This Mystic Decade!

Hot Snakes. Five short years was all the time this killer band was together. But, in that short time they hammered through several great albums. Their music is filled with so much intensity and power that it is impossible to turn off.

I was introduced to them through a record store employee/acquaintance of mine in college. He was standing near me when I picked up their second album Suicide Invoice. He very excitedly informed me how badly I needed to buy it. It was a self-released album from former members of Drive Like Jehu (Rick Froberg) and Rocket From the Crypt (John Reis), so I figured it was probably worth it.

I put it in the CD player in my car as I left and... it was more than worth it. From the first bouncing, manic, scathing guitar riffs to the final drum beat this record creates its own place in the world of music. I left it in the player for weeks. Unfortunately, I never came across another of their records until years later.

In fact, I was in Flagstaff, Arizona when I found their Peel Sessions. This is the most fabulous angst-ridden 9:08 you'll ever hear! If you do nothing else today... buy it!

Is That Mould?

I learned about Bob Mould from my brother. The first time I remember dropping his name was as a LatchKey kid in St. Louis. It was probably 1988. Some older kids were watching us younger kids and we were taking turns writing band names on the chalkboard trying to one-up each other.

Some kid wrote Hoodoo Gurus and I wrote Hüsker Dü. I really only knew what the album covers looked like, but it blew him away nonetheless. I then drew the Dead Kennedys symbol and an anarchy sign. Suddenly, he thought I was pretty cool...

As I grew up, I really got into Bob Mould's music. I started out with his solo record from 1990 called Black Sheets of Rain. I was really getting into this record and Hüsker Dü's last record Warehouse: Songs & Stories when my brother told me I better check out Mould's first solo record, Workbook. This was far more mellow and introspective than Black Sheets of Rain. I wasn't quite ready for it. Mainly because it was 1992 and Mould had a new band: Sugar.

I was given Sugar's first album for Christmas (again, same brother) and they became a staple of my youth. Complete Hard-Charging Sonic Face Melt! Perfect for a teenager! Hüsker Dü was perfect teenage music too.

Mould's music runs the gamut of musical expression. Even during Hüsker Dü's lifetime he created some introspective stuff (Candy Apple Grey). He was a key figure of the early 80s hardcore scene and an openly gay man. His music is important and should be remembered. Especially today. Happy Birthday, Bob!

Introspection

Robert Zimmerman was definitely the first singer that shook me. However, the songs of John Prine & Townes Van Zandt shook me nearly to death. Many of my episodes of introspection wander through those two... American treasures... that's all I have to say.

Nebraska

For whatever reason I'm in an introspective mood... this morning that translates to Springsteen's 1982 album, Nebraska. Somehow I knew when I bought this record I was in for a ride. I had The Boss' records from the early 70s and liked them. But, I was reticent to go near the "Born in the U.S.A." era due to the excessive hype (and airplay) it received during my childhood. It wasn't until much later that I actually listened to the lyrics of that song and realized how serious it was.

Anyway, the second I saw it, I knew I was going to buy Nebraska. I was surprised it was released in 1982, but the cover drew me in instantly. It's stark, sweeping Midwestern agricultural scene was too much to ignore. It just called to me.

Nebraska is a quiet, often haunting record and it completely changed my image of Springsteen. I listened to it three times in a row when I bought it and suddenly understood why they called him The Boss. This record is totally boss! I suppose if I had to pick a song it would be "Highway Patrolman". A tragic story about two brothers told by a wonderful storyteller!

Reluctant to admit...

Ok... last night I watched a documentary about Irish music and this morning I went on iTunes and bought a record I learned about: Rory Gallagher's live album from his Irish tour in 1974. It absolutely shreds! What an exhilarating album!

And, it's pretty cool to just push a button and buy something... so, I guess I truly have a love/hate relationship with modern musical technology. Today = love!

'Fore Day Creep

Sometimes I forget just how many 60s bands from England paid tribute to American bluesmen. Unfortunately, when their records made their way to the US most teenagers were unaware that they were listening to electric/psychedelic renditions of classic American tunes. I found out because my father knew and I used to read every single word inside the jacket covers of my dad's albums.

Here's an example: Cream, 1966, Disraeli Gears, "Outside Woman Blues". Their version is great! But, it is an old song that many bluesmen had in their bag of riffs. My favorite version may be Brownie McGhee's. But, he called it "'Fore Day Creep".

Is there anything better than American blues music?

Pay it Forward...

A student gave me a box of old records (LP's) that her family didn't want anymore. In it were four original Blue Note Records releases by Jimmy Smith and Jay Jay Johnson as well as an original pressing of The Wailers second album, Burnin'! There were also several Wes Montgomery records that I have never heard and can't wait to play! I felt like a kid at Christmas. I had no idea what I was going to find! What a score! It's time to share some music with friends...

Punk's Not Dead!

"I listen to punk." I shudder when people say that. Because it's generally followed by a mumbled, shaky comment about the Sex Pistols. You're a punk because you've had Never Mind the Bollocks since ninth grade? You're the only disaffected teenager out there, right? Or perhaps you're a disaffected old fart that just bought a Pistols shirt from that store in the mall? Either way, you... and only you, are a true punk, right?

This is literally my worst nightmare in terms of a conversation. Almost without fail, these people have no real musical knowledge whatsoever.

I understand the historical significance of the Pistols. Of course, Never Mind the Bollocks is good. But then, Johnny Rotten on the mic is enough to make any band great! No one has a voice like that! Especially, when he screams through 'Bodies'. That song is as shocking today as it was then!

But, if you really want to be a "Punk", you'd better build a bigger catalog. Go and listen to Spiral Scratch by The Buzzcocks. This four-song EP has all the frantic, frenetic, chaos that "punks" are always looking for and it all happens in only ten minutes. Then go listen to Pink Flag by Wire.

Then, come back to the United States to bands like Television, Patti Smith, The Stooges or even The Velvet Underground if you really want to hear art. But, continue past 1976-77... the best music associated with the punk movement didn't arrive until 1978 and lasted until 1983.

I Ain't Marchin' Anymore!

As a teacher of US History, I get the chance to share our wonderful musical traditions with young people who might otherwise never be exposed to these songs.

As we're currently studying the anti-Vietnam protests of the 60s, I was able to play Phil Ochs' "I Ain't Marchin' Anymore". I've been listening to Phil for years, but it's exciting to expose young people to such powerful music.

Especially this song. It's a miniature US history lesson in 2:35! Everything from Andrew Jackson chasing the Seminoles south to the United Fruit Company's exploitation of Costa Rica.

Often, we only remember Dylan's contribution to the protest era. But, Phil Ochs deserves his just share.

Music is Life!

It's been one of those weeks. I am reminded once again of the power of music. I owe my sanity today to Mississippi Fred McDowell and John Lee Hooker.

Shuffering + Shmiling

"Shuffering + Shmiling" from the 2002 compilation Red Hot + Riot: The Music and spirit of Fela Kuti may very well be the greatest hip-hop song ever recorded. Of course, that's just my opinion... you make the call yourself!

Regardless of where it ranks on the all-time list, its power is undeniable. I can listen to this song over and over again without growing weary of it. That is as much a testament to the original Fela Kuti track as it is to the reworking of the song by Dead Prez and Talib Kweli.

Not only is it some of the most addictive music you'll ever hear, but it also deals with heavy social/political issues in the black community. This song has been out for a while but is an absolute must for any serious music fan!

The War on Drugs!

I'm not talking about the Reagan 80s... this new record by The War on Drugs is fantastic! I don't often use the word fantastic, but I listened to this four times all the way through today and didn't once feel inclined to turn it off!

This record creates an easy vibe. The dream-like vocals play a large part. The record was released on the label Secretly Canadian, which is also the label of Damien Jurado... one of my favorites.

The album incites a range of emotions as it rolls through several different musical styles. At times this record is anthemic, atmospheric, Dylanesque, dreamy and even flirts with synth-pop. The Dylan comparison is no mistake as these guys are clearly devoted fans.

Pay particular attention to "Brothers", "Your Love is Calling My Name", "Come to the City" and "Black Water Falls". Very pleased I bought this! Incidentally... it was released on my birthday. I had to buy it!

Island Mood

I got a $50 iTunes gift card for my birthday and bought 8 new reggae and dub albums...

Justin Hinds & The Dominoes, Horace Andy, The Abyssinians, Max Romeo, The Mighty Diamonds, The Congos and Lucky Dube!

Deee-Lite!

"Groove is in the Heart" is as cool today as it was in 1990. Not simply because Tribe member Q-Tip is on the track, but because it's just plain badass! If you don't know it, listen now! I guarantee you'll bounce with it!

Shabazz Palaces

Sub-Pop just released its first hip-hop record in the history of the label. To say it's unique doesn't really paint the right picture. I haven't heard hip-hop this eclectic and daring since Kool Keith's Dr. Octagon days. The group is called Shabazz Palaces. This isn't their first record, but the group is new to me. However, the architect of this group is definitely NOT new to me or to music. Hip-hop hero Butterfly, former member of the ineffable Digable Planets, is responsible for this outfit. Their newest release is called Black Up and is a great collage of sounds, angles, instruments and vocals. Buy this, push play and try to follow along. It will take a couple listens to grasp it all, but only a few seconds to know you like it! This record is in the clouds, man!

Daughter

Yesterday I came across a free song on iTunes called "Landfill" by a woman calling herself Daughter. Elena Tonra sings of heartache and pain with an angelic, yet haunting voice. The recordings are somewhat sparse carried mainly by her voice. The songs are gentle and sweet until one really pays attention to the lyrics and realizes the pain in them! Poetic, gripping, haunting... brilliant!

Hard Times

Just downloaded the free song of the week from Starbucks... Gillian Welch's single "Hard Times" from her new album The Harrow & The Harvest. She's been silent for eight years, but was clearly not wasting away!

This looks to be a very promising record. Even the album artwork is compelling! Sometimes when artists try to reinvent themselves they flounder and churn out garbage. This album does not fit that profile!

Introspective, patient and rootsy. This album adheres to her traditional roots, but fits right into the modern Americana movement. Did I mention she has a great voice? Good stuff!

Blind Pilot

The Portland band Blind Pilot put out their lone record in 2008. I heard a few songs then and was fortunate to see them live when opened for The Decemberists along with Andrew Bird the following year.

I enjoyed their music but wasn't in a hurry to buy the record. That said, I acquired it last month and can easily play it from start to finish. It has the pop sensibilities of a Top 40 record, but all the musical and lyrical nuances of the current Indie Rock darlings the likes of which underground rockers in their mid-30s search for constantly.

I think the technology age has saturated every market that exists, which for the music industry means that good bands get lost easily. Long gone are the days when a band had to slog along the highways and byways of this vast country printing their own shirts and records as well as promoting themselves hoping to catch the eye of SST, I.R.S., 4AD, Sub-Pop or Twin-Tone Records.

Long story short, these guys slipped through the cracks. For folks out there who like Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, Midlake, Damien Jurado, M. Ward, etc... check this record out. There are plenty of good songs, but "One Red Thread" will stick in your head all day!

The Tallest Man On Earth

I should have said this months ago...

There has been a resurgence of impressive music. I'm not totally sure when it began... somewhere around Built to Spill's second record I guess. Regardless, there are dozens of great bands making thoughtful music. From Fleet Foxes to The Walkmen to Spoon to Midlake and on and on.

About four years ago I found a song by a guy calling himself The Tallest Man On Earth. I loved the song, but it was brand new and I couldn't find the record anywhere. Ultimately, I got a hold of his initial EP. It is great. Today, I found another song and ran straight to iTunes to look for it.

I just bought the EP called Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird. It is quite good! I have always loved EP's. They remind me of the early 90s when all my favorite bands were putting out EP's. I have now been scouring the Earth for these new EP's. Fleet Foxes, Damien Jurado, Iron & Wine, The Decemberists, Bon Iver, Beirut, etc...

If you don't know The Tallest Man On Earth... go and meet him! You won't regret it!