RE: McMurtry live?
McMurtry has sounded great live the three times I've seen him. Don't go
expecting to hear stories about the songs or anything like that. McMurtry
lets the character and personality of his songs speak for themselves for the
most part. Occasionally he'll show a bit of his sardonic sense of humor
such as he did during a recent Baltimore gig when the tempo of one song
wasn't to his liking and he stopped the band ("That was swingin' like a dead
monkey.") I enjoy most of the guy's music so for me it's a good show even
without the onstage banter (very much a lost art here in the 90s). Song
selection-wise, a few too many of the duller songs from "It Had to Happen"
and not enough stuff from early gems like "Candyland" but enjoyable
nonetheless.
--Slonedog
Same Old 97s?
Picked up the new Old 97s record "Fight Songs" yesterday and I dig it alot. But I think those early reviews about it being a radical departure are a bit overstated. There are new song structures and more multi-tracked vocals and harmonies on great new tunes like "Oppenheimer", "Murder" and "19". But their signature sound is still there in the galloping beats and weird "strangled" guitar sound on many of the tracks. Rhett Miller croons a bit more on the album but still sorta sounds like an alt-country Robert Smith. A mid-tempo tune like "Busted Afternoon" is in the same vein as "Salome". The early word that the band had forsaken the alt-country landscape for some estimation of pop is a bit off the mark as well. There are a few "poppier" numbers like those listed above, but they definitely didn't spring a full "Summerteeth" on us. Sounds like the same Old 97s to me. Any thoughts? --Slonedog
RE: Artist of the Decade?
Jerry Curry writes:
Remember Fire Town anyone?
Absolutely. Decent first album with a classic song in "Carry the Torch" and
a second album ("The Good Life") that's solid all the way through. Hey
maybe if the next Garbage album flops, we can look forward to a Fire Town
reunion!
--Slonedog
RE: Artist of the Decade?
JPRiedie writes: Don't be silly. Their most mature and compelling work is Achtung Baby. 1991 If anything, I think U2 has gotten less "mature" during the 90s. Like REM, they seem bent on making fun of themselves to less than hilarious effect. In the 80s, sure they were pretentious, but at least they were sincere. The period from "War" through "Rattle Hum" remains their artistic apex. --Slonedog
RE: Name that song (non-twang)
That's the New Radicals "You Get What You Give" from last year's "Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too". It's suddenly ubiquitous once again. I think I also heard it on a promo for "Dawson's Creek" or one of those teen shows. Always thought the singer sounded dead on Karl Wallinger of World Party. See ya, Slonedog -Original Message- From: Jason Lewis To: passenger side Sent: 4/21/99 3:44 PM Subject: Re: Name that song (non-twang) Isn't it that New Radicals tune? I don't know what it's called. Anyone? "Jennifer K. Heffron" [EMAIL PROTECTED] - 4/21/99 3:18 PM Can anyone tell me what the name of the song is that's playing in the background of the tv previews for the new John Cusack movie "Pushing Tin?"
Artist of the Decade?
What does everybody think of Rolling Stone's typically head up their ass selection of Kurt Cobain as Artist of the Decade? Try most pathetic loser of the decade. The guy had nothing interesting to say musically or lyrically and then he blew his brains out. Any alternative selections we P-2ers can offer them. Just askin', Slonedog
The Posies (wa RE: criminally underappreciated albums of the '90s)
I think I'm one of the few who can appreciate both sides of the Posies. Initially I was pissed that "Frosting..." wasn't "Dear 23 part 2". But listening to that album now, I think the sound holds up very well. That "textured beauty" of "Dear 23" (produced by the guy that did that first Stone Roses album if I recall correctly) for me still evokes a time and place in 1990 and probably still has the better songs, but "Frosting" is not without its sonic pleasures. And I think their fourth album "Amazing Disgrace" is almost a happy amalgamation of the sounds of those two albums with some more great songs. Too bad their last album (last year's "Success") kinda sucked. Peace, Slonedog Jerry Curry wrote: I find the textured beauty of _Dear 23_ to be so wonderful, that it easily creeps onto a Desert Island short short list. As for _Frosting._, I find the sonic dissonance (along, with the heinous masturbation reference of the title) to be damn near a betrayal of everything I thought the band was about. That record basically, made me lose a lot of faith in The Posies. Faith, I never ever fully recovered. I would equate my disappointment in this record to my disgust with the Rank File record that came out on Rhino. You know, good-bye cowpunk, hello heavy metal (Rank File). Good-bye lush pop, hello grunge meets powerpop (Posies). Unfortunately, I think the Posies "cooked their goose" with this record and moved into an area that other bands were doing much better. Too bad they left their strengths behind. Funny, we were just talking about this very same subject on the Audities poplist but we could discuss it philosophically. The consensus is that the Posies received so much grief about being "uncool" in a town enraptured with grunge, that they altered their sound. It's a real bitch when you dig a type of music that either 1) was never considered "cool" or 2) is now considered passe'. I miss the Posies and hope to goodness, they one day reform and revisit those heady _Dear 23_ days. Sorry Bill, we'll have to chalk this one up to our rather severe "edgy pop" vs "lush pop" asthetic taste differences.
Brad Jones (was RE: criminally underappreciated albums)
Okay, here's a criminally underappreciated album for ya: Brad Jones "Gilt Flake" I first heard this record way back in 1991 when a friend lent me a copy of it (okay, I'll namedrop. It was Tommy Womack's wife, Beth). I always regretted that I didn't make a copy of it back then. So I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that the record had been formally released on CD by some small label a couple of years ago (along with a couple of newly-recorded tracks, which also turned up on his buddy Ross Rice's album that he co-produced on E-Squared). For those of you who have any interest in mad-pop geniuses who create masterpieces in their basements, check this one out if you can find a copy. With records from the aforementioned Womack and Rice and Steve Forbert under his belt, he also has turned into a terrific producer. And he has done excellent work as a sideman for folks like Jill Sobule and Matthew Sweet. Still, "Gilt Flake" is simply some of the best pop music of the last decade. Anybody know if this guy has another "Gilt Flake" in him or if he has any other projects on the horizon? Peace, Slonedog
Petty, Bachman...
Hate to disagree with all you folks who like the new Petty, but my initial, all too hasty reaction to it is not positive. I hate the way Petty's vocals are produced (especially "Free Girl Now") and he doesn't really sing until the fifth or sixth song. Too much Dylan, not enough McGuinn. Needed a few more tunes like "Accused of Love". Heartbreakers sound good though. But hey what do I know, I think "Full Moon Fever" is a classic. Been enjoying that Tal Bachman record somebody recommended the other day. Great pop songs. Unlike Petty though, he perhaps oversings on a few songs. Very promising start though. My 2 cents, Slonedog -Original Message- From: Dave Purcell To: passenger side Sent: 4/14/99 8:25 AM Subject: (Fwd) new Tom Petty? Forwarded message: From: Self Single-user mode To: P2 Subject: new Tom Petty? Reply-to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 09:20:11 -0400 The new Tom Petty record got a raving review in the local paper this morning, with the writer saying it's his best work in 20 years. Anyone heard it? Dave *** Dave Purcell, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Northern Ky Roots Music: http://w3.one.net/~newport Twangfest: http://www.twangfest.com
RE: the pop switch(was Tweedy @ Salon)
George Figgs wrote: I don't understand this almost predictable switch of formerly dubbed alt-twang bands to this pet-sounds pop thing. we've seen it with joe h, jayhwaks, wilco, golden smog, and the old 97's. Slonedog responds: While a handful (and it is just a handful folks) of the songs on "Summerteeth" (which I think is brilliant) do owe a debt to "Pet Sounds", I don't think either "Sound of Lies" or Joe Henry's new one have much to do with Brian Wilson. The Jayhawks record reminds me more of 70s pop, rock (Big Star, et al) and even psychedelia. Some of the stuff on the Golden Smog record seems to serve as almost a bridge between "Sound of Lies" and "Summerteeth" (I do think Louris and Tweedy influence each other). And Joe Henry's new stuff (some of which is really good, if not as immediately accessible as his earlier alt-country stuff) seems to come from a different planet altogether. And while I haven't heard the new Old 97s record (looking forward to it), I think it's silly to lump all of these efforts together as their "pop thing" or their "Pet Sounds" thing. It's just like some people who see all alt-country bands as sounding the same. Across the above mentioned records and even from track to track, there is a diversity that cannot be that easily categorized.
RE: the pop switch(was Tweedy @ Salon)
Carl Wilson wrote: Me, I think the pop turn is as much the result of a sudden but sincere, methinks, rediscovery that shiny happy music is not inherently evil, and is a way out of rock's dead ends in a similar way that the adoption of twang influence had been. Slonedog responds: It may be a "way out" creatively but not necessarily commercially. I don't exactly hear radio stations begging for the next "Pet Sounds"-soundalike song. Most of them are looking for the next Matchbox3rdEyeBlindSugarRay one hit wonder. So, while the turn towards pop might expand the audiences of these formerly (once possibly future?) alt-country bands, I don't think it's a path that will lead them to world domination. One more reason that any accusation that these bands are "selling out" just doesn't hold water.
RE: The Mountain (LONG w/1999 Reviews)
James Gerard Roll wrote Kelly Willis: A little flat and slick at first impression but certain songs have really grown on me. What I cannot figure out is why her cuts on compilations (i.e. Real: Tom T. Hall Project and Rig Rock Deluxe) practically bring me to spasms of joy and are often my favorite cuts on the comps. But Her solo albums always leave me a little let-down?? Slonedog responds: Amen to that. If this album were as good as "Truckstop Girl", I'd be spinning it constantly and never leave the house. Perhaps an album with a real band backing her (Son Volt?) might serve her better than the talented but slick-sounding conglomeration of musicians she has on this album. James continues: Wilco: ...I don't think that ALL of the songs are that strong (with the exception of a few - She's a Jar, and a few others are Great!! -- although the last line of She's a Jar is totally distracting and unnecessary IMO) Slonedog responds: Actually I think "She's A Jar" is one of the weaker tunes on an otherwise brilliant pop album. On the first couple of listens, I wasn't that impressed with the first few tracks. For me the album really kicks in about the fifth track with "I'm Always in Love". Then, "Nothing'severgonnastandinmyway (Again)" really rocks my world. As for why Tweedy might be borrowing so liberally from Brian Wilson... because he can. James again: Steve and Del -- ...I agree with Dave and Terry that I prefer the ultra eclectic Steve Earle records. But that said this is fairly eclectic when you consider that he is using Del and the band for Irish tunes, pop-folk ballads, and modern storytelling. Slonedog responds: I think Steve can go overboard on the eclecticism at times. I thought while some of the individual songs on "El Corazon" were brilliant, it doesn't really hold together as a piece of work in the way that "Train-A-Comin'" or even "I Feel Alright" do. While I can appreciate the disparate styles and musicianship of say "NYC" and "I Still Carry You Around", I don't think it necessarily serves either song to put them on the same album with each other. That said, I agree with James' point about "The Mountain" being more eclectic than it might get credit for being labeled an "exclusively bluegrass" album. But I disagree that Steve would view any of these songs as mere genre exercises when he sat down to write the album. As for the "Train-A-Comin'" vs. "The Mountain" debate, both hold together well and will alternate on the tape deck on many road trips to come. "The Mountain" might get the nod for better production and more original songs but "Train-A-Comin" will probably continue to be the sentimental favorite. Just my 2 cents, Slonedog
RE: Joe Henry - Fuse (over the wall post)
Chad wrote: I was going to go see him, but now I don't know if I should waste my time. So would anyone be willing to enlighten me, or tell me why I'm listening the wrong way, etc.? If Joe Henry's recent appearance on Sessions At West 54th is any indication, he is well worth seeing live in his most recent incarnation (I saw him open for UT years ago). I'm more a fan of his "Kindness of the World" period and was slow to come around to "Trampoline" as well. But in particular I recall the versions of "Ohio Air Show Crash" and "Like She Was A Hammer" (one of the best songs on "Fuse") really swung on the show. The grooves he uses sound a bit more musical and less mechanical live. Plus he's an interesting guy to watch perform. I really like "...Hammer" and "Skin Teeth" from the new one and the rest of it is growing on me. Give it another shot and don't miss the show. Peace, Slonedog
RE: BIRCHMERE 03/18 (was Re: DC Black Cat)
Count me in as another P2er who'll be heading to the Birchmere for the Steve Del show on the 18th. For those of you who may be coming to town for the show, you may be interested to know that the V-Roys are playing the next night at IOTA, a cool small club in Arlington, Virginia. Looks like an E-Squared week shaping up. See ya, Slonedog
RE: Damnations TX vs tired UT sounds
I've been listening to the Damnations record as well and I can't really recommend it. The noticeably slicker-sounding "Unholy Train" is a great song but I think too many of the others are flat-out boring. They sort of sound like the Indigo Girls with inferior songs and a banjo. Just my opinion, Slonedog -Original Message- From: Don Yates To: passenger side Sent: 3/3/99 12:02 PM Subject: Re: Damnations TX vs tired UT sounds On Tue, 2 Mar 1999, Matt Benz wrote: Anyway, I love the record, but am surprised to hear the tag team of Yates and Weiss claim this stands out from the UT "genre". I hear plenty of overt UT influence on this album. Strains of New Madrid lurk in the banjo strains, etc... Also, do you really think that musically this album stands out? Oops, forgot to reply to this. I can't speak for Neal, but for me anyway, it stands out simply because it's so much better than yer average run-of-the-mill alt-country album -- quality songs performed well, with some of the most deliciously soulful singing that I've heard from an alt-country act in quite some time.--don
RE: Damnations TX vs tired UT sounds
I wasn't referring to the Indigo Girls occasionally pretentious lyric content or their enthusiasm. I was referring to how the Damnations harmonies sound similar to how Amy Ray and Emily Saliers' voices mesh (the Indigos main strength, I think). Anyway, I do want to catch the Damnations live. I heard they were touring with Richard Buckner. Anybody know if the tour is going to come to the East Coast (specifically the DC area)? I'd love to catch Buckner again as well. Peace, Slonedog -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 1999 12:29 PM To: passenger side Subject: RE: Damnations TX vs tired UT sounds Whoa! I don't hear any of the Girls whitebread folkiness or unbridled (read over the top), er, enthusiasm on the Damnations record. If you've never seen this band live, you owe it to yourself to catch 'em. Maybe the record doesn't do them justice, if you've never experienced them before. Maybe a trip to Twangfest is in order. g Jim, smilin' [Matt Benz] Whoa! Indeed. If I heard anything that reminded me of the IGirls, this disc woulda been flung far and wide. As it is, while not every song is spot on (that "fingerin' the pie" is um.. .fruit filling, IMHO), it's good stuff. Now, I need to get back to the Kelly Willis disc.
RE: Kelly Willis Michael WHERE YA Been PURCELL?
Boy don't you hate it when people take your original subject line and go off on some weird tangent. Just kidding, Slonedog -Original Message- From: Jerry Curry To: passenger side Sent: 3/3/99 1:29 PM Subject: RE: Kelly Willis Michael WHERE YA Been PURCELL? On Wed, 3 Mar 1999, Matt Benz wrote: I was thinking it must be time for the annual "Name Dave Purcell's latest band" contest, but I hear he already -yes, that's right- already has come up with a name. Unfortunately, it's not "Cakehole." No, it's not Cakehole but something kinda white bready, kinda all-American, Wholesome/Holsum.something like that! Big G! Best of luck to that hairband in any case. Hey, if Purcell's in the band they have to qualify as a hairband, don't they? NP: Kelly Willis JC
RE: Robbie Fulks and covers
Excerpts from recent postcards: Why do people love for country or alt.country bands or so-called alt.country bands to do covers of godawful cheesy rock songs? Why do people respond to these more than they do to the, OK, I'm going to say it, "real" songs? Two reasons I think. 1. If you do like the twang--then these covers arrive as an incongruous SURPRISE. You get a response. 2. For those at these alt.country shows who DON'T actually like twang but only the tiniest rock and roll allusions to it (and they're always afoot), it gives them something they actually relate to. And bonus 3: It is a passing peculiarity of the late 90s that it passes for ultrahip to celebrate the most addlebrained and plain dull pop pablum of years gone by, at the deliberate expense of what somebody's older brother with taste liked Slonedog says: Or perhaps it's because the artists actually like the songs. I for one love "Dancing Queen", "Jet" and "I Will Survive". They're not "guilty pleasures", they're just fun songs. One of my favorite bands, the late, lamented Jellyfish used to do a great cover of "Jet". And U2 has been known to cover "Dancing Queen". By the way, speaking of covers, the Del McCoury Band did a great cover of Tom Petty's "Love Is A Long Road" on Sessions at West 54th. Cake's version of "I Will Survive" was lame though. More excerpts: And watch this lil hipster wannabees: in 15 years someone will announce that Son Volt, Nirvana, and say...Beck..were pretentious 90s shits, and the embarrassing lunkheads of that time never saw the genius of Shania Twain.. Slonedog says: Nirvana were pretentious 90s shits but I guess they were better than Shania.
RE: steve earle
Tommy Miller wrote: If you are interested, Steve Earle won the Gibson Award for Best Male Acoustic Guitar Player. Seems like it was about a year ago when I said I thought Steve was one of the best guitar players in country music. I got flammed big time. Jon W. from Kentucky really disagreed with me. Oh well, nice to see someone finally agrees with me. I think Del McCoury agrees with you too. On the Sessions At West 54th program this weekend he was gushing over Steve as a rhythm guitar player in the Bluegrass idiom. So there you go. --Slonedog
RE: Jeff Lynne
I have to agree with the Jeff Lynne supporters out there. Yeh, his production on the Petty, Harrison, Wilburys, et al albums gives them all that bank of acoustic guitars/compressed drum sound but I think he brought out some of the best work these guys have done. Besides, I really like ELO too, even the much maligned "Discovery". Hey did anybody see the review of Wilco's new one "Summerteeth" that cites ELO as a possible influence? Does anyone else who has heard the album agree? See ya--Slonedog -Original Message- From: Dina Gunderson To: passenger side Sent: 2/27/99 3:20 PM Subject: Re: Jeff Lynne John Flippo said: If you get rid of Jeff Lynne then don't you then have to get rid of The Traveling Wilbury's? No way. I agree. And there's also Roy Orbison's "Mystery Girl" album which has Jeff Lynne stamped on several of the songs, and it works so well, at least for my ears. Besides, I really liked ELO. Dina Ah, "Mystery Girl" evoking memories of a late night in January 1989... ...uh, never mind, y'all.
RE: Repost: 50/90
Hey, how come Greg Kot liked "Summerteeth" so much he put it at 25 on this list but in his Rolling Stone review, it warranted only 3 and 1/2 stars? Just asking... --Slonedog
RE: Merle question
Yeh, Merle's an icon and you have to see all your heroes atleast once BUT when I saw him at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA last year (a birthday present from my girlfriend), he and his band didn't exactly knock themselves out. They played for all of about an hour and the tickets were $35 bucks! What a gyp. Still, he sounded great for that hour... --Slonedog
RE: Wanted:Wilco
dan wrote about Apple Venus Volume 1: What the heck is that record about? Greatest hits, or what? Man I love XTC. It's an all new album described as orchestral-acoustic. It's out February 23rd. An album of more electric stuff (Volume 2) is tentatively scheduled for the fall but could be pushed back to next year. --Slonedog
Re: The Judybats
If I'm not mistaken, there is a former Judybat or two (along with a former V-Roy) in a band called the Nevers who are supposed to have a new CD out this month. --Slonedog
Re: Kentucky Wildcats... and then some
As a native of Lexington, KY, I must defend the honor of my beloved Wildcats. I watched them demolish Mississippi State the other day. And they've gotten up for big wins against Maryland and Auburn this year. If things go well, they could go far again this year. So there. As to your other comments... the Scorchers are still scorching. Ryan Adams does bear a physical resemblance to "This Is the Sea"-era Mike Scott (but Whiskeytown doesn't really sound like the Waterboys). And Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time. --Slonedog
Re: Split Enz - True Colours
If I'm not mistaken "Iris" is from the album after "True Colors" which was called "Waiata" here in the States and "Corroboree" elsewhere. Both are great albums by the way. --Slonedog
RE: Split Enz - True Colours
I think there's a line about "shed my skin" in the Crowded House song "Love This Life" from "Temple of Low Men". --Slonedog
Re: Hank Williams
Has anybody mentioned "Has Anybody Here Seen Hank?" by the Waterboys (from 1988's "Fisherman's Blues). --Slonedog
