+ Happenings in Jack Whiteville: Owner of Third Man Records and being a clear vinyl connoisseur JW was named Record Store Day Ambassador for 2013. The superhuman, White, has also partnered with Nashvilles Belcourt Theatre for a monthly film series called 'Light and Sound Machine'.
+Gaslight Anthems 'Every Word Handwritten' is a 15 minute short that is ultimately based on the lifespan of a record and the effect it can have on generations. Interesting? We'll see.
+ Rilo Kiley is releasing a special album this year, 'RKives'. The album is said to feature past B-sides, demos, and other gems unheard by the public. This week RK released a somewhat sweet and dreamy "Let Me Back In"
+ Prince releases a new track 'That Girl Thang'. The track strays from the flamboyant singers usual style, being acoustic. He does however stay true to his signature high, androgynous vocals.
+ A project requiring the use of 170 musicians, Beck has completed his rendition of David Bowie's 'Sound and Vision'. The finished product is BEYOND awesome. Extremely well done. It is my current favorite thing. If I do anything for you, reader, let it be me showing you this video. Click on the link! Don't be shy.
+ Tame Impala made their TV debut back in 2011 on Fallon and return to the set this week. The Aussie outfit is so unfazed and so wonderful; Elephant.
+ So, Michael Jacksons son, Prince, becomes a celebrity journalist on Entertainment Tonight? Irony, I think so.
+ Phoenix debut 'Entertainment' which will appear on their album set to be released April 23rd titled Bankrupt. The band has also released the album art work. Think, peaches.
+ VIDEOS: Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake release video for 'Suit and Tie' and the world continues to talk about and love 'Mirrors'. Suit and Tie is as classy as JT's new persona. So happy to have JT back. Passion Pit cast a crazy/beautiful Sophia Bush in their latest music video for 'Carried Away'. Lana Del Rey keeps up her diva, sultry songstress character in 'Burning Desire'. Yeah Yeah Yeahs give teaser to new track 'Always' that will appear on their album 'Mosquito'. Canada's west coast wonders, Yukon Blonde, release their video for 'Guns'.
+ Word on the street is that Black Sabbath is hanging up their regular heavy metal style for a blues album on their LP set to be released this year.
+ JUNO Awards nominees are announced!! And The Sheepdogs are up for a slew of awards. I was also happy to see that Yukon Blonde was nominated as well as Grimes and Bahamas! For the Americans reading this.. it's the Grammys in Canada for Canada and with much less sparkle.
+ The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival line-up has been announced!!! Today Weird Al helped in announcing the line-up in a Bonnaroo Lineup Announcement Megathon. Which just made the fest blow all other festivals out of the water in getting fans hyped up. **
It is difficult to pin point the exact "thing" about The Black Keys. In a fickle world where genres like Americana and Dubstep can simultaneously erupt only to be crushed by a song where no one actually knows the lyrics (except "hey sexy lady") where exactly do The Black Keys fit in? The answer is, they fit in everywhere.
The once independent band can boast impressive knack and work ethic. It has now been 14 months since the Keys last release, which seems like 5 years in Black Keys time. With the release of Brothers in 2010, and El Camino in 2011, The Black Keys have been in the works of creating their next studio album since about July to be released this year. Every year just keeps getting bigger and bigger for the Akron boys.
With the Grammy Awards tomorrow and the Keys nominated for about five awards let's look back on everything great and Black Keys related in 2012.
To start 2012 with a punch, El Camino was released in December of 2011. The albums' glam-rock stadium suited album blew up the rock and roll scene really solidifying The Black Keys earned place in rock. For a band so big with a small band ego, and the zealous behavior of Jack White great things are bound to happen.
The Black Keys produced the crap out of 2012. Albums and songs from Dr.John to Ke$ha were worked on by Dan and Patrick both together and apart.
In April Dr. John's 'Locked Down' was released. I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Dr. John's particular flavor of New Orleans jazz combine with Dan Auerbach blues aptitude at Bonnaroo in 2011. Watching the pair on stage I remember thinking to myself "brilliant". I did not realize that less than one year after that thought Dr. John would release an album called Locked Down, and that album would be produced by Dan Auerbach. Brilliant.
On Locked Down Auerbach and the Doctor hone in on that New Orleans southern fried sound and pump it with thick grit and blues. Thus creating a funky new nostalgia sound.
Locked Down is not intended to be a comeback album. Without having that pressure left room for Auerbach and Dr. John to relax and lay down what they knew. The album is more deep than expected. Dr. John is 71. He has been around too long having too much success to have any interest in trying to prove to anyone his knack. He rather, took his years of acquired musical wisdom, and gruff old man voice to fabricate a genre adapting work of greatness.
At the MTV Movie awards the Black Keys were "forced" to perform with Johnny Depp. Of course this didn't require much to any arm twisting for the Keys who were honored to play with Depp. Auerbach admittedly says "[Johnny Depp] was cool from when he came out the womb". Depp joined the duo on stage for 'Gold On the Ceiling'. What most people don't know about Johnny Depp is that when he first moved to LA he was in search of work as a musician rather than an actor. The man has mad chops.
In June/ July Auerbach had a few projects that were being released; The Lion The Beast The Beat (Grace Potter & the Nocturnals), Hypnotic Nights (JEFF the Brotherhood) and Shakedown (Hacienda).
On The Lion The Beast The Beat, Dan Auerbach aided in production as well as offered vocals and some instrumental work. Oh to be a fly on the wall of the recording room. Dan Auerbach and Grace Potter creating together would be a scene filled with so much passion and talent it'd make your toes curl. 'Loniest Soul' is a playful, seemingly edgy song. With the intent of sexy ebb and flow it comes off as mysterious and showy. This works much better than the initial intent. Auerbachs influence is quite clear.
Shakedown, by Hacienda turned out to be a throwback to the 1970's style of writing music. Though seemingly simple, it gets the job done; a good hook, and a willful amount of "oohs and aaahs". Bound to do it. The dirty electric garage rock style guitar combined with a jaunty blues rasp of a voice, and steady drum beats make for one successful album. 'Veronica' is the clear winner of the album. It wraps up all of Shakedown in one perfected, neat, package.
Dan Auerbach tested his limits in JEFF the Brotherhoods 2012 album release, Hypnotic Nights. The album, resembling stoner rock, isn't at first a clear parallel to the Black Keys guitarist normal style. It takes a second listen to hear the influence. It works. 'Region of Fire' is the ultimate psychedelic track, coming off similarly to Led Zeppelin's sci-fi/fantasy inspired songs. It's a mystical sax and guitar love fest. The hooks and new found mass appeal are likely in thanks to Dan Auerbach. The group show tribute to Black Sabbath in playing 'Changes'. The song is played in perfection. There is visible maturation in this record.
Dan wasn't the only Key who was busy. Patrick Carney was hard at work bringing fame to The Sheepdogs by producing their most recent self titled studio album. Coming from Canada having won their way onto the cover of Rolling Stone, reigning in crowds to rival their peers by playing at festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, the Sheepdogs have proved themselves time and time again. Their 70’s southern rock sound is a golden throwback demanding any classic rock fan to perk up and pay attention. Despite being around the block for a little while, for some reason the band hadn’t quite received the clout they fully deserved.The album takes off with “Laid Back”, a smooth, easy breezy song. The mood of “Laid Back” plays like a throwback to the Dead’s “Truckin’”. As you settle into the groove of the album, which makes you feel fine as apple pie, Carney’s influence becomes more and more apparent. It is especially noticed on the more uptempo, hand clapping jam “Feeling Good”. The album then takes a turn to a more sombre, psychedelic folk song called “Alright OK”. Before making the B side flip, the Sheepdogs slam in some classic blues gems; “Ewan’s Blues” and “The Way It Is”. The latter sounding more modern than the rest of the album with a garage rock bass line and fervent guitar. The A side closes in true classic rock fashion with an eclectic instrumental first act finale.
The B side is packed full of fun, funky, classic rock. It pulls the album together completely. This album the Sheepdogs have crafted is nothing short of a well polished story. They take you along for the ride. A ride to get you feeling good, feeling down, feeling groovy. It is all part of the Sheepdogs compilation plan.
The collaborations continue on into the fall. The Black Keys team up with RZA for the movie "The Man With the Iron Fists". The three duel over the last fortune cookie in 'The Baddest Man Alive'. Which is also the most underrated song of 2012. It really does deserve more clout.
The Keys close the year with an appearance on Ke$has latest album, Warrior and a slew of Grammy nominations. Carney helps out the pop tart on the track 'Wonderland'. A song not undefiled by autotune. So that's what Ke$ha really sounds like.
Tune into the Grammys tomorrow night and be sure to send your good vibes the Keys way.
When the general manager at my work asked that all staff create a list of their ten favorite albums of 2012, I squirmed with excitement. Being an obsessive person, with obsessive person tendencies, this is the type of task that I thrive on.
It took me a long time to narrow the list down to just ten albums. Seriously, where do you start? After considering all of the variables, I think I crafted a pretty stellar list.
10. Foxy Shazam - The Church of Rock and Roll
Though hailing from college radio charts for some time Foxy Shazam had never really piqued my interest before this year. They are an indie glam band that belongs in the 70’s. Foxy Shazam released an album this year called The Church of Rock and Roll which was produced by The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins.
Hawkins influence is extremely noticeable. Not to mention the unparalleled resemblance to Freddy Mercury vocals and David Bowie stylings. The initial song that sparked my interest in the album was ‘I Like It’ with complete thanks to the thick guitar and Robert Plant-esque power vocals.
As a whole The Church of Rock and Roll is a theatrical, glam rock effort best enjoyed loud - maybe in a seedy bar. It’s jaunty, and memorable.
Since the release of his EP almost two years ago, and after seeing Gary Clark Jr. live at Lollapalooza I was dying for more. It is a difficult time for the blues. Clark’s raw talent exceeds that of any other up and coming solo blues guitarist right now. Discovered by Eric Clapton and being compared to greats like Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, GCJ has a big role to fill.
Blak and Blu portrays his obvious knack for blues style guitar, but the album as a whole can also be described as an R&B album. B&B is full of funk, blues and buttery grit and rhythm. It is clear that Clark is best when left to rip on his guitar though. His playing is down right dirty; all encompassing. And, while tracks like ‘Ain’t Messin’ Around’ are great, his talents are really laid out in ‘Please Come Home’ where we experience Clark’s falsetto which preceeds slick passionate guitar about 1:37 mins into the song.
Gary Clark Jr. is seemingly easy to overlook because of his overall humble demeanor - also not unlike the late great Jimi Hendrix. After taking a closer look it becomes apparent that his talent is unparalleled. Blak and Blu is to be celebrated by any modern day blues worshiper.
4. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
Though a newer band (formed in 2009) Alabama Shakes play like they have been creating together for decades. The Shakes depict a new kind of southern rock/blues/rock soul. Britany Howard, the voice fronting the blues based goodness, has a soul infused voice that is reminiscent of another time. Her southern soul infusing into Alabama Shakes southern rock band is not unlike the great works of Janis Joplin or Tina Turner.
‘Be Mine’ is probably B&G’s stunner. Howards smoky rasp aside, the rest of the band are able to show off their bluesy guitar knack. The intensity displayed on ‘Be Mine’ is years matured, making it difficult to believe that this is only The Shakes first album.
The howls, tight guitar licks, rootsy take on the blues and soul rock music is not matched to any other group this year. I mean, no other group has Brittany Howard.
3. Jack White - Blunderbuss
In the same fashion the world spread the good word, ‘Clapton is God’, all over England in the 60’s, I wish to share the message ‘Jack White is Genius’. Spread the word. I’ve seen White three times live now - and I’m surprised not more. The first time with the White Stripes, the second with the Dead Weather and the third as a solo act (unfortunately never with the Raconteurs). This man is a genius. I don’t care who wants to dispute this, I won’t listen. It is fact in my mind. The sheer versatility, openness and musical master mind ability that Jack White possess is enough to leave you dumbfounded and hating yourself for not being a better… anything.
Blunderbuss made me nervous. I thought if this isn’t perfect, he’s screwed. Jack White has created a persona for himself, one that I have bought, and if that persona is at all altered in a negative way, he’s shot. Thankfully, Blunderbuss delivers. It is chalk full of inventive garage rock, dabbling with raw blues riffing. Being a multi-instumentalist himself, it is no wonder that the spotlight is shared with varying parts of the Blunderbuss outfit.
White’s Detroit music influence will forever be prevalent. But it is his Nashville impact that shines through on key tracks like ‘Love Interruption’. There are so many layers to Blunderbuss that well represent Jack White. In ways it can be viewed as a folk album, while parts sound country. As a whole it is perfection.
November is here. Aside from Remembrance Day, Black Friday, colder weather, and American Thanksgiving what that means is the years album round up begins. Often around this time of the year, nearing closer to Christmas and New Years, I reflect on what I’ve been listening to in the last 10-12 months.
At this time I can think of about twelve albums that have really stood out in 2012. Being that there are 8 more Tuesdays until 2013, I’m sure I will find at least another couple albums to call 2012 favorites.
Here is my countdown to 2013, in music form, my favorite albums from 2012; Album Roundup
Starting with, The Sheepdogs.
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The Sheepdogs - {self titled album}
Released: September 4th, 2012
I have had the pleasure of seeing The Sheepdogs at Bonnaroo in 2011, Lollapalooza in 2012, and will be seeing them in Ottawa next week. In honor of such, I think it appropriate for them to start off my Album Roundup.
When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives you the workings of four astounding boogie rockers, you damn well sit up and listen.
Coming from Canada having won their way onto the cover of Rolling Stone, reigning in crowds to rival their peers by playing at festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, the Sheepdogs have proved themselves time and time again. Their 70’s southern rock sound is a golden throwback demanding any classic rock fan to perk up and pay attention. Despite being around the block for a little while, for some reason the band hadn’t quite received the clout they fully deserved. Until now. Now, more than ever, the music world will have a difficult time ignoring the Sheepdogs.
Produced by Patrick Carney of the Black Keys, the Sheepdogs have recently released their latest [self titled] studio album. The album itself takes you back in time. Back to “the good ol days”. It is reminiscent of an era where music was a way of breathing. The people were high on just about everything. Lovers and friends would congregate in peace parties to share the love of lyric and sound.
The Sheepdogs take you on trip. While their sounds resembles that of CCR, Lynard Skynard, or the Allman Brothers, the Sheepdogs are still able to find room for originality. Their Sheepdogs own flavor adds to their thick, rock n’ roll stew.
The album takes off with “Laid Back”, a smooth, easy breezy song. The mood of “Laid Back” plays like a throwback to the Dead’s “Truckin’”. As you settle into the groove of the album, which makes you feel fine as apple pie, Carney’s influence becomes more and more apparent. It is especially noticed on the more uptempo, hand clapping jam “Feeling Good”. The album then takes a turn to a more sombre, psychedelic folk song called “Alright OK”. Before making the B side flip, the Sheepdogs slam in some classic blues gems; “Ewan’s Blues” and “The Way It Is”. The latter sounding more modern than the rest of the album with a garage rock bass line and fervent guitar. The A side closes in true classic rock fashion with an eclectic instrumental first act finale.
The B side is packed full of fun, funky, classic rock. It pulls the album together completely. This album the Sheepdogs have crafted is nothing short of a well polished story. They take you along for the ride. A ride to get you feeling good, feeling down, feeling groovy. It is all part of the Sheepdogs compilation plan.
After paying their dues, this band deserves the celebration they will no doubt receive for this album. The Sheepdogs have adeptly created a sound piece of music.
+ Happenings in Jack Whiteville: Owner of Third Man Records and being a clear vinyl connoisseur JW was named Record Store Day Ambassador for 2013. The superhuman, White, has also partnered with Nashvilles Belcourt Theatre for a monthly film series called 'Light and Sound Machine'.
