Hey Y’all. Here we are, it’s almost the end of June, and I’m still trucking away in the world of freelance. But, at least I’m alive.
In case you missed it, a lot of special people are dying, and it sucks. We’re down an Anthony Bourdain and a Vinnie Paul. Someone had better keep Ozzy, Mike Ness and Danzig locked away in glass cases.
Trailer informed me that, while it seems like I’ve been writing for Farce for like, ever – it’s only been 2.5 years, which is nuts considering the number of articles, reviews, etc. I’ve written. Check out my first ever piece here about Sydney’s We Lost The Sea.
In other news, Vein’s new record Errorzone is the best hardcore record of the year. Seriously. It’s like hearing Converge at their beginning all over again. (I’m old. I was there.)
Speaking of hardcore, here’s a video of a naked dude going HAAM in the pit
If you care about As I Lay Dying, they’re back together. Dude tried to have his wife killed, so there’s that. We all know the obvious answer as to why they got back together: they weren’t exactly killing it without the jailbird. Here’s their conversation about this hot topic.
Cassadee Pope who used to be in Hey Monday, a pop punk band, is now a pop country singer? Whatever the fuck that is. Well, she’s playing Warped Tour. This world makes no sense anymore.
I guess that’s it from the peanut gallery. See y’all soon. Send me money. I’m broke.
As life guru, Marc Maron would say it, what the fuck is up, what the fucksters, what the fuckingingtons?
Over here in unemployed, freelancing writer-land, I’m grinding away, trying to listen to a lot of music, and trying to skim through the trash to give you the hotness that you didn’t know that you needed in your life.
Without further pomp and circumstance, let’s pull the dog cone off and get licking ourselves.
Tyler Childers w/Sturgill Simpson at The Ryman
A round of applause for our boy Tyler Childers for his recent debut at The Grand Ol’ Opry, playing with John Prine, opening for Margo Price's sold out run at The Ryman, and overall killing it. We’re beyond proud of him.
Joe Cardomone, the brains behind The Icarus Line has gone solo and is doing some rad, synthy dream-like stuff that feels like it’s a cross between Depeche Mode on the happy pills and what Marilyn Manson thinks he’s been doing for the last decade.
Holy War is an odd collection of songs that are straight IDGAF about what’s trending, popular or normal. Caromone is on his psychic plane with these tracks, and that’s good news if you’re looking to get weird in the dark over some candle wax and a bottle of Rose. Check it out, but don’t get all huffy with us if you end up wearing a gimp mask, though. That’s your freaky fault.
CW Stoneking is touring the states again. This time around he’s going solo and not with the full band, it’s likely because last time America dropped the ball and didn’t give this dude the reception he deserved.
I was lucky enough to see him play at Stubb’s here in Austin to maybe 100 people and let me tell you, that was an excellent night. If you’ve got any common sense, you’ll head over to whatever town is closest and grab a ticket. The fact that CW Stoneking isn’t a household name in blues circles is a damn shame.
At The Gates released a new record, To Drink From The Night Itself and boy, does it slam. Typically, when a band tries to come back after a classic album, they stumble. It’s a momentous task to follow up something as perfect as Slaughter of The Soul, so when At War With Reality dropped it was just…ok.
On To Drink From The Night Itself, the band found it’s anger; it’s artistry again. There’s no magical reinvention of the band’s style and sound, this is meat and potatoes At The Gates, but it’s a collection of tracks that rip the hinges off the Camaro. 100% worth the listen.
Fat dudes with beards who like to wear flannel are stoked as fuck: Clutch has a new record looming, which is cool. The world needs more tunes about blacking out on the road and writing a rock and roll song about it.
From the groundswell of insiders, I keep hearing this new Lucero record is their best one ever. That’s a TALL order considering there’s a mighty fine batch of songs in the back catalog, specifically one named Tennessee. I’ve yet to hear it for myself, but multiple sources near the Memphis Monsters relay the same story.
This isn’t new information, but can we all agree that the new Perfect Circle cover is probably the worst record cover of all time? I mean, come on. You rockstar folk ain't on the struggle; you're millionaires. Spring for someone to at least try.
Brandan Schieppati of recently reformed Bleeding Through fame talks mad spicy on the new metal and hardcore bands of today, especially Bring Me The Horizon: here.
Lastly, go buy Charley Crockett everything. His recent record, Lonesome As A Shadow is a sleeper album of the year. Seriously. It’s a mixture of Louisiana and Texas that works without coming off contrived. There’s a unique blend of busker timing, but also captures the feeling of what it’s like to sing for your supper. The record features a potent mixture of old school 50’s RnB, blues, and classic country. Don’t sleep on this one. He’s on like, every music platform, ever is touring eternally. Grab Charley Crockett’s record, you’ll thank us. We promise.
Wait. Serious question:
I loved the first Leon Bridges record. I don’t like the new one at all. Where are you with Good Thing? Tweet me and let me know what you think. I need to know what I’m missing.
So, this week in insomnia I’ve listened to a bunch of music, read a few books and even watched the episode of Anthony Bourdain in Montana. He hangs out with Jim Harrison before he died, what an honor. Joe Rogan was there too, but they did Joe Rogan stuff and just shot some birds.
Anyhow, I’m averaging about 3-4 hours of sleep a night right now since I’m writing freelance full time. You’d think around 4 AM I’d pass right out, but nope. Pop a Benadryl and go hunting for new stuff, waiting for the little pink monster to kick in.
Enough about me, let’s get into this week’s hotness:
Because I’m a douche, I didn’t mention them sooner, but The Profane Anything Band is a local Austin outfit playing some sweet rock and roll that’s not flashy, nor over the top, but straight ahead. There’s something to be said for a band that plugs in and gets rowdy. Give them a listen they gig all over town. For fans of Guided By Voices, Yo La Tengo, Brainiac.
America’s secret crush Cardi B was on the Stern show and continued to show why she’s good for the music industry with her refusal to be a mindless robot. Hate her music all you like; it’s appreciated when an artist puts everything on front street and understands her place in pop culture.
Leon III has a new video out. It’s appropriately weird in that Joe Walsh, “too many Coors with a guy you’re just trying to buy mushrooms off of” kinda way. I appreciate bands who go for it and don’t give a shit what their peers are doing. Quiet Hollers are those kinds of dudes. Give it a look and listen to their new record, Alberta.
Vein dropped the new video for Virus//Vibrance, and I’m so stoked on it. This is so much of my jam; it’s like this song + video was crafted out of the old school hardcore videos from 20 years ago that I frequently search for. I have high hopes for Vein. If this is any indication of what they’re capable of, please take all of my money. This is chaotic, fast, and heavy as a ton of bricks.
Everyone on Earth saw the Childish Gambino video, so I don’t have to link it. It’s been watched 70M times in 7 days. Sidebar: I seriously had NO idea Childish Gambino was big enough to headline a night at ACL. I have a mad love for Awaken, My Love! But, damn. Donald Glover is killing it right now.
Joe Rogan roasts Takashi 69 and the other kids of the internet here. This one is just good for the soul.
Lastly, Lucero dropped two new songs, and there’s a lot to unpack here folks.
First, if you look at the new band photo, Ben looks like he’s straight from America’s Next Top Model. Brian has now assumed the role of mystical Memphis shaman, which is fitting if you follow him on social media. Thankfully, Roy is still wearing the signature bike hat.
The cover of the new record Among the Ghosts is sick. That’s some straight Southern Gothic right there.
I like that Ben has made it a point to call out that folks thought the new stuff would suck because he’s happily married and now has a kid. I can’t say I’m not guilty of thinking that, too.
As for the music, I couldn’t be happier. As a die-hard Lucero fan, (I have an L star tattoo) this is the record we’ve been waiting a few years for. This feels more like a gritty more swinging version of Tennessee, That Much Further West, Overton Park records, which are arguably the fan’s favorites.
Here we are, kids. April is almost kaput, and we’re in the driver's seat towards summer. And we all know what summer means for music: a bunch of wack trash will compete for the much-desired “Song of The Summer” well, what you’re about to get here ain’t none of that bullshit. Not now, not ever.
This week in the roundup, we’re checking out a whole bunch of different stuff folks have sent over. First up, Sleep dropped a new record, “The Scientist”. I’ll have an in-depth review of that boner-inducing masterpiece by weeks end, or the weekend, we’ll see. Other reviews I have planned: New Orleans death metal band, Orifist along with Mr. Jukebox by Joshua Hedly. Aren’t I diverse?
Anyhow.
The yodeling kid was at Coachella, which is cool, and lame, but whatever, a whole bunch of square Googled Hank Williams, so hopefully a few of the cooler ones got into it and Ol’ Grandad found new blood. I guess he’ll be at Stagecoach over the weekend, too. Get that money, little dude.
Some weird ass white people are getting snake massages. We’ll link it, so you don’t fall down the Google rabbit hole with that shit. Just as an aside, folks if you’re getting a “massage” by a boa constrictor, you’re gonna need to sit down with your priorities and see where your life took a turn for the worse. And believe me, I’m weird as they come.
William Matheny has a new record out, “Moon Over Kenova.” If you’re a Tom Petty or Elvis Costello kind of person, this is right in your sonic wheelhouse. Matheny’s style is Americana, but he’s got a rock and roll backbone. The songs are radio-friendly, simple tunes that work.
There’s something to be said about a singer-songwriter who can cut out the nonsense and keep the narrative and structure tight. You could do worse than William Matheny, give em’ a listen and let us know if you like what you hear.
Our boy Tyler Childers landed his fantastic song “Whitehouse Road” and “Nose on The Grindstone” on an upcoming episode of Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. Congrats to Tyler and his soon to be world takeover.
But, can we pause for a second, Gangstagrass’s “Hard Time To Come” aka the theme from Justified was also featured. I LOVE Justified. I’ve watched every episode and am actively collecting a copy of every Elmore Leonard book. But, that song sucks much ass it’s a long-running joke amongst my wife and me that someone owed a favor or money to get that featured.
Well, howdy folks. I had one of them weeks last week that would test a lesser man’s mettle and sent them spiraling down the road toward their local dive without so much as a breath of fresh air. I ain’t gonna say I didn’t need a night to get loaded up on the Lone Star beers and some kush that’ll blow the doors off, but I’m back in fighting shape after a few kicks in the teeth.
I’m gonna write some longer stuff for the site, so if you’re waiting on anything long form from me, it’s gonna happen soon.
This brings us back to the rodeo and what’s popping off this week and last week: a combo of musical stuff that’s crossed my desk.
Cardi B dropped a new record, “Invasion of Privacy” last week. I gotta say, for as much shit as she gets, I like her. We’re beaten over the head with manufactured idiots that have nothing to say, and for once we’ve got someone in popular culture that’s being honest about her experience and what she expects of the world in return.
Sure, you don’t have to enjoy the music, but when we’re overloaded with constant trash, I can respect someone’s nerve to tell the story of being a stripper, what men in the business expect of her, along with building a career with no one’s help. As someone’s who’s never been handed a damn thing, career-wise if you make it without daddy’s money or a cousin in “the business” props to her.
Read the new GQ interview with her. You’ll come out of it not hating her, I promise. Also, reading the bit about how she got a fake ass is fascinating.
Side note related to Cardi B – I’ve recently discovered Migos Stir Fryand I love the beat. Not a new cut by any means, but for someone who doesn’t dig Trap, I like that one. Takashi 69 is still straight garbage, tho. But this Gary Owen takedown is straight up amazing.
Back to country stuff, Western Centuries has recently dropped Songs From The Deluge, and it’s pretty damn solid. If you’re looking for a good honky tonk record that feels a little Dale Watson meets Dwight Yoakam, Western Centuries play in that cerebral ballpark. The vocals even offer a little John Popper vibe, but without the wailing harmonica theatrics.
Sometimes, when bands try to pull off that joint beer funk, most of the time, they screw it way, way up. Western Centuries doesn’t do that whatsoever; in fact, they sell it with precision and flair. Upon first listen, I was flabbergasted the band was from Seattle and not my backyard of Austin. Give these dudes a listen ASAP. You won’t be disappointed.
In news that warms my heart, Lucero was recently awarded the honor of Lucero Day in Memphis. How dope is that? Resident good dudes getting rewarded for being a great band full of humans that deserve the world. Nothing but respect.
Once again, don’t forget to donate to Caleb from Cave In’s YouCaring. It’s still such a bummer he’s gone.
Avenged Sevenfold read mean tweets about themselves. Just like their music, it was uninteresting and pedestrian. Watch it here.
That’s about it from down here in the great state of Texas. Be back next week to talk about whatever crosses my desk or invades my inbox. If you’re in a band, go to my Facebook page www.facebook.com/robertdeansworldand drop a link.
If it’s in my sonic wheelhouse I’ll either review it or mention it here. Depends on how dope it is. All genres will be considered. Stay frosty.
Been grinding away lately. Burning the candle at both ends trying to get some creative projects to pop off while maintaining a busy writing schedule. Friday, I think I got a whopping four hours of sleep and at no point over the weekend did I ever get more than, like six.
In this week’s roundup:
Nathan Kalish dropped a new record, “I Want To Believe” that’s straight from the school of Conway Twitty and George Jones, but with a timbre that’s oddly satisfying. Kalish has an interesting delivery. “I Want To Believe” has an old-school sound that feels like tape; it’s unique, which is nice because, damn, I get a lot of stuff sent to me that sounds the same. Give Nathan Kalish a spin. It gives off the vibe that it’s a good record to smoke a joint to, which is always essential. Well, at least it is to me.
Caleb from Cave In died. This one is a sword right to the guts. I’ve loved Cave In since I heard "Until Your Heart Stops", a bonafide hardcore classic. It breaks my heart to know Caleb died in such a terrible way. We were about to have him and the boys from MA back in our lives and just like that; he’s gone. Life is bananas, kids. Love the folks around you hard, because the next minute, they could be gone. The older I get, the more real this becomes.
Please consider donating to his GoFundMe - dude is leaving behind a wife and two daughters. He wasn’t even 40 and a vet of the heavy music community for the last 20 years.
Deftones
Devildriver is releasing a “country covers” album that sounds as exciting as oral surgery. Deftones are working on a new one; hopefully, it pulls some White Pony magic out of the ether cuz I haven’t liked a Deftones record in almost 20 years.
In other news that makes me want to stab a bbq spike into my throat, Godsmack is teasing a new video featuring Billy Ray Cyrus – two things the world a whole lot less of. Fucking awesome.
As always, Desus & Mero is the funniest show on tv. Yes, I’m hipster scum who watches VICELAND all day long while I type stuff for you lovely folks.
Turnstile is a band you should probably be listening to right now. Hardcore is evolving in a super exciting way. Knocked Loose, Harms Way, Code Orange, Jesus Piece, etc. There’s a lot of bands challenging the genre, and it’s a lot of fun to see these kids push the cultural dynamics in places other music is too afraid to. If there’s percolating artistry and anger in music that’s pushing boundaries for the better, it’s happening in hardcore music. Turnstile is cool because they’re mixing Snapcase with Gorilla Biscuits and even some Bad Brains, but it doesn’t feel throwback for the sake of doing so.
I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night. I do it to myself every time, always chasing deadlines or falling down the rabbit hole, reading about some odd subject that ordinary people wouldn’t spend five minutes on. Such is my life. I spent, I dunno, a good half an hour reading about flan. Yes, flan the Mexican desert.
Today, I’ve been checking my email, wandering around Youtube and wanted to do a “Rodeo of Cool Shit” post where I share stuff I think is either worth checking out or at the very least, entertaining.
My friend Michelle Hanks is a mover and shaker in the underground country world. She sends me artists to check out on the regular and one of the dudes she passed along to me was Jeremy Squires. I dig what the guy is doing. His new tune "Gift" features a slow piano that’s straight out of the Radiohead playbook, but country. It’s an odd mixture, but it works.
Jeremy is all over YouTube and Spotify, so finding his stuff won’t be very hard. The straight-ahead tunes he’s got on Spotify are in the vibe of Jason Isbell meets Bright Eyes sorta thing. It’s not the most upbeat of stuff, but worth a listen if you’re driving down a backroad somewhere on an overcast day.
When was I like, 23? My roommate and I were on the couch looking for something to watch. We stumbled on Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart in the movie “Just Friends” and were immediately rolling our eyes, groaning that we knew it was going to suck. Eventually, as the minutes passed of hate-watching, we set the remote down and laughed along, enjoying the movie.
The same exact thing happened to me this AM when I stumbled on Rising Appalachia "Scale Down." It’s so oddly satisfying. I checked it out to dismiss the song and the video but couldn’t because it’s unique and challenging. There are quick triphop bits with Lauryn Hill meets Beth Gibbons emoting about the state of the world through biting verses. The whole thing shouldn’t work, and yet, I enjoyed the hell out of it. Kinda the same way I couldn’t stop listening to that Hobo Johnson song last week when it went viral.
Two crusty folks jamming on a fiddle and a banjo out in a field. Lots of brown leather. Meat and potatoes Americana stuff I used to hear the gutter punks strumming on as I’d walk the streets of the French Quarter. Quenches a certain thirst. It’s not breaking any precedent, but it’s a damn fine song.
