Weekend Music Roundup!

The weekend has arrived! This week I'm listening to some new releases that I've been been looking forward, and some new discoveries of bands that I'm surprised that I didn't know about. There's also some new additions of bands that I've loved for a long time, as well as a review of an album that has been a favorite of mine for 25 years and I recently upgraded from CD to vinyl. The genres span a the spectrum, from chamber folk, noise garage, blues and jazz. Hopefully there's something here that you'll want to check out. Enjoy.

Beirut - Gallipoli: The fifth album from the Brooklyn based indie folk / chamber pop outfit was released this month. It's been four years since their last release, a typical span for them, and the album is worth the wait. It doesn't deviate from the sound they've mastered over the years, but it's a such a unique and complex sound that four years seems about right for constructing an album. This is another wonderful experience, weaving horns and other non-traditional folk instruments into the tapestry of their music. Simply beautiful.

Traffic - The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys: I've been a Traffic fan since college, and though this 1971 album is one of their most loved albums, I always avoided anything post Dave Mason until recently. I found this in a $1 bin recently and the wax was in great shape, so there was no way I was going to turn that away. Without Mason, Steve Winwood is able to embrace a more jazz fusion style of psychedelic rock and it's quite lovely. The title track is 12+ minutes of some of the best music that style has to offer. "Light Up or Leave Me Alone" and "Rock n' Roll Stew" are classic Traffic blues rock. "Rainmaker" is another psychedelic fusion gem. 

Le Butcherettes - bi/Mental: The fourth album from the L.A. was released earlier in the year. Though their debut came out eight years ago, this is my first encounter, which surprises me, given my interest in all L.A. based garage / noise rock outfits. This is exactly what I would expect from this kind of band from that particularly city, so in other words, it rocks. There is something of a Courtney Love attitude to the songs that is refreshing in this day and age, though it definitely takes on a more horror punk feel at times that reminds me of L.A. Witch. The singer of this band made an album with Omar Rodriguez Lopez (Mars Volta, At the Drive In) a few years back, called Kimono Kult, which was a little disappointing, but I'm going to have to go back and give it another listen after enjoying this album. 

Hawkwind - Hawkwind: The 1970 debut has been one of my favorites since I first got it on CD when I was 16. I cam across an original vinyl copy recently and simply needed to add it to the collection. I remember listening to this, along with Pink Floyd "Meddle", so often that winter and I credit both albums with my development as a writer. This album takes me to a place in my imagination with stories are blow through the landscape. If you've heard Hawkwind before, but haven't heard this album, you're in for a surprise.

White Denim - Performance:  The eighth album from the Austin indie psych band showcases their continuing development as they move farther away from the psych garage sound of their early days into a more evolved blues rock inspired sound. This is another one of those albums that grew on me the more I listened to it. It's very up-tempo and feel good, laced in a psychedelic buzz that manages to color the record just right. Quality indie-rock and worthwhile checking out.

Fats Waller - Ain't Misbehavin': I picked up this compilation of in the cheap bin a few weeks back, it needed some cleaning up, but once that was done, it sounded great. This is one of the true early legends of jazz from the 30's and one of the most dynamic ragtime jazz personalities. In some ways, his use of vocals were proto-R&B and certainly influenced the likes of Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. Over the past couple of years, I've been on a bit of quest to broaden my jazz collection and this is certainly a nice addition.

Change of Perspective

About two weeks ago, I began a new project that I'm pretty excited about. Over the past few years, I've had some trouble keeping momentum on a writing project. This was largely due to scholarly obligations, which ended this past September. Over the course of the fall, I tried to pick up manuscripts I'd begun while working on my Master's degree, but I've always found it hard to get back into something that was an idea once upon a time. 

I had a new idea recently, and it excited me. I started working on it, and it was going well, but it was still a struggle. I found myself writing the same character I'd written before, and that was dampening my momentum. Then I had the idea to try it over in third person rather than first person. (Cue light bulb over my head)

Instantly I found writing to be FUN again. I think because I haven't written a ton in third person, there was something new in it. New ways of expression. New perspectives. New momentum!

Weekend Music Roundup!

The weekend has arrived and with it, as always, comes my ramblings about music that potentially I am the only one who cares about. Yet, it's the age of social media and we must pretend that others care about our thoughts and reckonings, so I'm going to go along with the facade and share with you all my thoughts and reckonings about some albums I've been listening to lately. This is mostly some old stuff, but there are two new releases thrown in. Some folk, some psych, some new wave, and some metal. Hopefully you can find something to explore. Enjoy.

Unicorn - Too Many Crooks: Released in '76, this is the third album from the UK folk rock band. There are obvious nods to the Grateful Dead on this record and they are playing a similar country folk rock sound that the Dead were playing at that time. Luckily they are talented enough musicians and while imitative, it's not unworthy of a listen. There are some really solid tracks on this record, including "Bullseye Bill," "Disco Dancer" and "No Way Out of Here" which would later be covered by David Gilmour on his first solo record. 

Green River - Dry as a Bone: This is the second EP from Mark Arm's pre-Mudhoney and Stone Gossard's pre-Pearl Jam Seattle band. This was released in '87, shortly before the band broke up and was recently released in a deluxe expanded double LP edition. I've always enjoyed Mudhoney early work and figured this deserved a listen. It definitely sounds exactly like early Mudhoney! This is the garage punk sound that started the entire Seattle music movement of the '90s, in it's absolutely rawest form. This feels heavily influenced by Iggy and The Stooges with lots of great heavy riffs and lots of attitude. "One More Stitch," "This Town," "Unwind," "Bleeding Sheep," and "Bazaar" are my personal favorites.

Mitski - Be the Cowboy: The fifth album from the Brooklyn indie artist was released late last summer. It's my first encounter with her work. This album is indie pop with lots of electronic overtones, and in that way reminds me of artists from twenty years ago, though this definitely doesn't sound like music from that time. It's very moody, but also catchy, much like Aurora or Tina Dico, but with more indie rock instrumentation. "Why Didn't You Stop Me," "A Pearl," "Lonesome Love," "Remember My Name," and "Blue Light" are my personal favorites. 

Squeeze - Cool for Cats: The second album from the London New Wave band was released in 1979 and features perhaps their most iconic song, "Up the Junction." And being the earliest days of the genre, there is a lot clear punk influences on this record that remind me of early Adam Ant and even early The Cure.  This is a very enjoyable album that still sounds fresh and catchy. "The Knack," "Up the Junction," the rockabilly "Hop, Skip, and Jump," and "Goodbye Girl" are standouts for me on this essential album in the genre.  

Spidergawd - V: Released in January, this is the fifth album from the Norwegian hard rock band, but my first encounter with them. This is pretty much by the numbers stoner rock played by capable musicians, but it certainly isn't anything that blows you away. There are some great heavy riffs spread throughout the record and moments where it feels like it might explode into greatness, but never truly does. It reminds me of Monster Magnet in that way. "Whirlwind Rodeo" is the one song that really stood out for me. 

Jackie Washington - Jackie Washington at Club 47: There was no shortage of folk singers in the early '60s, but there were few African American ones. Jackie is from Boston and is certainly in that Dylan, Frank, Van Ronk mold of acoustic guitar and social consciousness lyrics, but there's a level of soul in his voice that makes this Vanguard folk artist. "It Isn't Nice," "Man of Constant Sorrow," "Loving Hannah," "Yaravi," and "Freedom Songs" are my personal favorites on this quality live folk album.

Fiction Friday (76)

It's time for another Fiction Friday and my thoughts on the book I've most recently finished reading. I've been working on a Middle Grade story and therefore have been finding myself drawn to Middle Grade fiction. I'm not entirely sure why it took seven years from the time I read the first Billy Bones until I picked this one up off the shelf, but it did...yet I'm glad to say it didn't take anything away from my enjoyment.

Billy Bones: The Road to Nevermore by Christopher Lincoln
(Little Brown, 2009)

While the first installment of Billy Bones read like a tight little mystery surrounding the secrets of the Afterlife and how they blend into the real world, this story reads like a quick adventure tale, steeped in the spookily entertaining setting of the Afterlife. The corruption of the bureaucratic Afterlife that was exposed in the first story comes back to haunt young Billy (now-human once again) and his cousin, the resourceful and brave Millicent. The children unexpectedly get caught up in a dastardly plot hatched by high ranking officials from the Lightside and Darkside. When Millicent is whisked away and held prisoner in the hidden shadow world of Nevermore, Billy must recruit the help of a few outlaw skeletons and take on the menacing Shadewick Gloom and his legion of evil creations before time on Earth unfreezes, leaving Millicent trapped forever.

There is a quirkiness to these books that I find really appealing, and unlike the mass number of books out there for younger middle grade boy readers (though it should be noted that this is certainly not a boy only book). It's imaginative, has plenty of thought provoking moments, and moves quickly from beginning to conclusion. It's a perfect primer for children not quite ready for slightly older dark fantasy and the vast worlds and casts of characters they bring.

Weekend Music Roundup!

The weekend has arrived, and after a week of being sick, I'm certainly ready to just lay back and listen to music. I caught a stomach virus this week that knocked me out of commission, but I still managed to get some drive time music listening in. Luckily, I have a bunch of albums waiting in the queue for their turn on the roundup, so there's still something to share with you all. It's mostly old stuff that I recently acquired and discovered, as well as one new release of old material. There's psych rock, jazz, folk and fusion on here. Enjoy.

Baby Grandmothers - Merkurius: Last year, the Swedish acid rock band which had been together only one year (from '67 to '68) reformed to record this album of songs from that time. A band reforming 51 years after originally disbanding, and having only archival releases in their catalog, is definitely something interesting, and perhaps something to be weary of. However, the band that rocked then, rocks just as hard today. The music sounds as tight as ever and this is definitely something that fans have been waiting for, and by that I mean a high quality recording of their legendary heavy pscyh songs. 

John Abercrombie - Timeless: The '75 debut album from technical jazz musician John Abercrombie is the sound of jazz evolving. Jazz fusion often gets a bad rep, but those people haven't heard this masterpiece that blends core jazz elements with elements of space rock and prog rock to create a record that moves from mellow to exciting and brings you back again. This has been a wonderful addition to the Sunday morning jazz rotation, and perfectly fits the bleakness of winter mornings.

Babe Ruth - Stealin' Home: The fourth album from the UK hard rock band was their second album released in 1975. Their '72 debut is one of those lost classics that is a must, this one is close to that, and far better than the other two that came between. It opens with the killer track "It'll Happen in Time" that captures their Zep style, but with a female vocalist, they resemble early Heart, which we know is also very Zep inspired. Lots of great heavy blues rock on here, including  "Fascination," "Say No More," and "Tomorrow (Joining the Day)".

Woody Guthrie - Woody Guthrie (Archive of Folk Music): Another pick up from the cheap bin was this 1965 archival release from one of America's greatest folk singers and storytellers. In the 40's, Guthrie was to music what Steinbeck was to the literary world, capturing the stories of the forgotten in America with his Dust Bowl ballads. His music would go on to influence the course of American folk music for decades, with Bob Dylan being his master student.

Thelonious Monk - Monk's Music: This iconic album from the iconic figure was released in '57 at the height of jazz cool in America. This album features Coleman Hawkins, Art Blakey, and John Coletrane, all favorite players of mine, making this a supergroup type of record. Everything comes together on these recordings, capturing what jazz does best...anticipation of the unexpected.

Minnesoda - Minnesoda: Released in '72, this is only official release by the band from Minneapolis. This is sort of fusion record that falls between psychedelic rock, prog, and jazz fusion. This record has solid groove that runs throughout. More upbeat and engaging then say, Caravan, or other early proggish bands. Not quite essential, but interesting. I found a copy in the 4 for $10 bin, and it was a good buy at that price. "Where's My Season," "Child's Play," and "Maggie" are my personal favorites.

War of Words

It's been a minute since I've written about politics, but given the State of Union speech having happened this week, and the looming threat of another shutdown, it seemed like a good time to ramble on about some of my recent thoughts regarding the political climate around here. I think it prudent that I point out that I am an unapologetic liberal, and that's because I think the role of government is to create a fair and even playing field for all, to hold accountable those who seek to exploit others, and to help those who need assistance. A government is the body that makes the rules, and I believe those rules should be designed to protect the needs of the many and the greater good.

In that pursuit, there are certainly differences in policy as to how best achieve those results. And there are arguments that can be made for each approach. For example, you could argue that free markets, less regulation, and lower taxes benefit the greater good by providing more jobs and prosperity and you'd be able to find a wealth of data to both support and contradict that position. However, the problem with that approach is that it must come with ways to safeguard other interests. You can't have that position without putting into play other policies that ensure that those moves steer you to the desired results, instead of steering you toward runaway corporate greed, environmental disaster, and outsourcing. These are the kinds of debates that an open diplomatic system would have. But our current discourse has become so divided that any debate instantly becomes an attack, attacks become insults, and meanwhile, the men (and sadly, it is mostly men) behind the curtain continue to manipulate everything for their own benefit...with our money.

A good example of this was Trump's attempted appeal to compromise. He told us that our Congress needed to compromise, but only if it still gives him exactly what he wants...a wall, and no investigations in potential crimes. Yeah, that's not how compromise works. The result is that both sides dig in even deeper.  

Every day, we're seeing a new Democrat announce his or her intent of becoming president. Most seem to be embracing the positions that are widely popular among the party...even if they have held other views in the past. Now, I'm not saying that people can't change their opinion on a subject. I know that I have many times in my life. But I see way too many politicians adopting positions that are politically convenient. These are not the people who are going to be able to change things. Things get changed not by those who seek what is convenient, but by those who are passionate. And I think this is exactly why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez both excites those who agree with her and terrifies those who disagree. 

I'm going to use her to bring the discussion back around to discourse. She has been making sensible, reasoned arguments for things like money in politics, tax reform, and climate policy. And rather than discuss the policies, or attempt to refute her positions, those who oppose have taken simply to insulting her, insinuating that she isn't intelligent, or that she's too young doesn't know what she's talking about. 

It is up to all of us to examine issues, research them, consider them...not just listen to what the pundits want us to believe. Just because they keep saying there is a crisis on the border, just because they send troops there, doesn't mean it exists. And even it did, it doesn't mean a wall is a solution. There are no easy solutions to problems. Don't be fooled by them. Engage with open minds and open hearts and solutions are possible.

Weekend Music Roundup!

The weekend is here, ending a brutally cold polar week where temps sank far below 0º. As we begin to thaw out, there is no better way to unfreeze than by listening to music. This week I'm rambling on about some recent listens that range from singer songwriter indie rock to stoner metal and jazz. It also features my first 2019 release, and what a great one it is. Hopefully you all will find something on here that's worth checking out. Enjoy.

Ryley Walker - The Lilywhite Sessions: This was a big shock to see in the store the other week. Ryley has been one of my favorite artists of the last several years and I wasn't aware of this before seeing it. He's taken a shelved Dave Matthew's Band album from 2000 and rearranged and reworked it into a masterpiece. Apparently this was shelved by DMB because the label thought it was too dark, which might have served them well. By taking out the horns and replacing it with his signature experimental guitar sound, he gives the music a grounding that I find DMB lacks most times. Truly a joy and a very unexpected surprise. 

Sharon Van Etten - Remind Me Tomorrow: The sixth album from the Brooklyn based songwriter is her first in five years and easily a landmark release for her career. Her last album was very solid, but this one feels like a breakthrough as she finds the perfect outlet for her moody vocals. She's established herself as the heir to the legacy of female artist of the 21st Century along with artists like Aimee Mann, Cat Power, and Beth Orton. Some of my favorites are "You Shadow," "Seventeen," "I Told You Everything," and the lead single "Comeback Kid." 

Dead Quiet - Dead Quiet: Released in 2015, this is the debut album from the Canadian stoner metal band. They have since released a second album back in 2017, but this is the first I've encountered them.This is very sludgy and quite impressive. The first half starts out slow, but then it picks up the pace and gets really good. "Home is Where You Go to Die," "The Fall of Me," and "Let it Die" are the three last tracks and the three best.

Brant Bjork - Mankind Woman: This is the 12th solo album from the founding member of Kyuss. Though that pioneering stoner rock band disbanded in the mid-90s, the music on this record doesn't stray too far from the blues based rock that they played. There's no doubt that Brant is a talented and capable musician and his playing on this record is thoroughly enjoyable. But, like Kyuss, it failed to really grab me. I was never able to connect personally with their music, and found myself failing to connect to this either. There's some quality psychedelic rock songs on the record, most notably "Swagger and Sway" and the title track.

Count Basie - Count Basie: I recently picked this up from the discount bin. I love the way the Count, a NJ born big band piano king, is able to swing the tempo of a tune like "I'm Shoutin' Again" with touching just one key on the piano, and then create the entire chaos of a track like "Lil' Ol' Groovemaker." As with any archive series, this spans a good section of his career, but focus mainly on his Big Band era. Some greats are "Watermelon Man," "April in Paris," and cover of "Yesterday" which yet again shows the reach of The Beatles and the acceptance of jazz. One of the things I love about jazz is how all inclusive it is. Unlike other genres, where you can say "That's not rock. That's not hip-hop....", well baby, everything can be jazz.  

The Struts - Young and Dangerous: Four years ago, this UK glam rock band exploded onto the scene and now, four years later, they return with their second record. Personally, I found the debut to slightly better than average, so my expectations weren't very high. I'm happy to say, they show improvement, rather than the cliche failed second album, which they were totally set up for. I give them credit for overcoming that trap, which couldn't have been easy with a four year gap. If I were a Queen fan, I'm guessing I'd love this album. Since I'm not, I find it a bit over-dramatic at times, and  quite enjoyable at others. It's pretty clear this band is destined for big things, they have the swagger, riffs, and presence to be rock stars. 

Fiction Friday (75)

Around Christmas time, I bought myself a present in the form of a book that I was super excited about. I have devoured all of Ransom Riggs' Peculiar Children novels and couldn't wait to read the newest installment, especially considering that I'd assumed the last one to be the final installment. As soon as I finished the book I'd been reading before, I jumped right into this and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

A Map of Days (Miss Pergrine's Peculiar Children Book 4)
by Ransom Riggs
(Dutton, 2018)

At the end of the last book, the saga in Devil's Acre may have ended, but as this novel reveals, Jacob Portman's journey into the depths of the peculiar universe are just beginning. This is clearly the beginning of a new story, the start of a new trilogy (presumably). In that regard, this feels very similar in pace and scope as the very first book. It's also a new beginning in many ways, relying very little on the events of the past three books to establish and build the story.

As the story opens, Jacob finds himself back in Florida with his family of normals who are completely convinced he's somewhat insane. Luckily, his has another family, one that knows all about being peculiar. Arriving seemingly out of nowhere, Miss Peregrine and his friends arrive at his home. It turns out, a lot has happened in Acre in the short time Jacob has been gone. The result of what happened in the Library of Souls has enabled the children who were there to move freely from loop to the loop in the present without aging forward.

The book gets off to a bit of a slow start as far as the action is concerned. It's only a third of the way through that Jacob, Emma, and the rest the crew discover Jacob's grandfather's best kept secrets and decide to disobey the council of ymbrynes and strike out on their own in the peculiar wilds of America.   They quickly learn that American loops operate dramatically differently than the ones they are used to. The threat from the dangers they are used to may be gone, this new landscape is populated with many other dangers that threaten them at every turn.

While this book reads like a simple action/adventure story for most of the story, by the last third, it explodes into a vastness of story that will certainly fill many, many books and leaves the reader dying for more. 

My one criticism is the very dry way in which Jacob and Emma's relationship is related. Romance is certainly not the author's strong point, but thankfully it's not a large part of the story.