Showing posts with label American Aquarium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Aquarium. Show all posts
Jan 23, 2017
Dec 9, 2016
Live Review: BJ Barham at Jammin' Java
By Matthew Martin
If you don't know who BJ Barham is, I'll go ahead and get that out of the way. He's the frontman of longtime, hard-working band, American Aquarium out of Raleigh, NC. His debut solo album, Rockingham, is something else and I highly recommend it. If there's one thing that I don't like about the album it's that it is a short album at only 8 songs. But, that's unfair. Many great albums contain 8 songs- both Japandroids albums, Led Zeppelin's IV, Metallica's Master of Puppets, etc. The album doesn't contain a blemish. It's the work of a determined man with stories to get out. For those that don't know the story- Barham and band were overseas when the Paris attacks occurred and the band was put up in a hotel for three days where Barham felt isolated and anxious, and wrote songs to deal with his situation.
With that said, BJ is a showman and live is the best way to experience these songs. I've seen American Aquarium play somewhere around 10 times, I believe. Hell, my dad has had the guys play in our front yard out in my hometown of Pulaski, TN. But I'd never seen a BJ solo show. Seeing him sing and play these songs live with only his guitar as accompaniment is a treat. I'll also go ahead and get it out of the way that it was a hell of an evening with about an hour and a half of music and stories in between.
BJ played all the songs off the solo album plus a few American Aquarium songs that really benefited from the solo setting. One such song was "Man I'm Supposed to Be." The song is already pretty minimal on the album Wolves but seeing it with just BJ and his guitar was really more of a punch to the gut than I had been ready for. Maybe it was the coupling with touching songs off the solo album, but it was quite a song to hear in that setting.
The solo songs were the real winners here, though, and the song "Unfortunate Kind" was the most effective. With the lines, "Do you remember that first week?/When you burnt that pecan pie/And I ate the whole damn thing/I couldn't stand to see you cry," you could hear the crowd nearly gasp. It's a simple statement filled with so many different emotions. It's a case-in-point of what makes BJ such an affecting and clever songwriter. The ability to take a mundane situation and make it into a moment with much more gravity – it's not something just any songwriter can do.
There isn't much more I can say about BJ or the show. If you get a chance to go see American Aquarium, go do so. But, if you get a chance to see BJ play a solo show, drop what you're doing and do it. He doesn't play as many solo shows as he does with the band and you need to see these songs played this way. So, go see him as soon as you can, and until then go buy Rockingham wherever it is you buy music. Support these artists so they'll continue doing these things that bring us so much joy.
Dec 30, 2015
Farce the Music's Top 13 Albums of 2015
For the first time, our best albums list is a composite voted on by Trailer and FTM's 4 most frequent contributors (Kelcy Salisbury, Kevin Broughton, Jeremy Harris, and Matthew Martin) along with a tiebreaker vote from Trailer's concert buddy/friend with good taste in music, Chad. We hope this will add validity and weight to the results. It was another great year for music, as you'll see clearly below.
11. (Tie) Jason Boland and the Stragglers - Squelch
Boland & a slightly reworked Stragglers lineup provide proof that country music can evolve without sacrificing its identity. Not many artists are turning out this kind of work nearly two decades into their career, but the proof is in the pudding as The Stragglers have put out a rollicking rock-tinged album with a subversive, punk rock type aesthetic throughout. If you like smart, socially conscious lyrics with a bite, this is the country album for you. -Kelcy
11. (Tie) William Clark Green - Ringling Road
It may head towards the pop country direction a few times. I don’t care. It may contain a few songs that are catchy but don’t contain much substance. I don’t care. It may be from someone that a lot of you had never heard of. I don’t care. I chose this as my top album because it’s my top album. How can you argue with that logic? I don’t know or care. All I know is this is by far my favorite album of this year and it wasn’t even something that required much thought. -Jeremy
11. (Tie) Father John Misty - I Love You, Honeybear
Indie-pop is a sub-genre I usually avoid due to the twee nature of its typical fare. Father John Misty doesn't do twee. He infuses his catchy pop tunes and lounge rollers with a strong dose of balls. His lyrics are clever, biting, and frequently downright asshole-ish. These songs comfort, provoke, enlighten, and annoy, often at the same time. Our narrator is a jerk, but a jerk that you have to stick around to see what he'll do or say next. This is a record that will gnaw at you and stick with you, each song taking its turn being an earworm or soundtrack to some odd moment. -Trailer
10. Jonathan Tyler - Holy Smokes
It’s astounding when you realize all the things this guy has accomplished by his 30th year. Out of a contract with the suits at Atlantic Records, Tyler combines songwriting chops and a top-flight vocal range to express his newfound independence in impressive fashion. Expect more great things from this prodigy. -Kevin
9. John Moreland - High on Tulsa Heat
It's not an album you may want to listen to over and over because it's so heavy. But, whether you want to or not, you'll be compelled to continue to listen. It's catchy. It's a bummer. But John Moreland sings with the conviction of a man who has no choice but tell you about the pains of life. Moreland's voice is so powerful and strong. If you don't own this album, stop everything you're doing and get this album. Listen to it. Then, listen to it again regardless of your gut feeling. This album will hit you, and hit you hard. By the time you get to "Cherokee" on the last half of the album, you'll realize how special Moreland, and this album, is. -Matthew
8. Ray Wylie Hubbard - The Ruffian's Misfortune
The Wylie Lama has released his best album in years, and we are lucky enough to witness it. "Stone Blind Horses" is as good a lyric as anything released all year, "Bad On Fords" is about as much fun as anything Hubbard has ever put out, the whole vibe is great & the results are fantastic. -Kelcy
This seasoned, wry songwriter really can’t make a bad record. “Chick singer, Badass Rocking” has the kind of driving, tribal feel as a RWH standard, “Snake Farm.” And the record closes with “Stone Blind Horses,” which would make my top 5 list of singles from 2015. -Kevin
7. The Yawpers - American Man
If this were a list of the top rock albums, Nate Cook and his band would be at the summit. The songs confront a range of social/societal issues head on, but what blows you away is how much sound the Yawpers get from two acoustics and a drum kit. Buckle up; this one gets you by the throat. -Kevin
Rock & Roll isn't dead, you just can't see it from the highway or hear it on corporate radio, but there are still some bands keeping it alive. This album is at once sprawling, messy, smart, cynical, homesick & rebellious. It's a good thing. -Kelcy
6. American Aquarium - Wolves
To say the musical arrangements are daring & a departure from past albums is true. Yes, the same basic structure is there, the skeleton is intact enough to keep the loyal fans sated. But BJ Barham & the boys take risks here. The lush "Man I'm Supposed To Be" could be something Chet Atkins produced, but the darkness that lurks in this most honest of love songs somehow makes the song even more powerful. -Kelcy
5. Whitey Morgan - Sonic Ranch
How does an album with a bunch of covers make a year end list? By making you forget they’re cover songs. Whitey hits a home-run with this one and his vocals should’ve made this album more talked about than it already was in 2015. -Jeremy
As strong a "real country album" as you'll hear in 2015. It's refreshing to hear such unfiltered honky-tonk music in this day and age of contrived edge and softened edges. Morgan and the 78s' version of modern outlaw country is a comparable sound to what Sturgill Simpson is doing, but with a blue collar approach and a more pronounced low-end. This album may not drive Morgan to acceptance/hype in the same circles as Jason Isbell and Sturgill, but it's a big statement album that will bring in new fans and make old ones very happy. -Trailer
4. Chris Stapleton - Traveller
Chris Stapleton has been around the scene for a long time and I think many folks have had
a feeling that one day he'd get the recognition due him. I'm glad that day has come, and this
album is completely worthy of all the praise it has garnered. Stapleton's voice is as strong as
ever and the songs are perfect showcases for his style. The slower, sadder tunes on the
album are the real highlights though and the song "Fire Away" is far and away my favorite
track on the album. -Matthew
3. Jason Isbell - Something More Than Free
The only thing keeping this one out of my top spot is the fact that it was just a year since his last tour-de-force, Southeastern. As I wrote here, this record lets your emotions off the mat a little bit, and allows you to breathe. I think it’s his best to date, but the dude keeps raising the bar. -Kevin
2. James McMurtry - Complicated Game
The first studio album in six years from the dean of Texas songwriting. McMurtry turns a phrase better than most, and injects an extraordinary pathos into his everyman characters. He didn’t miss a beat during the half-dozen year delay, and this one is well worth the wait. -Kevin
I'm not sure there is anyone out there today who can write songs about everyday scenarios as perfectly as James McMurtry. On his latest effort, McMurtry strips down his songs to their basics and lets the focus be on the stories within each song. The incredibly heartbreaking song "You Got To Me" will leave you missing something- whether that be home, a past relationship, or just earlier years will be up to you. The song and the album stuck with me for weeks after listening to it. -Matthew
1. Turnpike Troubadours - Turnpike Troubadours
On this record, the Troubadours let a little color and light in, and it's just enough to fully realize the absurd potential of this group. There's space, separation, and vividness in the sound. The slower songs soar, the rockers punch, and there's fiddle and steel galore. On a good set of speakers, this thing is stunning. Their writing was already excellent, but they've even upped their game in that department. "The Bird Hunters" tells the tale of a man coming to terms with an ended relationship over the course of a quail hunt. This could come across as hokey or forced in the hands of a lesser act. The Troubadours make it a song-of-the-year candidate, epic, cinematic, and immersive. -Trailer
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Other popular selections:
The Pollies - Not Here
Lindi Ortega - Faded Gloryville
Baroness - Purple
Baroness - Purple
Kacey Musgraves - Pageant Material
Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen - Hold My Beer
Allison Moorer - Down to Believing
Lucero - All a Man Should Do
Courtney Patton - So This is Life
Benton Leachman - Bury the Hatchet
Ashley Monroe - The Blade
The Honeycutters - Me Oh My
The Deslondes - s/t
Eric Church - Mr. Misunderstood
Will Hoge - Small Town Dreams
Oct 12, 2015
Top 30 Albums of 2015: 3/4 Report
Here's my 3/4 of 2015 Favorite Albums list. I'm going to attempt to do a composite among FTM's regular contributors (Matthew, Kelcy, Jeremy, Kevin, and myself) and hopefully have our first team-voted official list (at least a top 10) at the end of December, so this is just a 20% slice here. -Trailer
1. Father John Misty - I Love You Honeybear
2. Chris Stapleton - Traveller
2. Whitey Morgan - Sonic Ranch
4. Turnpike Troubadours - s/t
5. Jason Isbell - Something More Than Free
6. The Honeycutters - Me Oh My
7. Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen - Hold My Beer, Vol. 1
8. James McMurtry - Complicated Game
9. American Aquarium - Wolves
10. Ray Wylie Hubbard - The Ruffian's Misfortune
11. Jonathan Tyler - Holy Smokes
12. J.D. McPherson - Let the Good Times Roll
13. Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly
14. Ashley Monroe - The Blade
15. The Pollies - Not Here
16. Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats - s/t
17. Jamie Lin Wilson - Holidays & Wedding Rings
18. The Damn Quails - Out of the Birdcage
19. Anderson East - Delilah
20. Kacey Musgraves - Pageant Material
21. Faith No More - Sol Invictus
22. Lindi Ortega - Faded Gloryville
23. John Moreland - High on Tulsa Heat
24. Lucero - All a Man Should Do
25. Benton Leachman - Bury the Hatchet
26. Wrinkle Neck Mules - I Never Thought It Would Go This Far
27. Clutch - Psychic Warfare
28. Darrell Scott - Ten
29. The Deslondes - s/t
30. Dwight Yoakam - Second Hand Heart
I haven't heard these enough yet to rank them: Jason Boland and the Stragglers - Squelch, Hailey Whitters - Black Sheep, The Yawpers - American Man, Corb Lund - Things That Can't Be Undone, Don Henley - Cass County, Gretchen Peters - Blackbirds.
Jul 1, 2015
Top 20 Albums of 2015: First Half Report
1. Whitey Morgan - Sonic Ranch
Sonic Ranch is as strong a "real country album" as you'll hear in 2015. It's refreshing to hear such unfiltered honky-tonk music in this day and age of contrived edge and softened edges. Morgan and the 78s' version of modern outlaw country is a comparable sound to what Sturgill Simpson is doing, but with a blue collar approach and a more pronounced low-end. This album may not drive Morgan to acceptance/hype in the same circles as Jason Isbell and Sturgill, but it's a big statement album that will bring in new fans and make old ones very happy.
Sonic Ranch is as strong a "real country album" as you'll hear in 2015. It's refreshing to hear such unfiltered honky-tonk music in this day and age of contrived edge and softened edges. Morgan and the 78s' version of modern outlaw country is a comparable sound to what Sturgill Simpson is doing, but with a blue collar approach and a more pronounced low-end. This album may not drive Morgan to acceptance/hype in the same circles as Jason Isbell and Sturgill, but it's a big statement album that will bring in new fans and make old ones very happy.
2. Father John Misty - I Love You Honeybear
Indie-pop is a sub-genre I usually avoid due to the overly precious nature of its typical fare. Father John Misty doesn't do twee. He infuses his catchy pop tunes and lounge rollers with a strong dose of balls. His lyrics are clever, biting, and frequently downright asshole-ish. These songs comfort, provoke, enlighten, and annoy, often at the same time. Our narrator is a jerk, but a jerk that you have to stick around to see what he'll do or say next. This is a record that will gnaw at you and stick with you, each song taking its turn being an earworm or soundtrack to some odd moment.
Indie-pop is a sub-genre I usually avoid due to the overly precious nature of its typical fare. Father John Misty doesn't do twee. He infuses his catchy pop tunes and lounge rollers with a strong dose of balls. His lyrics are clever, biting, and frequently downright asshole-ish. These songs comfort, provoke, enlighten, and annoy, often at the same time. Our narrator is a jerk, but a jerk that you have to stick around to see what he'll do or say next. This is a record that will gnaw at you and stick with you, each song taking its turn being an earworm or soundtrack to some odd moment.
3. Chris Stapleton - Traveller
5. Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen - Hold My Beer, Vol. 1
Hold My Beer, Vol. 1 sounds as much like a celebration of friendship as it does a duets album from the pair of popular Texas troubadours. There's a palpable sense of fun and camaraderie throughout the ten song collection. It’s the soundtrack to a good Saturday afternoon barbecue, a party record for people who'd rather not fist-pump, a greatest hits collection of songs you haven’t heard yet (unless you've been to their summer tours of the same name as the album).
Hold My Beer, Vol. 1 sounds as much like a celebration of friendship as it does a duets album from the pair of popular Texas troubadours. There's a palpable sense of fun and camaraderie throughout the ten song collection. It’s the soundtrack to a good Saturday afternoon barbecue, a party record for people who'd rather not fist-pump, a greatest hits collection of songs you haven’t heard yet (unless you've been to their summer tours of the same name as the album).
7. American Aquarium - Wolves
To say the musical arrangements are daring & a departure from past albums is true. Yes, the same basic structure is there, the skeleton is intact enough to keep the loyal fans sated. But BJ Barham & the boys take risks here. The lush "Man I'm Supposed To Be" could be something Chet Atkins produced, but the darkness that lurks in this most honest of love songs somehow makes the song even more powerful. -Kelcy Salisbury
To say the musical arrangements are daring & a departure from past albums is true. Yes, the same basic structure is there, the skeleton is intact enough to keep the loyal fans sated. But BJ Barham & the boys take risks here. The lush "Man I'm Supposed To Be" could be something Chet Atkins produced, but the darkness that lurks in this most honest of love songs somehow makes the song even more powerful. -Kelcy Salisbury
8. James McMurtry - Complicated Game
This is McMurtry’s best record, and it ain’t close. And that was a high bar. He could put his pen and guitar down now, and his name will forever belong beside those of Lovett, Clark, Earle, and yes, Van Zandt. If you know those names, you know what the comparison implies. If you don’t, listen to Complicated Game, and get a frame of reference. This one’s a crowning moment for one of the true and elite Texas craftsmen. -Kevin Broughton
This is McMurtry’s best record, and it ain’t close. And that was a high bar. He could put his pen and guitar down now, and his name will forever belong beside those of Lovett, Clark, Earle, and yes, Van Zandt. If you know those names, you know what the comparison implies. If you don’t, listen to Complicated Game, and get a frame of reference. This one’s a crowning moment for one of the true and elite Texas craftsmen. -Kevin Broughton
14. Wrinkle Neck Mules - I Never Thought It Would Go This Far
Maybe this fine album isn't to be analyzed. Find your own meaning in these literate, attitude-driven, poetic, anti-bucolic, abstruse (and surprisingly fun) lyrics and run with it. It's not like you're going to stop tapping your foot, either way. It's all too damn catchy; and so steeped in shine and cooked over some ridge dweller's firepit, I Never Thought It Would Go This Far can't help but captivate.
Maybe this fine album isn't to be analyzed. Find your own meaning in these literate, attitude-driven, poetic, anti-bucolic, abstruse (and surprisingly fun) lyrics and run with it. It's not like you're going to stop tapping your foot, either way. It's all too damn catchy; and so steeped in shine and cooked over some ridge dweller's firepit, I Never Thought It Would Go This Far can't help but captivate.
18. Benton Leachman - Bury the Hatchet
Benton Leachman has a reedy croon that gives off the impression of innocence or sweetness. While that may indeed be the case for Leachman personally, his debut album, Bury the Hatchet, presents several bits of evidence that are at odds with that starry-eyed delivery. He's clearly a complicated and real person, and this record shows you all his sides with a passionate honesty that's rare in first releases.
Benton Leachman has a reedy croon that gives off the impression of innocence or sweetness. While that may indeed be the case for Leachman personally, his debut album, Bury the Hatchet, presents several bits of evidence that are at odds with that starry-eyed delivery. He's clearly a complicated and real person, and this record shows you all his sides with a passionate honesty that's rare in first releases.
Apr 28, 2015
You Suck as a Music Fan 6
If...
You stopped being a fan when they sold their 10,000th album.
... you only go to concerts to talk to your friends and stare at social media. -@MarkDeskin
You think pedal-steel is a pick-up truck accessory... -Hannah Jo Lally
You incorporate Luke Bryan lyrics into your wedding vows. -Neal Grant
If you spell George's name Straight. -Michael Crabtree
You pirate the album then complain about its production values.
You only go to the merch table to ask for a free sticker. - @HonkyTonkQueen
You ask the merch guy if the album is on Spotify.
You judge an entire album based on hearing one or two songs. -Andrew Lacy
You find all your new music by Shazam'ing songs from WWE promotional videos.
You encourage 3 minute drum solos by cheering the whole time. -Christina Maccini
You don't know anyone else's name in the band besides the lead singer. -Cheyenne Wolf Abilene
The next morning, you have to ask your friends what the band played.
If you consider countdowns as the bar for good music. -Kenny Daniel
If you think Lie Baby is a Brantley Gilbert song. -Ben Ryan
You think Louis Armstrong was that guy who doped up and won the Tour De France "a lot of times." -Barry Toffoli
You had a terrible night because your phone ran out of space for videos.
You think Shinedown's version of "Simple Man" is better than the original. -Mark Breunig
You treat a live band like your personal jukebox. -@UncleLeonAlibis
You don't clap for the live band but you'll "check in" at the venue on your iPhone. -Lee Kelley
You ask to be on the guest list. -Trey Newman
The only song you recognize is the rap song playing over the monitors while the second band sets up.
You swapped Exile on main Street for 3 Garth Brooks albums. (I was young and stupid) -Matt Kidney
Jimmy Kimmel's crew interviews you during SXSW -James Treviño
FGL is your jam. -Westin Zamarippa
You've demanded a refund because the band didn't play the one song you know.
You use the phrase "but you've gotta admit that it's catchy." to justify a terrible song. -Taylor Smith
you respond to the question who's your favorite artist that you don't have one and you like whatever's on the radio. -@AshleyAnnMusic
You go to your most favorite band's concert, but you get so drunk, the band has you thrown out (saw this at an American Aquarium show) -@maparriott
When you say "the record store" and you mean "Walmart." -Mike Holcomb
You couldn't make the live show because you didn't have a bow-tie to match the current vibe of the band.
... you only go to concerts to talk to your friends and stare at social media. -@MarkDeskin
You think pedal-steel is a pick-up truck accessory... -Hannah Jo Lally
You incorporate Luke Bryan lyrics into your wedding vows. -Neal Grant
If you spell George's name Straight. -Michael Crabtree
You pirate the album then complain about its production values.
You only go to the merch table to ask for a free sticker. - @HonkyTonkQueen
You ask the merch guy if the album is on Spotify.
You judge an entire album based on hearing one or two songs. -Andrew Lacy
You find all your new music by Shazam'ing songs from WWE promotional videos.
You encourage 3 minute drum solos by cheering the whole time. -Christina Maccini
You don't know anyone else's name in the band besides the lead singer. -Cheyenne Wolf Abilene
The next morning, you have to ask your friends what the band played.
If you consider countdowns as the bar for good music. -Kenny Daniel
If you think Lie Baby is a Brantley Gilbert song. -Ben Ryan
You think Louis Armstrong was that guy who doped up and won the Tour De France "a lot of times." -Barry Toffoli
You had a terrible night because your phone ran out of space for videos.
You think Shinedown's version of "Simple Man" is better than the original. -Mark Breunig
You treat a live band like your personal jukebox. -@UncleLeonAlibis
You don't clap for the live band but you'll "check in" at the venue on your iPhone. -Lee Kelley
You ask to be on the guest list. -Trey Newman
The only song you recognize is the rap song playing over the monitors while the second band sets up.
You swapped Exile on main Street for 3 Garth Brooks albums. (I was young and stupid) -Matt Kidney
Jimmy Kimmel's crew interviews you during SXSW -James Treviño
FGL is your jam. -Westin Zamarippa
You've demanded a refund because the band didn't play the one song you know.
You use the phrase "but you've gotta admit that it's catchy." to justify a terrible song. -Taylor Smith
you respond to the question who's your favorite artist that you don't have one and you like whatever's on the radio. -@AshleyAnnMusic
You go to your most favorite band's concert, but you get so drunk, the band has you thrown out (saw this at an American Aquarium show) -@maparriott
When you say "the record store" and you mean "Walmart." -Mike Holcomb
You couldn't make the live show because you didn't have a bow-tie to match the current vibe of the band.
You wear bedazzled jeans to a concert. And you're a dude. - @fher1286
You can only sing along to the last two hits.
a guy raps with a twangy, nasal drawl in double-time about a ba-donk-a-donk with some such colored Solo cup in a truck with ground effects and a 7 foot suspension lift with double-decker KC lights and a never-used Warn wench, rollin' down a dirt road, going to that lake at Old Man Johnson's farm, on a hot, summer night...over the dying pleas of a steel guitar and you don't literally get sick to your stomach. -Jay White
You talk through an entire acoustic set. -@BlondieInTX
You think Sam Hunt is a country singer.
If Willy Braun asks you to put down your phone. -Jodi Tidwell Bourne
You still buy Josh Abbott's music - @HonkyTonkQueen
You take MMA training in the winter and spring to prepare for the summer concert season.
You claim an artist is a "sell out" for selling Nashville something they wrote because YOU....
DONT go to shows
DONT buy the merch
and have
DOWNLOADED all their music for free. -Angela Jolene
All your band shirts came from Target.
you know the pants size of the jeans the artist fits in to, but you're unsure of what the last single was. -Danielle E. Bowers
You think the Possum is a pesky critter and the Hag is merely your mother-in-law. -Mike Pollard
You smuggle in Bud Light to a show....in a can. -Scott McGuffie
Old 280 Boogie Review (American Aquarium, Caleb Caudle, etc.)
 |
| American Aquarium |
When my friends called me a few months ago to persuade me to go to the Old 280 Boogie in Waverly, AL, I had no idea I'd be so easily swayed. However, I ended up down in Alabama last weekend in what was one of the best times I've had in a very long while.
For those of you that don't know, the Old 280 Boogie is a shin-dig put on in Waverly, AL and has a few bands and a few hundred folks. If you've never been to Waverly, AL (don't worry, I hadn't been there and I went to school less than an hour away), it is just like every other small, Southern town you know- which I say lovingly, not degradingly. It is everything I miss about the South after living here in the nation's capitol for many years.
We got to the Boogie around 1 that day and the first band was already going- I believe it was Serious Sam Barrett at that time. I knew by the time we set up that this was going to be a good day. The crowd was perfect, friendly, and revved up.
Next up was Caleb Caudle, who was damn near perfect. My only complaint is that Caleb didn't play
 |
| Caleb Caudle |
Alanna Royale and her band came on next and they had the crowd in the palm of their hands. Alanna was a great performer. It's easy to start making comparisons, because everything's been done, right? But, Alanna was reminiscent of Brittany Howard in her complete control of the stage. I'm guessing if you like Alabama Shakes, there is a great chance you'll like Alanna Royale.
Now the local crowd was getting a bit more lively and the Pine Hill Haints from Auburn, AL came on and worked the crowd into a frenzy. With the frenetic energy of a rockabilly band and their undeniable bluegrass style, the Pine Hill Haints proved to be one of many highlights of the day. Local products were the theme of the day and the Pine Hill Haints proved that local music is alive and well everywhere. Go to your local music hall. Listen to your local band. They have something to say. And, they are likely damn good musicians.
Alvin Youngblood Hart's Muscle Theory was next and, I will admit, I did not listen to them as much as I should have. The day was beginning to take it's toll and I needed a break from the festivities. I'll say that missing most of this set was one of the only regrets I had of the day. But, all was soon to be forgiven.
 |
| Johnny Sansone |
Now, as the day was beginning to get a bit, shall we say, loose, the final act was about to come on. I love American Aquarium. For many reasons, I love these dudes. They are good people, and they are a great band. If you've made it this far through my ramblings, you probably already love American Aquarium. But, if you don't know them, do yourself a favor- listen in this order Dances for the Lonely, Burn. Flicker. Die., and Wolves. To me, this is the best way to enjoy this band- to see where they have been and where they are going. Stories can be hard to tell- they can be heartbreaking, they can be joyous, and they can be hard to convey. But, American Aquarium does so deftly, and with an ability to cut to the quick. The boys were firing on all cylinders this evening and were having a great time themselves. BJ made more than a few comments about the venue and the crowd being somewhat of a high-water mark of being on tour. The guys of American Aquarium have been playing together for a helluva long time and you can tell. This is a band that has been through a lot on the road- good and bad- and they wear that badge with honor. They have honed that knowledge of each other into a finely tuned musical machine. One of my favorite things I have seen over my years of watching American Aquarium is seeing the closing song turn from "I Hope He Breaks Your Heart" to "Burn. Flicker. Die." This is a transition that is amazing. And, I think it shows the growth of this band. These are two incredible songs, but if I'm honest with myself, "Burn. Flicker. Die." is the better song. It is the show-stopper. And, recently, that has been the literal case. I hope these guys stick together and stick around for a much longer time. I don't think we've heard enough from these guys.
I've written so much. I can be long-winded, but I feel the story has to be told. The Old 280 Boogie. Waverly, AL. Johnny Sansone. American Aquarium. The story is only half-told. The best way to be a part of this story if to go to this incredible place. Go see these bands. Go support the bands around you. Music is what keeps us all going. Most of us. Some people can write the songs of our lives. Some can write about those songs. But, we can all go and enjoy and support the music. I want to leave this by saying thank you to the folks of Waverly, AL. The folks of Standard Deluxe. The folks of This Is American Music (Corey, I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to formally meet). Everyone involved in putting the Old 280 Boogie on. You've got a lot to be proud of and I can't wait to be back in the years to come.
Apr 1, 2015
Best Albums of 2015 So Far: 1st Quarter Report
My actual "Best of 2015" list includes four albums not yet released, but since this is labeled as the "1st Quarter Report," I decided to stay true to the title and not include those four. However, you should know that my favorite album I've heard this year is actually Whitey Morgan's Sonic Ranch ...and by a long shot. It comes out in May. But here's the list of my favorite albums released thus far in 2015.
12. Earl Sweatshirt - I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside
13. Houndmouth - Little Neon Limelight
14. The Delta Routine - You and Your Lion
15. The Lone Bellow - Then Came the Morning
16. The Mavericks - Mono
17. Aaron Watson - The Underdog
18. Ryan Bingham - Fear and Saturday Night
19. Striking Matches - Nothing But the Silence
20. Gurf Morlix - Eatin' at Me
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Yet to hear or need to hear more of: Gretchen Peters - Blackbirds, Jackson Taylor - Cantina del Diablo, Haley Cole - Illusions, Great Lake Swimmers - A Forest of Arms, Joe Pug - Windfall, Willie & the Giant - s/t, JJ Grey & Mofro - Ol' Glory, Brandi Carlile - The Firewatcher's Daughter, No Dry County - The Night Before, Cody Jinks - Adobe Sessions.
12. Earl Sweatshirt - I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside
13. Houndmouth - Little Neon Limelight
14. The Delta Routine - You and Your Lion
15. The Lone Bellow - Then Came the Morning
16. The Mavericks - Mono
17. Aaron Watson - The Underdog
18. Ryan Bingham - Fear and Saturday Night
19. Striking Matches - Nothing But the Silence
20. Gurf Morlix - Eatin' at Me
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Yet to hear or need to hear more of: Gretchen Peters - Blackbirds, Jackson Taylor - Cantina del Diablo, Haley Cole - Illusions, Great Lake Swimmers - A Forest of Arms, Joe Pug - Windfall, Willie & the Giant - s/t, JJ Grey & Mofro - Ol' Glory, Brandi Carlile - The Firewatcher's Daughter, No Dry County - The Night Before, Cody Jinks - Adobe Sessions.
Feb 2, 2015
Album Review: American Aquarium - Wolves
American Aquarium is a band that's been building tremendous buzz off the strength of their relentless touring and their album Burn, Flicker, Die for the past couple of years. We've all heard the story ad infinitum about how that album was supposed to be their goodbye. It was the end. Its success seemed like the beginning of a fairy tale ending, a Behind The Music episode in reverse.
So let's skip that part of the story & talk about the new album, Wolves.
I never do track by track reviews, but this deserves one. Problem is then I'd have to pick a favorite & I can't do it. I doubt I ever will.
This is as perfect of a country-fried, southern rock album as I can imagine hearing in the present time.
To say the musical arrangements are daring & a departure from past albums is true. Yes, the same basic structure is there, the skeleton is intact enough to keep the loyal fans sated. But BJ Barham & the boys take risks here. The lush "Man I'm Supposed To Be" could be something Chet Atkins produced, but the darkness that lurks in this most honest of love songs somehow makes the song even more powerful.
The opener, "Family Problems," strays into psychedelic, Turtles-esque territory in places & again the song is more powerful for it.
"Losing Side of Twenty-five" contains a riff that will lodge itself into your brain and likely be stuck there for the remainder of 2015. It doesn't hurt that the song is damn good too, giving an autobiographical account of the life of a late-20's guy who chose the road life over settling down. "I might never have a mansion, hell I might never own me a home…" sings Barham, laying bare the realities of the path he's chosen.
I never would call American Aquarium a straight ahead country band in the vein of those modern bands who are simply aping tradition. They have become one of the bands who've taken country music in the direction it needs to go & that's why I think that this album & this year are the most important of their careers. Based on what I know about their history, the incredible growth from strong album to utterly breathtaking album, and the tides seeming to be slowly turning in Nashville, I believe that this is one of the bands that is going to be the crest on the wave that rejuvenates true country music - with a truly modern touch - for the masses.
If you want to see them with the other band I've given similar accolades (a bit over a year ago I believe), catch one of their dates with Turnpike Troubadours. Truly the two best younger bands in any genre right now.
American Aquarium has been extremely generous in their willingness to make their music available to stream for free for years now. Now is the time to pay them back. Wolves is an album to buy. Seriously, it's as good as anything I've heard in 6 months at least. Probably much longer.
If you've agreed with my recommendations in the past, you know what to do. If not, I may have been out of sync with your tastes before, but this album is different enough from their past work that you should give it a try anyway.
------
You can buy Wolves tomorrow (Feb. 3, 2015) from iTunes, Lone Star Music, and all the usual retailers.
Jan 9, 2015
Kelcy Reflects on 2014, Chris Knight, Babies, etc.
Things I'm Glad I Experienced or Discovered in 2014:
by Kelcy Salisbury
_________________________________________________________
2014 was a momentous year for me in a lot of ways, personally & professionally. These are the best things that I experienced, discovered, or rediscovered in the past year, in no particular order.
Jason Boland & The Stragglers with Chris Knight live at Joe's on Weed Street.
Joe's has a lot of history in "TX/Red Dirt" music, especially for a venue in Chicago. This past summer I checked 2 firsts off my list: I saw a show at Joe's & I saw Chris Knight. It was everything I'd hoped for & then some. I met Chris Knight - he killed a bunch of people in song - but I'm still here for now.
Ray Wylie Hubbard live was everything I'd hoped for & then some. Ray put on a great show in a really cool room, was gracious enough to put me on his guest list though we'd never met, and was just about the coolest cat to talk to that you'd ever hope to meet. Ray Wylie Hubbard is exactly who you think he is, only better.
I finally started listening to American Aquarium & now I'm sad that Burn, Flicker, Die didn't make it into my best of 2013 list. These guys are going to lead the charge to take back country music right alongside Turnpike Troubadours. They're the truth.
I discovered Fistful Of Beard a few months too late to ever see a live show, which is quite a shame, but they left behind one really good album.
I finally got around to listening to John Fullbright's solo stuff around the time my daughter was born. She's 10 months old & Song For A Child might be her favorite song.
I rediscovered, through my daughter, how much FUN music is supposed to be. She already loves music & she already knows how to find John Fullbright, The Trisha's, Jason Boland & Brandy Clark on my phone whenever she's feeling like an impromptu dance party. Her favorite dancing song is probably Mike Ness (of Social Distortion) covering I Fought The Law, and if you've never seen this child jam out to that song, I feel bad for you.
by Kelcy Salisbury
_________________________________________________________
Jason Boland & The Stragglers with Chris Knight live at Joe's on Weed Street.
Joe's has a lot of history in "TX/Red Dirt" music, especially for a venue in Chicago. This past summer I checked 2 firsts off my list: I saw a show at Joe's & I saw Chris Knight. It was everything I'd hoped for & then some. I met Chris Knight - he killed a bunch of people in song - but I'm still here for now.
Ray Wylie Hubbard live was everything I'd hoped for & then some. Ray put on a great show in a really cool room, was gracious enough to put me on his guest list though we'd never met, and was just about the coolest cat to talk to that you'd ever hope to meet. Ray Wylie Hubbard is exactly who you think he is, only better.
I finally started listening to American Aquarium & now I'm sad that Burn, Flicker, Die didn't make it into my best of 2013 list. These guys are going to lead the charge to take back country music right alongside Turnpike Troubadours. They're the truth.
I discovered Fistful Of Beard a few months too late to ever see a live show, which is quite a shame, but they left behind one really good album.
I finally got around to listening to John Fullbright's solo stuff around the time my daughter was born. She's 10 months old & Song For A Child might be her favorite song.
I rediscovered, through my daughter, how much FUN music is supposed to be. She already loves music & she already knows how to find John Fullbright, The Trisha's, Jason Boland & Brandy Clark on my phone whenever she's feeling like an impromptu dance party. Her favorite dancing song is probably Mike Ness (of Social Distortion) covering I Fought The Law, and if you've never seen this child jam out to that song, I feel bad for you.
Dec 31, 2014
Jan 10, 2013
FTM Top Albums of '12: Matthew's Top 10
-By Matthew Martin
1- Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires, "There is a Bomb in Gilead"- My God! No band surprised me more this year than Birmingham's own Lee Bains III. I witnessed them open up for Alabama Shakes in Baltimore and was just floored by these guys. Evoking that Southern, soulful voice akin to fellow Alabama native Jason Isbell, Bains and his incredibly gifted band-mates have created an album that continues to grow stronger and stronger with each listen.
2- American Aquarium, "Burn. Flicker. Die"- We've all heard it before, right? Band hits road. Band tries to make it. Band gets weary. Band breaks up. This is where we meet BJ Barham and his band American Aquarium on their latest release: between weary and callin it quits. What makes an album great is taking a subject we've heard and making it sound new and fresh. Barham has done this to perfection with his road weary songs. American Aquarium has had some really good albums, but this album achieves far beyond good- it is truly great.
3- The Pollies, "Where the Lies Begin"- Another great band from Alabama- there must be something in the water down there. Listening to this album for the first time was such an awesome experience that I wish I could listen for the first time again. I'm not sure you can get much better for a debut album. Everything on this album works perfectly- from the interplay of instruments to the Jim James-esque echo vocal effects. Just try to listen to this album and not be taken aback.
4- Titus Andronicus, "Local Business"- Everyone's favorite Nihilistic band came back from their massively heavy and successful 2010 album "The Monitor" to record a more basic rock and roll record. Recorded with the same 4 folks who had been touring for the last few months as Titus Andronicus, this album hits the ground running and really never lets up. This album has less of the bombast than the previous 2 albums (i.e., no spoken intros, no droning noise, etc.), but Patrick Sickles and crew still run through 7+ minute songs at break-neck speed.
5- Lucero, "Women & Work"- I don't know how Lucero continue to get better, but they do. Taking the Memphis soul sound they incorporated on "1372 Overton Park," they honed their sound in to make this incredible album. The songs on this album are your typical Lucero songs, but then you add in songs such as "Sometimes" and "Go Easy" and you have possibly their best album since "That Much Further West." Some folks don't like the horn section Lucero have taken up, but I couldn't be more on board. It works incredibly well for their sound and Nichols' gruff voice. (Also, anyone else notice "Like Lightning" being played during some college and pro football games this year?)
6- Shovels & Rope, "O Be Joyful"- To truly appreciate Shovels & Rope, you should see them live, immediately. Until then, this album serves as a great snapshot of their energy, harmony, and chemistry. There have been a ton of "husband/wife" duos lately, it seems, but Shovels & Rope are doing everything right. Some songs may initially seem sappy, but they play them with such sincerity and gusto that any sap is quickly overshadowed by their keen emotion. There is no better song from 2012 than "Bimingham," which alone makes the album worth purchasing.
7- Arliss Nancy, "Simple Machines"- "I don't believe that we've been properly introduced.." So begins the newest album from Arliss Nancy. I'd say that is a fair statement from the Denver rock band. Their first album ("Dance to Forget") was a good album but this album shines much brighter due to upped production values, added instruments here and there, and a damn near perfect set of songs. I'd say if you were just now hearing of Arliss Nancy this album would no doubt be the place to start and if you've been hesitating on listening, stop. It's a great, catchy rock and roll album.
8- Natural Child, "For the Love of the Game"/"Hard in Heaven"- After seeing Natural Child open up for The Hold Steady this year, I went crazy for these guys. The 3-man band from Nashville, TN were busy in 2012 releasing both "For the Love of the Game" and "Hard in Heaven." I know it's probably cheating to include both albums here at #8, but when I was thinking about this list I couldn't pick a clear favorite. Sounding like a combination of the Stones and the Ramones, Natural Child rock and roll through sleazy guitar licks and songs about women, partying, and drugs. Just try to listen to these guys without moving. I think it's impossible.
9- Alabama Shakes, "Boys and Girls"- I fell for this album and band hook, line, and sinker. Talk about a powerful voice! I think this is a fun, well-played, and well-written record. While Alabama Shakes aren't really breaking new ground lyrically, they are laying down really great music and the songs are perfect vehicles for Brittany Howard to showcase her incredible vocals. Also, it's really amazing how fast Alabama Shakes rose to stardom. I'm sure it happens all the time, but it had never happened to a band I was on board with when they were just Alabama's best kept secret.
10- Justin Townes Earle, "Nothing's Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now"- Lots of folks aren't crazy about JTE's new album due to its subdued nature. I, on the other hand, think it is the perfect Sunday morning album. Once again, an artist added a horns section to an album and it worked perfectly. The contemplative mood of the album works for Earle and the band he gathered to record with. This is a fine album that I believe will get much stronger with time.
Other albums just missing the top 10 include: The Bohanons- "Unaka Rising," The Gaslight Anthem- "Handwritten," Cory Branan- "Mutt," Shooter Jennings- "Family Man," and Patterson Hood- "Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance."
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