Hellhound On My Blog: September 2012

Time to continue with the singer/songwriter love. Matthew Ryan has just released She’s A Sparrow from his upcoming full-length In The Dusk Of Everything, out on October 30. This album will be the last part in a trilogy, following up the two previous releases (Dear Lover, I recall standing as though nothing could fall in the dusk of everything). If this song is any indication, we’re all in for something special.

I thought I'd also include some tracks in this post from Dissent from the Living Room and Hopeless to Hopeful, as these albums were the starting point for me, and both are a really beautiful collection of songs. I think there's a real pureness to them, and prove why demos or songs in that vein are often my favorite. These releases are now out of print, but several tracks appear on later LPs.

I've seen reviews commenting on the sadness or sorrow of his music, but I've never really perceived it that way. That's the beauty of music I guess, open interpretation. I see it more as in tune with life, both the ups and downs. I've never really formed a deep connection with music that isn't this way, or doesn't confront that idea. There's an undercurrent of hope and empathy in these songs, and the notion of trying to figure out what it is we're doing here.

Demoland Part 1 (later released as I Must Love Leaving) is one of the first songs that struck me right away. It's beautifully simple, like all the best songs are.

Matthew Ryan - Demoland Part 1

Demoland Part 2 (AKA Still Part Two). And in these hours that unwind with such effort...

Matthew Ryan - Demoland Part 2

I Can't Steal You (appeared later on Happiness and Regret Over The Wires).

I'm in love with a red sky
I'm in love with a tragedy

Matthew Ryan - I Can't Steal You

Purchase some tunes

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

From a Small Town in Illinois

I've always been a sucker for singer/songwriters. I'm sure this comes from rummaging through my parent's old records when I was a kid, and even though I had no way to play them (yet), I still loved looking at them. That's when I first came across Bob Dylan, Neil Young and the true greats, which led me to seek them out on my own. I've been thinking a lot lately about the state of music, and the ever-changing industry. I wonder if the way we hear and discover music has changed so drastically that the amount of exposure given to a truly great songwriter is dwindling, and I'm not sure whether this is detrimental or liberating (probably both). Am I thinking too much? Am I thinking? Am I? All this rambling has a point. I promise.

This past weekend I saw Chicago Farmer for the fourth time, and it was once again a breath of fresh air. His performances and albums give hope that the songwriting craft is alive and well. You may just have to dig a little harder to find it. Chicago Farmer (real name Cody Diekhoff) grew up in the small town of Delavan, Illinois, eventually ending up in Chicago for a while (hence the name). I know comparisons to other artists can be like beating a dead horse, but his lyrics have the heartfelt, working man intelligence of Woody Guthrie, but you can't mistake his unique play on words that's all his own. Then there is his live show. One of those special experiences where the connection between performer and audience happens at the first stomp of Cody's boot (AKA immediately). You're either singing along and laughing, or sitting in silence listening to a slow, gentle song that can bring you to tears. Not to mention he's one of the most down to earth, genuine people you could hope to meet.

This clip is from the recent Chicago Farmer documentary, which I highly recommend watching if you get the chance. Or better yet, buy it.

Cody usually begins this next song by telling the story of how it's about his time working at Caterpillar..."I worked there five days. Never got a paycheck, but I got this song..."

And last, but not least. Here's a cover of one of my favorite Neil Young songs.

Click and buy

Monday, September 17, 2012

The Darkness of Johnny and Bonnie

Rick Rubin gave the world quite the gift when he convinced Johnny Cash to record cover versions of modern songs. The most well known being Cash's brilliant cover of 'Hurt' originally done by Nine Inch Nails. The perfect final single for an American legend. Cash was able to perform songs by Soundgarden, U2, and Depeche Mode with honesty. This was a man who understood the depths of the songs. Many of the tracks he truly made his own and turned them into the definitive version. However, there is one song that Cash was unable to corral.

Although still a fantastic recording, 'I See A Darkness' exists in that special place where the song is better than anyone who records it. Originally by Bonnie "Prince" Billy (stage name of Will Oldham) it can be found on the album of the same name. A dark song about a man having a (hypothetical?) conversation with a friend questioning the future.

"Many times we've been out drinking
And many times we've shared our thoughts
But did you ever, ever notice, the kind of thoughts I got"

Lyrically, it's the perfect song for Johnny Cash in this period. He does a perfectly fine job with it. Will Oldham even sings on it. Despite knowing Cash's version first, I still prefer the original. Well it's a good song either way. I'll always see a darkness.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Many Words On A Short Release: Helen Burns EP

This recent release from Flea may have come out of left field for some fans, but for many (read: Bill and I) it was long awaited. He has had several demos and various songs floating around since the mid-90s, and I had always hoped an official release would happen. One thing that drew me to the Chili Peppers when I was younger was finding out that Flea was a jazz lover and started out playing trumpet, which made me feel like it was a-okay that I was into all different types of music. When I read an article back in 2008 that Flea and Patti Smith were working together, I felt as if Christmas had come early. I couldn't be happier that this release is seeing the light of day. Making it all the more special, all proceeds from the release are going to the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a non-profit music school Flea co-founded in 2001 with Keith "Tree" Barry.

333 is a beautiful track that begins with soulful trumpet playing over smooth bass thumping in the background. Around the 3-minute mark, a wall of electronic, psychjazz sound and fast-paced drum machines erupt, which break way into a perfect piano outro. I think this track really sets the tone for the whole EP, and the varied styles and sounds highlighted throughout.

Pedestal of Infamy has the patient groove of a Gil Scott-Heron or Shuggie Otis song, but with a modern spin. I love the flute and sparse drums, and you can't help but bob your head while listening.

A Little Bit of Sanity kicks off with a driving drum beat courtesy of Stella Mozgawa (also played drums on "Pedestal of Infamy" and toms on "333 Revisited"). The interaction between the bassline, keys/piano and drums are hypnotic.

Helen Burns is a powerful, somber title track and fitting for the character from Jane Eyre in which the song gets it's name (in the book, Helen Burns remains calm in the face of punishment as well as when she falls ill, which Jane admires). The one and only Patti Smith lends her gentle vocals over Flea's soft piano. Another nice touch: around the 35 second mark you can hear what (I think) is a dog rattling it's collar.

Snow falls

She bids farewell

To the source of all her sorrow

Her dress trills as she goes

333 Revisited once again features a beautiful trumpet intro that breaks into an electronic disco beat. The "revisited" piano part at the end is a highlight on the album for me.

Lovelovelove is my personal favorite. It opens with fuzzed out bass, leading into the choir from The Silverlake Conservatory singing an uplifting, heartfelt message. Chad Smith and Jack Irons both appear on drums, along with Tree adding harmonica for a finishing touch to the track.

We're alive just for a while

Soon we'll die

And that will be great

So let's love

Love everything away today

Buy the thing

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Your New Favorite Songs #1

Each weekend we compile our favorite tracks of the week. Songs we enjoy and think you should too. No theme to it. It is just what keeps being replayed over and over all week long.

1. Redd Kross- Stay Away From Downtown

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2. Thelonious Monster- Positive Train

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3. Sparklehorse- Painbirds (live)

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Why Water Isn't Better Than thenewno2

Lollapalooza was so hot this year (how hot was it?) I had to miss most of a band I wanted to see. That band being thenewno2 led by Dhani Harrison son of Beatle. Doing a midday show at about the peak of the heat was unfortunate. Although I had been waiting to see them all day, the thought of an ice cold, life satisfying, delicious beer made much more sense. Drinking that beer and sitting in the shade with my shirt stuck to my back with sweat was amazing. Not so amazing was then standing in a 15 minute line to fill up a collection of water bottles at one of the refill stations. Although, we could just faintly hear thenewno2, I knew my chance to see them was fading.

After bringing much needed bottles of water to the rest of the group, Amy and I booked it over to the stage. Being a smaller stage we were able to sneak right up to the front. From there you could see how much Dhani looks like his father. It was disappointing that they were on one of the smaller (smallest) stages at lolla as they should have more of a following than they do.

F*ck Or Die

Die Antwoord did not disappoint at Lollapalooza. The originality of the South African group, consisting of Ninja and Yo-Landi Vi$$er, created a trance-like mood, making the support and energy from the crowd equally as impressive. I fink they’re freaky, and I fink I like it.

Behold…orange jump suits (prison suits?), a baby voice and pelvic thrusting…

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Mean Blues

Born in Lamar, Mississippi, Floyd Lee brings us delta blues via New York City. He was almost left to the memories of those who knew him until guitarist Joel Poluck discovered him playing in NYC. There was an instant musical connection so deep Floyd refers to him as his "blues son." Together they have recorded four albums under the monicker Floyd Lee Band. Mixing Joel's songwriting and Floyd Lee's old delta vocals and guitar, they are modern take on an old style blues.

"Blues is wantin' somethin' you ain't got... wishin' for somethin'... lovin' somethin' that's gone... Yeah, that's the blues."

Dawesome.

Dawes (originally Simon Dawes) consists of brothers Taylor (vocals, guitar) and Griffin Goldsmith (drums, vocals) along with Wylie Gelber on bass and keyboardist Tay Strathairn (also of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros). Their take on folk rock is refreshing, and it’s no surprise they’ve been the backing band for both Robbie Robertson and Jackson Browne.

I get shivers down my spine every time I re-watch this performance of When My Time Comes from Lollapalooza. The band has such a wall of sound; and the driving beat and vocals in this song were made for an outdoor, festival setting. The way Taylor effortlessly bounces around the stage reminds me of D. Boon, and you can’t help but get swept up in it. How can you not love watching a band that are so passionate about what they do? If goosebumps haven’t set in before the crowd joins in during the final chorus, they’re sure to soon after…

That Western Skyline (on the band’s first full-length release North Hills) was the “holy shit” moment for me with Dawes. The narration in this song is beautiful and unique, along with a perfect drum sound that ties it all together. The story is told through a man recounting his troubles to Lou the bartender after he follows a girl to Birmingham from California. (The idea or dream of something is often better than reality, right?)

And oh Lou, no my dreams did not come true.
No, they only came apart.

Stones Sunday: Monkey Man

Title: Monkey Man

Album: Let It Bleed

Track:8

Year: 1969

Features some nifty slide work from Keef and piano by Nicky Hopkins. Recorded during the down time between Brian Jones' passing and Mick Taylor joining. Despite being a fan favorite, is has not been performed all that much live. However, there are some live versions after the jump.

The Replacements - Let It Be

You’re my favorite thing, BAR NOTHING!

I loved this album before I heard a note. The cover just struck me. Four ordinary guys sitting on a roof; something I had done as a kid in a small Midwestern town in the middle of nowhere. It was something to identify with. This is everything I want out of an album. Humor, sincerity, confusion/alienation, sadness, and soul. It effortlessly melds balls out rock with beautiful, slow ballads. And I think what attracted me most to this album is what makes it better after every listen, the balance only these four could have created. The misfits that fit together perfectly. Bob’s thrashing guitar paired with Tommy’s frantic bass are offset by Paul’s incredible melody and rhythm and Chris’ relentless beat.

I Will Dare is the perfect pop-rock song. It’s fucking catchy. The bouncy guitar and bass fit just right with Paul’s lyrics (How smart are you? How dumb am I? Don’t count any of my advice...Ain’t lost yet, so I gotta be a winner. Fingernails and a cigarette’s a lousy dinner).

Favorite Thing is rockin’ and that guitar riff at the beginning is classic. Paul’s lyrics always seem to be a step ahead in these songs. Not just singing and writing about his problems, but thinking beyond that (I think big once in a while). We’re Comin’ Out is pure energy and urgency. The breakdown in the song is a standout on the album for me…

One more chance to get it all wrong,
One more time to do it all wrong,
One more night to get it half right,
One more, one more warning sign
We’re comin’ out

The self-deprecating humor is what ties this album together. Gary’s Got a Boner and Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out. I think with them making music being beyond their years, these tracks are needed to remind you that they were barely out of their teens (and Tommy still wasn’t).

Many Words On A Short Release: Danceland EP

One of the more overlooked releases in the music industry is the EP. For many bands just beginning, it is a less daunting and cheaper way to have a collection of songs available at gigs. A more established band may use them as filler between releases as a way to keep their name out there. Either way, they are often forgotten about in the back catalog of an artist. This is why I've chosen to highlight them in what I hope to be a reoccurring article.

Today I'll focus on the recent release of Die Mannequin. Danceland EP was released a few months back and has been in heavy rotation for me ever since. Formed in 2005 by teenage singer/songwriter Care Failure they have gone from power punk trio to quartet. Actually, Danceland marks the first release by them as a quartet. Joined by long time bassist Anthony Bleed (ex Kill Cheerleader), drummer Dazzer Scott, and guitarist Stacy Stray, Care spits out a number of sleaze driven, self destructive, punk forces.

"I can't find you, and everyone looks like Warpaint."

Bill and I had muddy, musical adventures at Lollapalooza and now we're going to share them with you! Aren't you lucky? The Gaslight Anthem were easily a highlight for me. Handwritten has been in constant rotation since it's release (everyone who has seen me driving down the road has almost certainly been exposed to me singing along to this album). There is nothing forced about their music, and this is only more evident in a live setting. Standing under the trees of Grant Park with the Chicago skyline as a perfect backdrop, everyone in the crowd singing along: this is what music is about to me. Just taking it all in and being taken by a moment.

This show kicked total ass from the moment the band walked on the stage to Fugazi's Waiting Room until the last notes of The Backseat (with a nice U2 snippet thrown in). I can't even single out anything, it was just one big ball of beautiful, heartfelt music.

I also wanted to post two of my favorite songs (Gaslight or otherwise) that have been released this year (or in several), Teenage Rebellion and National Anthem. The songwriting and awareness in these songs is truly beautiful. Enjoy. (Sorry the YouTube video for Teenage Rebellion looks like some big spammy advertisement. It's the only one I could find. Deal with it.)

And this performance had to be included. I like so much about the things this chooses to be.

Hellhound On My Blog

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Your New Favorite Songs #3

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Your New Favorite Songs #2

Friday, September 21, 2012

Songs Are Souvenirs