Reviews for October 2007
*Andru Bemis ~ "Rail To Reel"
There are a few albums in this age that truly give me the impression that the artist at the time of recording, was being the most honest one soul could be to themselves. It may be the sincerity of his voice or the way he strings his words together in such fine fashion, either way, this was one of the finest traditional folk albums in years to make it’s way to my ears. It would be a crime and a travesty to not at give this album a run through, and most assuredly a repeat.
Over the past few years Andru has put together quite a nice body of work, and this is a fine addition featuring such notable songs as ‘Two Dollar Bill‘ with it’s quick fire banjo laden romp through a long journey home. ‘Be Who You Wanna’ with it‘s quick lyrical wit and catchy melody, and the masterly crafted ‘Huck Finn’ showcasing the story telling romantic and the engaging way he crafts himself as the protagonist at the song’s opening, “When I was 13, all my friends made fun of me… cause I wore knickers instead of jeans, just like Huck Finn”.
Rail To Reel is an inspiring flick of wood and wire. It’s spun around the old sounds of Woody Guthrie, but with it’s own genuinely original sound. It’s more a celebration of the folk spirit, it induces new life into old ideas and new sounds from old melodies that provide one with a feeling of hope. This is one is more than recommended, it’s required listening here at Folk It Up.
----------
Review For June 21,2007
*Nathalie Matteau ~ "Clues And Lies"
So you’re looking for a bit of Cabaret, equipped with some sultry vocals, plenty of strings circulating, and the occasional accordion solo. You have to look no further than the Nathalie Matteau’s impressive introspective appropriately titled ’Clues and Lies’. Nathalie’s rich voice pours out on each track behind a backdrop of a musical melody so rich and full that it makes you think you’re actually taking in a private showing of French theater from the confines of your living room.
‘Clues And Lies’ is a highly experimental attempt to deliver the throws of passion which ensue ones journey out to a Burlesque show, and for the many times I’ve heard people begrudgingly searching the shelves of their local record shop in hopes of finding something different, this would be a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. If you can imagine Tom Waits only slightly more French with a predilection for the tango.
In the last few years only a few people have been able to capture the essence of feisty cabaret in a bluesy style, and this fully delivers. She’s surround by violins, an upright bass, the accordion, as well as plenty of drums and percussion which only add to the enjoyment of sipping this bottle of wine. This Montréal native certainly has cooked up a stew of melodies by which to waltz off into the night humming to yourself. You won’t be sorry for picking indulging in a bit of Nathalie, she’s a rare find in this day and age.
---------
Review For January 11, 2007
*Al Duvall ~ "The Timid Mischief, or Oh! Anomia"
When listening to Al Duvall’s 2006 release ‘The Timid Mischief or Oh Anomia’ one thing becomes abundantly clear, the Vaudeville and Americana styles which can only be properly captured with the banjo of old are alive and well. Al’s a card shuffler on this record, he rolls through his songs, stacking the deck, serving drinks, and peppering the atmosphere with his own brand of old time undertones.
It’s witty folk music with a snap, the equivalent of sipping off the last bottle of Kentucky bourbon. The originality of his sound in these modern times is a taste that should be acquired, and unlike Kentucky bourbon it leaves no bitter aftertaste.
The lyrics have a wonderful twist of dark humor intermingled with the topics that take you from general observations to stories from the old days. Take the sixth track for example, ‘Labias & Genitalman’ he sings “…he chews on mothballs to purify his breath, She’s the lily of the valley of the shadow of death, I shall perform the aforementioned vice, Until hell freezes over, Then I’ll do it on ice…”. In fact his lyrics strike with all of the bravado of a Tom Waits album, but with a twinge of the old Vaudeville stage thrown in for good measure.
The longer the album goes on you realize that you’re listening to something that is as rare treat as one can find in music today. A soothing, but potent mixture of old sounds and new ideas. His voice makes the most impact, a slick water voice that seems to croon to the heavens. No matter if he’s singing about grifting in Milwaukee or skinning squirrels, you’ll enjoy this album.
----------
Review for August 17, 2006
*The Two Man Gentlemen Band ~ "Great Calamities"
The boys are back and they’ve brought their knee slapping sounds with them on ‘Great Calamities,’ their newly released second album. It’s filled with that same banjo picking, Americana sipping, folk swinging blues that made their self titled so good to listen to. It’s a testament to the songs of old, in a style that actually goes back to the grandeur of the glory days when artists actually played their instruments and had a good time doing it. The chemistry these two gentleman have cooked up certainly makes for a powerful sound, and this album stands with the few that actually capture the essence of the age.
The album itself has a prolific nature to it given the subject matter of the songs, which comment on topics both old and new in the mainstream consciousness, everything from the Hindenburg to the Titanic, to Stonewall Jackson. It certainly lives up to it’s name of embracing those great calamities, and not in that Gordon Lightfoot-singing-about-the-Edmund Fitzgerald kinda way. They have that old soul quality to this album, and to their music in general, even finding time to add an Elder Curry track about the influenza that swept through Memphis in 1929. Those of you familiar with that name will find a good home waiting for you in the folds of these thirteen tracks.
The witticisms are subtle, for example on ‘Stuff Your Ballot Box’ they temper a love story into a critique of American politic, with lines like: “ Well, I know it ain’t democracy to pull election day chicanery and some people would even call it a sin. But if I learned anything from history, it’s what you do in old America when you ain’t so sure you’re going to win.” Election day mischief is certainly one of the great calamities of our age, as it was not that long ago. Those poignant candid observations, never-the-less, is what sets this music apart.
To any member of the masses out there who think that old folkie music is strictly for old folks, I have to object by playing this album, as loud as it can go. It’s as much an album about history as it is about the beauty of how songwriters spread the word through song. They craft it, arrange it, and spit fire through every chord, fueling the flames of what this album truly is, a top notch induction into that great American love story know as musical expression.
----------
Review for July 6, 2006
Ani DiFranco ~ Reprieve*
It’s Ani’s 20th album and she adds beautifully to her long winding road of songs that embrace the hearts of so many of her fans. The album is more political than recent releases, which is understandable given the current climate of the country, but the way she weaves these odes to her emotions on Reprieve, it’s an amazing album. The quiet melodies on tracks like ‘In The Margins’ and the pluck and poignant lyrical strum of her voice on songs like ‘Decree.’ I’ve recently driven cross country with this album blasting through my speakers, and it acts as a catalyst for so many running tides of thoughts and feelings. It’s a call for people to get together, a wake up call for the collective eyes to open at the segregation and conformity of thought being perpetrated in America.
From the track, 'Decree':
step up and forfeit your frontal lobe
to the sexed up stroll of celebrity
never mind that the nanoseconds in between
are some of the darkest darkness
that you have ever seen
Ani is full form on this album, her voice is moving, her guitar powerful, an amazing album with which to strike her 20th chime on the airwaves of our souls. The album is currently available for pre-order through Righteous Babe Records.
----------
Review for June 29, 2006
*Lhasa ~ The Living Road*
Lhasa when literally translated means “place of the gods” and after taking 6 years to write this album, you may be able to catch a glimpse of where that place may be. The Living Road, which was released in late 2003, is filled with strings, pianos, and it’s Spanish and French influences remain a constant throughout it’s honey coated tones. The voice fits this music beyond what verbal description can convey. This music is an experience onto itself. It’s good with candles on a stormy night, and it’s good for long baths with sharp cheddar cheese. The rumbling in her voice has been compared to both Bjork and PJ Harvey when she sings in English, but only due to her deep vocal tones which showcase just how impressive her vocal range is. The undertow will carry you away with it’s horns, light drum tapings, and tribal odes as it does on ’Anywhere On This Road’ with it’s haunting chorus:
You've traveled this long
You just have to go on
Don't even look back to see
How far you've come
Though your body is bending
Under the load
There is nowhere to stop
Anywhere on this road
It’s a beautiful track, a beautiful album, and it comes highly recommended.
----------
Review for June 22, 2006
*Laura Veirs ~ Year Of Meteors
She’s put this one out on her own Raven Marching Band Records, and is her 5th release. ’Year Of Metors’ came out in 2005 and seems to have a nice groove through the entire album. She has certain glimpses of sounds that all seem to be a bit familiar, but in her own individual way. The heart of this album is it’s drive, and with small samples and quiet echoes hidden within it’s undertones, it will certainly find many an ear drifting back into the lounging position. The lyrics blend right in with the melodies, all the quaint happenings of her settings and stanzas. She paints her music, and eases you through it’s canvas. It’s an album that strikes me as one of those quiet pre-dawn moments spent riding west through the mountains, and with ‘Year Of Meteors’ you certainly have a good reason to stop and admire the view.
----------
Review for June 15, 2006
*Coco Rosie ~ Noah’s Ark*
Okay, so we’re dipping back into 2005 a bit, but I just have to mention this album. Most of you have heard of Devendra Banhart, and if you haven’t do yourself a favor and go grab ‘Cripple Crow.’ I mention Devendra because of course he’s all over Noah’s Ark. This album though is pure atmosphere, a quiet mood, a surefire cure for someone needing a dose of introspective thought. I was skeptical of it at first upon hearing it’s description, but once I heard her voice filtering in through the light percussion and the melodic discourse, I was sold on it. Her previous release ‘La Maison De Mon Rêve’ is filled with the same quiet musings, the subtle undertones, the trance like folk implosion. She’s like an earthy version of Nick Drake, and that’s no big surprise considering her counterpart. Overall her voice just makes it so soothing to listen to, at least in my opinion. If you’re looking for something a bit different, and you’re not afraid of a little experimentation, you should pick this one up.
---------
Review for June 8, 2006
*Erin McKeown ~ Distillation*
Again, looking back a bit, to a rivioting 2000 release. This is one of those albums that the first time you listen to it, you need to listen to it again, and I assure you that I mean that in the best way possible. It’s catchy, it’s salty in all the right places, and it really shows off the talents of this emerging artist. The guitars are funky, the voice is soulful, and the nitty-gritty is showcased in abundance as this album seems to just pour out your speakers forming into a frothy and refreshing cool beverage on a hot steamy day. It’s a good album to turn up loud, as I would say, the ultimate record to thrown on when you’re looking for a soundtrack for driving through the country on the weekends. A special mention to the track, ‘La Petite Mor’ as it has been one of those songs I simply can’t get enough of. This one comes highly recommended, as well as her 2005 release 'We Will Become Like Birds.'
---------
Review for June 1, 2006
*Jolie Holland ~ Springtime Can Kill You*
The former singer in The Be Good Tanyas has just released her 3rd solo album appropriately titled ‘Springtime Can Kill You’ and for fans of her two previous albums 2003’s Catalpa and 2004’s Escondida, this album will not disappoint. She has those same timeless melodies, the same lusty voice, it’s a melodic adventure into the depths of a young woman who’s experimentation with Jazz, folk, and blues appear to be endless. This album is a walk in the park on a breezy Sunday afternoon, it’s giggles in the moonlight with a trusted friend. So cozy on up with a pair of headphones, and check this one out.
---------
Review For May 25, 2006
*Hamell On Trial ~ Songs For Parents Who Enjoy Drugs*
This is Hamell On Trial’s 2nd album for Righteous Babe Records, and like his previous release, ‘Tough Love’ it’s filled with his quick wit banter, blistering guitar, and for an added bonus features his son 4 year old son, Detroit. The album truly is everything that the title suggests and a lot more as Hamell takes on all the conservative pundits in the ever popular ’Coulter’s Snatch’. On that particular song he had this to say in an interview from the June edition of Harp magazine, “To the already converted, [the song] is cathartic. I’m like the spiritual gas station getting you from Point A to Point B. For the unconverted, I hope to piss ’em off.” The album fires on all cylinders from start to finish, this isn’t one to miss.
--------
Review For September 9, 2005
*Regina Spektor ~ "11:11"
This was technically Regina’s first full length album, and like anyone who knows her brand of melodic piano-injected folk will tell you, it’s a solid introduction. The strolling musical influence grips tightly to the first few songs. ‘Love Affair’ starts off with a catchy little riff on the piano with Regina applying a bluesy vocal overlay. The second song brings me back to the old backbeats of swing. Regina’s voice is just simply lovely, as she goes through a complex melody that leaves you feeling like a fresh cool breeze just blew through the room.
This album hardly strikes as a freshman effort, filled with thoughtful lyrics and ever changing melodies. You can see the wide range of influence that fuels her talents on the keyboard. In the hip-hop scat she rattles off through the song Flyin’, you just feel the need to sit back and groove. Everything from Hip hop to Motown can be heard coursing through it’s veins.
The album has it’s share of soul to it as well, such is the case in the song ‘2.99 Blues.’ The poppy hook of the piano plays right into the poignant placement of the vocals, which also showcase the grand range of this singer’s vocal abilities. This song, like so many on this album, captures the essence of feeling a bit light on your feet. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and doesn’t completely give in to the giggles. It’s a feel good album, and by the time the last note has sounded you‘ll be reaching for the play button again.
--------
Review For May 1, 2005
*Curtis Eller ~ "Taking Up Serpants Again"
Curtis Eller’s American Circus has given us an album of musical mirth and reflection that needs to be recognized for not only for it’s merit, but also it’s free ranging feel. The album comes on the heels of the 2004 elections in America, and gives us 10 songs that truly describe the feeling of the aftereffects of fallout associated with the post electoral drama.
‘Taking up Serpents Again’ starts off with the title track, which should also be noted is the overall theme of the album. The placement of this track first of all is perfect, the lead off to this musical journey starts with a subtle banjo that builds upon the entrance of Mr. Eller’s cooling voice. The lyrics however, are anything but subtle with lines like, “Just like that son of a bitch gonna wind up in the White House every time. And the silver's there just to keep your mind off the copper in your dime. And the war between the States was just a bell they had to ring. You can bet it was a sure thing” The song itself is an ode to the next four years of the American approach to politics, and much like the overall feel of the album, it notes a cynical optimism that conveys sadness and conviction. The song itself is that of a blue period, a sort of crossing over into the next plain of understanding in a time where confusion and discontent seem to have taken hold of an unsuspecting public. The chorus sounds the refrain, with a nice light percussive tambourine beat, and a trickling banjo riff that rattles the chains of all of the sleeping spirits lost to their apathetic slumber.
“And I'm taking up serpents again
And I'm speaking in tongues unknown to men
I thought the cracks through that heart
was finally on the mend
But I'm taking up serpents again
Yes I'm taking up serpents again”
Through this entire album a particular attention should be given to the lyrics. Mr. Eller’s ability to not only match his instrument to the emotion of the piece, but to also breathe new life into a traditional instrument is both refreshing and impressive. Through the more rocking beat of songs like ‘Hide That Scar’ and quiet odes like ‘Buster Keaton’ you can physically feel yourself being taken on a journey as the folk and bluegrass styles combine to form a powerful aphrodisiac to the senses. In the song ‘Sugar In My Coffin,’ one of my personal favorites, you hear a blend of traditional melody with modern sensibility. As always the lyrics compliment the music with a seamless flow, Curtis sings, “Oh no there ain't no Elvis Presley from the waist down. Or else I ain't learned nothin' from TV. He's shaking like an animal, point that camera where I said. We need this white boy going crazy like a hole in the head. So when I'm dead and gone, I want some sugar in my coffin.” If this song in particular doesn’t make you tap your foot and dance, then odds are you’re dead.
This album is essential for anyone who likes traditional folk music like Woody Guthrie, or the folk/swing fusion of Andrew Bird. It’s fresh, it’s upbeat, and it’ll make you hit the repeat button on more than one occasion. It’s a beautiful album that should be on everyone’s list of new music to check out. His website comes with a plethora of full mp3 downloads from several albums, and Mr. Eller’s past accomplishments only add to the symphony that Curtis has made into his life. This is a must have album for anyone who’s ever claimed to like the banjo, folk music, swing, or just needs an excuse to dance a jig on occasion.
--------
Review For April, 25 2005
*Misterlee ~ "Night Of The Killer Longface
Misterlee’s latest effort, ‘Night Of The Killer Longface,’ out in limited edition on Rubber Czech Records and has all the rights elements in place. Upon first listen Syd Barrett comes to mind with a dash of Tom Waits thrown in for color. You can hear classical styles all through this album, a tribal beat here and there, some electronica, a little jazz experimentation. It all makes for a lively trip, though I will mention how big a fan I am of black comedies.
The opening track, ‘The Caligula Waltz,’ is something I’ve come to think of as Punk thrown in a blender, though the other indigents are almost seamlessly applied. The album definitely starts off in a sonic dreamscape filled with imagery as the hints of darkened undertones prevail. The whole album seems to come together on the 9th track poetically titled, ‘Black Soul.’ You can hear elements of old retro fitted 80’s pop combined with different shades of punk, that come together to create a sound all it’s own. The vocals complete the show with it’s subtle lyrics, and gives it an overall presence mainly utilized more as an instrument rather than a vocal track. Through lines like, “my lungs they hung from a tree, couldn’t bare to share the same air as me.” It’s easy to see that the vision in the mind of the artist has been fully realized in audio format.
Night Of The Killer Longface certainly has a feel that you won’t find many places. I usually give albums plenty of chances after the first time I listen to it. My first impression was good, and the more I listened to it the stronger the melodic composition of the album seemed to impress me. It’s an album you can sit back and groove to, but also get your fill of edge with.
--------
Review For April 18, 2005
*The Two Man Gentlemen Band ~ "Self Titled"
The Two Man Gentlemen Band have put something special together on their self titled release. The album, which is out now on Serious Business Records, strikes of everything from Vaudeville to Woody Guthrie. A mixture of clever lyrics and toe tapping melodies that leaves one feeling the need for more.
The album starts off with a barrage of harmonic banjo strumming melodies. Just take a look at the first three songs; You’ve got ‘Queens County’ which is basically an ode to a girl in the form of a hootenanny. ‘The Fever‘ which is a little ditty sung of those springtime urges. It’s one of those songs you’ll sit back and find yourself driving the extra mile just to listen to it. The thing I love about this album is the way these songs hit you on so many levels. This song is a perfect example of that. You have the musical aspect of it, and then once you start listening to the groove of it, you find yourself catching the lyrics... and the whole experience changes. It all just blends together so well that it makes you have a good time while listening to it. ‘Shotgun Wedding,’ might just be my personal favorite on the album. Let’s start with the lyrics on this one. “... Girl you know this wasn’t my intention, I never learned about no, birth prevention... but it’ll be alright, when I’m a husband and your a wife.” I feel like I can’t give too much away on the lyrics as it would be like revealing the punch line of someone’s joke. It’s lively, it’s funny, and they play kazoos on it. What more could you ask for.
The album swings on through it’s banjo picking cleverness that seems to strike all that right chords with me. They even managed to throw in a grand version of “In The Shadow Of The Pines.” The backend of the disc is filled with the same driving melodies with songs like, ‘That Brutal Day’ and ‘In The Days Of Twenty and One.’ This album certainly stands out among anything I’ve heard in recent memory. It also makes for perfect traveling music, all of it. The Two Man Gentlemen Band are a revival of ‘goodtime’ music. They bring together so many different influences and sounds on this record that’s it just simply a work of art.
