Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Listen with the Staff — Tame Impala, Tom Morello, Decemberists, A Michigan Tribute to Neil Young, Foster the People




Alex's Pick
Tame Impala - Innerspeaker [Deluxe Edition] - 2011
4/5 Stars
Psychedelic hypnotic-groove rockers, Tame Impala, hail all the way from Perth, Austrailia. Their recently released album, Innerspeaker, can be compared to Strawberry Fields Forever-era Beatles, early MGMT and the more satiated side of The Black Angels. Solid record from start to finish. Noteworthy songs : "It's Not Meant To Be," "Desire Be Desire Go" and "The Bold Arrow of Time." www.facebook.com/tameimpala



Scott's Pick
The Nightwatchman (Tom Morello) — World Wide Rebel Songs
4/5 Stars
When Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker decided to make stripping union rights his first priority upon entering office last winter, Tom Morrello was one of the first in line to give him hell. He immediately wrote protest songs and traveled to the state's capitol in February to fight — producing the album Union Town and helping, with many others, to make Walker's political longevity as promising as Snooki becoming a brain surgeon. Instead of laying off Walker and other union-terrorizing politicians, Morrello, as the Nightwatchman, released his second album of the year, World Wide Rebel Songs, a super intelligent and angry full-length disc that doesn't just aim to kick these white-collared zeros in face when they are crawling around scrapping for supporters, but uses the powerfully charged tracks as an attempt to slice a jugular or two. He keeps the songs fresh with not only some of the best protest lyrics I've heard in a long time, but also with his ability to pair optimistic, warm instruments with confident, pissed-off and relatable lyrics. "Are you going to stand around, or are you going to be free," the harvard grad and former Rage Against The Machine guitarist growls on the title track. He's the true working-class hero. A modern day Thoreau, except he isn't afraid to refer to today's tyrants as motherfuckers. Key Tracks: "Black Spartacus Heart Machine," "Save the Hammer for the Man," "World Wide Rebel Songs."



Matt's Pick
Decemberists - “Calamity Song" (Video)
4.5/5 Stars
Like a lot of longtime listeners, I was thrilled when the Decemberists, darlings of the sweater-vest-and-thick-glasses set, took a healthy step back from the prog-folk excesses of 2009’s The Hazards of Love with this year’s The King is Dead. There aren’t even any songs about pirates or chimney sweeps, just pure, sparkling songcraft and ecstatic wordplay. (With a few ballads, like the criminally ravishing “June Hymn” thrown in.) I’ve been telling people it’s the best R.E.M. album in 20 years, which is entirely appropriate since guitarist Peter Buck guests on a few songs.
This week, the band premiered the new video for “Calamity Song,” with Mr. Buck himself dealing the old-school “Reckoning” jangle. And the video, directed by Parks & Recreation’s Michael Schur,  is a wonder. There’s certainly a lot of overlap between the Decemberists’ fanbase and that of the late revered cult author David Foster Wallace, and the “Calamity Song” video is a meticulous recreation of a crucial scene from Wallace’s magnum opus, the sprawling Infinite Jest. The song itself is a whimsical look at Apocalypse, with a wildly catchy melody, and the lyric already included an Infinite Jest reference. (“...in the Year of the Chewable Ambien Tab.”)
Schur introduces the audience to Eschaton, Wallace’s insanely elaborate fictional sport played by the students of an elite tennis academy (did you know those were a thing?). The kids simulate a global nuclear war on a tennis court, with tennis balls standing in for missiles. Naturally, this requires extremely complex computerized scoring, and naturally, the band sits and watches from courtside. And naturally, since all’s fair in love and thermonuclear exchanges, the scene devolves into farcical chaos.
IJ geeks will love the spot-on details, like the referee’s color-coded propeller beanies, and the fact that singer Colin Meloy is clearly standing in for Michael Pemulis, the novel’s tragic Falstaffian sidekick, with his jaunty sailor’s hat. Wallace wasn’t the hippest guy in the world, but I feel like he would have liked the Decemberists, with their nerdy charm and love of language. And he’d have loved to see one his tour de force comic set pieces brought to the screen. There’s joy in the End of the World, and Schur and the Decemberists make it look pretty fun.

(The video’s not embeddable, sadly — but check it out at npr.org.)



Christy's Pick
Headed For The Ditch: A Michigan Tribute to Neil Young - Various Artists
4.5/5 Stars
Like indie music and bands including The Hard Lessons, Saturday Looks Good to Me and The Casionauts? Check out a fairly new compilation album which pays tribute to Neil Young featuring indie bands from Michigan. Headed For The Ditch: A Michigan Tribute to Neil Young with tracks including "Soldier", "Southern Man", "Barstool Blues", "Saddle Up the Palomino" and "Hey Hey, My My" provides a look at the different progressions in Young's career. The album is Lower Peninsula Records' debut release and is pressed on 180 gram virgin vinyl with a 16-page hand-sewn booklet with handwritten notes from participating artists. Check it out here www.lansingscene.com/lprecords.



Julian's Pick
Foster the People - Torches
3/5 Stars
Okay, this entry normally should be tossed due to radio overplay of a certain single and the popularity from the certain single with the college hipster frat and sorority set. But fuck it, the album is addictive and actually really stellar. Besides "Pumped Up Kicks" (that certain single) there are quality tracks that are both fun to dance to and musically badass. Foster the People are definitely following the sounds of MGMT, by producing tunes with hip electronic beats and clever lyrics that often get hidden behind the danceparty-way they are presented. The first track "Helena Beat" is parallel to their first single in terms of catchiness but far less repetitive and crescendos into more of a riotous ending. "Waste" is an intelligent little diddy again with a club-like kick. And the closing track "Warrant" will undoubtedly make you want to start boogying. My favorite track has to be "Houdini" — again super catchy and I want to know how the lead singer stretches his vocals during the verses. Hate to admit it — for some reason, I'm so jeal. The band is legit, at least for their first album. Hope they are like MGMT and continue to grow despite overexposure. 

Monday, August 29, 2011

Pure Hoxey






Pulling into a drive surrounded by trees, clear skies and the promise of a weekend filled with uninterrupted musical perfection — enter the Hoxeyville Music Festival. It’s been a week since a weekend of disc golf, talent and a beauty that can only be found in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. Next year will be the 10th for Hoxeyville and it’s only getting better. Standout musical performances included Seth Bernard and May Erlewine (Bernard), Breathe Owl Breathe, Ella Riot, Steppin’ In It,The Macpodz, Greensky Bluegrass, Mickey Hart Band, Van Ghost…and the list continues. Below is a bit of info on my personal faves and recommendations, but the ultimate piece of advice is that you buy a ticket for next year’s festival. Hailing from throughout Michigan and beyond, Hoxeyville’s line-up has something for every taste and the drive to expand any musical palatte. The beats, rhythms and lyrical glory on in Michigan is a serious force to be reckoned with.

Personally, my undying musical love lies with folk and Seth Bernard and May Erlewine. This newly married couple’s relevant, thoughtful lyrics, rockin’ guitar licks and, of course, harmonious fiddle makes this duo a complete package. And yes folks, they also record solo albums! Recently the pair returned from a sabbatical in Ethiopia as musical ambassadors. Capturing their experience both in their hearts and with their most recent recordings, the duo promises a new album out soon. While you’ll most likely find Seth and May in Northern Michigan, they will return to The Ark on September 22!

If you ever have the opportunity to see Breathe Owl Breathe live, Do Not Miss It! This trio’s captivating quirks are completely charming. Whether it’s princesses, dragons or dog walkers of a new age, Breathe Owl Breathe boasts intelligent, whimsical lyrics with soothing rhythms. And don’t forget incredible energy, I think it’s safe to say no other musician during the weekend jumped off the main stage only to frolic with the audience like Micah Middaugh. Recently returning from a stint in Ireland, listeners are lucky to have Breathe Owl Breathe back stateside.

Rounding out an ideal day of music was Ella Riot. The University of Michigan grads, straight from Ann Arbor, rocked the property with disco beats and unstoppable energy. Michelle Chamuel has an exceptional voice and is backed by Tyler Duncan, Bob Lester, Mike Shea and Matthew Henniger, making this group not only a fan favorite, but something to watch out for. Performing on this Thursday, September 1, at The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor is Steppin’ In It. Simple Tune

is a constant in my vehicle’s CD player. The morning before leaving for the festival, I blasted The Ghost of Richard Manuel. And to my surprise the guys opened with this very tune. Perhaps my favorite part of live music is “stepping in,” if you will, to the experience of embracing a connection to a song in person. Steppin’ In It has a musical purity. Their inspiration draws from lazy Michigan summers, freight liners and so much more. If you have a chance to stop into The Blind Pig this Thursday, GO!

The Macpodz….need I say more? Funky bass lines, unbeatable percussion and horns….your feet take over.

Greensky Bluegrass. Paul Hoffman is undoubtedly one of my most favorite musicians to see in person. He rocks that mandolin so hard with an undeniable passion for music. Greensky did not disappoint delivering soulful lyrics and nothing gets folks moving like a little bluegrass. To listen to the fantasticalness, visit www.greenskybluegrass.bandcamp.com for Greensky’s latest EP Handguns.

The ultimate part of music festivals is discovering new music. Van Ghost, The Crane Wives and Gramham Parsons and The Go Rounds are definitely not to be missed. Check them out.

Mickey Hart Band was fun and it was super cool to get that close to snap a few photos. However, the most meaningful song of the festival for me was Brokedown Palace. One of my most favorite Dead tunes, that song touches my soul. The singer's voice literally filled the audience carrel, vendor village and surrounding campsites. “On my hands and my knees, I will roll, roll, roll.” It was beautifully haunting and sent chills up my spine.

Other stand out performances included Ypsilanti faves The Ragbirds—side note: Erin Zindle recently released a solo album. She’s uber-talented; pick up a copy and give it a listen. Umphrey’s McGee also rocked hard and long on Saturday night. If they're playing in a town near you pick up a ticket or one of their albums, you won’t regret it!

So no matter what kind of music makes you tick—Hoxeyville is the place to enjoy some familiar tunes and find some new loves, and once the weekend ends, just plug in an album and find peace all over again. For more photos visit www.ecurrent.com.

Friday, August 26, 2011

21st Amendment Brewing — Liberating Beer




A wheat ale brewed with watermelon juice. A dark IPA. A double IPA served with carrot cake. There seems to be a million things that could go wrong with those mixtures, but 21st Amendment Brewing Company, based in San Francisco, pulls each one off — and they kick ass at doing it. On Wednesday, Doc Watson's held a beer tasting for the 11-year-old micro brewery and I, along with the rest of my table, was blown away by the carefully crafted flavors that were as smooth as they were unique. Here's a breakdown of the five that we tasted:

Come Hell or High Watermelon
Wheat Ale - 5.1%
When looking over the list, I thought this would be the one that didn't appeal to my taste. As what seems to happens often, I was wrong. Of all the fruit-infused beer I've had, this is one of the most smooth — probably because it is brewed with 100 percent watermelon juice. A perfect beer for a hot summer afternoon.

Brew Free! or Die
IPA - 7.0%
One of the members of our table has never met an Indian Pale Ale she liked — except this one, which our local 21st Amendment rep Bob told us is not all that uncommon for this extremely light and balanced IPA. If your in mood for a hoppy beer, but not one that blitzkriegs your throat, here's your savior.

Back in Black
IPA - 6.8%
A dark pale ale — how the hell does that make sense? Well, I don't really care because the hops perfectly surround Back in Black's roasted, malty heaviness. A few mirco-breweries have been playing around with this style recently, and it has been categorized as Cascadian Dark Ale. This was my favorite, and is one of the innovative brews I think every craft beer fan should try.

Monk's Blood
Dark Belgian Ale - 8.3%
The two owners of 21st traveled to Belgium to develop this recipe — a dark ale brewed with Belgian candi sugar, cinnamon, vanilla bean and black mission figs, aged on oak. I wasn't crazy about it, but it was the favorite of the other two people at my table. So it goes.

Hop Crisis?
Double IPA - 9.7%
If you don't like hoppy beer, don't try Hop Crisis. If you're not a hop coward, be prepared for your taste buds to take a long, hard trip down fizzle avenue. Paired, what seemed to be oddly, but as we found out, appropriately, with carrot cake, Hop Crisis provides the kick an IPA lover will appreciate. (Below is a video of 21st Amendment's local rep, Bob, explaining the beer in much more detail than I am capable of.)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Politely clearing my throat...

Well, here I am, people. My first post on this, our brand-new blog. We've tried this before, to some extent, over at our mothership website, but it never really caught on. Now, we've got this slick new design, we've got our crack editorial staff, and we've got all of you! You've seen us in the paper, and probably you see us around town — perhaps you've been mocking us behind our collective back. (Or at least mocking me. I'm eminently mockable.) But now you can get our raw unfiltered insights on life in this crazy town, only a click away on a semi-daily basis.

Anyway, I'm Matt. I'm the one with the hair who isn't Scott. I write a little bit of everything for our papers, and I compulsively correct people's punctuation. I walk a lot. Some call me freewheeling. I've done some blogging on my own, but I'm not quite sure how I'll do it here. I'll write about events, when I go to them, but there's no way I can keep up with the show-going pace of the young folks here. Probably I'll just do a lot of (hopefully) witty musing, pointing out stuff you might have overlooked. Turning over Toledo rocks and seeing what I find. Hope you like it.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Frank & Jesse at the OT

Frank & Jesse performing at the Ottawa Tavern Friday, August 19.

Todd Snider—A Folk Riot

I have never been a fan of folk musicians incorporating humor into their songwriting. Maybe it's because most of the time it feels forced or maybe it's just my preference of serious lyrics. Whatever it is, my perspective was changed by one man last Friday night at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Todd Snider, a 44-year-old alt-country witty stoner songwriter, completely captured a sold-out house, at times making the entire place erupt in laughter, and at others striking complete silence with gripping pieces of air-tight reality. He's first and foremost a storyteller—and a damn good one—whether it's with his guitar during a song, or providing context to the meaning of his writing in a story. The guy is like your lovable burnt-out uncle whose wild experiences, effortless sense of humor and friendly disposition make him feel more like your friend than a rocker dancing on your paycheck. If you're not familiar, check him out at www.toddsnider.net.