It's January 31st.. hardly the time to look back at the year prior. But ripe with the awards season, Grammy's, Golden Globes, Tri State Indie Awards, etc it seems like the perfect time to share some thoughts about the year before.
2013 was a pretty damn good year for new music. When compiling the year end list, it was remarkable how many outstanding Philadelphia based releases there were each month. As with all things here at Root Down In The Shadow, we're going to skip retelling what you've read every where else. Here we are going to do a Philly only year-end review! Sorry to those of you who may be expecting Bastille, Aoife O'Donovan, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, or Phosphorescent on a year end list, like most things here at Root Down In The Shadow, this list will be Philly-centric! Finally, apologies to Dr. Dog and Amos Lee, but I think everyone is aware already of B Room and Mountans of Sorrow, Rivers of Song. Although I will add, the extended version of the new Amos Lee is well worth the price. Here for your reading and listening pleasure the best of Philly 2013, in an easy to follow review by release date!
Pay note to the special contributor reviews. Thanks to all that participated!
January 2013
**************
DRGN KING - Paragraph Nights
Paragraph Nights by DRGN KING is my most disappointing experience with Philadelphia music to date. Don't get me wrong, I am all about this album. It has everything you could wan;, I just don't understand why it's not huge nationwide?
It's got the made-for-magazines storyline of the interesting rocker meets producer twist found with such luminaries as Gnarls Barkley and Broken Bells. It's got the obvious hits, 'Holy Ghost' and 'Wild Night', but goes four deep with 'Menswear' and 'Warriors'. The album is incredibly radio friendly, whether it's the Alternative Station or the local NPR! Maybe Dominic Angelella needs to be moody or less accessible or something. Whatever it is, if you don't have Paragraph Nights, there is no excuse. Everyone needs a guilty pleasure, for 2013 DRGN KING is mine!
Birdie Busch - Birdie Busch and the Greatest Night
by contributor Ol' Jack Frost -
This album washes over you like the cool baptismal waters of the river. A dense sonic landscape that envelopes you from the very first track. The center of this landscape is the the angelic yet playful voice of its protagonist, Birdie Busch. A Shapeshifter, who can weave in and out of moods and styles from the sublime('Supermoon', 'This Must Be', 'These Banks') to the joyous and rambunctious('Body Body') and the mystic ('Be The Arrow' 'Wilderness') like a desert fever dream. This is a beautiful, challenging and masterful piece of art. One of my favorite records of the year.
Norwegian Arms - Wolf Like A Stray Dog
I made the mistake of dismissing this album early in the year. Well actually, I made the mistake of not realizing my younger cousin was 20 not 21. You see, I went to see Buke and Gase and Norwegian Arms at Johnny Brenda's, when we realized my cousin wasn't getting in, he & I were off to Kung Fu Necktie. The other half of my crew that stayed at JB's for the great beer and tunes. Afterwards, I got some cracked-out mixed-up story about someone hiding under a makeshift tent around a drum kit. Frustrated and confused, I dismissed everything that night, that should have been great inculding Wolf Like A Stray Dog.
What I missed until later this summer was a most intriguing album full of uke-style mandolin and beats by Brendan Mulvihill and company. Inspired by time spent in Siberia, you could imagine the album isn't for everyone, but if you are open for something different, a la Tune Yards or Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, you should give Norwegian Arms a shot. Start with 'At the Formerly British Council Supported English Centre' or 'Kiva Ikva'.
Song Dogs Wild Country
Officially released in Jan '13 this was the first release of the year for a successful run of albums produced by Bill Moriarty at Waking Studios including Toy Soldiers, Ali Wadsworth and the Lawsuits. Pure rocking Neil Young-esque style Americana/Classic Rock at it's best. 'Wrong Side of Town', 'Law of the Land' and 'Wild Country' are just monsters!
You wouldn't expect Wild Country to be an album out of the city, but these aren't songs about being in the Philly. Whether the vocals are taken by Michael Southerton, Ryan McCloskey, or Sam Conver, the important factor is the song. These Song Dogs, excel at memorializing their past adventures of growing up in rural PA, summers around the country, and singing about Wild Country. Living in the city, being a Song Dog, is what keeps these guys sane.
March 2013
**************
Christopher K.P. Brown - Since 1984
My all-time favorite spoken word artist is Saul Williams. Saul has somewhat gone off in some different directions in recent years since Amethyst Rock Star, leaving the hybrid of spoken word meets music for much more adventurous and artistic albums like The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! If I were looking for a replacement, searching for spoken word with a relevant beat, but without all the abstract chaos, I wouldn't have to look past West Philadelphia where I'd find Christopher K.P. Brown.
Since 1984 is eloquent but succinct with Brown covering a diverse amount of topics. He starts off lamenting about the lack of support for spoken word artist in 'Strange Game' while pointing the finger back at spoken word artists themselves for fronting that they only listen to sophisticated artists versus hip-hop in 'I Still Love H.E.R.'
There's a lot of self-reflection throughout Since 1984. 'Death vs. Destiny' explores "being an adult", suggesting he never truly expected to reach adulthood as a teenager, whether based on his heroes' short lived lives or obvious murder rates. On 'Whole Foods' he battles between respecting his past and planning for his future. Some of the suggestions, such as shopping at Whole Foods may be tongue-in-cheek, but his plan to be a better man is more diverse than getting rich from making an album.
Some of the tracks hit hard with a distinct level of seriousness. 'Crucial Conflict' tackles the conflicts in life, such as religion vs. sexuality or religion vs addiction. Some of it appears to be a personal reflection, with the rest clearly about others. Throughout the album, the tracks have a very personal nature, while 'Mahagony' hits home the hardest talking about the life of female named Mahagony and her strong mother!
For more details click here
The Fleeting Ends - Our Eyes Are Peeled
Although a few songs were released digitally in 2012, Our Eyes Are Peeled was released in physical form in 2013. This power-trio, Alt-pop, yummy goodness album was recorded at MilkBoy Studio in 2012 under the helm of producer Tommy Joyner. Matt Amadio, Matt Vantine, and Not Matt Russ Langley don't get swallowed up in production, while there are some great touches like the string arrangements on "I'm Like That". These well-coiffed fellas stick with what they do best, a poppy Killers-esque rock. Less Stray Cats than their 2011 'Return Address' single, they created a hit parade with 'Little People', 'Elaine (Until Now)', 'Operator', and 'I Feel Cursed'.
April 2013
**************
New Sweden New Sweden EP
One could argue that New Sweden doesn't belong on this list as they hail from Delaware, however when thinking back to some of the best shows and moments in the Philly music scene this year, New Sweden was part of it. I got my first taste of them at the Tri State Indie Awards, caught them on a killer bill with Sean Hoots, Lawsuits, and Kalob Griffin Band at World Cafe Live Wilmington, witnessed an impressively talented Sofar Sounds house show with Lawsuits, Toy Soldiers and Andrew Lipke, and reveled in their headline spot of the 2nd Street Festival. The biggest names and biggest events include New Sweden, so if this needs to be "metro-Philly" so be it!
This FREE release, was meant to be quick chapter in the New Sweden book. The NewSwedenMusic.com site essentially apologizes that it's just a stop-gap release, while they go through line-up changes and focus on the live show! Speaking as someone who was able to catch them four times this year, let me just say: Apology accepted & completely unnecessary!
The raw, under-produced EP is perfect for their sound. With other high energy live bands such as The Devil Makes Three struggling to find an album to capture their sound so completely as their live album does, this DIY EP is spot-on for New Sweden. This folk-Americana EP is the sort of recording that you can listen to over and over and over again without ever getting bored. Still many months later, I couldn't tell you which is my favorite is, nor do I want to have to pick.
Kurt Vile Wakin On A Pretty Daze
by contributor Mariel Lorenz
Kurt Vile has gotten a lot of
attention locally this year with a parade and receiving a key to the city from
Mayor Michael Nutter. On a national scale, Wakin On A Pretty Daze has been
featured on many Best of Lists so far including Pitchfork and Consequence of
Sound. The attention is well deserved. Kurt Vile made a record that deserves
more than one listen. It plays like a psychedelic Tom Petty at first , but with
a closer look Kurt Vile voices his hopes and insecurities of now being the guy
who is now providing for a family. There
are themes that are totally relatable. Wakin On A Pretty Daze proves that just
because you settle down doesn’t mean your life or your art gets boring.
May 2013
**************
Chelsea Mitchell Married In The Aviary EP
This year Philly heavyweights Kurt Vile, Amos Lee, Birdie Busch, Dr. Dog, and Chris Kasper all released albums. Youngsters, Levee Drivers, Lawsuits, Toy Soldiers, and DRGN King also put out new material. To no surprise of anyone who has listened to this Married In The Aviary, it is Chelsea Mitchell who holds the title for Root Down In The Shadow's most listened to album of 2013!
Reviewed back in May I'm still in love with this album. From the operatic 'The Chapel', the distant "Don't Be In Love With Me', and the sad 'Waltz for Little Bird' the EP pleases all the senses.
Produced, Mixed, and Engineered by Peter Joseph, the sounds put together with Peter and Chelsea Mitchell are deliberate and exquisite throughout. The light-hearted romantic 'Married In The Aviary' builds, adding banjo, handclaps, sax & trumpet to a symphonious and happy end. The highlight is 'Nobody's Daughter', featuring sirens Amber Twait and Vanessa Winters, backing Chelsea on this song of abandonment.
While Chelsea Mitchell looks ahead to her Dirty Dollhouse outfit and new material, grab one of these hand printed and numbered EP's while they may still be available!
The Bailey Hounds All The Blood In The World
On All The Blood In The World, The Bailey Hounds Ryan Petrillo sings with a soft hushed passionate tone over this collection of dark murder ballads. This overlooked gem combines the grinding guitar work of Petrillo and Vince Federici over Chris Cardillo on bass and Gary Lebiedzinski on drums. If you don't listen to closely to the tune you'll be bouncing along gleefully, but take a moment to listen and you find out you are bobbing to "raining blood" or "clearing up bodies I don't want around"!
Even if The Bailey Hounds are the only band in town that could pull off a cemetery show with charm, don't let their darkness hold you back from a listen or purchase. All The Blood In The World charms with the bluesy style of Drive By Truckers with the dark passion of Brown Bird.
July 2013
**************
Kevin Killen - Laurelwood Road
Kevin Killen can be found all over in the Philly music scene. This year alone, I caught Kevin as a member of Brad Hinton, playing with Ali Wadsworth, playing with Levee Drivers, and playing solo! If he wasn't busy enough, Kevin also produced two great albums for 2013, Tin Bird Choir's Homesteady and Psalmships Songs For A Red Bird (spoiler alert - see below).
On Laurelwood Road, Kevin Killen finally was able to take some time to record his own songs, to make his own mark. A six track look into his musical mind, this EP is written, produced & mixed by Killen. Seen mostly in bands as a drummer, the multi-instrumentalist plays banjo, guitar, and various others on the album.
With this being a self-produced debut solo album, there are no obvious limitations outside of the track count. The diversity of the album is dramatic. 'Another Martyr has a lovely organ compliment to the guitar, while 'Horse, Home, Stone make companions of Sarah Larsen's fiddle and Kevin's banjo. One neat twist amongst the songs, is 'I Ran Away'. Written for Ali Wadsworth's self-titled album, it is presented as male oriented first-person, compared to the female first person version on her album. 'Oh, The Ground' is my secret favorite. Despite being a folk/rock superstar of sorts amongst the Philadelphia scene, this is a complete radio friendly gem. It's a mark of the depth of the album, as it reminds me of the pop maturation of Dave Matthews compared to some of his early anthemic tunes.
Tin Bird Choir - Homesteady
Tin Bird Choir is the husband & wife band of Eric and Heather Hurlock. Recorded at their rural home with producer Kevin Killen, the Hurlocks created a wondeful album to listen to that is upbeat, happy, joyous, and more.
The songs have a wonderful flow to them. They go back and forth between vocals by Eric and vocals by Heather, bouncing you back and forth just waiting to hear what upbeat song is next. Before you know if you'll have listened to in multiple times.
Just listen to the first song and you will be hooked. Heather has great lyrics to match her vocals. The guitar gently strums while the banjo takes you away!
August 2013
**************
Underwater Country Club - EP
I had heard good things about Underwater Country Club from other bands in town, but I have yet to see them live. After getting their EP, late in '13 it won't be long before I fix this lapse in judgement.
While only 3 songs deep, it's not short on quality. 'Money Song' finds the band somewhere between the Jim Carroll band and current british invasion. 'Skeptic Lens' is destined for the radio and stages as long as they can avoid the "slow and steady riptide under [their] feet"!
Brothers Andrew and Skip Robinson, and the rest of Underwater Country Club are poised to take a larger seat at the Philadelphia music scene table. Be ready to watch them rise!
September 2013
**************
Toy Soldiers - The Maybe Boys
The Toy Soldiers had a hell of a year. They played at Newport Folk Festival during the Joe Fletcher curated "Nashville to Newport", backed Joe Fletcher on tour, backed Wanda Jackson for New Years Eve. Toy Soldiers also shared stages with hot up & comers J Roddy Walston & The Business, Kingsley Flood, Andrew Combs, and more. Sessions with Daytrotter, AudioTree, Converse Rubber Tracks, & SofarSounds chronicled the year. Capturing their adventures was a great Seth Klinger produced coming-of-age tour video The Maybe Trails. However, what should not be overlooked in their awesome year is The Maybe Boys, their pinnacle debut release. Showing off the rowdy side of Ron Gallo and company, the Toy Soldiers absolutely bring it!
After forming in their current lineup in late 2010, the band took some time to figure out their sound. Completed in late '12, the album was produced with Bill Moriarty at Waking Studio and released via a fan-supported crowd sourcing campaign at Kickstarter.
This rockabilly, folk-shake-up rowdy-blues ass-kickin' album, gives you everything you can want! Giving a proper release to some longtime favorites, 'Been Here All My Days', 'Heart In A Mousetrap', and 'Tell The Teller', it's also the debut of many new great tunes. Personal favorite ' I'm Your Woman' is just a rocker. Funktastic 'Forget How It Used To Be' can't be overlooked either, as it is the lyrical guide for understanding the band as they break all the rules, taking the music world by storm.
~ "you can't put out today's fire with yesterday's water. You can't stay warm with yesterday's flame'~
Chris Kasper - Bagabones
Somewhere on that fine line of "local artist" and national touring band, is where Chris Kasper sits. He doesn't sit alone, here in Philadelphia as far as emerging artists go, but he's certainly teetering near the top! The troublesome part of the distinction is the strength of the "local" Philadelphia scene that is packed with national quality artists!
It doesn't matter too much to Chris where he sits per an outsider's view. Per Kasper, "I don't feel much pressure to be trendy, win awards, etc. That stuff doesn't work for me. Those types of pressures to outperform and out sing, out write, out play don't apply to me." That chill attitude comes out loud and clear on Bagabones this unapologetic collection of songs.
These songs of life are folk at it's finest. This anti-rocker is filled with songs maybe not for the arenas but more for the back porch. The strongest vibe I get from the album is a pure simplicity. No room for bells and whistles, it comes out in production, lyric, and message. It's best displayed on the love song 'Blessed Little Secrets' about building a home together with 'hand-me downs and look at what I founds from the goodwill store"!
October 2013
**************
the Lawsuits - Cool Cool Cool
Yet another excellent album produced by Bill Moriarty at Waking Studio. The Lawsuits, took all their expectations going into their new album and torched them. The results of the Moriarty experience and
mastering by Howie Weinberg was an incredible metamorphosis. It's not that Brian Dale Allen Strouse didn't write great songs before, or that Josh Friedman, Vanessa Winters, and Brendan Cunningham weren't great musicians before, but Bill Moriarty pushed them in a Rick Rubin sort of way!
It was expected that the new album would have live show favorite 'French Roast' or maybe re-work some tunes from the previous EP Numbers, but all expectations were left behind. What remained was cool result after cool result, perhaps the muse for the album title Cool Cool Cool!
Arts & Crafts is a great story about a young student crushing on his art teacher. Onion' features an un-expected sample of local rappers Ground Up, while 'Dreaming #26' has the best harmonies of ooh's and ahh's! 'Workings of You' was completely re-done.. first coming to life by Brian Strouse' dad in the late 80's but finding its beauty amongts Cool Cool Cool. As if that wasn't enough, The Lawsuits just bring the rock funk on '25w A19 120v Blues' and get loose and dreamy on 'Anybody's Girl' Finally is the vocal gem featuring Vanessa Winters 'You Won't Love Me If You Don't' a mature version of Brian Strouse's 'Walk You Home' from his solo Peace Turkey in 2011
Don't forget the bonus single - Love is Weight
Ali Wadsworth - Ali Wadsworth
Excerpt from ali-wadsworth-selt-titled-debut-philly!: ~~~
Ali Wadsworth is a full on collaboration stemming out of the huge respect that all the other Philly scene-sters have for Ali. Likewise, even though none of the songs are written by Ali, every song is overwhelmingly Ali Wadsworth. Some have taken so much new life with Ali that they seem like they were written about her. Going through a break up, mid-record, this album became a document of what she was going through. 'Still Not Over You' has become her break up song, 'Long Hours' to avoid the ex, and 'Biding My Time' wanting to keep him away.
November 2013
**************
Kwesi K - Pronouns
Pronouns! This powerhouse package of just 4 songs is an intense show of what is to come with Kwesi K. Essentially 3 songs as 'Ohio' as a instrumental/background noise piece, each of the three are solid singles on their own.
First is 'Fold' which was covered on a recent Catching Up With here at Root Down in The Shadow. Here's what was said:
"Affectionately referred to as "Graceland's cousin", 'Fold' is a vibrant tune that brings his talents emphatically to the forefront. So many melodious sounds encompass 'Fold' working perfectly with Kwesi's naturally comforting voice. There's trumpet, a rain maker, the supple female voices of folksters Birdie Busch and Brittany Ann, soft choir like backing vocals, pounding drums and bass lines, and the fast Graceland style finger picking on guitar. I've listened to it already over a dozen times catching more and more layers to the song!"
Next is 'By My Side' which has been Kwesi's flagship, released previously as an acoustic single. Just a fun song, great rhythms, solid vocals. The full studio treatment is well deserved for this song, as it will be a staple for Kwesi for a long, long time.
Finally, 'Pronouns' is the current single for Kwesi. He starts off with "I hate that pronoun, I use that sparingly", it reminds me of Chasing Amy when the lesbian antagonist is accused of playing the "Pronoun Game" After watching the 'Pronouns' video, where the protagonist star of the video comes into the party scene, and she sees an ex-mate perhaps and leaves to spend time with another woman. Yet another hot single from Kwesi, it's loaded with groovy bass and organ, jazzy trumpet and Kwesi's attractive voice.
Psalmships - Songs For A Red Bird
Just as in the month this album was released, Songs For A Red Bird has a tinge of November gloom. At first entirely dreary and somber, this EP is a music fan's treat. Surprisingly triumphant, this slowcore is best enjoyed in it's entirety like Bon Iver's Like For Emma, Forever Ago or Maitland's (from a cabin in the woods) or better yet, on repeat!
Entirely Philly, it's performed by Joshua Britton, Phil D’Agostino, Jen Ping Egmont, Brad Hinton, Kevin J. Killen, Joshua Park and Kiley Ryan. Likewise it's produced, recorded & mixed by Kevin J. Killen at Old Oak Studios!
December 2013
**************
Levee Drivers - Speakin' Burbon Coated Blues
The final release of substance for 2013 was perhaps the most anticipated. Levee Drivers had not released new material since 2008. That's right, five years ago. An awful lot has happend in five years, but it just wasn't the right time for August John Lutz II to release an album. In fact it's still not the perfect time, but with partner-in-crime Kyle Perella and friends, Levee Drivers were kind enough to tease us with Speakin' Burbon Coated Blues.
The three song EP gives a little bit of all of what's wonderful with Levee Drivers. The pounding White Stripes-ish thump is missing while the new love affair with the lap steel proudly on display. It's hard to say if this is the new sound of the Levee Drivers or what really to expect next. What is clear is that this is not meant to be a respite from any one segment of their sound.
Filling in the gaps between the old school country sleeze power trio and standard singer-songwriter-type, the first two tracks are still a bit rowdy. Lap steel, mandolin, and harmonica accompany August Lutz' shaky tremble on 'Burbon Coated'. Meanwhile, another selection from the Levee Drivers library making it's official debut, 'Waking Up In Memphis' has the steel as a great final layer on top of the rhythmic drums, gentle strums, friend filled chorus, and some of August's best vocal work yet. While it is without the unleashed, Danzing-like-howl to end the song found on recent live shows, the song is still the anchor of the release.
'Midnight in My Hometown' shows off a gentle side of Levee Drivers not often found when the "Power Trio" of August Lutz/Kyle Perella/Jeff Orlowski(or foursome with Ben Plotnik now in the mix on bass)are in full effect. However there are just as many Levee Drivers fans out there that only know the stripped down version with Chelsea Mitchell bringing some beauty into the fold. Having Chelsea on backing vocals while August portrays a soft sincerity few would admit to is a nice touch. August John Lutz II does a great job of not falling into the trap of trying to repeat past successes. The true test will come with the next step.
Honorable mention: Up The Chain, Our Griffins, Cold Roses, Commonwealth Choir, Sweetbriar Rose, Brad Hinton, Mo Lowda & The Humble. Sorry gang, no shortage on quality.. just a shortage on time to review!
2013 was a pretty damn good year for new music. When compiling the year end list, it was remarkable how many outstanding Philadelphia based releases there were each month. As with all things here at Root Down In The Shadow, we're going to skip retelling what you've read every where else. Here we are going to do a Philly only year-end review! Sorry to those of you who may be expecting Bastille, Aoife O'Donovan, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, or Phosphorescent on a year end list, like most things here at Root Down In The Shadow, this list will be Philly-centric! Finally, apologies to Dr. Dog and Amos Lee, but I think everyone is aware already of B Room and Mountans of Sorrow, Rivers of Song. Although I will add, the extended version of the new Amos Lee is well worth the price. Here for your reading and listening pleasure the best of Philly 2013, in an easy to follow review by release date!
Pay note to the special contributor reviews. Thanks to all that participated!
January 2013
**************
DRGN KING - Paragraph Nights
Paragraph Nights by DRGN KING is my most disappointing experience with Philadelphia music to date. Don't get me wrong, I am all about this album. It has everything you could wan;, I just don't understand why it's not huge nationwide?
It's got the made-for-magazines storyline of the interesting rocker meets producer twist found with such luminaries as Gnarls Barkley and Broken Bells. It's got the obvious hits, 'Holy Ghost' and 'Wild Night', but goes four deep with 'Menswear' and 'Warriors'. The album is incredibly radio friendly, whether it's the Alternative Station or the local NPR! Maybe Dominic Angelella needs to be moody or less accessible or something. Whatever it is, if you don't have Paragraph Nights, there is no excuse. Everyone needs a guilty pleasure, for 2013 DRGN KING is mine!
Birdie Busch - Birdie Busch and the Greatest Night
by contributor Ol' Jack Frost -
Norwegian Arms - Wolf Like A Stray Dog
I made the mistake of dismissing this album early in the year. Well actually, I made the mistake of not realizing my younger cousin was 20 not 21. You see, I went to see Buke and Gase and Norwegian Arms at Johnny Brenda's, when we realized my cousin wasn't getting in, he & I were off to Kung Fu Necktie. The other half of my crew that stayed at JB's for the great beer and tunes. Afterwards, I got some cracked-out mixed-up story about someone hiding under a makeshift tent around a drum kit. Frustrated and confused, I dismissed everything that night, that should have been great inculding Wolf Like A Stray Dog.What I missed until later this summer was a most intriguing album full of uke-style mandolin and beats by Brendan Mulvihill and company. Inspired by time spent in Siberia, you could imagine the album isn't for everyone, but if you are open for something different, a la Tune Yards or Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, you should give Norwegian Arms a shot. Start with 'At the Formerly British Council Supported English Centre' or 'Kiva Ikva'.
Song Dogs Wild Country
You wouldn't expect Wild Country to be an album out of the city, but these aren't songs about being in the Philly. Whether the vocals are taken by Michael Southerton, Ryan McCloskey, or Sam Conver, the important factor is the song. These Song Dogs, excel at memorializing their past adventures of growing up in rural PA, summers around the country, and singing about Wild Country. Living in the city, being a Song Dog, is what keeps these guys sane.
March 2013
**************
Christopher K.P. Brown - Since 1984
Since 1984 is eloquent but succinct with Brown covering a diverse amount of topics. He starts off lamenting about the lack of support for spoken word artist in 'Strange Game' while pointing the finger back at spoken word artists themselves for fronting that they only listen to sophisticated artists versus hip-hop in 'I Still Love H.E.R.'
There's a lot of self-reflection throughout Since 1984. 'Death vs. Destiny' explores "being an adult", suggesting he never truly expected to reach adulthood as a teenager, whether based on his heroes' short lived lives or obvious murder rates. On 'Whole Foods' he battles between respecting his past and planning for his future. Some of the suggestions, such as shopping at Whole Foods may be tongue-in-cheek, but his plan to be a better man is more diverse than getting rich from making an album.
Some of the tracks hit hard with a distinct level of seriousness. 'Crucial Conflict' tackles the conflicts in life, such as religion vs. sexuality or religion vs addiction. Some of it appears to be a personal reflection, with the rest clearly about others. Throughout the album, the tracks have a very personal nature, while 'Mahagony' hits home the hardest talking about the life of female named Mahagony and her strong mother!
For more details click here
The Fleeting Ends - Our Eyes Are Peeled
April 2013
**************
New Sweden New Sweden EP
This FREE release, was meant to be quick chapter in the New Sweden book. The NewSwedenMusic.com site essentially apologizes that it's just a stop-gap release, while they go through line-up changes and focus on the live show! Speaking as someone who was able to catch them four times this year, let me just say: Apology accepted & completely unnecessary!
The raw, under-produced EP is perfect for their sound. With other high energy live bands such as The Devil Makes Three struggling to find an album to capture their sound so completely as their live album does, this DIY EP is spot-on for New Sweden. This folk-Americana EP is the sort of recording that you can listen to over and over and over again without ever getting bored. Still many months later, I couldn't tell you which is my favorite is, nor do I want to have to pick.
Kurt Vile Wakin On A Pretty Daze
by contributor Mariel Lorenz
Kurt Vile has gotten a lot of
attention locally this year with a parade and receiving a key to the city from
Mayor Michael Nutter. On a national scale, Wakin On A Pretty Daze has been
featured on many Best of Lists so far including Pitchfork and Consequence of
Sound. The attention is well deserved. Kurt Vile made a record that deserves
more than one listen. It plays like a psychedelic Tom Petty at first , but with
a closer look Kurt Vile voices his hopes and insecurities of now being the guy
who is now providing for a family. There
are themes that are totally relatable. Wakin On A Pretty Daze proves that just
because you settle down doesn’t mean your life or your art gets boring.May 2013
**************
Chelsea Mitchell Married In The Aviary EP
Reviewed back in May I'm still in love with this album. From the operatic 'The Chapel', the distant "Don't Be In Love With Me', and the sad 'Waltz for Little Bird' the EP pleases all the senses.
Produced, Mixed, and Engineered by Peter Joseph, the sounds put together with Peter and Chelsea Mitchell are deliberate and exquisite throughout. The light-hearted romantic 'Married In The Aviary' builds, adding banjo, handclaps, sax & trumpet to a symphonious and happy end. The highlight is 'Nobody's Daughter', featuring sirens Amber Twait and Vanessa Winters, backing Chelsea on this song of abandonment.
While Chelsea Mitchell looks ahead to her Dirty Dollhouse outfit and new material, grab one of these hand printed and numbered EP's while they may still be available!
The Bailey Hounds All The Blood In The World
Even if The Bailey Hounds are the only band in town that could pull off a cemetery show with charm, don't let their darkness hold you back from a listen or purchase. All The Blood In The World charms with the bluesy style of Drive By Truckers with the dark passion of Brown Bird.
July 2013
**************
Kevin Killen - Laurelwood Road
On Laurelwood Road, Kevin Killen finally was able to take some time to record his own songs, to make his own mark. A six track look into his musical mind, this EP is written, produced & mixed by Killen. Seen mostly in bands as a drummer, the multi-instrumentalist plays banjo, guitar, and various others on the album.
With this being a self-produced debut solo album, there are no obvious limitations outside of the track count. The diversity of the album is dramatic. 'Another Martyr has a lovely organ compliment to the guitar, while 'Horse, Home, Stone make companions of Sarah Larsen's fiddle and Kevin's banjo. One neat twist amongst the songs, is 'I Ran Away'. Written for Ali Wadsworth's self-titled album, it is presented as male oriented first-person, compared to the female first person version on her album. 'Oh, The Ground' is my secret favorite. Despite being a folk/rock superstar of sorts amongst the Philadelphia scene, this is a complete radio friendly gem. It's a mark of the depth of the album, as it reminds me of the pop maturation of Dave Matthews compared to some of his early anthemic tunes.
Tin Bird Choir - Homesteady
The songs have a wonderful flow to them. They go back and forth between vocals by Eric and vocals by Heather, bouncing you back and forth just waiting to hear what upbeat song is next. Before you know if you'll have listened to in multiple times.
Just listen to the first song and you will be hooked. Heather has great lyrics to match her vocals. The guitar gently strums while the banjo takes you away!
August 2013
**************
Underwater Country Club - EP
I had heard good things about Underwater Country Club from other bands in town, but I have yet to see them live. After getting their EP, late in '13 it won't be long before I fix this lapse in judgement. While only 3 songs deep, it's not short on quality. 'Money Song' finds the band somewhere between the Jim Carroll band and current british invasion. 'Skeptic Lens' is destined for the radio and stages as long as they can avoid the "slow and steady riptide under [their] feet"!
Brothers Andrew and Skip Robinson, and the rest of Underwater Country Club are poised to take a larger seat at the Philadelphia music scene table. Be ready to watch them rise!
September 2013
**************
Toy Soldiers - The Maybe Boys
After forming in their current lineup in late 2010, the band took some time to figure out their sound. Completed in late '12, the album was produced with Bill Moriarty at Waking Studio and released via a fan-supported crowd sourcing campaign at Kickstarter.
This rockabilly, folk-shake-up rowdy-blues ass-kickin' album, gives you everything you can want! Giving a proper release to some longtime favorites, 'Been Here All My Days', 'Heart In A Mousetrap', and 'Tell The Teller', it's also the debut of many new great tunes. Personal favorite ' I'm Your Woman' is just a rocker. Funktastic 'Forget How It Used To Be' can't be overlooked either, as it is the lyrical guide for understanding the band as they break all the rules, taking the music world by storm.
~ "you can't put out today's fire with yesterday's water. You can't stay warm with yesterday's flame'~
Chris Kasper - Bagabones
It doesn't matter too much to Chris where he sits per an outsider's view. Per Kasper, "I don't feel much pressure to be trendy, win awards, etc. That stuff doesn't work for me. Those types of pressures to outperform and out sing, out write, out play don't apply to me." That chill attitude comes out loud and clear on Bagabones this unapologetic collection of songs.
These songs of life are folk at it's finest. This anti-rocker is filled with songs maybe not for the arenas but more for the back porch. The strongest vibe I get from the album is a pure simplicity. No room for bells and whistles, it comes out in production, lyric, and message. It's best displayed on the love song 'Blessed Little Secrets' about building a home together with 'hand-me downs and look at what I founds from the goodwill store"!
October 2013
**************
the Lawsuits - Cool Cool Cool
Yet another excellent album produced by Bill Moriarty at Waking Studio. The Lawsuits, took all their expectations going into their new album and torched them. The results of the Moriarty experience and
mastering by Howie Weinberg was an incredible metamorphosis. It's not that Brian Dale Allen Strouse didn't write great songs before, or that Josh Friedman, Vanessa Winters, and Brendan Cunningham weren't great musicians before, but Bill Moriarty pushed them in a Rick Rubin sort of way!It was expected that the new album would have live show favorite 'French Roast' or maybe re-work some tunes from the previous EP Numbers, but all expectations were left behind. What remained was cool result after cool result, perhaps the muse for the album title Cool Cool Cool!
Arts & Crafts is a great story about a young student crushing on his art teacher. Onion' features an un-expected sample of local rappers Ground Up, while 'Dreaming #26' has the best harmonies of ooh's and ahh's! 'Workings of You' was completely re-done.. first coming to life by Brian Strouse' dad in the late 80's but finding its beauty amongts Cool Cool Cool. As if that wasn't enough, The Lawsuits just bring the rock funk on '25w A19 120v Blues' and get loose and dreamy on 'Anybody's Girl' Finally is the vocal gem featuring Vanessa Winters 'You Won't Love Me If You Don't' a mature version of Brian Strouse's 'Walk You Home' from his solo Peace Turkey in 2011
Don't forget the bonus single - Love is Weight
Ali Wadsworth - Ali Wadsworth
Excerpt from ali-wadsworth-selt-titled-debut-philly!: ~~~ Ali Wadsworth is a full on collaboration stemming out of the huge respect that all the other Philly scene-sters have for Ali. Likewise, even though none of the songs are written by Ali, every song is overwhelmingly Ali Wadsworth. Some have taken so much new life with Ali that they seem like they were written about her. Going through a break up, mid-record, this album became a document of what she was going through. 'Still Not Over You' has become her break up song, 'Long Hours' to avoid the ex, and 'Biding My Time' wanting to keep him away.
November 2013
**************
Kwesi K - Pronouns
First is 'Fold' which was covered on a recent Catching Up With here at Root Down in The Shadow. Here's what was said:
"Affectionately referred to as "Graceland's cousin", 'Fold' is a vibrant tune that brings his talents emphatically to the forefront. So many melodious sounds encompass 'Fold' working perfectly with Kwesi's naturally comforting voice. There's trumpet, a rain maker, the supple female voices of folksters Birdie Busch and Brittany Ann, soft choir like backing vocals, pounding drums and bass lines, and the fast Graceland style finger picking on guitar. I've listened to it already over a dozen times catching more and more layers to the song!"
Next is 'By My Side' which has been Kwesi's flagship, released previously as an acoustic single. Just a fun song, great rhythms, solid vocals. The full studio treatment is well deserved for this song, as it will be a staple for Kwesi for a long, long time.
Finally, 'Pronouns' is the current single for Kwesi. He starts off with "I hate that pronoun, I use that sparingly", it reminds me of Chasing Amy when the lesbian antagonist is accused of playing the "Pronoun Game" After watching the 'Pronouns' video, where the protagonist star of the video comes into the party scene, and she sees an ex-mate perhaps and leaves to spend time with another woman. Yet another hot single from Kwesi, it's loaded with groovy bass and organ, jazzy trumpet and Kwesi's attractive voice.
Psalmships - Songs For A Red Bird
Entirely Philly, it's performed by Joshua Britton, Phil D’Agostino, Jen Ping Egmont, Brad Hinton, Kevin J. Killen, Joshua Park and Kiley Ryan. Likewise it's produced, recorded & mixed by Kevin J. Killen at Old Oak Studios!
December 2013
**************
Levee Drivers - Speakin' Burbon Coated Blues
The final release of substance for 2013 was perhaps the most anticipated. Levee Drivers had not released new material since 2008. That's right, five years ago. An awful lot has happend in five years, but it just wasn't the right time for August John Lutz II to release an album. In fact it's still not the perfect time, but with partner-in-crime Kyle Perella and friends, Levee Drivers were kind enough to tease us with Speakin' Burbon Coated Blues. The three song EP gives a little bit of all of what's wonderful with Levee Drivers. The pounding White Stripes-ish thump is missing while the new love affair with the lap steel proudly on display. It's hard to say if this is the new sound of the Levee Drivers or what really to expect next. What is clear is that this is not meant to be a respite from any one segment of their sound.
Filling in the gaps between the old school country sleeze power trio and standard singer-songwriter-type, the first two tracks are still a bit rowdy. Lap steel, mandolin, and harmonica accompany August Lutz' shaky tremble on 'Burbon Coated'. Meanwhile, another selection from the Levee Drivers library making it's official debut, 'Waking Up In Memphis' has the steel as a great final layer on top of the rhythmic drums, gentle strums, friend filled chorus, and some of August's best vocal work yet. While it is without the unleashed, Danzing-like-howl to end the song found on recent live shows, the song is still the anchor of the release.
'Midnight in My Hometown' shows off a gentle side of Levee Drivers not often found when the "Power Trio" of August Lutz/Kyle Perella/Jeff Orlowski(or foursome with Ben Plotnik now in the mix on bass)are in full effect. However there are just as many Levee Drivers fans out there that only know the stripped down version with Chelsea Mitchell bringing some beauty into the fold. Having Chelsea on backing vocals while August portrays a soft sincerity few would admit to is a nice touch. August John Lutz II does a great job of not falling into the trap of trying to repeat past successes. The true test will come with the next step.
Honorable mention: Up The Chain, Our Griffins, Cold Roses, Commonwealth Choir, Sweetbriar Rose, Brad Hinton, Mo Lowda & The Humble. Sorry gang, no shortage on quality.. just a shortage on time to review!
Comments
Post a Comment