Jason Gonulsen, Author at Glide Magazine

Tim Easton: Porcupine

Jason Gonulsen June 3, 2009 No Comments

If you know anything about Tim Easton, it’s that the man can write a song. 2006’s Ammunition displayed all of the Ohio native’s songwriting talents; among the highlights were the delicate tunes, “Oh People” and “Next to You,” the political tunes, “News Blackout” and “Before the Revolution”, and the fun tunes, “Dear Old Song & Dance” and “C-Dub.” Easton’s newest album, Porcupine, is a different animal, but it bites just as fierce—mainly by rocking the night away.

Mandy Moore – Mrs. Heartbreaker

Jason Gonulsen May 29, 2009 No Comments

Who is Mandy Moore the musician? Is she the teen who sang silly and sweet pop tunes 10 years ago? Is she a secret fan of Werewolph and death metal? Or, is she the artist who is credited as a co-writer for all of the songs on Amanda Leigh, an album she recorded with Mike Viola and Ducky Carlisle using vintage equipment? Glide recently had a chance to talk with Moore about the making of Amanda Leigh, her influences, and expectations.

Steve Earle: Townes

Jason Gonulsen May 26, 2009 No Comments

It’s no secret that Steve Earle has always loved Townes Van Zandt as a writer and musician—it just took him until now to record a whole album’s worth of his songs. There are 15 gems here, making Townes well worth the wait, and then some. The opener, “Poncho and Lefty,” is probably Van Zandt’s most beloved song, and hearing Earle sing it feels as natural as listening to him belt out some of his best songs like “Goodbye” or “Someday.” It’s just that good.

Volume 25: Samantha Crain

Jason Gonulsen May 21, 2009 No Comments

“Whenever I am not touring, I’m back in Oklahoma,” says 22-year-old singer-songwriter Samantha Crain, who, along with her band, The Midnight Shivers, just released her first full-length, Songs in the Night. When you hear Crain’s voice for the first time, it’s easy to imagine her sitting on a front porch in Shawnee, Oklahoma—not New York or L.A. —just living the good life. Because that’s what Crain’s music does—it takes you to a special place where you just want to let everything slide.

Wilco: Ashes of American Flags

Jason Gonulsen April 21, 2009 No Comments

There’s a moment in the song “Ashes of American Flags” where Jeff Tweedy sings, “All my lies are always wishes/ I know I would die if I could come back new.” And “come back new” is exactly what Wilco has done the last few years. After many line-up changes, there is finally a sense of comfortable continuity within the band, and on their new concert DVD, which is also titled Ashes of American Flags, they’ve never sounded better as a unit.

Sara Watkins – Solo & Confident

Jason Gonulsen April 20, 2009 No Comments

The John Paul Jones-produced album, Watkins’ first as a solo artist, doesn’t lack in any area; instead, it soars with the star power that surrounds every note. Besides the aforementioned Jones, Watkins has help from Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, and Elvis Costello drummer Pete Thomas, to name just a few. After a couple listens, it will be evident that, although you might still wish for Nickel Creek to reform someday, you’ll also realize you have something sparkling and special in Sara Watkins all by herself.

Volume 23: Neko Case

Jason Gonulsen April 20, 2009 No Comments

I’ve never had the opportunity to formally interview Neko Case, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a story that involves her. About six years ago, before one of her shows in St. Louis, I sat next to and talked with Ms. Case for a good two hours.

Maria Taylor: LadyLuck

Jason Gonulsen April 7, 2009 No Comments

If you’re a fan of Maria Taylor’s first two albums, 11:11 and Lynn Teeter Flower, then her newest release, LadyLuck, will seem like an old friend. If you’re new to Taylor’s hushed vocals and overall somber reflections on relationships and life, then these ten new tunes might take some time getting used to.

Neil Young: Fork In The Road

Jason Gonulsen April 6, 2009 No Comments

If you saw Neil Young on tour last year or read about his eco-friendly car in the news, you probably saw this coming. Heck, if you have been following Young’s career for the past 40 years, you probably saw this coming. It’s no secret he does what he wants, when he wants to do it; and he’s done it again

Cursive : Mama, I’m Swollen

Jason Gonulsen March 25, 2009 No Comments

Omaha’s Cursive really only has one recognizable pace—fast and furious. And minus a bit of moderate cruise control during the latter half of their newest album, Mama, I’m Swollen, this unflappable identity is once again on successful display.

Jason Gonulsen

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