The Features - Wilderness (2011)

Simply put, The Features’ Wilderness is a fantastic rock n’ roll album. One of the best that I’ve heard all year. The standout single "Rambo" kicks off with cinematic humming before launching into a charging rhythm and swirling keyboard, the song marching forward over the cries of singer Matt Pelham. The darker “Kids” rides a 70s metal bass line and kick drum through a cloud of heavy riffs. The album is solid from start to finish, subtly shifting from psychedelic pop to prog to garage rock, often multiple times within a song. If it wasn’t clear from the album’s diverse (if classic) influences, the sweet and steady “Fats Domino” is the ballad for a record collector: “You can have everything, except my rock n’ roll, my love / Put down Fats Domino.” It’s right up there with Ryan Adam’s “Come Pick Me Up” in terms of capturing the state of a relationship relative to a mans’ vinyl.

You can bet I'll be there when they play at Bunk Bar on September 17th.

U.S. Royalty @ Mississippi Studios

Last night at the U.S. Royalty show, it quickly became clear that as good as their album, Mirrors, was, the band was even better live. Songs like the opening "Monte Carlo" (mp3) rocked harder and the overall set sounded more cohesive, with their varied influences blending together into some fantastic rock 'n roll. It's as if they took their album and just cranked the dials. The songs seemed to pop and sparkle. Heavy rockers like "Hollywood Hollows" and "The Desert Won't Save You" were particularly exciting, as the giant riffs exploded over a pounding back end. It was a pleasure to watch a true lead guitarist step into a blistering yet retained solo and see a singer own the stage, his soaring howl hitting the high notes like a young Roger Daltrey. To top it off, they nailed a cover of Stevie Nicks' "Wild Heart," providing proof that the Fleetwood Mac comparisons were justified.


Sofar DC: U.S. Royalty - Wild Heart from Nick Fitzhugh on Vimeo.

U.S. Royalty - Mirrors (2011)

Occasionally, the quality of an entire album can be overshadowed by a single, excellent track. “Equestrian” (mp3) is the kind of song that can have that dominating presence — it’s that good — however, the rest of the tracks off of Mirrors hold their own and make up one hell of a rocking album. At times, such as on the laid back, summary “Vacation, Vacation,” the D.C. based, indie folk rock outfit sounds like a harder rocking, less delicate Fleet Foxes, while tracks like “Monte Carlo” (mp3) infuses 70s classic rock harmonies and vibe that echos of Fleetwood Mac, minus the female vocals. It is also hard not to love the soft falsetto chorus on “Fool To Love (Like I Do)” and they way the plugged in "Hollywood Hollows" slinks and struts, its cheery chorus contrasting with the darker riffs. Good stuff.

Pick up this awesome album on January 25.

J Roddy Walston And The Business - Self Titled (2010)

Who the hell is J Roddy Walston? I have no idea, but he fucking rocks. The album kicks off with "Don't Break The Needle" and a rolling piano that recalls old time rock n' roll in the vein of Huey Piano Smith or Fats Domino before the guitar plugs in and cranks up a giant amp. And it only gets better from there, as he heads for the hills on "Pigs & Pearls" for a country rocker with a great front porch singalong chorus. "Brave Man's Death" (mp3) starts off with a tinny ice cream truck keyboard before ratcheting it up with scratchy, yearning vocals. "Use Your Language" mixes in some down-home garage blues. Overall, this is a fantastic album of good timing piano-based rock n' roll.

If there album is any indication of their live performance, Walston might just burn Dante's down before the Dirty Dozen Brass Band can take the stage on Sunday night. And if you stick around afterward, it looks like the Sinferno dancers will continue the New Orleans experience. See you there.

The Henry Clay People @ Crystal Ballroom

It must be awesome for a new band like the Henry Clay People to play a packed Crystal Ballroom. That place is huge. Of course, they didn't fill it by themselves, credit for that has to be shared with the Silversun Pickups and Against Me!, but they were definitely the band I was most excited to see. And the band delivered a rousing set of rock n' roll that garnered increasingly enthusiastic cheers at the end of each song. It's not surprising that they'd win over the Portland audience, since the band loves to sing about being young, broke, and in a band. Topics with which Portlanders can identify.

They seemed to be having fun, mixing in a few good lines in between their huge classic rock riffs and thumping drums filled the room. You could tell they were happy playing together and living their rock and roll dream. The singer demonstrated his brotherly affection for the guitarist in the form of playful punches and jumping on his back as he soloed. With only one album to their name, they of course played my favorite songs and I went home very satisfied.

Henry Clay People - End of an Empire from LaundroMatinee on Vimeo.

Top 5 Portugal. The Man Songs

This list is for a friend who, although she reads this blog, has never listened to Portugal. The Man.

While I had heard a couple Portugal. The Man songs before The Satanic Satanist, that album made me a fan. I liked it so much, I was sure I was going to be disappointed by American Ghetto. I was wrong; it's just as awesome. I could have chosen 5 songs from either of those albums.

5. "Lay Me Back Down" (Censored Colors)
This is the sole representative from their earlier, wilder and darker sound. Like two songs pasted together, psychedelic visions and hard metallic riffs are juxtaposed against a light and bouncy piano.



4. "60 Years" (American Ghetto)
The song drifts in a funky haze until it is lifted out of the sludge by the sweet and lilting chorus.



3. "Do You" (The Satanic Satanist)
A perfect merging of fuzzed-out classic rock riffs and soulful, imploring vocals. So good.



2. "The Dead Dog" (American Ghetto)
Funky electronic swirls surround dark musings on America's economic divisions. It makes bottoming out sound bad ass.



1. "People Say" (The Satanic Satanist)
A couple sweet guitar lines and a great sing along chorus raise what could be a dour meditation on war and loss into a killer lead single and what should be a future rock anthem.

The Henry Clay People - Somewhere On The Golden Coast

The Henry Clay People rank right up there with Free Energy as this summer's go-to for good timing rock n' roll. With their amps turned up and drums pounding, they channel that timeless sound of parties, bars, driving fast, and sleeping on couches. The songs are jam packed with sweet riffs, sing-along choruses, tinkling keys, and bashed cymbals. While the Replacements, Sam Roberts and many more have been there before, their youthful exuberance keeps it fresh and fun. I love the live-in-the-moment anthem of "End Of An Empire". It charges and soars with nicely-timed phrasing."Your Famous Friends" (mp3) ratchets it up with a chorus perfectly punctuated with barroom cheers. While those two are the standout tracks, the whole album is great, solid throughout.

They are playing the Crystal Ballroom on July 29th. You can bet I'll be there with a beer in hand ready to cheer them on.

Free Energy - Stuck On Nothin' (2010)

When one of Free Energy's songs randomly comes up on shuffle I immediately smile, turn it up, and try to rate it higher than I already have. That is probably close to the definition of a "feel good hit". These songs stand out from the rest of the classic rock cribbing crowd in part because the band allows the songs room to breathe, preferring to strut rather than sprint. The solos are restrained and administered sparsely. "Dream City" kicks off with a T.Rex groove before down shifting to almost a ballad, even incorporating a little E Street saxophone at the end. I've loved the summer anthems "Hope Child" and "Free Energy" since when I first heard them last year, but the charging "Light Love" and the simple and catchy "Bang Pop" aren't far behind.

Portugal. The Man - American Ghetto (2010)

Less than a year after The Satanic Satanist was released and became one of my favorite albums, Portugal. The Man is back with American Ghetto and as a fan, I couldn't be happier. American Ghetto is moodier album than the Satanist, more likely to ride a groove than build up to a soaring chorus. While the album still feels retro and soulful, the songs rely more a pulsing beat and backing harmonies. They've toned down the pop hooks, added atmosphere and electronic blips, and it works; the album is consistently good and cohesive. "The Dead Dog" is still my favorite, but "60 Years" and "All My People" aren't far behind. And that's just the first half. As the songs progress they settle into sound somewhere between chill soul and fluid psychedelic funk. "When The War Ends" closes the album out by picking up pace and almost heading back to the dancefloor. Very cool.

Free Energy & Foreign Born @ Mississippi Studios

It was a rainy February night, but Free Energy's fist pumping anthems, "Free Energy" and "Hope Child", made it feel like summer. I want them to play at all my barbecues. Looking back to 70's for inspiration, Free Energy captures a hedonistic innocence that makes me want to head to the water tower with Randall Floyd and Mitch Kramer. All the songs they played sounded great. If they ever release their album, the band seems destined for bigger venues than Mississippi Studios' tiny stage.

Every time I hear the songs off the Foreign Born's Person To Person I like them more. While I usually am skeptical of bands with a bongo drummer, the Foreign Born have me rethinking that likely faulty logic. Their stellar percussion is even more pronounced live, making it hard to move to the rhythm of "Winter Games" or "Vacationing People". The restrained and ringing guitar on both songs sounded particular good that night.

The Whigs - "Like A Vibration" Video

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.

Jones Street Station - In Verses (2009)

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.

The Shaky Hands - Let It Die (2009)

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 Moons - "Torn Between Two" Video

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.

Free Energy - "Free Energy" Video

I've been jamming to "Free Energy" and "Dream City" all summer. If you like good times and classic rock n' roll you should check them out.

Death On Two Wheels - Separation Of Church & Fate (2008)

Months after absolutely loving their sampler EP, I finally picked up the full album at Amie St. "Calling Us All Back Home", "Better Way" and "Shaking Like A Leaf" are still the standout tracks, but the scratchy and shouted vocals, wailing harmonica, and pounding riffs of "Hey Hey Hey" and "Take It Away" make it well worth picking up the rest of the album. While most of the songs still pull heavily from classic rock, tracks like "Sweet Love" and the country "Two Dollar Bills" reveal a softer side. However, I still prefer the faster bar room stompers, like "Bobby Havis", which adds metal guitar licks to the mix. I'd love to see them live, but unfortunately they seem to mostly tour in and around the South.

Portugal. The Man - The Satanic Satanist (2009)

After wallowing in a music rut, it feels good love an album again. In this case, it's The Satanic Satanist by Portland transplant Portugal. The Man. While last year's Censored Colors had its moments, nothing was as good as the killer lead single and future rock anthem "People Say", which meditates on war and loss over a couple sweet guitar lines and a great sing along chorus. It kicks off a solid set of songs that merge classic rock and psychedelic soul. However, like other standout modern revivalists The Features and The Jessica Fletchers, it isn't just about a retro sound or mood — the songs are loaded with pop hooks. Although I dig pretty much every song, my other two favorites are "Work All Day", which rides a great rhythmic and repetitive chorus, and "Do You", featuring imploring lyrics and huge fuzzed-out riffs.

Top 5 Sam Roberts Songs

Tonight at Berbati's Pan, I finally get to see Sam Roberts, four years after I picked up We Were Born In A Flame and instantly became a huge fan. Although I like about 90% of his songs, I'll try and narrow it down to just my top 5.

"End Of The Empire"
"Start a little fire in your best attire / You can blame the gin for the mess you're in"

"The Gate"
The best song off my third favorite album. Still a tough choice.

"Where Have All the Good People Gone?"
This is one of those songs I find myself singing along a little louder than I intended, or than my wife appreciates, especially when I'm wearing headphones.

"Love At The End Of The World"
The title and lead song from his newest album and worthy of its status.

"Don't Walk Away Eileen"
Probably the first song of his I heard, and it is still my favorite.

Death On Two Wheels - 3 Song Sampler (2008)

I came across Death On Two Wheels' free EP after reading a review of their album Separation of Church & Fate in Paste. All three songs are pretty fantastic if you like gritty and amped up classic rock n' roll. "Calling Us All Back Home" is my favorite, with it's throbbing chords and 70's rock chorus. I need to head on over to the record store and see if I can pick up the rest of the album.

Fires Of Rome - You Kingdom You (2009)

You Kingdom You is a rock and roll combo platter of an album—touching on influences ranging from glam, heavy metal, punk, Bowie (just listen to “Monkey In A Cage”), a little dance rock, and of course, the classic rock... the list goes on. The tone and swagger reminds me of Diamond Nights’ 2005 release Popsicle, which still gets my inner glam-rocker all excited with each re-listen. Coincidentally, the two bands both hail from that little east coast music Mecca known as New York City. From the hard charging guitar riffs of “I'll Take You Down” and “Love Is A Burning Thing,” to The Rapture-esque dance beats and vocal squeals of “Bronx Bombardier,” (which is anchored by the chant, and all too factual threat, “Don’t fuck with me when I’m not sober...”), to the finely orchestrated and layered structure of “Dawn Lament” and T.Rex styled “But You're Such A Cherry,” Fires Of Rome do a little bit of everything, and they do it all really well. If you're seeking a solid party rock album, look no further.

Also, if the track “Set In Stone” tickles your fancy, and you like club versions of rock songs, have a listen to the Set In Stone Remixes collection. Pretty rad, if you ask me.