Friday, September 21, 2007
WDSM City Limits Festival
About a year ago, our young hero ventured down to the state capital of Texas for a little gig called the Austin City Limits Festival. Upon return his native land, he wrote a review of his concert experience chock full of probable though unverifiable plagiarism. Though the trip was full of tumult, he vowed to return annually. Due to unforeseen, yet fortunate circumstances, his streak ended at one. To fill the void of another unoriginal review of this year's festival, here's what he's listening to now.
Help Wanted Nights, The Good Life
In one of this autumn's most anticipated releases, Tim Kasher and crew do not disappoint. This album is the companion/score/soundtrack to the Kasher penned screenplay of the same name. Supposedly set in a small town tavern called the Sundowner Bar over the course of a week, Help Wanted Nights tells the story of an out of towner and his woes with love. In typical Good Life fashion, most of the songs are poignant stories of love and loss. But mostly loss of love. During their annual spurt of Christmastime shows, including one at Sokol Underground in Omaha with MIB, GA Hill, Gage, Pete, Delusional KC Fan and others in attendance, The Good Life unveiled many of the tracks that made their way onto the album. In a recent interview with the AV Club, Kasher tried to distance himself from comparisons to Robert Smith of the Cure, but does little on this album to prove it. And for that, I'm thankful. His voice can be an acquired taste for some, especially when fronting this one-time side project. I guess it seems a bit more palatable when he's screaming while leading Cursive. At only ten tracks covering 40 minutes, this listener was left wanting more. And for that, I suppose I should be thankful. The most impressive difference in Help Wanted Nights from The Good Life's previous efforts is the overall flow of the album. While many of the themes are revisited from Black Out and Album of the Year, Help Wanted Nights is far from a chronological telling of this week spent at the Sundowner. Help Wanted Nights is ready for you to listen straight out of the carbon neutral packaging.
Key Tracks: 1. On the Picket Fence, 3. Heartbroke, 9. So Let Go
Grade: A-
Marry Me, St. Vincent
Annie Clark is pretty in that "maybe she is, maybe she's not quite indie" kind of way. At least that's the impression I get from her album cover. I'd smooch her is all I'm saying. She's worked her way up to the stage name St. Vincent after lending background vocals for the Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens. Based on that pedigree, your perceptions of her sound are likely correct. If Regina Spektor, Feist, and Fiona Apple (circa Extraordinary Machine, which is worth a listen by the way. I just found my copy and have enjoyed it) were forced to create a non-state themed album after listening to Stevens' Illinois, Marry Me is what I think it would sound like. Like the Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens albums I'm familiar with, St. Vincent is sneaky with her spiritual themes. Some are obvious, such as the second track, Jesus Saves, I Spend and the seventh track, The Apocalypse Song. Others aren't as noticeable at first listen. While blessed with a very capable ensemble of eclectic musicians and instrumentation, Marry Me is most certainly a pop album. Best as a mid-week listen. Slightly buzzed at 11:30pm. Or late Sunday afternoon sandwiched between football games. I have a feeling this one might be a grower. Right now, I'll give her a C+. Scratch that, she gets a B- for being cute.
Key Tracks: 2. Jesus Saves, I Spend, 4. Marry Me, 5. Paris is Burning
Overall Grade: B-
Emotionalism, The Avett Brothers
I'm not sure if it's my strong indifference towards jam bands, but I get a feeling sometimes that some of them will try a little bluegrassy roots music to steer themselves towards legitimacy. I've been wrong before, but it makes me defensive of bluegrassy roots music. The Avett Brothers are benefiting from this defensiveness.
You know how two ugly people of different races will 9 times out of 10 make an adorable child? Well, when I try to break down the elements of the Avett Brothers' sound, I hope my theory stands true. What if Sister fucking Hazel and the Indigo Girls had a music (obviously) lovechild? Would it sound like these guys? Who knows? The sonic clarity of Emotionalism conjures up memories of that Sister Hazel song pouring out of the speakers of Dr. D-bag's Chevy Blazer, courtesy of Hot 97.1 FM (North Planet, NE, not New York City). I have no tangible reason to associate the Indigo Girls with the Avett Brothers. It's just the feeling that I get on the surface. But then, out of the depths, George Jones bears his sound through these two North Carolinians with just enough piano not to sound too twangy. If the Drive-By Truckers were more influenced by bluegrass than Skynyrd. And there is a small, but definite smattering of punk influence in these songs. It's certainly not a stretch to draw comparisons to another North Carolina band, Whiskeytown, though the Avett Brothers may have been the band on stage while the members of Whiskeytown drank themselves miserable.
Key Tracks: 6. The Ballad Of Love And Hate, 10. Living of Love, 13. Go To Sleep
Overall Grade: B-
The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, Josh Ritter
Josh Ritter challenges the boundaries of pop music by taking familiar sounds and rhythms and melodies of decades past and using present-day techniques to inch forward. It's kind of what I've always hoped Wilco would do. Don't let the listenability of this album outweigh its creativity. Though it's nothing groundbreaking, Historical Conquests is tight and sweet and savory. Like the first really good Thai food you ever ate. Enough familiarity not to scare you off, but just enough spice to feel adventurous. Dig in.
Key Tracks: 1. To The Dogs or Whoever, 4. The Temptation of Adam, 6. Rumors
Overall Grade: A. A four song bonus disc pushes it hard towards an A+. For reals.
Simple Love, David Dondero
A sentimental favorite and esteemed entry in our young hero's phonebook, David Dondero is to thank or blame for the popularity Conor Oberst. With a wavering voice, Dondero's songs are testimonials for life from a suitcase. Much of the charm of Dondero comes from his bloody beating heart on his sleeve, lo-fi production. On Simple Love, Dondero stays true to his narrative style, but benefits from some spit-polished production--the way your mother licked her thumb to scrub the dirt from your face. For most of his solo albums (he once fronted the band Sunbrain), Dondero's only accompaniment came from his Omaha transplant drummer, Craig D. Starting with last year's South of the South, Dondero began recording with a more complete band and Simple Love is the recipient of the resulting complete sound. Piano is the most prominent addition, but pedal steel and congas of all things post cameos on the album. This isn't my favorite Dondero album, but for neophytes, it's a good place to start.
Key Tracks: 2. When The Heart Breaks Deep, 3. Rothko Chapel, 5. Simple Love
Overall Grade: B-
Coming Soon...The Stage Names, Okkervil River
Help Wanted Nights, The Good Life
In one of this autumn's most anticipated releases, Tim Kasher and crew do not disappoint. This album is the companion/score/soundtrack to the Kasher penned screenplay of the same name. Supposedly set in a small town tavern called the Sundowner Bar over the course of a week, Help Wanted Nights tells the story of an out of towner and his woes with love. In typical Good Life fashion, most of the songs are poignant stories of love and loss. But mostly loss of love. During their annual spurt of Christmastime shows, including one at Sokol Underground in Omaha with MIB, GA Hill, Gage, Pete, Delusional KC Fan and others in attendance, The Good Life unveiled many of the tracks that made their way onto the album. In a recent interview with the AV Club, Kasher tried to distance himself from comparisons to Robert Smith of the Cure, but does little on this album to prove it. And for that, I'm thankful. His voice can be an acquired taste for some, especially when fronting this one-time side project. I guess it seems a bit more palatable when he's screaming while leading Cursive. At only ten tracks covering 40 minutes, this listener was left wanting more. And for that, I suppose I should be thankful. The most impressive difference in Help Wanted Nights from The Good Life's previous efforts is the overall flow of the album. While many of the themes are revisited from Black Out and Album of the Year, Help Wanted Nights is far from a chronological telling of this week spent at the Sundowner. Help Wanted Nights is ready for you to listen straight out of the carbon neutral packaging.
Key Tracks: 1. On the Picket Fence, 3. Heartbroke, 9. So Let Go
Grade: A-
Marry Me, St. Vincent
Annie Clark is pretty in that "maybe she is, maybe she's not quite indie" kind of way. At least that's the impression I get from her album cover. I'd smooch her is all I'm saying. She's worked her way up to the stage name St. Vincent after lending background vocals for the Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens. Based on that pedigree, your perceptions of her sound are likely correct. If Regina Spektor, Feist, and Fiona Apple (circa Extraordinary Machine, which is worth a listen by the way. I just found my copy and have enjoyed it) were forced to create a non-state themed album after listening to Stevens' Illinois, Marry Me is what I think it would sound like. Like the Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens albums I'm familiar with, St. Vincent is sneaky with her spiritual themes. Some are obvious, such as the second track, Jesus Saves, I Spend and the seventh track, The Apocalypse Song. Others aren't as noticeable at first listen. While blessed with a very capable ensemble of eclectic musicians and instrumentation, Marry Me is most certainly a pop album. Best as a mid-week listen. Slightly buzzed at 11:30pm. Or late Sunday afternoon sandwiched between football games. I have a feeling this one might be a grower. Right now, I'll give her a C+. Scratch that, she gets a B- for being cute.
Key Tracks: 2. Jesus Saves, I Spend, 4. Marry Me, 5. Paris is Burning
Overall Grade: B-
Emotionalism, The Avett Brothers
I'm not sure if it's my strong indifference towards jam bands, but I get a feeling sometimes that some of them will try a little bluegrassy roots music to steer themselves towards legitimacy. I've been wrong before, but it makes me defensive of bluegrassy roots music. The Avett Brothers are benefiting from this defensiveness.
You know how two ugly people of different races will 9 times out of 10 make an adorable child? Well, when I try to break down the elements of the Avett Brothers' sound, I hope my theory stands true. What if Sister fucking Hazel and the Indigo Girls had a music (obviously) lovechild? Would it sound like these guys? Who knows? The sonic clarity of Emotionalism conjures up memories of that Sister Hazel song pouring out of the speakers of Dr. D-bag's Chevy Blazer, courtesy of Hot 97.1 FM (North Planet, NE, not New York City). I have no tangible reason to associate the Indigo Girls with the Avett Brothers. It's just the feeling that I get on the surface. But then, out of the depths, George Jones bears his sound through these two North Carolinians with just enough piano not to sound too twangy. If the Drive-By Truckers were more influenced by bluegrass than Skynyrd. And there is a small, but definite smattering of punk influence in these songs. It's certainly not a stretch to draw comparisons to another North Carolina band, Whiskeytown, though the Avett Brothers may have been the band on stage while the members of Whiskeytown drank themselves miserable.
Key Tracks: 6. The Ballad Of Love And Hate, 10. Living of Love, 13. Go To Sleep
Overall Grade: B-
The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, Josh Ritter
Josh Ritter challenges the boundaries of pop music by taking familiar sounds and rhythms and melodies of decades past and using present-day techniques to inch forward. It's kind of what I've always hoped Wilco would do. Don't let the listenability of this album outweigh its creativity. Though it's nothing groundbreaking, Historical Conquests is tight and sweet and savory. Like the first really good Thai food you ever ate. Enough familiarity not to scare you off, but just enough spice to feel adventurous. Dig in.
Key Tracks: 1. To The Dogs or Whoever, 4. The Temptation of Adam, 6. Rumors
Overall Grade: A. A four song bonus disc pushes it hard towards an A+. For reals.
Simple Love, David Dondero
A sentimental favorite and esteemed entry in our young hero's phonebook, David Dondero is to thank or blame for the popularity Conor Oberst. With a wavering voice, Dondero's songs are testimonials for life from a suitcase. Much of the charm of Dondero comes from his bloody beating heart on his sleeve, lo-fi production. On Simple Love, Dondero stays true to his narrative style, but benefits from some spit-polished production--the way your mother licked her thumb to scrub the dirt from your face. For most of his solo albums (he once fronted the band Sunbrain), Dondero's only accompaniment came from his Omaha transplant drummer, Craig D. Starting with last year's South of the South, Dondero began recording with a more complete band and Simple Love is the recipient of the resulting complete sound. Piano is the most prominent addition, but pedal steel and congas of all things post cameos on the album. This isn't my favorite Dondero album, but for neophytes, it's a good place to start.
Key Tracks: 2. When The Heart Breaks Deep, 3. Rothko Chapel, 5. Simple Love
Overall Grade: B-
Coming Soon...The Stage Names, Okkervil River
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