Lies” by John Moreland (from Earthboud Blues)
2. “Girlfriend in a Coma” by Mojo Nixon (from Whereabouts Unknown)
3. “Do You Pray” by Chuck Ragan (from Feast or Famine)
4. “What I’m Made Of” by Candy Hearts (from Get a Better Comp Vol. 1)
5. “Take It or Leave It” by The GC5 (from Everything’s Too Fast to Last – Rairities and Unreleased)
6. “Redemption” by Frank Turner (from England
7. “Little Wild Heart” by Hudson
8. “Remember My Name” by Jon Snodgrass (from Visitor’s Band)
9. “Not This Life” by The Jesse Minute (from Shut Up and Play)
10. “Meant to Be” by Tommy Stinson (from One Man Mutiny)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Rilo Kiley Calls It a Day
It’s official, Rilo Kiley has broken up. Sadly I was late arriving on the Rilo Kiley train and thus have just gotten to know their music in the last few years. It’s sad that the band had to go.
Here is the video for my favorite Rilo Kiley song “Portions for Foxes” which I consider one of the truly great pop rock songs of all time (I’d put it up against the likes of “Surrender” by Cheap Trick).
Thanks to Scene Point Blank for the find.
Tommy Stinson (The Replacements) Releases New Song
Former Replacements’ bass player Tommy Stinson is about to release his second solo album, One Man Mutiny, and in preparation has released the song “Meant to Be” as a free download through Spin. I haven’t heard any of Stinson’s post-Replacements material, but this song shows great promise. I shall be getting this record next month when it is released.
Thanks to PunkNews.org for the find.
New Chuck Ragan Song Available for Free Download
Chuck Ragan has released the first song from his upcoming album Covering Ground as a free download on his official website. The album will be released September 13, 2011 on Side One Dummy Records. The new song is called “Nomad by Fate” and is fantastic. I can’t wait to get the new record.
Thanks to PunkNews.org for the find.
Day Uh Oh
Singer/activist Harry Belafonte is not happy with President Obama. In fact he has said that the president has failed because of his “lack of moral courage and vision.”
At this point I’ve got to ask…who is happy with the president?
Poem of the Day
The following poem was sent to me by my good friend Jimmie Martin of Pundant.com fame.
“People of the dirt” by Jimmie Dale Martin
(Republish rights to People of the Dirt granted with credit to The Oklahoma Centennial Heritage Collection 2007.)When the Christians came to Oklahoma Jesus was already hereHe was with allAdams race everywhere whether far or nearThe Amerindians universally called Him the "Great Spirit"His words of truth are found in all our tribes and very explicitLove and truth and honor and family are woven thruout the landfaith and hope and charity, respect for the creator's firm handAdam means red man andmeans land of the red man Oklahoma Inwe are blessed with direct word links to His plan Oklahoma We are people of the dirt...tried by storm's wind and dust's stingWe endure the good and the bad and always know who is KingFrom the Arbuckles hilly ranges to the Panhandles desolationWe are red and white and black patriots...first to defend the nationThe proud Thunderbird our fighting symbol... the red bird, thePhoenix We rise from our ashes and build anew after bombs blastWhen F5 comes our way we dig in and battle it to the lastWe are Okies whose grandparents waited out the wrath of dustand fermented our grapes into fine wine of our common trustHospitality is our middle name and love is our girtWe are common folk ...people of the dirt
Currently Listening
1. “Nomad by Fate” by Chuck Ragan (from Covering Ground)
2. “One Foot Before the Other” by Frank Turner (from England Keep My Bones)
3. “Big Important Place” by Kevin Seconds (from Good Luck Buttons)
4. “Dead Factories” by Austin Lucas (from Common Cold)
5. “This War” by Chad Price (from Smile Sweet Face)
6. “Campaign Song ‘93” by Jon Snodgrass & Friends (from Tri-State Record)
7. “Present Day Memories” by Mike Park (from For the Love of Music)
8. “Barrel of the Gun” by Mark Linskey (from Stay Hard Stay Hungry Stay Alive – Songs of Freedom)
9. “On and On” by Tim Barry (from Manchester)
10. “Believe” by Doug McKean (from Esperanto Sessions)
2. “One Foot Before the Other” by Frank Turner (from England Keep My Bones)
3. “Big Important Place” by Kevin Seconds (from Good Luck Buttons)
4. “Dead Factories” by Austin Lucas (from Common Cold)
5. “This War” by Chad Price (from Smile Sweet Face)
6. “Campaign Song ‘93” by Jon Snodgrass & Friends (from Tri-State Record)
7. “Present Day Memories” by Mike Park (from For the Love of Music)
8. “Barrel of the Gun” by Mark Linskey (from Stay Hard Stay Hungry Stay Alive – Songs of Freedom)
9. “On and On” by Tim Barry (from Manchester)
10. “Believe” by Doug McKean (from Esperanto Sessions)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Fugazi + Wu-Tang Clan = Wugazi
Who would have ever thought to do a mashup with post hardcore/emo legends Fugazi and hip hop’s Wu-Tang Clan? Apparently these guys did.
From the story –
Members of hip hop collective Doomtree have released their recently promised mashup featuring Fugazi mixed with Wu-Tang Clan and titled Wugazi. A full length titled 13 Chambers has been released for free download. The title of the album combines Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and 13 Songs.
You can download the album here. And if you can’t imagine what this melding would sound like, listen to this –
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Poem of the Day
I’ve always loved this one.
“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveler, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I couldTo where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,And having perhaps the better claim,Because it was grassy and wanted wear;Though as for that the passing thereHad worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally layIn leaves no step had trodden black.Oh, I kept the first for another day!Yet knowing how way leads on to way,I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Top 6 of 7
I’m borrowing this idea from Steve at The Otter Limits. You can see his version here. And in keeping with his formatting choices, here are my six (or 7 in a few cases) favorites in seven different categories (in no particular order).
BANDS (w/ links to their official websites)*
The Replacements (Wikipedia link) / Paul Westerberg
MOVIES (w/ Wikipedia article links)
BOOKS (w/ Amazon links)
ALBUMS (w/ Wikipedia article links, when possible)**
The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton by Stephen Egerton (Oklahoma Lefty link)
Dancing Underneath the Moonlight by Hudson Falcons (Oklahoma Lefty link)
The Only One by Roustabouts (Oklahoma Lefty link)
Kisses from Hanoi / Horseshoes & Handgrenades by The GC5 (AllMusic link)
WRITERS (w/ Wikipedia article links)
Leslie Simon (GoodReads link)
TV SHOWS (w/ Wikipedia article links)
WEBSITES
* This is more of a list of my favorite bands/artists of the moment then of all-time. For an all-time list check out the post My Current Rotating Top 20 (one of these days I will do an updated version of this post).
** This list only includes studio albums. Also this is more of a list of current than a comprehensive all-time favorite list.
Currently Listening
1. “I Still Believe” by Frank Turner (from England Keep My Bones)
2. “Down to Nothing” by Doug McKean (from Unquiet)
3. “Unwelcomed Guest” by Mark Linskey (from Stay Hard Stay Hungry Stay Alive – Songs of Freedom)
4. “Idle Idylist” by Tim Barry (from Laurel Street Demo 2005)
5. “Somebody Love You” by Austin Lucas (from Somebody Love You)
6. “Good Enough for Rock and Roll” by Chuck Ragan (from Gold Country)
7. “Dirty Lips” by Drag the River (from Bad at Breaking Up)
8. “Good Things” by Swingin’ Utters (from Here, Under Protest)
9. “Here Comes a Regular” by The Replacements (from Tim [Expanded Edition])
10. “Thru the Fan” by Jon Snodgrass (from Visitor’s Band)
2. “Down to Nothing” by Doug McKean (from Unquiet)
3. “Unwelcomed Guest” by Mark Linskey (from Stay Hard Stay Hungry Stay Alive – Songs of Freedom)
4. “Idle Idylist” by Tim Barry (from Laurel Street Demo 2005)
5. “Somebody Love You” by Austin Lucas (from Somebody Love You)
6. “Good Enough for Rock and Roll” by Chuck Ragan (from Gold Country)
7. “Dirty Lips” by Drag the River (from Bad at Breaking Up)
8. “Good Things” by Swingin’ Utters (from Here, Under Protest)
9. “Here Comes a Regular” by The Replacements (from Tim [Expanded Edition])
10. “Thru the Fan” by Jon Snodgrass (from Visitor’s Band)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
What are the Best Opening and Closing Songs in the Movies?
Spinner has put together three pretty interesting lists about music in the movies – Best Opening Songs: 25 First Tracks in Film That Left Us Wanting More, Best Closing Songs: 25 Final Tracks in Film That Made a Lasting Impression, and Best Opening and Closing Songs in Film: Readers' Edition. The best choice in all three lists, in my humble opinion, is “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds from The Breakfast Club. One of my favorite opening tunes in a film is The Replacements’ “Bastards of Young” as used in Adventureland.
I’m not sure if I could pick my favorite opening and closing songs from a movies (other than the aforementioned Simple minds song), but the movie that I think made the most affective use of music was Pump Up the Volume.
Speaking of that Christian Slater classic, I performed this monologue in drama class in my junior year of high school. I still find this speech moving 20 years later.
R.I.P. Amy Winehouse
Singer Amy Winehouse passed away yesterday, finally losing her battle with drug and alcohol addiction, she was 27. Rest well Amy, I hope that you find peace from your addictions wherever you are.
Admittedly I missed out on Ms. Winehouse when she first broke but have since heard her song “Rehab” a few times and really like it. She had an incredible voice. It is truly sad that her life fell apart the way that it did.
Bill Clinton and Barack Obama Compared
This is a great comparison and really showcases the drastic differences between the former president and the current one. Anyone that says Clinton
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Hot Water Music Streaming New Song
Hot Water Music is streaming a song from their upcoming seven inch EP over on SoundCloud. The song is called “The Fire, The Steal, The Tread” and is really good. I can’t wait to get their next record!
Thanks to Dying Scene for the find.
Currently Listening
1. “There’s a Party in the USA” by Doug McKean (from Esperanto Sessions)
2. “Hey Dennis” by Jon Snodgrass & Friends (from Tri-State Record)
3. “Unwelcomed Guest” by Mark Linskey (from Stay Hard Stay Hungry Stay Alive – Songs of Freedom)
4. “Nowhere Is My Home” by The Replacements (from Tim [Expanded Edition])
5. “Blindness Is Kind” by Swingin’ Utters (from Here, Under Protest)
6. “Idle Idylist” by Tim Barry (from Laurel Street Demo 2005)
7. “Ugly” by Violent Femmes (from Violent Femmes)
8. “10 West” by Chuck Ragan (from Gold Country)
9. “Over It” by Dinosaur Jr. (from Farm)
10. “Back & Forth” by Foo Fighters (from Wasting Light)
2. “Hey Dennis” by Jon Snodgrass & Friends (from Tri-State Record)
3. “Unwelcomed Guest” by Mark Linskey (from Stay Hard Stay Hungry Stay Alive – Songs of Freedom)
4. “Nowhere Is My Home” by The Replacements (from Tim [Expanded Edition])
5. “Blindness Is Kind” by Swingin’ Utters (from Here, Under Protest)
6. “Idle Idylist” by Tim Barry (from Laurel Street Demo 2005)
7. “Ugly” by Violent Femmes (from Violent Femmes)
8. “10 West” by Chuck Ragan (from Gold Country)
9. “Over It” by Dinosaur Jr. (from Farm)
10. “Back & Forth” by Foo Fighters (from Wasting Light)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
CD Review: Dancing Underneath the Moonlight
The Hudson Falcons’ fifth album Dancing Underneath the Moonlight is nothing short of a great rock ‘n’ roll record. I there are any out there that still think of the Falcons as some kind of oi or street punk band, this record completely shatters those misconceptions. Dancing Underneath the Moonlight has a Rolling Stones meets Bruce Springsteen with a touch of Uncle Tupelo and The Replacements feel to it.
The record opens with two rockers in “Another Night” and “Don’t Let the Bastards Bring You Down,” bother have that early rock ‘n’ roll dance feeling to them and you can’t help but nod your head to the beat. New is the mid-tempo and heartfelt “Everything’s Alright.” “Long Live the King” is next and has something new to the Falcons repertoire, a number with a Spanish feel. “Last Chance Afternoon” is another dance inspiring number and is followed by the nearly ballad “Interstate Bound.” “You’ll Never Be Cool” is another rockin’ number while “Avenue B” brings a little more Spanish flavor to the mix. “Little Wild Heart” and “Mile Marker 141” continue with the energy the opening tracks brought. The record ends with the two mid-tempo to nearly ballad “Soul to Keep” and “South Dakota Nights.” Lyrically the record continues on that great Falcons tradition of songs about family, love, hope, hard work, and freedom.
The Hudson Falcons have traveled a long and hard road to get where they are today and where they are is in support of what is probably their best record to date. The songs are fantastic, the production is top notch, and the band is tight. It is also a great record to listen to being a long time fan of the band. Watching the Falcons’ grow musically has been a great pleasure. Mark Linskey has evolved into an extremely well-rounded and talented songwriter.
If you are a long-time fan of the band and have grown with them, then you will enjoy Dancing Underneath the Moonlight a great deal. If you are a fan that is devoted to and pining for the Desperation & Revolution days then you will most likely be disappointed by this new album. If you have never heard the Hudson Falcons but are a fan of acts like Bruce Springsteen, Uncle Tupelo, The Rolling Stones, The Replacements, and/or Jon Snodgrass, then I highly suggest that you get a copy of Dancing Underneath the Moonlight.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Religious Ignorance on Display
I was going through my email today trying to clean house and I found this post from Unreasonable Faith about a proposed bill in Arizona that –
...prohibits the courts from using “religious sectarian law” in their decisions. It’s one of those bills that’s trying to prevent “creeping Sharia Law” from taking over our country.
The post goes on to quote the following from the bill itself –
… any statute, tenet or body of law evolving within and binding a specific religious sect or tribe. Religious sectarian law includes Sharia Law, Canon Law, Halacha and Karma but does not include any law of theor the individual states based on Anglo-American legal tradition and principles on which the United States was founded. United States
Vorjack at Unreasonable Faith goes on to point out that –
Karma isn’t a body of law or anything. It’s a religious principle that says that our deeds will influence our path along the wheel of life, death and reincarnation.
In Hindu myths, even the gods are subject to Karma. There’s really nothing you can do about it. It’s like trying to repeal the law of gravity.
Now I am all for keeping religious “laws” out of our secular court system but this is simply asinine. As Vorjack pointed out, whoever authored this bill is completely ignorant on Karma and honestly who-knows-what-else. On top of that, the language used in this bill is so xenophobic that it is scary.
I did some Googling to see if the bill had passed and wasn’t able to find out one way or the other (apparently my Google Fu isn’t the best). Hopefully this bill went down in flames and the people who authored it have gotten a much needed education in world religions. Sadly though I wouldn’t be surprised in these blokes are as defiant as ever. How pathetic.
The Least Successful Potter Imitations
Yahoo Movies has a story/photo gallery of the least successful films that tried to cash in on the Harry Potter formula.
From the story –
In the decade since "Potter" first hit screens, a host of other fantasy movies have tried to copy its formula for success. They were based on very popular books, they featured a plucky young hero (or two or three), and they relied heavily on expensive visual effects. And while some made for passable movies, most never launched the sort of multi-film franchise that made "Potter" such a smash.
The eight films listed are Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, Eragon, The Golden Compass, The Seeker: The Dark is Rising, City of Ember, Inkheart, The Spiderwick Chronicles, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. I have seen all of these movies and own most of them on DVD. In fact I’d go so far as to say that most of them were pretty good movies. Sure none of them were fantastic films but only one was borderline terrible (Eragon). In many cases the problems with these films was that they seemed to be missing that connection to the books that was so strong in the Potter and Lord of the Rings films. In both cases, it was obvious that those involved in making the films loved the books and wanted to bring them to life in the best way possible. In the case of these other films, even though (for the most part) the acting was great and, in all cases, the production was fantastic, there didn’t seem to be the passion for the original material (the only exception to this would be The Golden Compass but sadly that film was destined to do poorly, no matter how passionate the producers were or how excellent the movie turned out). This of course could be a misunderstanding on my part but that is the impression that I got.
Personally I hope that in the light of the mega success of the final Harry Potter film, the success of the Twilight series, and what I’m sure will be the huge success of The Hobbit, that Hollywood
EP Spotlight: Born Yesterday
Title: Born Yesterday (MySpace)
Originally formed in Seattle , WA Seattle Oklahoma City Oklahoma
Born Yesterday opens with “Goodbye California
And finally in the name of full disclosure, Otisburg’s singer, Steve Long, is my best friend and the man behind The Otter Limits.
Monday, July 18, 2011
EP Review: The Winter EP
Title: The Winter EP (BandCamp)
The Winter EP is a collection of four singer/songwriter pop songs that are simple yet show a great potential. The opening track, “Evergreen,” is a haunting number that I could see getting airplay on radio stations like 98.9 Kiss FM and being used on any number of TV shows and movies. This isn’t a bad thing. Rapp has tapped into the modern pop essence extremely well and with the right exposure a song like this could be a huge hit. “Rain” is another haunting number that I can totally see being used in romantic comedies for those emotional scenes where people are making those hard decisions or looking back on regrets (I actually have an image in my head of someone looking out a window with a cup of coffee lamenting over a love gone wrong or a love that has yet to blossom but is on the cusp of never happening). The other two tracks, “Cyanide Lungs” and “First Show,” are both haunting and breathy (I especially like the piano in “First Show”). In fact if I had to sum up The Winter EP in three words it would be haunting and breathy.
This EP shows great potential. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Taylor Rapp becoming that next big star to come from the Sooner State
Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
I have been anxiously waiting to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 more than any other movie this year. I loved the book and HP 7 Part 1 and couldn’t wait to see how they ended the series on the big screen. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.
The film opens where Part 1 left off, with Voldemort taking the Elder Wand from Dumbledore’s, and takes off from there. While Part 1 had its slow moments (the first half of the book did as well), Part 2 is nonstop. The film holds true to the essence of the book and many scenes are pretty close to the way that they happened on the page. I’m not going to go into great detail about the plot of the film because I don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t seen it yet. What I will say is that the battles are huge and exciting and the emotions are strong and heart wrenching. Needless to say, the film is stunning to look at, the acting, directing, and writing are all top notch, and it is a beautiful ending to this amazing series.
Harry Potter truly has proven to be one of the great fantasy series of our time.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
10 Questions with Jon Snodgrass (Drag the River, Armchair Martian)
Jon Snodgrass is one of the most talented singers and songwriters in underground music today. He is one half of the outstanding Drag the River and previously fronted the Husker Du-esque pop punk band Armchair Martian. His latest release, the Tri-State Record seven inch is a collaboration project with members of ALL, the Descendents, Teenage Bottlerocket, and Hot Water Music and is one of the best things to come out this year (you can read my review of it here). On top of all of this Jon has found time to record and release a solo record (2009’s Visitor’s Band) and contribute to Stephen Egerton’s album The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton. And if all of that awesomeness wasn’t enough, Mr. Snodgrass is a super cool and humble guy.
This interview was conducted via email July 10-15, 2011.
For more information on Jon Snodgrass check out his Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Suburban Home Records, and Last.fm pages. For information on Drag the River check out their official website, Facebook, MySpace, BandCamp, Last.fm, AllMusic, and Wikipedia pages. For information on Armchair Martian check out their MySpace, Last.fm, AllMusic, and Wikipedia pages.
Dave: When did you start playing and writing music?
Jon Snodgrass: I started making music in middle school with Chad Rex. We lived in St. Joseph Missouri.
Dave: Your most recent project is a collaboration with Stephen Egerton (ALL, Descendents), Chris Wollard (Hot Water Music, Chris Wollard and the Ship Thieves), Brandon Carlisle (Teenage Bottlerocket) and Addison Burns. What gave you the idea to do this type of record? How did the record come to be released through Paper & Plastick Records?
Jon: I just have a lot of talented friends is all. And I like to play music with them. If it's good enough I put it on a record.
Dave: Armchair Martian was a pop punk band (with a healthy dose of Husker Du) that eventually grew to incorporate more alt country elements (that alt country direction is very evident in Who Wants to Play Bass which sounds like the perfect transition from what you had been doing to what Drag the River). Was that change a conscious one or just a natural progression for you?
Jon: I'd been living in St. Louis before I moved to Colorado (for good) in 1993. Anyhow, I wanted to start a band that didn't sound like Uncle Tupelo, so I started a band that sounded like Husker Du. I'm kidding....kinda. It's all just mid-western rock and roll to me. You're influenced and try not to be too derivative. I have my own thing but I come from that school of sound and region for sure.
Dave: I’ve seen a lot of your solo performances on YouTube and one thing I love is how you seamlessly go from playing Armchair Martian songs to Drag the River songs to your solo material. In those settings the songs all perfectly mesh and one would have no clue that they come from a variety of different times and projects. Do you have any type of writing process?
Jon: No. I've written every song except for one on the same guitar I've been playing since I was 15. I play that guitar at every show too. So, yeah. That's that I guess.
Dave: What’s happening with Drag the River? Are their any plans for a new record in the near future?
Jon: Yeah. We did that "pay what you want" download thing on our site to fund the next record. No matter what label we go with or whatever we like to pay for our own way. We've always tried to do that. It's easier. Anyhow, we're about to track real soon. later this month.
Dave: Speaking of Drag the River, most of the band’s releases have been on relatively small record labels (like Suburban Home Records and Upland Records). Considering how incredibly good all of those records have been, I’m surprised that you haven’t worked with a larger label. Have you ever been approached by any larger record labels (independent or major)? If so, what made you decide to stay with the smaller labels? Do you think there are advantages to working with smaller labels?
Jon: We've talked to different people over the years. We put out records when they are ready to be put out and whoever is ready at that time we go with. We don't do deadlines or any of that. A record is done when it's done and people are on board if they are on board. So we do them with friends.
Dave: What do you think of the increase of punk artists going acoustic and playing country/folk music? It seems like folks like Chuck Ragan, Austin Lucas, and Frank Turner and building up an acoustic scene with Revival Tours. How many of the Revival Tours have your participated in? Since Drag the Rive pre-dates a lot of these artists going acoustic, do you at all feel like an elder in the scene? Would you even consider that a scene (it looks a lot more like a family based on what I’ve seen online)? And any chance that you could suggest to those nice folks that they bring the Revival Tour to Oklahoma
Jon: I've done shows for both tours. It's one of the most fun things ever. Yeah, they're all friends and family. I'll suggest Oklahoma. I like Oklahoma.
I've played shows and toured like this when it was unpopular and I'll still be doing it when it's unpopular. It all goes around in a circle and people are always moving on or catching up in any genre. I never fit in with punk music and I'm too dangerous and not skilled enough to be a folk musician. I love country music but don't really play real country music. I really only think about which amp I'm bringing, if any at all. Like if there's gonna be a drummer or not and if he can really hit it. Ya take it from there. It's all rock and roll.
Dave: This is a High Fidelity inspired question. What are your top 5 favorite bands, albums, movies, TV shows, books/authors?
Jon: Hmmm. Off the top of my head... I like the Beatles, Husker Du & Thin Lizzy. I watch The Rockford Files, most HBO shows & a lot of the History and Biography Channels. I like Kurt Vonnegut & Elmore Leonard books, and biographies on almost anyone.
Dave: What’s next for you?
Jon: I just tracked the Scorpios record with Joey Cape, Tony Sly & Brian Wahlstrom. It's a full length for a European Tour this October. Heading N. East (New York, Jersey, New England, Montreal, Toronto etc) with DTR Band in September. And Chad Price and I go to Seattle & Portland in August.
Dave: Any final thoughts?
Jon: Thanks for the interest. Clean up my spelling and grammar, please. I did this pretty quick. Sorry it took so long. Thanks, buddy. –Jon (Editor’s Note: There really wasn’t much that needed to be cleaned up. Also it didn't take long at all.)
After the interview, Jon let me know that he finished work on a new full-length record. I can’t wait to get my hands on that once it is released.
I’ve also got to share the signature line on Jon’s email because it made me giggle –
This message boomed out from the computer of Jon Snodgrass.
Brilliant!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
New to Me: Eventually
Paul Westerberg will probably be haunted by his past. No matter what he’s done in the past 20 years since The Replacements’ called it a day, he’ll always be remember for his work with that band. Granted there are worse things in the world than to be remember for being part of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest unsung bands, but it is probably frustrating nonetheless. Based on conversations I’ve had in certain local record stores, I get the impression that many people feel that beyond the albums Suicaine Gratification and Stereo, Westerberg’s solo material isn’t worth getting. After listening to Eventually, I’d have to disagree with that sentiment.
Westerberg’s second solo record, Eventually, is a solid collection of off-kilter rock and power pop songs. Sure if you go in expecting Let It Be or Tim you’ll probably be disappointed, but that doesn’t mean that the record isn’t good. You see there’s a downside to being part of something that is generally considered to be a classic—no matter how good your future work is, if it’s not at the level of the classic previous work then it is often dismissed outright, even if it is actually really good. That is the sentiment that has plagued Westerberg’s career since 1985. The problem with that mentality is that you end up missing out on a lot of great stuff.
I happened upon Eventually when I found a used copy at a Vintage Stock. My kids love that store and while they were looking around, I went through the CDs to see if I could find any gems. I actually found a few things that night, but Eventually is the one that really stands out to me. I went into the record with little to know expectations and came out very pleasantly surprised. Admittedly Westerberg is one of my favorite songwriters of all time—he has a voice (literally and lyrically) that is completely unique and often underappreciated—so going in I did hold that bit of a bias. On top of that, I tend to be someone who loves artists and when an artist gets stuck into my gut (or heart) I tend to see good in what others dismiss (or again this just could be my rose colored glasses bias talking). That’s not to say that I’m not critical of my favorite artists, just see my Blast from the Past post about ALL’s Pummel record.
Eventually opens with “These Are Days,” a mid-tempo power pop that is extremely catchy and does quite a good job at setting the tone for the entire album. “Century” is an up beat number that is a bit off in classic Westerberg fashion. “Love Untold” is a heart wrenching love song while “Ain’t Got Me” is another up beat number that seems like a bit of a ‘90s update to “Answering Machine” (this just may because of the reference to call waiting in the lyrics though). Next is my favorite song on the record, the rockin’ “You Had It With You,” which I’d be willing to put up against any of Westerberg’s work in The Replacements. The rest of the record continues in this same manor with some slower songs and some faster songs that all have that signature Westerberg sound.
After listening to Eventually, I’ve decided that I’d like to track down all of Westerberg’s solo material to have in my library. If you are a fan of The Replacements and have never listened to Westerberg’s solo material, Suicaine Gratification and Stereo are probably better places to start but Eventually is an extremely solid record that is well worth checking out.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
CD Review: Endgame
I hadn’t planned on getting Rise Against’s latest album Endgame because I was generally not impressed with its predecessor 2009’s Appeal to Reason. Then I saw the amazingly moving video for the song “Make It Stop (September’s Children)” and decided to give the album a listen. I’m really glad that I did too.
Endgame opens with “Architects,” an excellently catchy melodic hardcore number that perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the record. One thing for me that I love about this song is the distinctive voice of Chad Price (ALL, Drag the Rive) on backing vocals. You really can’t go wrong when Mr. Price is on a record. The rest of Endgame is a mix of melodic hardcore, emo, and post hardcore and sounds like a record made by guys who grew up listening to the likes on Minor Threat, Dag Nasty, Bad Religion, Fugazi, Youth of Today, and Refused. There are times that lead singer Tim McIlrath breaks into some serious screamo-esque screaming (admittedly I could do without those). The music is tight and melodic—Zach Blair’s guitar work is top-notch. Lyrically the record deals with discrimination, our broken economic system, guilt, and equality. To say that Rise Against have a left wing bent to them would be an understatement. That having been said, they don’t beat you over the head with their ideology (or McIlrath’s ideology to be more accurate seeing as he writes all of the lyrics). Being someone who is a liberal but finds himself at odds often with the modern left wing, there isn’t anything in Rise Against’s music that I find as extreme or socialist/communist (which are often the words hurled at those who are left of center). Based on what I have heard and the interviews that I have read, McIlrath is someone who believes in individuality, independence, and justice for all. As far as I’m concerned, those are things that we should all believe in.
I’ve enjoyed Endgame enough to want to give Appeal to Reason another listen. It seems that Rise Against is a band that is growing on me. Obviously I’m a little late to this game since they are one of the biggest bands in punk rock. If you are a fan of any of the aforementioned bands or bands like Against Me!, Black Flag, or Hot Water Music then I suggest you give Endgame a listen.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Blast from the Past: International Pop Overthrow
1991 will always be remembered in musical history as the year that grunge and alternative broke. With all of that angst in the air, who would have guessed that 1991 would also produce three of the best power pop albums ever recorded in Matthew Sweet’s Girlfriend, Teenage Fanclub’s Bandwagonesque, and Material Issue’s International Pop Overthrow (you can see my Blast from the Past posts for the two other records here and here).
Material Issue was a three-piece band hailing from Chicago , IL
Sadly Material Issue isn’t one of the classic ‘90s alternative bands that will be reuniting as part of this decade’s ‘90s nostalgia. Lead singer, guitarist, and song writer Jim Ellison took his own life on June 20, 1996. The world lost a great voice with the passing of Ellison. Thankfully we still have Material Issue’s records to enjoy for years to come.
And just for fun here is the video of the live performance that was my introduction to Material Issue, “Diane” live at MTV Spring Break 1991.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Blast from the Past: For Those Whose Hearts and Souls are True
If I had to describe the Hudson Falcons’ sophomore album, For Those Whose Hearts and Souls are True, in one word it would be manic. The energy level on this record is gigantic, making the music that much more powerful.
The Falcons’ debut album, Desperation & Revolution, was an excellent mix of rock ‘n’ roll (ala Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones) with oi/77 style punk rock (ala Stiff Little Fingers and Cock Sparrer) that leaned more on the latter than the former, thus garnering the band a healthy following in the oi/street punk/skinhead scenes. One thing that the Hudson Falcons never were though was an oi band and that is a point that the band has been trying to drive home ever since. Their first shot at being more than just another street punk band was 2001’s For Those Whose Hearts and Souls are True. The record opens with an ode to those who do things their own way, “Different Breed.” Next is “Sleep, Drive, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Repeat” a song dedicated to the glories of life on the road. Both songs are pounding rock ‘n’ roll numbers that have far more in common with The Devil Dogs and Electric Frankenstein than Cock Sparrer or Stiff Little Fingers. These songs also set the stage for the album to come. There are songs about patriotism (“Requiem for a Patriot”), veterans (“Fallen Heroes”), workers (“Scab,” “Real Tough Guy,” and “I’m a Worker”), friendship (“Loyalty”), and living life to the fullest (“Wild Hearts”). The album’s best moment is also its quietest. “Disciples of Soul” is an extraordinary song about living life on your own terms with loyalty to your loved-ones and fighting the evils of the world no matter how hard and daunting that fight becomes. “Disciples of Soul” is truly the greatest anthem that the world has never heard. The record also includes three killer covers in “Johnny Law”, “Stay with Me” (originally performed by The Dictators), and a blazing rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “Open All Night” (this song is often used as the closing number at Falcons’ live shows).
For Those Whose Hearts and Souls are True is one of the Hudson Falcons’ tightest albums, and probably the best performed record in their catalog. I was lucky enough to see the lineup that recorded this record live a few times and they were a sight to behold, with an energy and passion that I have yet to see duplicated or matched. What’s also great about this record is that it in no way sounds dated. Even though it is 10 years old, it doesn’t sound like a record from 2001. Instead it sounds like a great rock ‘n’ roll album and that is exactly what it is.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
EP Review: Tri-State Record
Artist: Jon Snodgrass & Friends (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Suburban Home Records, Last.fm)
Jon Snodgrass’ (Drag the River, Armchair Martian) latest project is a collaboration with some of the greats in punk rock – Stephen Egerton (ALL, Descendents), Chris Wollard (Hot Water Music, Chris Wollard and the Ship Thieves), Brandon Carlisle (Teenage Bottlerocket) and Addison Burns—and takes its name from the fact that everyone on the record lives in one of three states (CO, OK, and FL). And if that wasn’t enough of a reason in-and-of-itself to get this record, the songs certainly are.
The five songs on Tri-State Record are exactly what you’d expect from Mr. Snodgrass, songs that straddle the divide between pop punk and alt country and are so good that they stick in your gut and refuse to let go. The opening track, “Het Dennis” sounds like a long-lost Armchair Martian classic with a ridiculously catchy riff and story in the lyrics. “Weighing on St. Michael” is a ballad that could have come straight from the Drag the River catalog with a hauntingly simple majesty. “Campaign Song ‘93” is another classic Snodgrassian rocker while “Bad Kreuznach” is a classicly catchy country romp. The EP ends with “Regi” another brilliantly simplistic alt country number, sure to one day be a classic.
Tri-State Record, like everything Mr. Snodgrass touches, is nothing short of brilliant and easily one of the best releases on 2011 (“Hey Dennis” is one of my favorite songs of the year). My only complaint is that there isn’t more. I’d love to hear a Jon Snodgrass & Friends full-length album sometime in the near future. If you are a fan of Uncle Tupelo, Chuck Ragan, Drag the River, Armchair Martian, or Stephen Egerton’s album The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton, then I HIGHLY suggest that you get a copy of Tri-State Record.
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