quickcrit - music reviews

Top 40 Rock Novels

2009-11-11T18:00:00.001-08:00

As I've stated before, I'm a big fan of rock fiction, so it's cool to see someone's list of their top 40 rock novels. While I've read a couple on the list, including the majority are books and authors I've never heard of. I guess it is time to head down to Powell's to see which ones they have in stock. First up, Lewis Shiner's #1 ranked Glimpses.

Oh yeah, and they included a quote of mine for Peter Guralnick's Nighthawk Blues. Cool.

The Whigs - "Like A Vibration" Video

2009-11-11T17:00:00.005-08:00

Oh man, the Whigs are playing with the Features at the Doug Fir on Sunday night. I loved the Features' Some Kind of Salvation, and the Whigs "Like A Cibration" should be a garage rock classic. This has the potential for being an awesome show. To prep, check out "In The Dark" (mp3) off the Whigs upcoming album.

Art Brut @ Holocene

2009-11-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

The Sunday after Halloween in a Halloween-loving town like Portland is probably not the best night for a concert. But that didn't stop Art Brut from pulling out the stops and shredding so hard on the guitar that an amp literally caught fire. The set list pulled from across their three albums, kicking off with a one-two punch of "Formed A Band" and "My Little Brother". And while it was a blast hearing the singles that first caught my attention, it was the songs off of the new album that made me want to grow old with Art Brut. Songs like "DC Comics And Chocolate Milkshake" just speak to me, even if I don't drink chocolate milk or read comic books. It captures those mundane things from my youth that I am not willing to give up, like PB&J. "Slap Dash For No Cash" perfectly sums up the garage rock I love and "The Replacements" could be about any number of classic bands I am just discovering. Plus, all the sarcasm and attitude is wrapped in riff after giant riff. And it sounds great when it's delivered live with Eddie Argos wandering through audience ranting and improvising.

Awmercy's Recent PopWreckoning Posts

2009-11-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

These posts aren't quick, so I've included a one line summary.

Scotland Barr & The Slow Drags - We Will Be Forgotten EP (2009)
A beautiful and sentimental last EP.

Nurses @ Doug Fir
Shambling and psychedelic indie rock.

Red Fang - "Prehistoric Dog" Video

2009-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a video proving just about everyone in Portland is crafty.

Jeff The Brotherhood - "U Got The Look" Video

2009-11-03T06:00:00.002-08:00

Guess what, I am still on a garage rock kick, so here's another lo-fi video courtesy of Jeff The Brotherhood. I wonder if this is what their music looks like if they turn on iTunes Visualizer.

Jones Street Station - In Verses (2009)

2009-11-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm on the fence with Jones Street Station. On one hand, they write catchy country rock that's immediately accessible. I liked the casual back porch harmonies and banjo right away. On the other hand, the music is scrubbed clean in places where it could use more riffs and grit. The final chorus on the pretty "Evergreen" hints that the lyrics might sound better as a guttural howl. On "The Just Keep Disappearing on Me", it's apparent that the soaring yet gravely voice was made for southern rock. A couple songs start slow, but build up to anthemic country rockers featuring a wailing harmonica. I love the punk group shout along at the end of "Neville", while"Winter Waltz" reminds me of the Band and features some soulful country vocals. But overall, they stop short of letting loose and as a result the album sounds a bit tame. They clearly are accomplished musicians, so maybe they need to be seen live.

Art Brut - "Alcoholics Unanimous" Video

2009-11-01T09:00:00.002-08:00

Time to drink some water and rally. Art Brut is in town for a post-Halloween concert at Holocene. "Alcoholics Unanimous" seems particularly relevant today. Personally I can't think of a better way to work off a hangover than to have Eddie Argos shout sardonic lyrics at me over angular riffs. Dirty Dudes and Princeton open.

Hillstomp - "Cardiac Arrest In D" Video

2009-10-31T06:00:00.003-07:00

If I wasn't going to what should be a wild costume party, I'd be bummed that I'm once again missing a Hillstomp show. I first got hooked on the Portland band's gritty Delta blues coming over the speakers at the New Old Lompoc. Turns out our waitress had just seen them the night before and she couldn't stop playing the CD she picked up at the show. As you can see in the video, they play the blues in a raw and abrasive style similar to R.L. Burnside and the rest of the old Fat Possum Records roster.

They're playing at the Ash Street Saloon's 15 Year Anniversary Halloween Party. Should be a blast.

Langhorne Slim - Be Set Free (2009)

2009-10-30T21:00:00.004-07:00

I know am a bit late joining the Langhorne Slim fanclub, having just heard him for the first time before the Builders and the Butchers' set at MusicfestNW. But since then, I've been digging in to the newly released Be Set Free and last year's self-titled album. Both are fantastic, exactly the kind of singer-songwriting I love. It's passionate and more often than not the songs build until they are the brink of coming unhinged. "Cinderella" is a mix of foot stomping, piano banging, and call and response, somehow making silly lyrics seem universal. I could be wrong, but "Say Yes" sounds to me like a barroom party cry to have fun, using love as an allegory for drinking to excess. Or it could just be a celebration of love. Whatever. Langhorne Slim's powerful and emotive voice drives through a swirling organ on "Boots Boy". While there certainly a couple slower, regret-filled songs, like "Leaving My Love", Be Set Free feels loose and fun. Anyone who loved The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter should definitely pick this up.

Oh, and he's back in Portland on November 4th at the Crystal Ballroom. Life is good.

Lucero - 1372 Overton Park Videos

2009-10-29T20:16:00.003-07:00

Oh man. Lucero are playing Portland's Hawthorne Theater Friday night and I could not be more excited. I hope they are touring with a horn section. To top it off Jack Oblivian is opening. This sweet player lets you see all the fan videos released so far. Cool.

Frightened Rabbit - "Swim Until You Can't See Land" Video

2009-10-29T19:43:00.003-07:00

The Midnight Organ Fight was our second favorite album last year, so I imagine people will be glad to know that more Frightened Rabbit is on the way. Here's the first single off of The Winter Of Mixed Drinks. So far so good.

Alice In Chains - "Check My Brain" [single] (2009)

2009-10-27T11:37:00.015-07:00

More like "Alice In Chains," really. One of my favorite 90's alt rock bands is back with a new lead singer who sounds like a watered down Layne Staley (may he rest). Or worse yet... a cheap imitation vocalist because I've heard AIC cover bands (e.g., Dirt) who sound muuuuch better. Their anachronistic single, "Check My Brain" (view it here), is so awful and wrong. It isn't even good enough to be a b-side back in the Jar Of Flies days. All of this just makes me sad. Why the 14-year hiatus? Why a new album? Why try to recapture that which will never come back? I know you guys lost your irreplaceable frontman to a drug overdose, but why come back with a lesser AIC? Isn't it better to burn out at your brightest, than fade away... or worse, come back at half speed? Why didn't they just change their name/start a new band altogether? Why did they even stop recording in the first place? So many unanswered questions! Jerry Cantrell was pretty much the de facto second lead singer during some of their most memorable showcases of vocal harmony (Umm, does anyone else remember the genius that is/was "No Excuses," "Heaven Beside You," and "Down In A Hole"?), why didn't he just step up then and take over? It's not like he didn't have the chops to put out tracks all by his lonesome post-Layne, considering he basically rocked the shit out of one of my all-time favorite Chains songs ever, "Got Me Wrong." Or was he just temporarily distracted with his foray into film? Too bad his cameo career didn't take off.

Point to ponder:
Oh, and for all the Seattle music fans out there... am I the only one in the world who maintains that Alice In Chains: Unplugged blew Nirvana's acoustic set out of the water? And they didn't even have to throw in a Bowie or Meat Puppets cover to achieve that.

Joe Pug - "Hymn 101" Video

2009-10-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

As luck will have it, just days after the Builders and the Butchers' Ryan Sollee recommended him in his interview, singer-songwriter Joe Pug is playing the Doug Fir on Wednesday night. Here's a video of "Hymn 101", just in case Sollee's word isn't good enough for you. If you really like what you hear, you can also pick up his free EP (mp3) online.

The Shaky Hands - Let It Die (2009)

2009-10-27T03:00:00.003-07:00

The Shaky Hands' Let It Die is full of meaty rockers, continuing the Portland band's progression from indie folk towards classic rock started on Lunglight. While Nicholas Delffs' strained nasal voice gives the songs urgency, the guitars propel them forward with a mix of comfortable strums and powerful riffs. This music is meant to be played and heard live, although the songs sound pretty good on the album too. I like how on "Slip Away" the beat stutters while the vocals swagger until finally the guitar is let loose. "Allison And The Ancient Eyes" (mp3) rolls along, riding cymbals and hand claps, while Delffs spills regrets. The chugging buzz on the title track should satisfy Kings of Leon fans. "Love Curse" starts slow, but builds up into a pounding finale. Overall, it's a solid album of barroom rock n' roll.

The Builders And The Butchers Interview

2009-10-26T06:00:00.002-07:00

The Builders and the Butchers Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well is one of my favorite albums this year, so I felt incredibly lucky to be able to ask lead singer and songwriter, Ryan Sollee, a couple questions about his music.

Quickcrit: Judging from the shows I've seen, Portland loves you. Are you getting a good turnout on the road?
Ryan Sollee: The last headlining tour was really encouraging, we weren't selling places out, but averaging about 100 folks a night. It was nice to see a year of touring opening for other bigger acts paying off a bit.

QC: Which songs get the best response?
RS: We have a new song called "Black Elevator" which seems to get a universally great response. The other song that the crowd seems to connect best with is "Bottom Of The Lake" (mp3) off the first record. I don't think we've ever played a set and not played that song.

QC: While you are known for a energetic and participatory show, the last show I saw you sounded tighter and look more confident. Are you noticing those changes as well?
RS: I think that we were all really excited about that show, it's not very often you get to play a sold out Crystal Ballroom. We still have our off nights for sure, but I think that overall we've gotten a bit tighter on the road over the past year.

QC: Were you trying for anything different with Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well?
RS: The main changes were that the record was recorded in a studio and not in our friends living room, and also we did it in only 5 days which I prefer because of the urgency it creates in the studio.

QC: The tone and imagery in your lyrics reminds me of Southern Gothic literature. Where do you draw your inspiration for your macabre imagery?
RS: I am a huge fan of Harry Crews and Larry Brown who are considered contemporary southern Gothic authors, but I think that any story, movie, song or experience can be a well of inspiration for a song.

QC: The trumpet on "Barcelona" (mp3) is a nice addition and really make the song stand out. How did you hook up with Sebastian Bibb-Barrett from Federale?
RS: Sebastian played that part in the studio with our previous drummer Paul and Victor from Point Juncture, WA. Sebastian is a great musician and we play local shows with him as much as possible. There are a couple songs that will have pretty big horn parts on the next record.

QC: Why did you revisit "Vampire Lake" off your split EP?
RS: That was Chris Funks call, which in retrospect was a good one. But at the time, the band, me included, wasn't too excited about rerecording it.

QC: How did you decide to move from Bladen County Records to Gigantic? Are you still on good terms?
RS: Great terms. Bladen is a great label. We just wanted to try putting out the record with a bit more established label, which had other bands on its roster that were more established than we were.

QC: Are there any bands you've played with outside of Portland that your local fans might love?
RS: There is a great band from Portland called Pancake Breakfast you should check out!! Also I love Joe Pug from Chicago. My current favorite new artist is Austin Lucas.

Sunshine - MGKK Telepathy (2009)

2009-10-22T00:21:00.002-07:00

What's up Czech Republic! Where have you been hiding? I can honestly say that bands from the Czech Republic have never made it onto my radar. So, congratulations Sunshine, consider yourself my first. Based on their accents (or lack-there-of), I would have guessed that these Czech rockers were British or American. A remarkable feat really—kind of like seeing a Russell Crowe movie where he plays an American and then immediately hearing an interview in his thick Australian accent... how can that be the same person speaking? With that aside, MGKK Telepathy is a pretty kick ass post-punk meets new wave album that, I would say, is a loose mixture of Stellastarr*, Kaiser Chiefs, Talking Heads, Gang Of Four and Radio 4. They remind me most of Every Move A Picture of San Francisco; however, most people I've met are not familiar with them, so the comparison won't get me vary far. Although the punk influences are prevalent, I would put MGKK Telepathy much more in the dance rock realm due to dance beats of various sorts taking over on nearly every track, and I could imagine a live show working the crowd into a Hot Chip like dance frenzy. Tracks like "Mr. Catastrophe," "K.I.D.S.," "Tokyo Bassline" and "Venom" are excellent examples of what kind of business Sunshine lays down. If you are ready to temporarily hang up your Hot Chip, Bloc Party and The Rapture albums and try out something new and slightly different, I recommend giving the Czechs a try.

The Moons - "Torn Between Two" Video

2009-10-21T06:00:00.003-07:00

Here's some nugget-loving retro rock. It's not surprising that the Moons are opening for Ocean Colour Scene since that was the first band that came to mind when I heard this song.

Garage Fest Recap

2009-10-20T04:30:00.006-07:00

I couldn't make it the distance, dropping out at 11, after 8 hours of music, but I had already seen plenty of great bands. The highlights for me were the Dirtbombs, Davila 666, and Lover! My biggest disappointment was the consistently low attendance for bands playing at Satyricon for all but Davila 666. It was the farthest out and you couldn't drink. Oh well. In one of the other venues, Lover! could have brought the house down.

The Dirtbombs @ Berbati's Pan
Mick Collins is a fucking badass. A great start to the day.

Jack Of Heart @ Dante's
Ugh. Only band I didn't like.

The Almighty Defenders @ Dante's
Fun show, but it's obvious the band is just a lark.

Brimstone Howl @ Someday Lounge
I think they sound better on their album. They just aren't that dynamic performers.

Davila 666 @ Satyricon
The floor was packed and Davila 666 delivered plenty of rowdy punk-infused group sing-alongs. A must see if you can.

Cheap Time @ Someday Lounge
Glad to finally see their manic and nasal garage rock.

Mannequin Men @ Satyricon
Under attended. Solid set.

Lover! @ Satyricon
Criminally under-attended. Guitars up to 11. So good.

The Fresh & Onlys @ Someday Lounge
Too much shuffling and talking, but catchy when they actually played.

The Mojomatics @ Dante's
High energy blues rock duo. Great showman. Hard to believe it was just two guys.

Jack-O & The Tearjerkers @ Dante's
Solid. Professional. Good stuff.

Simply Saucer @ Someday Lounge
Low expectations. But really good.

White Rabbits Interview

2009-10-19T06:00:00.001-07:00

Songs like "Percussion Gun" and "Lionesse" fill the White Rabbits' It's Frightening with a propulsive and nervous tension. Since the prominence of the drums and rhythms represent a noticeable shift from their last album, it was nice to be able to ask drummer Matt Clark a couple questions via email about their album and tour.

Quickcrit: Can you tell me a little about how these song and the album came together?
Matt Clark: Once we were done with touring we started working on demos. Which was a different approach than the first album. This gave us the chance to really edit ourselves before going into the studio,and to be able to spend more time focusing on the specific sounds that we wanted to get. When we started writing for It's Frightening we wanted to get away from certain trends in music and really create something unique and challenging but not pretentious and jaded. The tension on the album wasn't something that was discussed or anything, we just like music that has some emotional depth and room for interpretation. We had grown up too, and it was very important to embrace that fact. Just like the first album we wanted to do something different and get it on tape and then do something else.

QC: Are there any songs that you are particularly proud of?
MC: I'm proud of this whole album. A lot of time and hard work went into it from everybody involved and our loved ones really had our backs. But when we were writing we wanted a song like "Leave It At The Door" but didn't know how we were going to do it. We had a place picked out on the album for this slow song but no song. So when it came together it was really exciting. Steve had layered all of these vocal tracks that float over the piano that were great. I think when you put that track next to the rest of our catalog it really stands apart but fits within the context of the album.

QC: I've heard I need to see you play live. Do you play anything differently live than on the album?
MC: I would say that you should see us live. Only because that is a large part of how a band exsists nowadays. We learned from touring on the first album that even if you like the songs your playing you are going to get tired of them at some point. So we started working on alternate versions almost immediately after recording. Its nice to be able to incorporate new things for the people who come out to the shows. Who wants to see and hear a band that just sounds like their cd? In short,we do have a lot of alternate versions for various songs in the set. You have to go to the show to figure out the set though.

QC: Have there been any particularly great shows?
MC: As long as more than 2 people show up then it can't be a bad show. Good shows are when the crowd is really amazing even if you happen to be having an off night. And a great show is when everything is going great on and off stage and you can see that you won some people over. But that's just my opinion. But as far as great shows Denver always represents. And as far as tour stories go ask The Subjects.

QC: Are there any other bands that you've toured with that you think your fans would love?
MC: The Subjects are a great band from NY. We went out on tour with them and for a month straight they killed it every night. And this is from a band with no label. They are just hustling trying to make sure they are heard. And when you hold that work ethic with bands that have a lot handed to them before they even go on their first tour, you just have to tip your hat. Glass Ghost has put out my favorite album of the year. Atlas Sound's Logos, The Horrors' Primary Colours, and Mos Def's The Estatic are albums I would recommend to anyone.

The White Rabbits are playing Portland's Wonder Ballroom on Thursday, November 5th with the Glass Ghost and the Local Natives. See you there.

NSG feat. ortoPilot - "Jolly Good Fun" Video

2009-10-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this video this morning and can't get it out of my head. I don't know anything about these guys, except that the video features some sweet dance moves. So here you go.

The Almighty Defenders - The Almighty Defenders (2009)

2009-10-15T06:00:00.004-07:00

Certainly one of the big draws at the Scion Garage Fest will be the Almighty Defenders, a supergroup made up of King Khan, BBQ (Mark Sultan), and the Black Lips. Already individually known for wild stage antics, this group should be a riot on stage. Their self-titled album seems to support that premise with its loose live sound. Think a darker and less-wholesome Beach Boys' Party, but instead of covering songs outright they lift and integrate girl group choruses, rockabilly beats, and soulful vocals into sludgy and irreverent fun. The call and response on "All My Loving" is exactly what you would expect - group yelling, fuzzy guitar, and a soulful garage beat. "I'm Coming Home" sounds like a gritty Sam and Dave B-side. "The Ghost With the Most" lifts some sha la la's from Manfred Mann. There are even a couple tracks of collected grunts, whispers, monster noises, and some Three Stooges impersonations.

Garage Fest Pre-Party @ East End

2009-10-14T06:30:00.001-07:00

Holy crap. I've been so focused on the the Scion Garage Fest that I somehow missed that East End was having a pre-party on Friday with DJs King Khan and BBQ and a surprise guest. Judging from the music they make, their DJ sets should be great. It's free.

On top of that, Davilla 666 is sticking around after they play the fest until Monday for a set, which is good because they are playing the same slot as Cheap Time and I've been dying to see them.

White Rabbits - "Percussion Gun" Video

2009-10-14T06:00:00.001-07:00

I like this video because it captures the White Rabbits at their most nervous and percussive. I hope they set up the stage like this video when play the Wonder Ballroom on November 5th. Local Natives and Glass Ghost are also playing. It should be an awesome night.

Lover! - No Dreams Please EP (2009)

2009-10-13T20:00:00.001-07:00

I'm kind of bummed that this is the first I've heard of Lover! At least I rectified that mistake before the Scion Garage Fest. Now I just have to figure how to work them into my schedule.

Although frontman Rich Crook was in the Reatards and Lost Sounds, Lover's music is more akin to 60's nuggets and power pop than the blistering punk and keyboard-driven new wave of those two bands. "Let's Play A Game" is snotty, "Goodbye" layers distortion over Plimsoul-style hooks, and "Fell In Love" snarls over crunchy riffs. The flute blowing over big muff fuzz on "Downstairs To Hell" sounds like a rare psychedelic pop classic. The EP whips by fast, but all seven songs are great. Looks like I'll have to catch the Mojomatics next time.

And if I miss them on the 17th, they'll be back in November at the East End.