You Crazy Dreamers » Southern

Jeffrey Luck Lucas releases “The Lion’s Jaw”, discusses the album, tours and if “Luck” is really his name!

smansmith — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:48:30 +0000

**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.

~Smansmith

If You Haven’t Heard – Tobacco Pat

smansmith — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:53:28 +0000

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.

~Smansmith

Silver Darling finds me, I try to resist, but cannot…fan created.

smansmith — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:16:57 +0000

Silver Darling are new to me. I discovered them while covering Garrett Pierce for my day job at Slowcoustic and while looking over the label page for Crossbill Records, I found another gem in Silver Darling. There is also a Matt Bauer EP that is incredible with Crossbill, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. From what I can tell this is a band that is just starting out releasing albums (2008, but Silver Darling has been in the works since 2006), gaining members and looking forward to continued growth, touring and albums.

While as I say just starting out, they still have two official releases to date and have grown from a trio to a quintet (that’s five) in the last few months. A common theme when I start to really enjoy music is a sound that is usually folk, but one that seems acoustically inclined (at times) and have something that separates if from the sea of others. Whether that is a unique voice, interesting inclusions of instruments or a sound that keeps it’s roots in folk but walks a fine line to gothic, indie Americana. Silver Darling find themselves roaming comfortably throughout these territories. Their website has the below description:

…Northern California based soul folk in action-Guthrie Americana-dark gospel musical group…

With “sounds like” from their MySpace page of:

‘77 sunburst Gibson Les Paul, ‘77 Rickenbacker Bass, ‘59 Ludwig 28″ bass drum, early ’60’s Hammond organ, ‘45 king 2b silvertone trombone, ‘82 Martin HD-28, voice (high tenor), voice (baritone)

Now you see? There is a bit of everything with SD, you get the mellow folk acoustic tracks “Leave My Body Like a Stone” or “Land West of The Mississippi” and even folk rock of “Hanging Rest” – you have Kevin Lee’s lead vocals power through while still showing the fragility of just holding on. You can actually feel and hear the incorporation of a fuller band from the first EP “Wrap Around My Heart” to the newer “Your Ghost Fits My Skin” – while the EP is more acoustic and southern gospel, the newer LP could be a group effort that brings the power of that South to the forefront (you can find this in tracks like “Roof and Seed” – swing by their website to listen for yourself). This is what always attracts me and keeps me listening – great music, dark lyrics/discussion, a possibly a bit of twang from a pedal steel…if this is something that might intrigue you, take a listen below – you will find yourself a wash in a Southern Delta sound that while still finding its final signature sound, is doing a incredible job of playing great music along the journey.
~
Silver Darling
“Clothes Removed” (mp3)
“Land West of the Mississippi” (mp3)
from “Wrap Around My Heart”
(Crossbill Records)

More On This Album

~
Silver Darling
“Leave My Body Like a Stone” (mp3)
“Holy Oak, Muddy Banks” (mp3)
“Hanging Rest” (mp3)
from “Your Ghost Fits My Skin”
(Crossbill Records)

More On This Album

Visit Silver Darling on their Website for a few more songs to listen to and swing by Crossbill Records for a little label action and to pick up an album. If needed, their newly restored MySpace Page is located here.

~Smansmith

Sorting A Blogger Inbox – A Guide.

smansmith — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:59:49 +0000

So I thought I might take a moment to peruse our inbox for musical suggestions, gifts, lottery notifications and offers to help a former doctor in Rwanda. Always a bit of a mish-mash in a blogger inbox!

There is an art to sorting a Blogger inbox, as you do get great musical suggestions, hear from good people, and readers/artists even send kind words of appreciation. You are a guru, you blogger you! Then you get PR emails, they are a good source of information, but always seem a bit cold. Lastly, you get “artists” who are trying hard to get heard and you want to help out but you simply don’t like their music. That last one is always hard, as I think I have good taste, I also think I am a nice guy, so how do you react?

Well, there are more difficult things in life than handling an email inbox, but I thought I would list a few items that I think are common sense items, but need to be said about sending an email to a blogger. Please read below, call me an idiot, call me obvious, simply read and move on…just sayin.

Only send email to blogs that you would want to see your music on: Why would you send a indie-folk blog your latest dance remix? Think about it.
Know thy blog/blogger: This is similar to the above, but generic emails get much less attention.
2a. Really know thy blog/blogger: Remember, some of us (myself included) blog on more than one music blog. What I am saying is don’t send your EXACT same email with only the “Name of Blog” changed. It is embarrassing for you and is not going to get you a post when you “…have been reading your blog for soo long and I have always wanted to be considered for “your” blog as you are my favourite blog…”
Attach media: I give more attention to artists who send a sample track and offer an album download for review. Yeah, I want your MySpace page address along with news, but include media and get online. On this topic, you must allow something to be downloaded…this is what readers want.
Be modest: Everyone can have talent, so be proud of what you have created, but everyone might not like it. Be honest about it and be humble in the hope that the blogger might like it as well. Don’t tell us we like it before we have even heard it.
One Follow email up is great, 10 is annoying: This one is just common sense….isn’t it??

*EDIT – LATE ENTRY* 6. Keep in Touch: If you are on the blog, we like you. If you have new projects or news, by all means send us an email with an update. LOVE to hear back from artists – makes everything warm inside…

Okay, so now we are on the same page and I apologize if anything seemed harsh, it is not meant to be. I always love getting music in my inbox – so keep on sending it to us! Now that I have said that, I have included a couple of recent artists who made the right decisions in their emails and hence, they are now on the blog.

~Firstly, I have Corbin Murdoch and the Nautical Miles who are releasing a track each month (on the 15th to be exact) and offering a free download of it (and accepting donations for higher quality files, etc). Eventually it will be an aptly named album called “A Year of Song”. Great idea, great music. Visit Murdoch and crew on their website.

~Secondly, Trunks & Tales is a “Southern Alabama” group that just happens to be physically located in Pennsylvania. They draw an almost fringe folk via hillbilly rock – an Alt Country Mountain Goats if you will. Sound interesting, listen below and visit them on MySpace and Last.fm for a load of more free music.

~Smansmith

Jon-Rae Fletcher’s – “Oh, Maria”

smansmith — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Jon-Rae Fletcher is a Canadian singer-songwriter who grew up in Kelowna, British Columbia. Born the son of a preacher, Jon-Rae sang in his church’s choir by day and fell in love with the music of Kurt Cobain at night. Combining his passion for the sounds of country, gospel, rock, and soul, Jon-Rae Fletcher created a unique blend of music, which at times is minimal and soul bearing, and at other times a full-blown-rock-throw-down.
Stunning crowds with his resonating country voice, Jon-Rae’s cathartic, soul-stirring live show has helped build an ever growing following. Jon-Rae has recorded and released a number of stellar albums over the years, both as a solo artist and with full bands consisting of numerous talented friends from across Canada.

Recently released album “Oh Maria” is another example that Canada is not the land of hibernation and could be akin to the dusty rural south. There is a lot of “Canadiana” coming out lately and it is all good (see The Deep Dark Woods only a few posts ago).

The story behind “Oh Maria” seems like an unfortunate series of experiences that led to JR recording the story. There has been struggle that JR has worked through on his journey – both across Canada in life and in creating this album. The presentation of these 10 songs is intimate, confessional and a storyline of recent life experiences that he/or his character on the album overcomes. Like many before him, life teaches and shows you its ups and downs, and this album is all about that.

The sound of the album is essentially a gospel country album at heart. There is many influences from soul, jazz, Americana wrapped up in a singer songwriter package. The use of horns in this album alone is worth mentioning – powerful, yet tragic sounding at the same time, gorgeous stuff.

Enjoy a few tracks from the album below that was recently released February 3rd, 2009 on Weewerk Records out of Toronto. He is in good company there with Great Lake Swimmers, Barzin and Elliott Brood to mention a few. The songs below show you two of the stand out tracks in “Oh, Maria” and “Downtown”, with the piano laded swing time that is “My Hands” included for good measure!

Visit Jon-Rae Fletcher on his Website and MySpace Page.

Jon-Rae Fletcher
“Downtown” (mp3)
“My Hands” (mp3)
“Oh, Maria” (mp3)
from “Oh Maria”
(Weewerk)

More On This Album

~Smansmith

Who Is This “Jim White” Anyway?

smansmith — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:56:14 +0000

Jim White
“A Town Called Amen” (mp3)
from “Transnormal Skiperoo”
(Luaka Bop)
“Pieces of Heaven” (mp3)
from “Transnormal Skiperoo”
(Luaka Bop)
“Crash Into the Sun” (mp3)
from “Transnormal Skiperoo”
(Luaka Bop)

More On This Album

“Counting Numbers In The Air” (mp3)
from “A Funny Little Cross to Bear – Live EP”
(Luaka Bop)

“Jim 3:16″ (mp3)
from “A Funny Little Cross to Bear – Live EP”
(Luaka Bop)

Justin Jones & The Driving Rain

smansmith — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:55:52 +0000

Within the songs of Justin Jones are stories from a life lived long enough to know heartache, loneliness, addiction, and lost love. But the 29-year-old Virginia native has not lost touch with a youthful spirit that imbues his music: raw excitement, romance, and optimism.

That description is from the MySpace page of Justin Jones & The Driving Rain. It pretty much hits the spot for an artist among many in the today’s jungle of Alt-Country/Americana artists. While that description would be used by many I am sure, it just might be a bit more true for Justin.

From North Carolina as a youth to the Washington D.C. area currently, Jones has been performing his style of true Americana to his growing audience. The 15 years of transition engulfing North Carolina to D.C. include his roots playing guitar for whiskey soaked ears to successful tours throughout the I-95 area (for you Americans who know the area!). While Justin currently records with his “Driving Rain”, he was a lone performer until at least 2002 and his move to Washington. The move brought more performing and need for the inclusion of talent – talent he found to assist in filling out his sound – notably on his “Love Versus Heroin” album from 2006. This album is ridiculously good for you “new country” fans. The album worth it for the song “Dying With You” alone!

While I get ahead of myself, we can’t forget Justin only official solo release “Blue Dreams” which is described as both “Blues” and “Hillbilly Soul” – quite a description I must say, and also a great solo and mostly acoustic album. Although I do often appreciate the lone performer more often, his group efforts are just soo strong. This is most recently assured by his 2007 release “… and I Am The Song of the Drunkards” which definitely picks up where “Love Versus Heroin” leaves off. The albums are full of up tempo country/bluegrass to the ballad crooning heart-breakers.

For the up and coming info, Jones is working on the next album out at the legendary Sunset Sound studio with producer Jamie Candiloro (from R.E.M. and Ryan Adams fame). They will be in the studio this week, so we can hope for quick and successful sessions in order to get us more of this great sound in the new year.

I have included a track from last years “… and I Am The Song of the Drunkards” and a solo effort in the form of a Bob Dylan cover for “Boots of Spanish Leather” (recorded with Jones on guitar and Candiloro on piano).

Visit Justin on his website, pick up a copy of Blue Dreams, Love Versus Heroin or …And I Am The Songs of the Drunkards over on CD Baby.

~Smansmith

Andrew Bryant’s Blues

smansmith — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:52:46 +0000

Well I must say I am a bit late in posting on this little project from Andrew Bryant, but better late than never!

Andrew Bryant has been circling the fringe of my listening for a little bit now – often due to musical suggestions from my good friends over at Yer Bird Records. These suggestions lead me on a journey into finding some more of this talented countrified songwriter’s recordings. My journey recently led me to his newly created website and with it brought access to his “Hurricane Blues” digital EP. The EP is themed and recorded following the disastrous Hurricane Katrina which left a massive mess (both physically and emotionally for all those involved) in the southern United States. This is the background to this 2 track EP, so expect no love for authority figures and unfortunate descriptions of those who had to live through the natural disaster.

“Hurricane Blues” is basically just Bryant and a guitar and has a bluesy, southern feel. The content of the lyrics aside, you still feel like a true Americana recording persona from Bryant’s delivery – almost a drawl that he might be holding back on.

Mr. Bryant is starting to be quite the prolific singer songwriter in the last few years and look out for 2009 as he will be bombarding us with up to 3 more releases – sounds good to me. Signed to Magnolia State Records which I believe is his own growing label and located there are links to all his albums with sample tracks for every single release! While I will start you off with Hurricane Blues, please swing on by and check out some of his other works, as he delivers many more aspects of his Americana recordings than these sparse recordings suggest.

~Smansmith

Solal – The moonshine sessions

Geordie — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:10:20 +0000

Here is an album that completely passed me by but that’s no surprise seeing it’s made by Frenchman Philippe Cohen, dj, producer and the main man behind The gotan project. I mean why would I look towards an electronic french band when looking for a bit of country? Thing is, this really is a straight up, full on country record with no hint of The Gotan project at all. It’s a bit like Dolly Parton making a drum and bass album, a complete departure from ones comfort zone. Thing is, it works brilliantly. Recorded in Nashville with some of the best musicians they have to offer, Jim lauderdale, David Olney, Sam bush and Melonie Cannon to name but a few it’s an album that is as raw as it is challenging. Co-produced by Bucky Baxter (Bob dylan, Ryan adams) They even throw in two covers but no, not old fashioned classic country covers but Abbas Dancing Queen and the Sex Pistols Pretty Vacant no less. All done in a country style of course, unbelievable ! On the ya basta record label you can download this from emusic or there is a vinyl release of which I’ve just ordered, in my case from HHV but there are other places around. This is my new favourite album of the year because it could easily have gone totally wrong. An electronic/dj/producer going to Nashville to make a record? Now I think that’s pretty challenging and then to make one as brilliant as this I think is a stroke of genius. This isn’t cheesy country, It’s a sad, mournful gospel filled proper country album and every country music fan should own it. Love it !!

What I want to know is why Olly has never mentioned this? Can’t be many frenchmen going to Nashville to make country records, are they?

01-the-academy-of-trust-solal-feat-jim-lauderdale

10-pretty-vacant-solal-feat-rosie-flores

If you haven’t heard – Blackbird Harmony

smansmith — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:54:36 +0000

I would like to take this opportunity, dear blog reader, to introduce/remind/revisit a bit of Americana called Blackbird Harmony. While some of you may know Mr. Evan Birdsong (pictured above) and his band – you may need a fresh listen. A fresh listen (if it be for the first time, even better) to something you will revisit again and again in the future.

While us bloggers like to “promote” or as we call it “listening to us congratulate ourselves on providing great music to the masses”, I truly want to promote this one (I have a sister post over on Slowcoustic as well to get the word out). While Blackbird Harmony (to be known as BbH for the remainder of this post) has been around for a while, they are fairly new to me. Their label – Yer Bird – and myself are well acquainted and I tend to get updates and provided with music I was previously oblivious to – a win/win situation if ever there was one. One such update was BbH and I am glad to have been introduced via the 2008 album “Hardwood Exits” – I mean I actually purchased a CD (who actually does this anymore…).

I bring this to your attention today as I have had BbH’s “Hardwood Exits” for a few months now and think it is a great album that will most likely end up on a top 2008 list of mine at year’s end. I have recently got my pasty hands on the demos from the album that include some intimate solo recordings from 2007 that were previously unreleased. WOW, I love the demos. I am a sucker for acoustic sets of favourite artists, and when you can get them I always recommend them, as they tend to be the blood and guts of an album. This is true on this the “Hardwood Exits” album especially. While I am not recommending the demos instead of the official release, it is an accompanying necessity. When listening to the studio album you realize that it is great classic songwriter Americana, and with the demos you see the stripped down roots of the recordings, the one on one beginning of the final product. So to get your copy, visit the Yer Bird label and sign up for the Aviary (access to many other artists in the label’s catalogue included!) at a very reasonable fee.

To give you that nudge in the right direction to BbH, here is one of the stand out tracks from both the studio and demo release. Tell me this is not something you needed to hear. Go ahead, try to tell me…

~ Smansmith

JJ Grey & Mofro – Chicago 7-26-08

Laura — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 04:22:54 +0000

I went and saw JJ Grey & Mofro last night in Chicago at the “Taste of Lincoln Fest” to get a little taste of some bluesy southern soul. Best $10 I ever spent (for the fest admission fee.)

I can not say enough how much I love love love LOVE these guys and god damn do they put on an amazing show. Incredible. Stunning. Gave me chills at some points they were so pee-in-your-pants-good. I saw them last year at the House of Blues but this show far surpassed that one for me by miles. I was simply enthralled the whole night. You either had to be deaf or have no rhythm to not groove and dance to JJ. I know I was shakin’ my tail feather most of the night! *shake shake*

Their album “Country Ghetto” was one of my favorites albums of last year. Definately in my top 3 of 2007. If you do not have this CD, I highly recommend that you run right out and purchase it or download it! The whole album is just fantastic.

I’ve very excited for their new release “Orange Blossoms” due out August 26th. You can pre order it: here

One of the highlight of the night was getting to hear one of their new songs off the new album called “Everything Bad is Good”. Upbeat number….I just loved it. Here is a youtube video of the new song (although not from the Chicago performance)…oooh sing it JJ!

MySpace

mofro.net

THAD COCKRELL

Geordie — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:31:49 +0000

“I’ve always loved the twang of hurt” – Thad Cockrell

Firstly, Please forgive me for the copy and paste of the description of Thad and his music but i’m so busy at the moment this saves me a hell of a lot of time.

North Carolina singer-songwriter Thad Cockrell hails from the old school of country music, the days before Nashville went pop. “There’s no ‘alt’ in my country,” says Cockrell, who possesses the kind of high-lonesome, wistful tenor that’ll make you long for a cabin in the pines, or set you to yearning for a long-lost love. But as a youngster growing up in Tampa, Fla., Cockrell didn’t have rock ’n’ roll or country records around the house. His father was, and still is, a Baptist preacher (as are his two brothers). His first exposure to the pure country sound came from listening to folks like Merle Haggard and George Jones on commercial radio. At home, there was always plenty of Southern gospel music.

(End of C &P)

A real, genuine son of a preacher man, he released an album with Caitlin Cary (Whiskeytown) called Begonias in 2005 and fans of Gram parsons/ Emmylou harris will enjoy that for sure, Their voices compliment each other perfectly. This is what i call Real country music, honest heartfelt songs of love and heartache, backed up by a pedalsteel, violin, piano basically everything you would expect in country music but brilliantly produced by Brad Jones who keeps it all tightly knit together, a pure gem of an album.

As for Thads Brand new EP To be loved, although country he seems to have developed a sound more akin to Royal Wood, some Ryan Adams and at other times old Troubadours like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clarke, (Who incidentally is now 70 years old and has just released on his best ever albums) and the recently departed genius John Stewart (The kingston trio). As it’s only a 6 track EP i’m only offereing one Mp3 ‘Country of my own’ which is a song of searching for a place he belongs to which seems to hit home given the current political climate across the world, not just in America. The song ‘Talk to the press’ which you can hear on his myspace is something i could imagine Paul simon singing, the comparisons on that are quite spooky. By the way this boy can sing, imagine blending Ryan adams, Paul simon and Gram parsons together and you get somewhere close.

In his own words he is trying to “Bring the hurt back into country music” and so far he’s doing a mighty fine job.

Thad Cockrell – Country of my own

Caitlin Cary & Thad Cockrell – Something less than something more

Caitlin Cary & Thad Cockrell – Conversations about a friend (Who’s in love with Katie)

Diacon-Panthers – Make it Feel Better

Olivier — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:21:18 +0000

If you’re checking our tag clouds on the right sidebar of this page, here are the main hits : songwriters (???), Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Ray LaMontagne… So you might think, i’m not going to find something that really rocks with these crazy dreamers ! Partly true, partly false : depending on what you mean with rock ! An that’s why music is so great… sometimes it rocks your soul, sometimes your body. In this early month of March, it’s time to ride the seasonal attraction : spring is almost there and my ears are requesting their yearly dose of rejuvenation !
I’ve found the right cure, the one that match my need : a perfect spring band for my mood.

Fasten your seatbelt, destination : Knoxville, Tennessee !

Diacon-Panthers is the name of this awesome band, i’ve been pointed to from Berkeley Place. Right after listening the two tracks available there, I’ve been more than seduced… How hard is trying to qualify their unique sound. Punk ? Garage-Punk : no and yes. But not only… Rock ? yeah rock for sure. But not only… Southern-rock hugh may be… Then I’ve browsed diacon-panthers site to check how those guys are self-defining their music. Well, I’m still laughing but I do agree : healing & easy listening.

Their first full-length album : ‘Make it Feel Better‘ is powerful and really fits my demand. Even if I’m not a fan of the intro track which is a bit too psychedelic for me… the second song titled ‘Actress‘ and the transition with ‘Tennesse Dancing Nights‘ is simply joyful ! And this feeling won’t leave you until the two closing tracks : Joyful Bis – ‘jouissif‘ is the right French word I was looking for ! Both songs are exceeding the regular format – 7:32 and 6:39… but not enough to be replete : all you have to do is replay ! And be sure, your enthousiasm will grow on each loop !

And then crossing my daughter’s suspicious glance, I realise that my 40th birthday is approaching…
Be sure to listen these two tracks in the correct order… Check their site, double check their myspace… I can’t imagine how this band is live !

Band : Diacon – Panthers
Label : Borrowdeer
Where to buy : cdbaby.com
You should also enjoy : Pela, Two Gallants