Jul 19, 2011
The Sunny Ledfurd Family Tree
Because some members of the group of "musicians" I'm about to slag are getting dangerously close to the mainstream (which is to say - not that close but closer than I prefer), it's time I introduced you to, for lack of a better term, the Sunny Ledfurd Family Tree. You may not have heard of Ledfurd (who seems to be the central figure in this bunch and has his own imprint on Average Joe Records), but you've heard of a couple of his associates… Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford. Beyond that and even more troubling, you've heard a #1 hit song that proves the barbarians are at the gate: Jason Aldean's "Dirt Road Anthem," a cover of Gilbert and Ford's own version.
Most of the guys in this subgenre/inbred family are unquestionably country. They drawl, they drink, they party, they walk the walk and whatnot… so let's get that out of the way - they are way more country than most of what's on the radio, at the base level.
The next thing that you need to know is that the entire bunch is heavily influenced by hip-hop. They rap. They misspell lots of title words on purpose. Even the non-rappers of the bunch drop slang and have songs with canned beats or heavy bass-drum use. That's not a huge problem with me, I suppose. Mainstream genres change and evolve with the times and a little hip-hop influence is to be expected in this day and age.
(On the other hand, that IS an issue with me. I want my country to be country. Why is "country" not good enough? Why does it have to be watered down with whatever contemporary sound is cool? I guess that's an argument for another day, but it's certainly responsible for a portion of my disdain for this group of rising artists.)
My biggest reason for taking issue with this bunch is on a more critical level. They're just not very good at what they do. Patriarch Mr. Ledfurd's voice is barely passable. His songwriting is even less-so. He curses a lot and presents a superficial look at the seediest side of southern living. Again, seediness is not really an issue - but other singers have done it much better: Chris Knight and Hayes Carll for two examples. It's the generalizations and the over-abundance of partying tunes that rub me wrong.
Other branches of this "family tree" are even less deserving of mainstream recognition. Colt Ford is only a good rapper to people who haven't heard good rap. Luke Kaufman is only edgy to those who haven't heard much edgy music. Big Smo is a greasy redneck with minimal "flow" skills and very little upside.
Oh yes, Big Smo did just defile Hank Sr.
Another issue I've come across in listening to music from these folks is production value. It's low, to speak kindly.
Also, quite a few of the tracks I previewed on Myspace are laughably without rhythm. I'm as white as caucasian comes, at least when it comes to rhythm, but even I can tell this stuff is way off beat. It's embarrassingly bad on some of their tunes. Somebody in this bunch needs to employ a couple of people with some actual soul to oversee this sh*t or something. Willie Nelson is the only one who can get away with being off-beat and it still sounding good.
Oh it gets worse. Hardly a single vocalist in this group is what I'd term a good singer. Brantley Gilbert does okay with the slow songs, but his uptempo tracks reveal the weaknesses in his delivery and the lack of depth in his voice. Lenny Cooper's "Mud Digger" sounds like something me and my friends could have whipped up on a drunken Saturday night with a few beats and a tape recorder. And this was released to the public! Sunny Ledfurd might not beat ME in a singing contest, if I had a minuscule amount of training. Matt Stillwell, a distant cousin in the family tree, is about the only one with a voice worthy of mass consumption. Luke Kaufman might be okay, but it's hard to hear him over the hip-hop beats.
The songwriting is also suspect. Generally, there's not a lot of craft to their craft. The rhymes aren't that great, the theme development is lacking… the subject matter doesn't vary to a great degree. Outlaw behavior, outsider mentality and a lazy-ass attitude is at the core of most of the songs. A few selected song titles should reveal the classiness involved:
"Whiskey Till We Heave"
"Stoned to the Bone"
Enough of the derision. I'll let you decide for yourself. Links to material from the different branches of this "artistic" family tree are provided throughout the article and below. Let me know what you think. Parody album covers will follow, soon.
Ask yourself if you want this stuff to get past the watch of the gatekeepers and tastemakers of Nashville (and Austin?). I don't - until they dig a little deeper and show a little more respect for the craft of songwriting and the traditions of country music anyway…
(Note: JB and the Moonshine Band were referred to in this article, but I will admit that the jury is still out on them despite the extremely suspect "Sticker Peck Out" song)
Connected/related artists:
Jul 18, 2011
New Country Doppelgangers
Reid Perry of The Band Perry and Jared Followill of Kings of Leon. (Jared has since cleaned up his look to disassociate himself with The Band Perry, presumably)
Grace Potter of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals (and Kenny Chesney guest) looks a lot like Heidi Klum.
Brantley Gilbert and Jason Aldean look a lot alike. Can't imagine why.
Countryish singer-songwriter Corey Smith could almost pass for the white Rick Ross if he put on a hundred-fifty pounds or so.
And then there's radio show host/former music star Kix Brooks and his Village People doppelganger...
Jul 17, 2011
Album Review - Nick 13
Nearly everything about Nick 13's self titled debut sounds vintage. The sweetly innocent vocals, the purity of the musical textures and even the lyrics harken back to a more golden time. Only the production values distinguish it from something that could have been released 50 years ago.
Nick 13's vocals are a highly unlikely mix of disarming slightness and charming richness... almost impossibly so. His timbre is reminiscent of Chris Isaak or even Buddy Holly at times, but softer than either of them.
This, in combination with the easy-rolling arrangements and softly traditional instrumentation makes for a simple and hypnotic sound. It's a far cry from the psychobilly of Nick's usual gig, Tiger Army, but rockabilly is certainly a fiber woven into the fabric of the album.
My favorite cut on the album is the Americana-ish "Carry My Body Home." Bumping along on the tracks of a Luther Perkins/Johnny Cash boom-chicka-boom rhythm, it details a man taking stock of his life and wondering how much sand the hourglass still holds. Lavish with steel guitar and acoustics, it's a haunting snapshot.
Nighttime Sky is another winner, bringing in some welcome backing vocals to enliven the chorus. It's a sweetly twanging gem that sounds like it came from another era. Restless Moon could be a lost Roy Orbison classic.
I'd highly recommend this album to fans of Buddy Holly, The Mavericks and Dwight Yoakam.
Listen to full songs here.
Check out samples and/or purchase the album for only $5.99 (!!) here.
Jul 15, 2011
YouTube Gems: Jackyl
Now witness the only hit song to ever have a chainsaw solo... something of a novelty hit, but a solid southern rocking band.
Jul 14, 2011
Top 10 Titles for Leann Rimes' Exercise Video
Top 10 Titles for Leann Rimes' New Fitness Video
10. Abs and Adultery
09. How to Have Hollywood Hipbones
08. Pukin' to the Oldies
07. How Do I Live (Without Food?)
06. The Jumproping Jezebel Workout Plan
05. Get Angular Fast!
04. The Index Finger Workout
03. P90lbs
02. Leann Rimes' Ripped in 30 Purges
01. Stick Figure Yoga
Thanks to Juli Thanki for the inspiration for the top 10 and for #10!
Jul 13, 2011
Snap Judgments: Promo Only Country Radio July '11
The summer doldrums don't get any help from this heap of mediocrity. It's probably the most lifeless collection I've heard yet, though there is a gem in the slop.
Click titles to listen.
I'm guessing this isn't the actual first song on the promo disc. Mine's just out of order. This is one of those D-list rockabilly-roots things they throw in every now and then... It's kinda catchy, but D-list doesn't just grade the starpower of the artist. You won't hear this on the radio. It's a dance club track.
D+
Hey guys. How's it going? Haven't heard from you in a bit, but you're back... yay(?) Their vocals are a lot smoother than you might expect from looking at their photos. For a band still seeking a break-through single, I'd think something a little harder hitting might be in order. This is okay, but it's just not weighty enough, even for a light-hearted pop-country tune, to grab any significant airplay. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
C-
I love hearing Darius get into a meaty "she done left me" song. Unfortunately, this isn't very meaty. It's not bad but the chorus just doesn't have enough heft to stick with me for long. Songs like this just make me wonder why he couldn't have brought the Blowfish along for the ride. They sound as country as most of what's on the radio now anyway, and they would lend some gravity to the heartbreak of this song. Anyway, this isn't bad, but (insert stock comment here:) a vocalist of Darius' caliber deserves better songs.
B-
That name makes me think of the Evil Dead movies. Sorry. The song... ahhh shit. Eric Church lite. This is one more laundry list of things the singer believes in. Absolutely nothing new here. I got nothin'. Bible, belt, yes sir, yes ma'am, hand shakes, Jesus, soldiers, moms, dads.... you know the routine. I still believe in all that stuff too, but I also believe that this song is unquestionably bad. Almost bad enough to turn me into a liberal just for spite.
F
Young Hunter apparently looks to Gary "The Voice" Levox as a role model and vocal idol. He sounds just like a younger version of the girthy balladeer. The song also wouldn't sound out of place on a Rascal Flatts album. Not terrible, nowhere near good. Please tell me the next generation of "country" singers won't count Rascal Flatts as an influence. Please tell me that. Please.
D+
Brad Paisley ft. Alabama - Old Alabama
Not sure why this song is on the collection as it has already had its run up the charts and subsequent decline in lieu of the new Carrie duet. Anyway, I like this song better than I should. It's very catchy and more clever than most have given it credit for.
B
This is the best single Josh has released to country radio to date. That's not saying a lot really. The verses are pretty dull, but the chorus is damn good. Nothing groundbreaking, but I can see myself getting this stuck in my head.
B
Burns & Poe - Second Chance
How symbolic. This duo is also on their second chance... album-wise. This is probably their 400th single in the last 2 years though. I'm shocked they're still around. Burns sounds like a poor man's Don Henley on this track, but Poe sounds pretty solid. It's an understated song with some nice harmonies. It sounds different than most of what's on the radio, and in a lot of ways that's a good thing.
C+
Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter - You and Tequila
Kenny Chesney's best single in years. It might even be good enough to find its way onto the playlists of country radio-weary music snobs... uh, like myself. Simple and beautiful. Keep doing this, Kenny. It works.
A
Just like their previous hit "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?," "I Got You" is a sugary confection of a pop-rock-country song with elementary lyrics. I'm not against simplistic lyrics as long as they aren't a stumbling-block to my enjoyment of the song. Unfortunately, they are this time... again.
C-
Hmm. A bizarre, jazzy novelty ode to the titular hair-don't. I just really don't even know what to say about it, honestly. Interesting and odd. Not radio bound.
C
At least the record company knows how to cherry-pick the best singles off the dreadful Machine album. This is a pop song. A pop anthem even. This wouldn't have sounded out of place on the Celine Dion and Sting populated airwaves of 90's adult-contemporary. Can't say I care much for the song, or Jennifer Nettles' odd vocal affectionations on the song, but it sounds like a hit.
D+
Joe Nichols - Take It Off
I'm hoping this isn't another "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off." Well, so far it's not.. but obviously some clothes are being shed somewhere in this tune. This is a summer anthem... released a little late in the game. Yep, the clothes came off. Predictable, but decent and Joe's voice doesn't hurt the song, as usual.
C+
Another single from the iCarly sidekick. Another Carrie Underwood-lite tune. It's weighty subject matter for someone of her age. She handles it pretty well, but the song just has too many lyrical hiccups (plasama screen?) and too much philosophical jackassery for me to enjoy this. Nah.
D+
Is this the sequel to Luke Bryan's "Do I"? It's a typical "women will dig it" vehicle for a male country singer with a strong voice. It's not particularly memorable, but Wesley does have good pipes. Hopefully his future releases will have a little more individuality to them.
C
Zac Brown Band ft. Jimmy Buffett
Another tune I like more than I should. Sure, it's just another summer get-away-from-it-all anthem, but it's catchy as all get out (however catchy that is), and some of the lyrical wordplay is more clever than your typical song of this ilk. I dig it.
B+
Another soap opera anthem. They're so good with melodies and harmony that I can't help but like this at least a little. It's epic and arena-ready and nowhere near country... at all: no steel, no fiddle, no twang, but it's still a catchy song. I wish it wasn't on country radio, but Lady A crafts a nice pop tune.
B-
Banjo. Fiddle. This starts with promise. Then comes the mention of cut off jeans and it all goes to hell. Tattoos... he loves it, a SECOND MENTION of cut off jeans. Kill me, again. The title is unmemorable and the song does nothing to help. I don't want to hear this ever again. I'd throw up in my mouth, but that's too cliche.
D-
Not bad. It feels like they didn't "bring it" as much as they should have. The song needs a little more contrast and more vigor, especially in the chorus. It's all a little too meh.
C
Jul 12, 2011
Feel Bad For You Mixtape: July
The new FBFY mixtape is up with selections from Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Albert Hammond, The Everybodyfields and more. Check it out!
Stream here:
Visit the site to comment or download the mixtape here: http://feelbadforyou.atruersound.com/?p=120
Jul 11, 2011
John Rich's Songwriting Tips #54
Teabagger, I mean, mailbagger Kevin in Cincy writes: John, at what age did you realize country songwriting was the only possible career outlet for you?
Well Kev, I got my first guitar when I was four and wrote a song about the hot six year old next door that very day. Hold up! I think you were inferring that maybe I don't have any other bankable skills. Bitch please! I could have been a porn star, I got the 'stache and the "stash" if you know what I mean. I could have been in the UFC if they allowed weapons. I'm mean with the metal pipe. Those are only two of my many skills. Get off my crotch.
*Not actually written by John Rich
"Life Metal" Band Actually Very Brutal
From time to time, I may write fake news stories, similar to the ones I write for Country California, that aren't about country artists... I wrote this one a while back and forgot about it. Maybe that was for the best.
"Life Metal" Band Actually Very Brutal
"Life metal" band Virile Parturition wants fans of similar genres like death metal, goregrind and brutal death metal to know that they are just as brutal, despite their decidedly different lyrical approach.
"My boy Knute on the lead guitar plays faster and louder than anybody on the f*ckin' face of this wonderful world." said lead singer Geoff Paulstein, "You can put our work alongside anybody from Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, Venom… and quite honestly, you won't be able to tell a difference. Unless you read the lyric sheet."
For better or worse, Paulstein is correct. From their unreadably brutal-looking band logo to their machine gun percussion section to the brutal cookie monster vocals, Virile Parturition is virtually indistinguishable from Necrophagist, Decapitated, Brain Drill and other bands who delight in death, gore and dismemberment.
What sets VP apart, by a long shot, is their preference for positivity and celebrating life. "Now we ain't no Christian band or nothing," said Popeye-forearmed drummer Keith "Hammer" Hales, "We get graphic too - biology can be very disgusting - and we cuss a lot… but mostly we just get off on being brutally in love with life!"
Featuring lyrics like "Feel the f**king throb of plasma/Digestion into intestinal miasma," Virile Parturition isn't afraid to get downright explicit with their lyrics. Their song "Parturient Prostitute" describes in detail the bloody but charmingly unpalatable birthing process of an 18th century sex-worker with gut churning lines like "She screwed Parliamentarians to pay the rent- ahhhh… Now she's screaming, squeezing out placenta."
While most of their album covers don't feature the blood and guts that go along with the particular sound of the band, Paulstein insists that life is every bit as brutal as death. "Do you know what sort of stresses the joints experience in a day's time?" he asked, "Our song 'Orthopedic Rehabilitation' is every bit as revolting and brutal as, say, Carcass' 'Exhume to Consume.'"
Their third album Culmination of Copulation has already been banned from Walmart shelves due to the sheer brutality of the sound and the words, according to Hales, though Walmart officials said they'd never heard of the group or album.
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