Robbie Robertson credits Eric Clapton for much of the original impetus behind the recording of his new album, so it’s no coincidence that How to Become Clairvoyant is remarkably reminiscent of Slowhand’s studio productions as heard on 1998’s Pilgrim.
Recordings such as In Concert Brandeis University 1963 are the source of a charisma Bob Dylan still commands today, the likes of which continues to resonate with generations far removed from his own demographic. Originally available only as a value-added piece to The Witmark Demos, this composite of a live show documents the power of Dylan’s performances as well as his compositions of that period, just prior to his breakout beyond the folk genre he would soon redefine.
Tom Hamilton is an amazing and underappreciated songwriter. While his work in Brothers Past and American Babies has steadily produced memorable hook after memorable melody across a diverse range of musical styles (from electro jam to indie-electro brooding to pastoral country rock) his name is not particularly well known. Hamilton’s penchant for producing a majestic elegance inside all his musical voices is second to none and on his new American Babies release, Flawed Logic, he further cements his reputation as major talent.
The average male rock fan’s opinion of musicals is likely to encompass the word “suck,” but hand him The Dears’ Degeneration Street, and unless he’s a pure-bred metalhead, it’ll more likely go something like “…awesome…”
It is amazing how pure distortion can sound when it is distilled through 6-strings at high amplification. Yuck know this and continually present guitar tones that cradle the brain on their self titled first release.
Building upon the diverse styling of last year’s Dead Flowers EP, Caitlin Rose and her band continue their jumps and dives all over the musical map, sounding timeless yet fresh and new at the same tim
The Celtic storytelling and all-for-one union drive is flowing like a pint of the dark throughout Going Out In Style. The album unfolds like a screenplay and when it wraps up with the groups cover of the classic “Irish Rover” you realize Dropkick Murphy’s have crafted one of their fullest and most fulfilling albums of their career.
Durham, NC resident Mike Babyak includes the above quotation on his Facebook page, and the fine new album from his band Triple Fret certainly lives up to this notion — listeners will indeed hear lots of guitar work, but no tracks are likely to evoke Zappa’s acerbic sentiment.
Although not exactly household names, these three are no strangers to acclaim, as all three of their respective outfits’ work ranks equal to or above those of the more recognizable Monsters. And such is the case here, on Middle Brother’s gorgeously lonely self-titled debut collaboration.
Bigler and Lykes deserve much respect for their ambition, creativity, and passion. Solid musicianship and production qualities make the record more than just a D.I.Y. declaration. Kudos for creating an interesting musical tour told through the journey of one man transcending our broken society and his selfish desires.
