Greg Laswell

One of my favorite artists of all time - one of my favorite song writers of all time - One of my favorite lyrics of all time:

"This one's for believing, if only for it's sake."

Discovered Greg a few years back at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard and fell in love immediately. His vocals are clearly profound and his lyrics are generally heavy and brooding. If you've been through it or are going through it or God forbid you're ever to go through it again... you can and should turn to Laswell.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Jenny Owens Young Makes Great Big Plans with Laswell

Gooooood morning! Got the email this morning that Jenny Owen Young just released a new single, "Great Big Plans", and I knew my day was off to a great start. Even better, she collaborated with one of my all time favorite artists, Greg Laswell. I've seen Jenny open for Greg a few times around Seattle over the last couple years and they're an awesome pairing. Jenny's stage presence is uncanny and cluttered with wit and sarcasm. If you know any of Laswell's work you can definitely hear him in this track (particularly on the piano). This song seems more heightened and dramatic than her usual stuff, which is likely due to Laswell's contribution. All in all, well done Jenny.

Here's a link to her site if you're looking for more (and you should):

http://www.jennyowenyoungs.com/music/

William Elliott Whitmore

Blues Vocalist, William Elliott Whitmore, has a voice that makes you double take and a raspy, country undertone that denotes a sense of grim solace but at the same time carries a melodic, Southern gloom. His work often howls on about despair and squaller but his latest album, "Animals in the Dark" seems to provide a sense of comfort and calm in the midst of the storm that is "life". His vocals alone set him apart and this is extremely notable in his live interview. He talks as pretty as he croons. See the third clip in which KEXP interviews the artist. Pleased to hear what William Elliott Whitmore has to say. I enjoyed the discussion of his tour in Paris and the reference to the art created during and despite social/economic hardship or turmoil. Profound.

Post Show Review: Okkervil River Neptune Theater, Seattle [6.18.2011]

Headed to the show SOLO on Saturday night. It was hard to believe I couldn't muster up one live-music fiend to join me! But granted, it was the Summer Solstice Festival in Seattle (where we make rain like Texas makes BBQ sauce) and it was really short notice. Regardless, glad I made the jaunt over to the U District and since I've never had the opportunity to check out the Neptune, it was a "Two birds. One stone" kinda night. GREAT venue by the way...

But back to the band: Still on the fence. The stuff I really gravitated towards was the acoustic folk solos by Will Sheff. He's definitely a dramatic, emotionally enthused vocalist but it all aids in captivating your attention to each and every poignant lyric. Although, I should note that at one point, mid-chorus, he had to croon melodically to the obnoxious drunks in the back of the bar talking during his first solo performance to please shut up. Okkervile River does a profound job of incorporating LOTS of instrumentals and I noticed this most with the horns inserted at just the right moments in each song. Clearly a talented group with some hefty musical achievements under their belt. While not a favorite of mine, I'd still have to rate them an 8 out of 10 on the sheer merit of their work.

My favorite songs at the live show were "A Stone", "Girl In Port", "So Come Back I'm Waiting" and "Your Past Life As a Blast". Will Sheff is the center of the performance and exudes an air of artistic depth (in that dark and heavy sort of way) which makes one want to continue the conversation he's having with you through his songs on stage. He was a little under spoken for a listener that loves hearing an artist's witty banter throughout a set. However, I did enjoy his intro "My resolution is to remember to just stop and have fun". Words we should all remember to remember.

Much of what I've read about the band has eventually pointed back to the writing and creative skills of Will Sheff. I'm a believer. Here's an example from one of my favorite Okkervil songs "Girl In Port"-

Let fall your soft and swaying skirt

Let fall your shoes

Let fall your shirt

I'm not the lady killing sort

Enough to hurt the girl in port


Well I'm a weak and lonely sort

But I'm not sailing just for sport

I've come to feel out on the sea

These urgent lies pressed against me

I'm just against, I'm not apart

With my tender head

With my easy heart

These several years out on the sea

Have made me empty cold and clear

Pour yourself into me


Here's a live clip from the show I was at. Okkervil River performing "A Stone". Thanks to whatever fan arrived early, stood on their feet for 3 hours in what was in my opinion a really hot room, AND stayed in that "crick-in-your-neck" position while shooting this song. And a SPECIAL thanks to Shasta for hooking up the tickets.

Tuesday To-Do TUNES: Jolie Holland

Not sure when or how she ended up on the list but I keep a running To-Do List of artists I need to explore and I try to get to a few every week. Jolie Holland has been around for awhile and produces a variety of sounds. Obviously a member of the folk rock genre, one can't help but notice and appreciate her twangy country elements and the jazzy instrumentals. Native to Houston, Texas, Jolie is currently touring on the East Coast primarily but is playing in Portland, Oregon on July 7th at Space Gallery. Hmmm.... road trip?




Remember this song? Just when you think the whistling is amazing... bam! The horns float in and you really can't pay attention to anything else. This song is a golden ticket to my childhood memories...



A favorite.
The lyrics paint some romantic (or dreery based on your perspective) imagery.

Lights From Space

This is what I've been carjamming to for the last 2 days. Caught these guys on a random Tuesday whim at the Sunset in Ballard this week. They opened for Freehands and stole the show. Great tempo and edgy, catchy vocals. Chatted a bit with the band after the show and got the run-down on their upcoming CD Release Party in Sodo on Saturday th 25th of June. Unfortunately, I likely won't be in attendance due to previously scheduled bachelorette debauchery. But I would love to see these guys again and if my memory serves me... they'll be unveiling a video as well that night.

I'm a fan. Fave track on this list... "She's the Kind" but to be honest... I kinda dig them all! Can't wait to catch them again soon!

On the Okkervil River Fence

My live-show wife, Shasta, invited me to this show next Saturday (6/18) at Seattle's Neptune Theater and as long as Fremont's Naked Soltice Parade and the post-parade tye-dye party that follows isn't TOO much of a distraction... I will be there. I've been fiddling around with their stuff for a couple weeks and still find myself in limbo. Haven't heard anything that I inherently love but I definitely feel more drawn to their earlier work:



After reading about the extensive work and creative process involved in developing they're latest album "I Am Very Far", I really wanted to love it. I'm just not sold yet. I am, however, intrigued by the genius that is said to be Will Sheff. He is highly acclaimed for his lyrical talents and instrumental collaborations. For example, in this collective work alone they incorporated 7 guitarists, 2 pianists, 2 drummers, and 2 bassists AND still had the energy and forethought to throw in creative elements such as the fastforwarding and rewinding of and old boombox, the tearing of paper (as heard in Piratess), etc. Yes, I'm intrigued to say the least. But the overall sound has definitely deterred from their more folk-ier work and that disappoints me. Not to say it isn't good... just not particularly my sound. (yet)




Take a listen. You be the judge. I'm still on the fence.

Were it not for Cee-Lo Green...

I will embarassingly admit I got sucked into NBC's new show "The Voice" the other night. I've proudly proclaimed that I've never watched an episode of "Idol" and the like... but somethin about Cee Lo's inviting smile (decorated with a new stache) got me to rest on the channel for a few.



So, were it not for Cee Lo Green... I might've missed this Kanye cover by Dia Frampton. I must agree with Cee Lo that this rendition is truly one of the more captivating ones I've come across. Her vocals are unique and curious. There's a raspy, timid quality that I love. I've gone on to listen to covers and found this adorable little old school remix....



Then on further research I discovered her 5-piece band, Meg and Dia, and their most recent album "Cocoon" dropped in 2011. The two sisters are from Utah and have been at this for awhile (first album released in 2005). I only listened to a few songs but it's pretty stuff to say the least. Dia's vocals are what grab me most and I'm eager to see what becomes of her after this TV gig wraps up. And they say reality tv isn't good for you...

Here's a taste of their original work.... "Love is"

Naked Drums

(or a genre of folk that should be dubbed "Jonna")

Lately I've been running around babbling about my love for naked drums and am often met with peculiar faces and replies like "who's that?" and "where can I see that?!" Naked Drums is not the name of a band (at least as far as I know but I haven't even looked...) and is not some awesome form of exhibitionist music. It is merely the name I gave a style of percussion (drumming) that I've been running across in a large amount of my favorite songs as of late. It's become pretty apparent that, while I love and can appreciate all genres and styles, there is a certain musical make-up that embodies my favorite genre. I'm a folk lover (that's a given) But if the following components are to be incorporated into one sound.... you've got my number:

1. Naked Drums (examples to follow)
2. Howl-y pretty male voices (generally ranting on love and love lost)
3. Up-tempo pop pace (that which makes you shimmy unknowingly)
4. Random instrumentals inserted in key places (ie; vintage toys, bottles,
and even traditional randoms such as accordions, harps, fluto-phones of
various types, etc)

You'll find much of the above in the following links. Check it out and PLEASE pass along any recommendations. You'll likely be noticing NAKED DRUMS everywhere now!

Examples of Naked Drums:

Local Natives - The lead is the one doing most of it… does not start till :40 point





Tapes and Tapes – kicks right into naked drums




The Givers - The chick drummer does most of it.
But I’m referring to the sound at :50 mark




The Dodos – Yessss…. This vid (once you get past all the shots of their sweaty faces gets right to a shot that shows the part of the drum (metal ring) that makes the naked drum sound. Spot 1:40 Have I sent you this band? They were pretty awesome live.



Anyway, get it?

The Givers Gave It At Sasquatch 2011!

Post Show Rating - 4 out of 4

These kids are amazing. Their energy is palpable and you can't help but tap your foot and bounce around to their tunes. This was fan-shot at Sasquatch and it only mildly embodies their spirit but takes me back at least. The chick drummer/vocalist is so pretty and perky and that was all I was really expecting but they did a great job of showcasing her vocals as well. The lead's energy is also incredibly engaging and they make you feel like you're just a guest at their really awesome backyard party. Probably in my Top 5 shows of the weekend. Can't wait to catch them again soon. They've got "it" (for whatever that's worth) and are sure to be making big strides soon.