Becky Lee and
Drunkfoot - One Take Session
One of new favorite record labels is Voodoo Rhythm Records. I have posted about great bands such as King Automatic, and King Khan & the Shrines, all of which are signed to Voodoo. They have recently come out with a compilation, 'Records to Ruin Any Party' which features some of their up and coming musicians. My favorite is the third album, Volume three. Voodoo Rhythm seems to sign bands that play the Blues, Bluegrass, Rock-a-billy, and Garage/Punk Rock. But all of their artists seem to be slightly off, in a good way, like they fell off the back of a gypsy wagon. Bands like 'The Dead Brothers", "Pussywarmers", "Zeno Tornado", and "Hipbone Slim & The Knee-Tremblers" definitely meet the above description. Their Bluegrass is my personal favorite. " Possessed By Paul James" and "Andy Dale Petty" are phenomenal. Petty's guitar plucking reminds me of original delta blues that has taken the next step forward. King Khan had this to say about Petty: "I met Andy Dale Petty in Huntsville, Alabama, he had a magazine in his pocket with all the state train routes in it and was telling me about how he loved to hop trains like the hobos back in the day. He taught me how to run next to a train and hop it, always make sure you can see the spokes in the wheel turning, if you can't then the train is too fast and you might loose a limb or two or your head." I think that best sums up what Andy Dale Petty is all about. My favorite Garage/Blues Rock bands are the "Come N' Go", "Roy and the Devil's Motorcycle", "John Schooley", and the standout band "The Juke Joint Pimps". Their song on the compilation 'Dust My Broom' doesn't do them justice, as it is just okay. But their own albums have tracks that rival the Black Keys. Check out '4 Seasons Love' and their new song 'Delta Trip' which is off their new album. This band kicks ass. The other albums in the compilation volumes I and II are okay, but in my opinion the third one is the one worth buying. Check out "The Super Supers" track name 'Mama Soul' on Volume I, as well as "The Get Lost!" song 'Boogiehut'. Mama Soul sounds like the Duder was playing it in his ride while drinking a White Russian in the Big Lebowski. As far as 'Boogiehut" it's just...it's just...did the Sonics get back together? Cause this song is fucking killer. Check out a sample of the Dead Brothers below, which is a good representation of what Voodoo Rhythm Records is all about.
Paul James, or Possessed by Paul James (whichever you prefer, as he goes by both names) is far and away my new favorite blues/bluegrass artist. He is a featured performer on the Voodoo Rhythm Records label, which is how I discovered his beloved talents. Paul's real name is Konrad Wert, and he is from the swamps of Immokalee, Florida (rad). He was raised Mennonite with Amish roots, but don't expect toned down, dispassionate, drab and dreary traditional jams. Paul James is raw, full of gut-wrenched carnal yelps, and it almost seems like he himself is possessed, and that stage name was meant as a warning. The songs are not for the faint of heart. Some are about loosing one's mind like in "Committed," or the taboo feelings regarding a loved one's suicide in "Colorofmybloodynose," and for resentment over people giving up see "No Windows." His songs are about life's perplexity; full of contradiction, rage, and if nothing else, the commitment to being absolutely forthright, consequences be damned. The melody of acustic guitar and banjo strings seems to almost put the listener in a trance. Where I feel like I am becoming one of those people overcome by the holy spirit at some crazy week long baptist revival. Definitely check this guy out, especially my favorite song "Cold and Blind" which is not on the album but can be seen below. Cheers.
I have to say one of my favorite surprises and sort of 'found money' situations involves going to see a band you like, and ending up liking the unknown opening act better than the headliner you came to see. Seeing Compton SF was one of those awesome surprises. No slight to Dead To Me, the band I came to see who rocked, but I fell in love with Compton SF. The band plays loud, speed punk, with a classic 80's feel to it. They were totally fucking rad live, and their album kicks ass. Everyone in the band sings (I think, many beers were consumed during their set) but I am pretty sure Stacey Dee is the lead who has that pack-a-day sound. The kind of vocals where you can almost smell the Jack Daniels breath, essential to any good punk band. The lyrics are playful and catchy but at the same time are heartfelt, original, and personal which I find very rare. A good example of this would be "Walk Backwards" an awesome song. This is just an overall kick ass rock and roll band, so if you want to break something I would suggest cranking up "Kill The Messenger" to eleven and have at it. Also, one of my favorite things about their album is that they follow the same traditions of my favorite punk bands. Example; it seems my favorite bands always have some sort of 80's pop song remake that comes out of left field, but somehow they make it rock. Compton SF follows suit with a remake of The Outfields's 'Your Love', which totally brought the house down live, and is now my favorite song of theirs. Check out the live version of "Kill the Messenger" below:
In 2009 Black Joe Lewis and the infamous Honeybears slapped me upside the head with their up-tempo R&B jams. Jams that would have made the hardest workin' man in show business rise from the dead. Now in 2011 they are back with Scandalous and are ripping it up as usual. Songs like "Booty City", "You Been Lyin", and the "Ballad of Jimmy Tanks" are getting me majorly geeked for the summer. Every song on the album is great, but these three to me embody my favorite kind of summertime venue. The kind of scene where everyone is dancing, hot weather with even hotter women; cold beers, and smiles from wall to wall; entrance to exit, to the bar and back. If you got a puss on your face or a hand on the rail get the hell out. If you can't have fun here, check your pulse cause' you might be dead. Black Joe Lewis man! This IS the after party! Normally bands that blow me away with their first album disappoint with their follow up. I don't know why. Usually they try and get too experimental and do too much, or they try and go mainstream and do too little. I don't know, maybe I expect too much. But Scandalous bucks the trend. The band stays true to the R&B/soul groove, but then added a new element to when they slow it down by getting way bluesy and coarse sounding. Songs like "I'm Gonna Leave You" and "She's So Scandalous" scratch my soul where I didn't even know I had an itch. Get the album, but make sure you see them live too, real talk.
There is something different about The Dirtbombs that is hard to put a finger on. At first listen I thought I didn't like Party Store that much. Some of their songs took way too long for the vocals to come in, some were purely instrumental making it hard to get into, and one song was 21 minutes long. They have a very uptempo sound, which makes for an odd mix when you add the blunt and gritty guitar with rustic vocals (which are really good by the way). However, after a few listens through, a number of tracks stand out as very good. "Shari Vari" for example. This track reminds me of something that would be played at some underground exclusive NYC nightclub. Some place where everyone is a big deal and ridiculously skinny, and there is way too much blacklight, cigarette smoke and coke permeating the room. "The Good Life" is also a fantastic song, which really embodies what this album is all about. It opens very strangely with some kind of odd, almost nursery rhyme in the beginning. Then the song starts and I have to catch myself diggin' on the groove as I almost missed it completely. The Dirtbombs are very extraordinary in that I can't tell if this supposed to be happy clubbin' dance music, or mellow out on the bluesy guitar and voice of Mick Collins sort of deal. So if you don't dig it right away I understand, this is the kind of album you have to listen to a few times to like. Most experimental and unique sounds are like that.
The bluegrass streak continues, and I am excited! The Quickcrit faithful are probably well aware of my bone-deep affinity for The SteelDrivers, and their new album "Reckless" is ridiculous. For those not familiar with The SteelDrivers I will say this band makes me want to read more, so I can have a better understanding of the English language and poetically describe their sound to strangers. I just said I want to read more people; let that sink in for a minute. This is one powerful force of a band. Chris Stapleton's vocals and songwriting is some of the best I've heard in years, in any genre, and the plucky banjo combined with the country-road fiddlin' is very simple, special and essential, all at the same time. There's something about bluegrass, especially The SteelDrivers, that reminds me of the basic things. Simple things that give me a shit-eating grin and a bounce in my step, even though they both don't come around an awful lot. But when they do, they can make your week. Few quick examples: using the word "chagrin" in a sentence, and hearing the phrase "Smith converts on 3rd down".* They both happen, but not nearly enough. This last example is somewhat abstract, but I felt obliged to mention it anyway. I live in a fairly metropolitan city, full of traffic jams, alarm clocks, tall buildings, and concrete. I must say it's easy to forget that the whole world does not look this way, and operate on deadlines, paperwork, and bus schedules. I am reminded of this reality by surprise twice a month when the street-sweepers push the leaves, and dirt into a gigantic pile next to where I park my car. When I leave for work at three in the morning I am hit with a big earthy smell, which instantly reminds me that the food I eat does not come from Safeway. The SteelDrivers hit me like that compost heap and wake my sleepwalking soul. They are like that jolt of earthy goodness that puts me at ease and a smile on my face. The whole album is great, but some songs that need to be checked out are "Where Rainbows Never Die", which is high in the runnings for my favorite song of 2010. Also listen to "Can You Run" and "You Put The Hurt On Me". Enjoy folks!
Howdy people, startin' out "Sande's Poor Man's Throwbacks — Good Bands You Forgot You Own" segment with The Quakes. The Quakes are a punk/rockabilliy band that started out in the 80's and Negative Charge is their latest album which came out last year. If you're a Tiger Army, Pennywise, or Offspring fan I'm thinking you would dig these guys. They got that indefinable, throw-caution-to-the-wind, punkish swagger. The Quakes are more popular in Europe, so you might get a little taste of British punk in there mixed in with the heavy drums and stand up bass. Whenever I hear them wailing, it always makes me want to get back in the tattoo parlor REALLY bad, especially "Seven Seas Alone." Something about really good bands that never made it big for no apparent reason other than bad luck, have always had a special place in my heart. I repeatedly blast The Quakes whenever I overcome some small obstacle just to even the score. So, if you ever want to cut loose just cause you deserve it, I suggest cranking up "Ghost Town," "Negative Charge," or "Straight to Valhalla," drink too many whiskey sours and get some more reckless ink, because why the fuck not?
some beers for a new Friday Night Beer Pairing, Coney Island Lager. I know absolutely nothing about this beer, picked it up cause I thought the label looked really cool. I think it's officially summer now in San Jose as it has stopped raining and is now really hot. I am excited for this, as I could use a change of pace. Lately I have been listening to a lot of blues, punk, and gritty rock in the crummy weather. I need some heat, mama's showin skin with the short hem, and some move your hips music. So to go along with my summertime enthusiasms I am pairing Coney Island with Kings Go Forth and their newest album "The Outsiders are Back" released in April of 2010. These guys are pretty solid, and I am having a real hard time believing they are from Wisconsin. I guess I shouldn't knock Milwaukee since I ain't never been, but when think Wisconsin I think Duane Kuiper and dairy farms, not congo drums and reggae soul. But they display a very talented mix of RnB, Funk, Latin Jazz, and Reggae. Remind me a lot of Third World see "1000 Songs", with maybe some Joe Bataan like on track "One Day", or possibly Earth, Wind and Fire on tracks like "Now We're Gone". Don't get it twisted now, I'm not sayin they are biting people's style, as they definitely have their own flavor and the whole album is very strong work. My favorite track is "Get a Feeling" as it reminds me of music in the park. Horns blastin off the buildings, harmonious vocals that make people step in line on time, and the breakdown bass and congo drums that crank it up a notch to make you sweat hard in the heat. Also, by the way, this Coney Island Lager is really good. I bet it would go perfect with a Nathan's hot dog, or with BBQ ribs at music in the park for that matter. Thumbs up To Kings go Forth and Coney Island beers!
This week I am pairing Modelo Negra (a personal favorite) , with Sharon Jones and The Dap King's (also a personal favorite) new album "I Learned The Hard Way". Both the beers and the album came not from the fruit of my labor, but from good friends and family. The old man decided to unload his Modelo's on me since he is drinkin wine these days, score! Thanks dad. And the new album comes from Mercy's mafia like connections, granting me access to the new champions of soul before their official release date, which is April 6th. I have to say that just for the record, introducing someone to the new album, then telling them they can only listen once, is like introducing someone to rock cocaine and telling them they can only hit it one time. Needless to say I'm hooked and cannot be held responsible for my actions when it comes to getting my fix, and yes, I am willing to sell my T.V. to cop another listen.
Anyway, the single I understand is "I Learned the Hard Way", which isn't bad, but dude, "Better Things To Do", "Window Shopping", "If You Call", and my favorite "Money" make we want to say fuck it. Sell the Honda and buy a Brougham, just so I can play this loud, look people square in the eye and say "that's right" as I hit a corner. And just as Modelo Especial is really good, like "100 Days and 100 Nights", the Negra is just a little bit better, just like "I Learned the Hard Way". The Especial is awesome, great beer, light, smooth, no complaints. But the Negra has that somethin extra, a little fuller flavor, but not overwhelming as to distract from what's workin with the Especial. That's kinda how I feel about "I Learned the Hard Way". The new album has a little more flavor in that the Dap Kings band was able to shine, especial-ly (ha!) in the track "If You Call". They let it hang out more in this album, but do not overshadow Sharon. Splendid album, splendid beer, check em' out!
Um, this band is fucking rad; however, reviewing their album is going to take all my Quickcriting abilities. Example, on their Myspace page while I was trying to find basic info about their band, it has mostly ridiculous nonsense. Like their style is listed as "Hardcore, Psychedelic, R&B." What the hell does that even mean? Well, I'll tell ya what it means. This band cannot be contained, defined, or confined to one simple genre or label (see track "Land of the Freak"). In fact, they have such a lemme' see your serious face and what you're workin' with, dance your clothes off type of groove, some of their band members don't even play instruments. People in the band are there just for their legendary party attributes. Like Till Tim who is apparently listed as in charge of the TnT, or Fredovitch, who is the master of orgasms. Their website is also not clear if they are from Canada, which would account for King Khan's indie rock style vocals and heavy electric guitar riffs like on "No Regrets" or "(How Can I Keep You) Outta Harm's Way". Or if they are from South Georgia , which would explain the inevitable back bone slippage upon even a 10 second listen to "Torture" (not on the album). So, in conclusion I would say the lack of info regarding who they are, and where they come from, suits their musical sound and overall ability to turn a party out. I have a feeling their live shows will be epic, so I will check out the show at Bimbo's in S.F. on April 15th and keep y'all posted. They are also playing at the Wonderland Ballroom in Portland on April 11th if the Portland crowd wants to get hip to the scene. Laters.
I believe at this point everyone is well aware of my affinity for R&B, Soul, and the Blues. Well, Sharon Jones is my new fav. This whole album is ridiculous, I fell in love right away. She has an incredible voice filled with passion and gut wrenching moans for days, the timing is sublime and on time, like the weather channel people, and cool as a polar bear's nose bro. There isn't one bad song on the album, favorite's are "Nobody's Baby", "100 Days 100 Nights", "Tell Me", "Let Them Knock", and "Something Changed". I first heard Ms. Jones due to Mercy's review of sweet bands and one liners, but was reminded when I was updating my Sam Cooke collection. I feel like maybe Sharon was in the original Blues Brother Movie, and was somehow lost in the editors room. I am thinking that her and Jake shared a scene in prison, you know in the beginning, where she is a guard*, and she breaks out into the song "When the Other Foot Drops, Uncle" after finding out that Jake cheated her in a game of pinochle for smokes. Anyway, class and style for miles, if you're a fan of old school rock, R&B, or Soul check it out, you won't be disappointed, I promise.
Los Hot Boxers are a San Jose ska band that I checked out randomly at my local venue and was thoroughly impressed. I bought their EP and have been playing it a ton. They have a very similar sound to Santa Cruz's own The Expendables, another band I like a lot, but these guys have a more jazzy feel with Latin undertones. At the show I felt like they are the kind of background music played at a party you had no intention of attending, and ended up meeting a bunch of stand up folks and having a blast. To put it more in real life context, say you had hard week at work, and all you want to do is drink a stiff one and watch the game, but you feel guilty cause you told your coworker you would show to his party, and you go begrudgingly, and it ends up being the highlight of your month.
Hey ya'll just finishing up the first quarter of school and have a minute to do a post. Rodrigo y Gabriela are two acoustic guitar players from Mexico that formed a band in Dublin, and their latest album is 11:11. My favorite jams are "Hanuman" and "Buster Voodoo." I first heard them do a cover of Metallica's "One" and thought it was a group of like 4 or 5 dudes, but it's not, just two people dominating the strings. All I can say is that they fuckin' jam really hard—like if you don't pay attention to what you are doing, you might just randomly break out into some traditional Aztec dancing, or possibly just start rocking a power V and seduce your cleaning lady, feather duster and everything, not a word spoken. The new album is all originals, I believe, and is amazing as a change of pace. Some people aren't really feelin' it cause there are no vocals, but I can dig it, and if you can't, just check out their Youtube videos of "Stairway to Heaven" and "One" cover songs. Yeah, I rest my case, shenanigans.
