Although I’ve been rather quiet on the posting front, I haven’t stopped listening to music. Here are some selections from the Fall for your consideration.
Stuck Between Stations, The Hold Steady (from the album Boys and Girls in America
this song combines all that is great about the Hold Steady: Tad Kubler’s in-your-face guitar, Franz Nicolay’s piano that brings to mind the E Street Band’s Roy Bittan finer moments and, of course, Craig Finn’s sharp tales of youth in America.
Rockstar, The Fags (from the album Light ’em Up)
The Fags’ long-overdue debut release gives a studio sheen to their gruff garage rock base. While the guitars pack most of the punch, songwriter John Liccardello gets in a few licks of his own: I’m just trying to have a good time, you just want to make your problems mine. Take a number honey ’cause I’ve got no time tonight, get in the back of the line.” My kind of music.
Misundercould, Matthew Ryan (from the forthcoming album From a Late Night Highrise)
Ryan excels at creating mood music, typically feelings of melancholy and dissonance. This song, an emotional focal point on Ryan’s latest disc, is a jarring balance of the ethereal atmosphere from Strays Don’t Sleep, Ryan’s recent collaboration with Neilson Hubbard, with the jarring guitars blasts that powered Ryan’s early songs.
Loser, Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (from the album The Land of Pure Imagination)
The legendary band Jellyfish unleashed a torrent of talent on the scene, not the least of whom is Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. In between touring with Beck and doing music for television and film, Manning cooked up this piece of pop confection centered around a soaring chorus and multi-track harmonies (all performed by Manning).
Back Together, Citizen Cope (from the album Every Waking Moment)
The artist formerly known as Clarence Greenwood follows up last year’s solid The Clarence Greenwood Recordings, with another potent mix of rap, acoustic rock and blues.
Told You So, Guggenheim Grotto (from the album …Waltzing Alone)
I scoped these guys out in advance of last year’s SXSW but never caught them live at the festival. My mistake. I made up for it a few weeks ago when they kicked off their first US tour. Although their debut album is generally quiet and sedate, this acoustic-based track has some punch. The hummable melody is accompanied by some satisfying harmonies.
Sundress, Ben Kweller (from the album Ben Kweller)
Ben Kweller is a paradox: the laid-back feel of his new album stands in stark contrast to his full-on live rock shows. Nonetheless, Kweller impresses in both formats. This song, a mid-tempo song centered around acoustic guitar and piano, showcases Kweller’s 1970’s easy-feeling sound.
Here & Now, Mark Erelli (from the album Hope and Other Casualties)
Erelli triumphantly returns to his folk-singer roots with his latest release. His rich voice anchors this song of optimism but don’t overlook his impressive guitar playing.
No Dial Tone, Brendan Benson (from the import EP Tiny Spark)
Before he partnered with Jack White in the Raconteurs, Brendan Benson had a critically, if not commercially, acclaimed solo career. This live track from a few years ago showcases Benson’s contribution to the new outfit: a loose rock attitude that counter-balances White’s more structured approach.
God Bless America, James McMurtry (available on McMurtry’s web site)
McMurtry released this political manifesto via his web site prior to the recent elections. The music reminds me of the distinct Morphine sound but the lyrics are all McMurtry.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.