I just recently discovered The White Buffalo while trolling Last.fm of fellow friends and neighbors and I must say it has been a pretty good find. I listened to a couple of tracks from his website and then immediately zipped over to eMusic and picked up his Hogtied Revisited album that was released in March of this year.
The video included below is for “Love Song #1″ which is from “The White Buffalo EP” which I believe is from 2005. 2005!?! Yes, this guy has slipped past this Americana/Alt-Country fiend…but no longer. This “White Buffalo” or Jake Smith as he is known to his friends is now on my radar. This song is also streaming on his website homepage along with 2 others – so get a listen on and then zip over for an album if you enjoy it as much as me.
sb_url_to_rate = 'http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/11/22/song-o-day-love-song-1-from-the-white-buffalo/';
sb_rated_title = 'Song o’ Day – “Love Song #1″ from The White Buffalo';
sb_when_to_load = 'immediate';
try { sb_rated_creation = new Date(Date.parse('Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:44:42 -0800')); } catch (e) {};
sb_categories = "Alt-Country,Americana,Folk,Singer Songwriter,Song o Day";
So “Song o’ The Day” is kinda my thing around here the last few weeks. Sorry folks for the sporadic posting, life simply getting in the way for all of us!!
Well being the Canadian around these parts I always seem to be pushing my brethren, but that is because I keep being impressed by the talent from the “Great White North”. Today’s selection is Matt Epp who I also might be attached to as he is from one of my hometowns of Winnipeg, Manitoba (he’s a “pegger”). While I tended to overlook what was in my own backyard while living there, I seem to see more talent now that it is no longer underneath my own nose. Matt Epp has a new album coming out called “Safe or Free” this November and the track “This Old House” is the lead off single. It is a bit of singer-songwriter with shavings of Alt-Country adorning his duet with Eliza Gilkyson. It is also a Ryan Adams’ style ballad including a harmonica feature at midway (love that damn harmonica). Hope you like as much as I do!
I think sometimes you have to challenge yourself as a listener to explore other genres or sounds and give them enough time to grow, not be put off by first listens or bad reviews. Not that has happened to Nurses as far as I can gather but it is certainly an album that requires more than one listen, in fact takes quite a few if only to ‘hear’ it properly as there’s so much going on. What strikes you first is the swirling vocal harmonies which are prominent throughout the album but after more listens you start concentrating more on the electronics or the piano which I read somewhere give the impression that the band are evolving as you listen and this is true, it’s ever changing but not too much so you lose interest, in fact the more listens you give it the more brilliance you find in it, I think they’ve created a masterpiece. It’s impossible to put this kind of music under any genre as it covers many, folk, Psychedelia, alt-country and pop, in fact it’s the pop side of it that I find works brilliantly, take a listen and see what you think. Signed to the brilliant dead oceans label they are often compared to the likes of animal collective, yeasayer and Sunset Rubdown but I hear a little bit of The Low Anthem in there too. They’re currently on a huge U.S tour, go see them. Available as a download, cd and vinyl either from Dead Oceans or your local independant record store. The mp3 available here you can also grab along with another one on the dead oceans website. Enjoy.
**This is a mirrored post from over on Slowcoustic.com – (because I know Olly loves this guy!).
The downloads included are a higher bit-rate over here as well!!
“The heart of a cur keeping time with her bedroom eyes.” ~JLL
The upcoming album from Jeffrey Luck Lucas entitled “The Lion’s Jaw” should be out any second and from the few tracks I have heard it is going to be another incredible album. This is a top album in the “looking forward to in 2009″ for me and am glad it is about to surface. Why this guy isn’t more famous, is beyond me.
Yes, I am being purposefully vague about the release date for the new album as it has not “officially” been set yet, but I have good authority that it will be available within the next couple of weeks. The music industry can be an enigma in itself and a lowly music blogger simply wants the end product of a great album. This particular great album cannot get here fast enough. If anyone is familiar with Jeffrey Luck Lucas you will know that there is a theme/feeling/aura surrounding the work of Lucas: one of solitude, trying times and ultimately a mixture of hope amongst bleak times. In going back and forth with Lucas (as you will see below in the interview), he is conscious of this mystique he conjures with his talent. One that draws me like a moth to a flame, not blindly, but just something that consistently brings fulfilling music – not the one hit wonders or smash and grab singles that circle the world of music these days.
Lucas has 2 previous albums to date of which both come highly recommended for lovers of the sombre almost Americana crowd. I say almost as his music floats around many genres but doesn’t make its home in anything specific – It has essence of a Matthew Ryan’s melancholy, Leonard Cohen’s storytelling and delivery. I used those two artists as one brings to mind a mature established performer with the other bringing something more modern down-tempo, the blending of it all gives you a great idea of what Jeffrey Luck Lucas provides. Another way to put it is to let you know the titles of the two previous album “Hell Then Divine” and “What We Whisper”. So you get an aching performance of the down trodden with that glimmer of redemption only moments away (all the while being aware of oneself and being awake to some humour of it all).
Well, if I can say one thing, it is “The Lion’s Jaw” is going to be another notch on this troubadour’s belt and should make it’s way to your collection…soon. Let’s dig into a bit of “Q & A” with Jeffrey Luck Lucas.
~~~
1. Who is Jeffrey Luck Lucas – introduce yourself to our readers – and is “Luck” really your middle name?
“Luck” is as real a name as any of mine, in my opinion, though I wasn’t born with it. I was christened with the name around a pool table in a great long-lost dive bar. It had a nice ring to it so I let it stick. I don’t know how to introduce myself. Maybe we’ll let the music do the introducing? I mean, it’s all there.
2. We are big fans here at Slowcoustic/You Crazy Dreamers and me especially as I am a jokingly described as a fan of “sad bastard music” – is this how you would describe your music?
Thank you… I do appreciate the support and encouragement to keep doing the dirty work. Though I do encourage others getting dirty with me.
I would say that the music is created by a sad bastard, but it isn’t all sad (and neither is the bastard). I think there’s a lot of beauty and humor drifting alongside all the emotional wreckage and debris. Not to mention sex and violence.
I think as more recordings surface the story will become more complete. It is definitely a living voyage that just happened to begin with a funeral march.
3. Now releasing your third album “The Lion’s Jaw” – When is it being released, where can we get it?
THE LION’S JAW will be released soon, this month I believe. It has been horribly delayed. The only bright side being that I’ve basically finished the fourth album (which I’m really really excited about) and that should be coming out this year as well. I don’t have a title yet, unfortunately.
You should be able to get THE LION’S JAW soon on iTunes and other online electronic distributors. We will also be doing a limited run of vinyl and CDs that will be personalized, numbered, etc. And it will have it’s own European label/release as well.
4. What were some of the things that lead to or assisted in the creation of the new album?
A sense of growing strength. An ability to face the present with clear vision. Working through an emotional backlog. Being comfortable in the skin of the night. Giving-up black and white ideals. Coming to terms with never coming to terms. Eroticism and passion in the midst of hell. And new sources of inspiration from my friends and loved ones. From their music. And Desmond Shea’s co-vision… his ability to find diamonds in my bullshit. [please edit this at will]
I really view THE LION’S JAW as a door. It marks the end and the beginning, depending on which way you’re heading.
5. You are more than a “guy with a guitar” – you are known as a trained composer & cellist, how do these integrate into your albums?
I tried to plaster as much of my self and my vision as I could on these records. I love doing arrangements and playing any and every thing I can. I record demos for every song, playing all the instruments. I learn so much from doing that. BUT… now I’ve found some guys who’ve living the music with me… and they’re bringing something… so I think the next records will be a little less claustrophobic… more accessible in a purely collaborative/spiritual way. Jesus, did I just write that?
6. Any upcoming shows, festivals that you are appearing at – where can we see ya?
Well, we’ve been working hard to get a strong band that can handle the music, so you should be seeing us over the next few months. You have to let the record simmer for awhile before you go out to lose money in support of it. Seriously, though, we’ll be in Europe late Fall/Winter and start from there.
I’ll also have a pretty full schedule playing cello and other things with other artists like KIRA LYNN CAIN and JAMES FINCH JR. this Summer and Fall.
7. Who are artists that you have toured/worked with that have influenced you?
TINDERSTICKS, JOHN DOE, ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO, THE WILLARD GRANT CONSPIRACY come to mind, as far as artists I’ve shared the stage with. My bandmates, JUSTIN FRAHM and JAMES FINCH JR. are amazing songwriters, along with KIRA LYNN CAIN. SEAN COLEMAN (now of Dublin, Ireland) is an amazing musician and an inspiration. And we wouldn’t be here talking if it weren’t for DESMOND SHEA, producer, engineer, 5th Beatle, etc. I’m probably missing a dozen or so. What the hell…
As far as influences that I haven’t had a chance to work with or share the stage with, I would say LOU REED, SERGE GAINSBOURG, SCOTT WALKER, NICK DRAKE, NICK CAVE, LEONARD COHEN, JOHNNY CASH, LAMBCHOP, IGGY POP, ITALIAN FILM MUSIC, etc. etc.
~~
There you have the great insight of JLL and please consider frequenting his sites to find the new album once released. Prior to that, you can pick up a copy of “What We Whisper” (iTunes and CD Baby) and “Hell Then Divine” (iTunes and CD Baby).
You can also visit Mr. Lucas over on his Website and his MySpace page for updates on the new album.
Jeffrey Luck Lucas - "The Devil On Me" - from 2004's "Hell Then Divine" [5:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
sb_url_to_rate = 'http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/06/30/jeffrey-luck-lucas-releases-the-lions-jaw-discusses-the-album-tours-and-if-luck-is-really-his-name/';
sb_rated_title = 'Jeffrey Luck Lucas releases “The Lion’s Jaw”, discusses the album, tours and if “Luck” is really his name!';
sb_when_to_load = 'immediate';
try { sb_rated_creation = new Date(Date.parse('Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:48:30 -0700')); } catch (e) {};
sb_categories = "Alt-Country,Alternative,If You Haven't Heard,New Album Alert,Singer Songwriter,Soul,Southern";
I first wrote about Tom and the boys here. At that point they had only released a single and were about to go off to Dallas and record their new album. Well not’s much changed in terms of releases since then but I have been informed by them that the EP release is imminent with the full album to follow not long afterwards. These are looking like they will be self released on their A little something label via their management team of Autonomy Music Group So to wet your appetite just a little longer here is another mp3 which I have been granted which was recorded in one of the emperor’s (Bobby’s) living room. In his own words, ” It’s got a great feel, with some clarinet, mandolin and double-bass action going on, Tom in preacher-man mode and a nod or two to James Brown in the chorus. It’s about as close as we get to a fun song”
He has promised me that the Ep and album has plenty of misery for us to indulge in though so that’s nice.
Please sign up to their webpage here where you can still get a free download and also be told of any further news. They have also granted us here at YCD an interview around the time of the EP release so if you have any questions let us know and I will ask away.
Finally, they have an intimate acoustic gig coming up on the 23rd July at the Hideaway in North London. More deatils of that here. I’ve not had the pleasure of seeing them live but apparantly these intimate shows are exceptional and not to be missed.
My favourite snippet of information is about them is this.
“You really get a sense that the Emperors are seasoned veterans of the London music scene and I can’t believe they won’t be playing much larger venues very soon, like Nick Cave jamming with Tom Waits playing in a Jazz Bar during a Tarantino movie… toe-curlingly good” – livemusic.fm
The nine bands whose work is represented here span a wide Prairie landscape of music. The Deep Dark Woods mix traditional folk music with rock and roll, alt-country and psychedelia. Psychedelia is also an element of holzkopf’s work, mashed up with jungle, hip-hop, and eardrum-bursting feedback. Dumb Angel (Shaun Mason) centres spectral compositions around ethereal vocals and melodic, droning guitar. Pearson play intimate folk-core inspired by Grant Fuhr, Soren Kierkegaard and one-speed bikes; when their lovely lady strikes out on her own, she’s called A Gentle Forest. The practically orchestra-sized Carbon Dating Service make a joyful noise with voices, hearts and horns. These Hands (Michael Hanson) is deceptively understated and idiosyncratically catchy, in the vein of Lennon, Bowie and Drake. The Junior Pantherz have been a guitar-powered, cymbal-kicking, indie-rock machine since 1999. And the Western Canadian Music Award-winning The Blood Lines’ pop-rock is equal to any from Montreal or Toronto.
Becoming more and more known in the music scene, the good old city of Saskatoon is getting some decent exposure lately. Having been there many times and living in both Winnipeg and Calgary, I have basically sandwiched this city by the river almost my whole life. Who would have thunk it that I should have stopped halfway between the two cities and made Saskatoon my home?? While keeping the small town vibe but still being a growing urban area – it is well known to be one of the most beautiful prairie towns around – it is now the indie music scene that has come to the forefront. Whether it be the awesome Alt Country of “The Deep Dark Woods” or the orchestral “Carbon Dating Service” and all the way to the stunning folk-core of “Pearson” and indie rock of “Junior Pantherz”. Seems like there is a little too much depth for this little city, but that is the way they like it I’m sure.
Visit Killbeat Music (the remainder of the tracks not included in this post can be downloaded at Killbeat) and Saved By Radio for more information and pick up a copy of the physical CD at SBR HERE.
~Smansmith
sb_url_to_rate = 'http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/05/13/saved-by-saskatoon-the-compilation/';
sb_rated_title = 'Saved by Saskatoon – The Compilation';
sb_when_to_load = 'immediate';
try { sb_rated_creation = new Date(Date.parse('Wed, 13 May 2009 05:52:18 -0700')); } catch (e) {};
sb_categories = "Alt-Country,Alternative,Americana,Folk,Free Download,Indie";
Tobacco Pat is the subject of this episode of “If You Haven’t Heard” and once again, you need to hear – but I guess that is the point of the series. Well now that we are on subject, I was recently introduced to Tobacco Pat (and have previously mentioned him HERE) and now I hope to introduce you to Tobacco Pat, if you haven’t heard already.
Tobacco Pat, or Logan Farmer, is a Floridian with a sound that speaks from the belly of the South, just maybe not the south of Florida. Not ever being in Southern Florida, I can’t say for sure, but the dark, foreboding Americana coming from Farmer is both gothic and gorgeous but doesn’t conjure up images of azure ocean and palm trees.
He has a couple of EPs – “The War” and “The Plague” out currently with a full length – “Everything Will Be Oklahoma” on the way. So far his EP series follows different ways that this very world may end, in 5 storied tracks at a time. While “The War” is a little more of a fuller sound and “The Plague” a bit more lo-fi, they both find themselves in common territory – downtempo goodness. I am often biased, I lean towards the troubadour and I never cover artists/bands I don’t like – so this should be no surprise – If you haven’t heard Tobacco Pat, you must. Head over to the YerBird Aviary of which he is a new resident or his MySpace Page for more info and downloads. He has lots of additional tracks on his MySpace player including samples from the upcoming album that will be released in September on Feels Like Home Records!
You can also visit my duplicate post over on Slowcoustic that will have a couple other songs for listening and downloading.
All audio posted on this site is meant for sampling purposes only. If you really like what you hear, show it and support the artist - buy an album, buy some merch, got to a show. If you represent or own any media on this site and would like something taken down please email us, and we will take the necessary action of removing the file(s). Please contact us at 5crazydreamers@gmail.com with any comments, concerns or feedback and suggestions.
