Here are my favorite records of 2009.
1. Wilco (the album)
Wilco makes another, comfortable masterpiece. The album gets better with every listen. Summer
2. The Decemberists The Hazards of Love
A full bodied, indie-rock opera. . . Summer
3. Mark Olson and Gary Louris Ready for the Flood
Everything you love about the Jayhawks, but sparse, as if to remind you why they were important in the first place. Summer
4. Justin Townes Earle Midnight at the Movies
A warm record for autumn evenings by the fire. . . Autumn
5. Phish Joy
Phish return, healthy and happy, after a much needed rest. Autumn
6. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band Outer South
Conor Oberst keeps crafting new music. I keep listening. Summer
7. Son Volt American Central Dust
A surprisingly quiet record. . . but the rock n roll and pedal steel are worth the patience. Summer
8. Neil Young Fork in the Road
Neil Young has become my favorite liberal commentator. . . and he continues to be one of our finest electric guitarists. Summer
9. Monsters of Folk
These gentlemen sound like they enjoy each other's company. . . and I keep getting Conor Oberst records. Autumn
10. Assembly of Dust Some Assembly Required
There are a few vintage Reid Genauer songs here. Essential listening for those who appreciate Strangefolk. Autumn
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Wild Hunt
The Wild Hunt
amidst a night of merriment
I stepped outside to breathe the autumn air
I heard the dogs bark in the woods
riders on the oldest, darkest trail
the wild hunt
I felt the shiver
the wild hunt
I raised my glass
the wild hunt
I sought shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
On any cold November night
through Yuletide when the ground is brown and bare
the raging host runs through the wood
with dogs, and knights, and horsemen on his trail
the wild hunt
I felt the shiver
the wild hunt
I raised my glass
the wild hunt
I sought shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
she walked the land all on her own
through sun and moon and stars and cloudy skies
but when the snow covered the land
she knew the host could finally call her home
the wild hunt
she was present
the wild hunt
she felt relief
the wild hunt
she found shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
November 2008/2009
Ricketts Glen State Park
Loyalsock State Forest
Pennsylvania
amidst a night of merriment
I stepped outside to breathe the autumn air
I heard the dogs bark in the woods
riders on the oldest, darkest trail
the wild hunt
I felt the shiver
the wild hunt
I raised my glass
the wild hunt
I sought shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
On any cold November night
through Yuletide when the ground is brown and bare
the raging host runs through the wood
with dogs, and knights, and horsemen on his trail
the wild hunt
I felt the shiver
the wild hunt
I raised my glass
the wild hunt
I sought shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
she walked the land all on her own
through sun and moon and stars and cloudy skies
but when the snow covered the land
she knew the host could finally call her home
the wild hunt
she was present
the wild hunt
she felt relief
the wild hunt
she found shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
November 2008/2009
Ricketts Glen State Park
Loyalsock State Forest
Pennsylvania
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Frosty Valley
Frosty Valley
I’ve got a guitar, but I don’t know how to play.
I’ve got all the words, but no melody.
Yea, I’m out of tune,
So out of tune
I’m working in a box and I watch what I say.
I need a window and some privacy.
Yea, I need space,
Just a little space.
So I’m getting out of bed and I’m going back to work.
I’ve got a drive, up through the valley.
I hear strings,
I sing along.
November 2009
I’ve got a guitar, but I don’t know how to play.
I’ve got all the words, but no melody.
Yea, I’m out of tune,
So out of tune
I’m working in a box and I watch what I say.
I need a window and some privacy.
Yea, I need space,
Just a little space.
So I’m getting out of bed and I’m going back to work.
I’ve got a drive, up through the valley.
I hear strings,
I sing along.
November 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Old Forge Brewery, Danville Pennsylvania
On a cool, rainy, Wednesday evening in June I had the opportunity to visit the Old Forge Brewing Company in Danville, Pennsylvania. The Old Forge is a casual brew pub specializing in healthy pub fare and fresh brewed beer. I had visited the pub during the winter and enjoyed it very much. The winter visit was spontaneous, quick and crowded. As I drove to the pub with friends for my second visit, I was determined to appreciate the restaurant a bit more than I did on my first time around.
I always enjoy seeing new development in older neighborhoods. Danville is a cozy, Pennsylvania community with an established downtown district. The main street is clean and well-kept, making it a nice place to visit, walk and enjoy a craft-brewed beer. The folks at the Old Forge take noticeable pride in being a part of the Susquehanna Valley community. According to their website, they "honor personal craftsmanship". For example, the brewery's hand-crafted beer is made in small batches to ensure quality and peak freshness. In addition, the healthy and delicious menu has ingredients sourced from local farms and markets wherever possible. Looking around the bar, I took the time to notice the bar, furniture and fixtures which were all handcrafted by local wood and metal worker Keith Kocher (Lightstreet Custom Woodworking). I also observed the unique tap handles carved and forged by local artist/sculptor J. Mark Irvin (Irving Sculpture Studio). Even the plates, bowls and beer mugs have been hand made by local potter Mike Hart (M. Hart Pottery). While it is easy to overlook, this attention to detail reflects the brewery's committment to both serve and support the local community.
We arrived around 6:30 in the evening. When I visited several months earlier, the bar was full and there was a thirty minute wait for a table. Well, the bar was full and there was a thirty minute wait again on my second visit (a waiting list often indicates good beverages, food and service). Business is obviously strong at the Old Forge. I did not mind the wait at all as it gave me time to enjoy the bar and a beer before dinner. For my first beer I tried a T-Rider Pale Ale. The T-Rider was very smooth and not too hoppy. It was a very pleasurable pale ale, perfect for a late spring evening. After we were directed to our seats, we settled in for appetizers and dinner. At the table , I sipped an Endless Summer Ale. I enjoyed this beer as well. I believe that it may be the lightest beer crafted at the brewery. For appetizers, I enjoyed a cup of beer chili. The chili contained tender beef chunks and spicy sausage cooked in beer and spices. It was delicious! The other folks at my table also sampled the black bean hummus and homemade soft pretzels. I highly recommend any of these appetizers. For dinner, I enjoyed a "Big Jerk" chicken sandwich. The sandwich contained ale-marinated chicken grilled with spicy pub-made Jamaican jerk seasoning, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and parsley mayo on a locally made fresh herb-roll. Again, the sandwich was delicious. And, last but not least, our service was excellent.
All in all, I had a great experience on my second visit to the Old Forge Brewing Company. What makes the Old Forge unique is its commitment to locally produced food and hand-crafted products. So, drive to Danville, take a downtown stroll and enjoy local goodness at its best.
I always enjoy seeing new development in older neighborhoods. Danville is a cozy, Pennsylvania community with an established downtown district. The main street is clean and well-kept, making it a nice place to visit, walk and enjoy a craft-brewed beer. The folks at the Old Forge take noticeable pride in being a part of the Susquehanna Valley community. According to their website, they "honor personal craftsmanship". For example, the brewery's hand-crafted beer is made in small batches to ensure quality and peak freshness. In addition, the healthy and delicious menu has ingredients sourced from local farms and markets wherever possible. Looking around the bar, I took the time to notice the bar, furniture and fixtures which were all handcrafted by local wood and metal worker Keith Kocher (Lightstreet Custom Woodworking). I also observed the unique tap handles carved and forged by local artist/sculptor J. Mark Irvin (Irving Sculpture Studio). Even the plates, bowls and beer mugs have been hand made by local potter Mike Hart (M. Hart Pottery). While it is easy to overlook, this attention to detail reflects the brewery's committment to both serve and support the local community.
We arrived around 6:30 in the evening. When I visited several months earlier, the bar was full and there was a thirty minute wait for a table. Well, the bar was full and there was a thirty minute wait again on my second visit (a waiting list often indicates good beverages, food and service). Business is obviously strong at the Old Forge. I did not mind the wait at all as it gave me time to enjoy the bar and a beer before dinner. For my first beer I tried a T-Rider Pale Ale. The T-Rider was very smooth and not too hoppy. It was a very pleasurable pale ale, perfect for a late spring evening. After we were directed to our seats, we settled in for appetizers and dinner. At the table , I sipped an Endless Summer Ale. I enjoyed this beer as well. I believe that it may be the lightest beer crafted at the brewery. For appetizers, I enjoyed a cup of beer chili. The chili contained tender beef chunks and spicy sausage cooked in beer and spices. It was delicious! The other folks at my table also sampled the black bean hummus and homemade soft pretzels. I highly recommend any of these appetizers. For dinner, I enjoyed a "Big Jerk" chicken sandwich. The sandwich contained ale-marinated chicken grilled with spicy pub-made Jamaican jerk seasoning, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and parsley mayo on a locally made fresh herb-roll. Again, the sandwich was delicious. And, last but not least, our service was excellent.
All in all, I had a great experience on my second visit to the Old Forge Brewing Company. What makes the Old Forge unique is its commitment to locally produced food and hand-crafted products. So, drive to Danville, take a downtown stroll and enjoy local goodness at its best.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
2008 Year in Review
Here are my favorite records of 2008
Railroad Earth Amen Corner
Railroad Earth released Amen Corner in June, just in time for the summer festival season. And to be completely clear, Railroad Earth is a festival band. Railroad Earth is a jamband. More than anything else, Railroad carries the torch of the Grateful Dead. And that is a positive thing, considering that the Grateful Dead are one of the most successful live bands of all time. In 2008, Railroad Earth stood among the premier live bands in America. With Amen Corner, they added another classic recording to their studio library. Buy this record and feel the joy. Summer
Radiohead In Rainbows
In Rainbows was released in physical form on New Years Day 2008. Following several records full of equal parts weird, cool and frustrating experimentation, Radiohead crafted a beautiful record that blooms with repeated listening. Enlightening music for the dark nights of winter.
Dr. Dog Fate
I am grateful that Relix magazine chose Dr. Dog for their cover during the summer of 2008. Fate is a triumphant record. If you like the Beatles, The Beach Boys and My Morning Jacket, I believe you'll like Fate. The most enjoyable and interesting new music that I heard in 2008. Autumn
Mudcrutch Mudcrutch
Mudcrutch was Tom Petty's band before The Heartbreakers. The band was successful down South in the early 70's before striking west to California. Record company execs were interested in Tom, not so much the band. Tom kept Mike Cambell and Benmont Tench and the other two hit the road. Over thirty years later, Tom reassembles the band for a record and brief tour of California. Man, are these guys good. Petty follows the beautiful, acoustic Highway Companion with this smoking country-Dead-rock. Ever wonder what Petty would sound like with Gram Parsons, check out "Orphan of the Storm". Ever wonder if Petty can jam, check out "Crystal River". Wonder if Petty can still rock, check out "Scare Easy" and "Bootleg Flyer". With Mudcrutch, Tom Petty continues to stand among the most prolific, relevant and important figures in rock n roll. And the guy is just plain cool for bringing his old tour-mates back out on the road. This record gets better with every listen. Summer
My Morning Jacket Evil Urges
Evil Urges is my favorite MMJ recording. A summer record bursting with electric guitar, bass, keys, drum and vocal groove.
Drive by Truckers Brighter Than Creations Dark
I'm glad that this record introduced me to the Drive by Truckers. Featuring three talented songwriters, the record is long, but well worth the time needed to get it. Mike Cooley writes irresistible country/rock nuggets that recall the best of Bob Seger. Patterson hood pens honest tales of ordinary folks that will touch you to the core. And Shonna Tucker just makes it sweeter. Great rock n roll for a spring road trip to your cabin in the mountains.
Tift Merritt Another Country
This record is as soothing and comforting as a warm, spring rain in the backyard on Saturday afternoon. Tift Merritt must be considered one of our finest singer-songwriters. A beautiful record brimming with fresh, country folk. Recommended for fans of fans of Dar Williams and Lucinda Williams quieter work.
Death Cab for Cutie Narrow Stairs
Narrow Stairs is one of the most impressive records of 2008. It certainly has the best A side of the year. However, I would not recommend it to everyone as the lyrical matter can be a bit depressing to say the least. Though the album is great, Ben Gibbard's dark tales leave me feeling a tad exhausted and empty by record's end. The strange thing, and that which makes this album supurb, is that outside the lyrics, Ben's voice and the band create stirring rock n roll. Dark and light. Summer
Cabinet Cabinet
Cabinet, hailing from Pennsyvlania, are a young, Railroad Earth family band. I refer to them as a family band because they have been supported by Railroad Earth and they are clearly influenced by them. I discovered Cabinet when they opened for Railroad at Penns Peak in Jim Thorpe, Pennsyvlania. At first, I was a bit taken aback by their similarity to RRE. However, the music is so good, and original in its own right, that I got over that first impression rather quickly. Besides, it is actually a huge compliment to even compare these gentlemen to their older and more established East Coast neighbors. I would also add that Cabinet are a bit more traditional than Railroad Earth in that I do not hear a Grateful Dead influence or electric rock n roll in their sound. The most original part of their musical palette would be the incorporation of traditional bluegrass strings with drums and upright bass. Cabinet features excellent, bluegrass instrumentation, drums and fine multi-part harmonies. Highly recommended for fans of bluegrass and jam. Autumn
She and Him Volume I
She and Him Volume One is a good record. For this album, Zooey Deschanel penned nine fantastic tracks. And producer M. Ward made these songs truely unique through his distinctive prduction style. This music is a welcome, yet original, throwback to all that was great about the early Beatles sound. There are two things that I do not like about this record and they are both a testement to Deschanel's excellance as a writer and performer. One, Zooey's songs are so satisfying that two of the covers are disappointing. They just do not stand up too the power of her original material. Second, Zooey's voice is so pleasurable that it makes M. Ward's contributions to lead vocals a bit of a nuisance. I just want to hear Zooey (but good job on the production, M.)! Summer
Hold Steady Stay Positive
With 2006's Boys and Girls in America, The Hold Steady crafted a perfect rock n roll record. Stay Positive features several songs as compelling as anything from the previous record ("Constructive Summer", "Joke About Jamaica") and three, shuffle-proof, bonus tracks. Though all of the songs are fine in isolation, the record just doesn't stand as a cohesive whole. It starts strong, plods in the middle and pulls together nicely in the end (thanks to the bonus tracks). Recommended, just make sure that you get to know Boys and Girls first.
Railroad Earth Amen Corner
Railroad Earth released Amen Corner in June, just in time for the summer festival season. And to be completely clear, Railroad Earth is a festival band. Railroad Earth is a jamband. More than anything else, Railroad carries the torch of the Grateful Dead. And that is a positive thing, considering that the Grateful Dead are one of the most successful live bands of all time. In 2008, Railroad Earth stood among the premier live bands in America. With Amen Corner, they added another classic recording to their studio library. Buy this record and feel the joy. Summer
Radiohead In Rainbows
In Rainbows was released in physical form on New Years Day 2008. Following several records full of equal parts weird, cool and frustrating experimentation, Radiohead crafted a beautiful record that blooms with repeated listening. Enlightening music for the dark nights of winter.
Dr. Dog Fate
I am grateful that Relix magazine chose Dr. Dog for their cover during the summer of 2008. Fate is a triumphant record. If you like the Beatles, The Beach Boys and My Morning Jacket, I believe you'll like Fate. The most enjoyable and interesting new music that I heard in 2008. Autumn
Mudcrutch Mudcrutch
Mudcrutch was Tom Petty's band before The Heartbreakers. The band was successful down South in the early 70's before striking west to California. Record company execs were interested in Tom, not so much the band. Tom kept Mike Cambell and Benmont Tench and the other two hit the road. Over thirty years later, Tom reassembles the band for a record and brief tour of California. Man, are these guys good. Petty follows the beautiful, acoustic Highway Companion with this smoking country-Dead-rock. Ever wonder what Petty would sound like with Gram Parsons, check out "Orphan of the Storm". Ever wonder if Petty can jam, check out "Crystal River". Wonder if Petty can still rock, check out "Scare Easy" and "Bootleg Flyer". With Mudcrutch, Tom Petty continues to stand among the most prolific, relevant and important figures in rock n roll. And the guy is just plain cool for bringing his old tour-mates back out on the road. This record gets better with every listen. Summer
My Morning Jacket Evil Urges
Evil Urges is my favorite MMJ recording. A summer record bursting with electric guitar, bass, keys, drum and vocal groove.
Drive by Truckers Brighter Than Creations Dark
I'm glad that this record introduced me to the Drive by Truckers. Featuring three talented songwriters, the record is long, but well worth the time needed to get it. Mike Cooley writes irresistible country/rock nuggets that recall the best of Bob Seger. Patterson hood pens honest tales of ordinary folks that will touch you to the core. And Shonna Tucker just makes it sweeter. Great rock n roll for a spring road trip to your cabin in the mountains.
Tift Merritt Another Country
This record is as soothing and comforting as a warm, spring rain in the backyard on Saturday afternoon. Tift Merritt must be considered one of our finest singer-songwriters. A beautiful record brimming with fresh, country folk. Recommended for fans of fans of Dar Williams and Lucinda Williams quieter work.
Death Cab for Cutie Narrow Stairs
Narrow Stairs is one of the most impressive records of 2008. It certainly has the best A side of the year. However, I would not recommend it to everyone as the lyrical matter can be a bit depressing to say the least. Though the album is great, Ben Gibbard's dark tales leave me feeling a tad exhausted and empty by record's end. The strange thing, and that which makes this album supurb, is that outside the lyrics, Ben's voice and the band create stirring rock n roll. Dark and light. Summer
Cabinet Cabinet
Cabinet, hailing from Pennsyvlania, are a young, Railroad Earth family band. I refer to them as a family band because they have been supported by Railroad Earth and they are clearly influenced by them. I discovered Cabinet when they opened for Railroad at Penns Peak in Jim Thorpe, Pennsyvlania. At first, I was a bit taken aback by their similarity to RRE. However, the music is so good, and original in its own right, that I got over that first impression rather quickly. Besides, it is actually a huge compliment to even compare these gentlemen to their older and more established East Coast neighbors. I would also add that Cabinet are a bit more traditional than Railroad Earth in that I do not hear a Grateful Dead influence or electric rock n roll in their sound. The most original part of their musical palette would be the incorporation of traditional bluegrass strings with drums and upright bass. Cabinet features excellent, bluegrass instrumentation, drums and fine multi-part harmonies. Highly recommended for fans of bluegrass and jam. Autumn
She and Him Volume I
She and Him Volume One is a good record. For this album, Zooey Deschanel penned nine fantastic tracks. And producer M. Ward made these songs truely unique through his distinctive prduction style. This music is a welcome, yet original, throwback to all that was great about the early Beatles sound. There are two things that I do not like about this record and they are both a testement to Deschanel's excellance as a writer and performer. One, Zooey's songs are so satisfying that two of the covers are disappointing. They just do not stand up too the power of her original material. Second, Zooey's voice is so pleasurable that it makes M. Ward's contributions to lead vocals a bit of a nuisance. I just want to hear Zooey (but good job on the production, M.)! Summer
Hold Steady Stay Positive
With 2006's Boys and Girls in America, The Hold Steady crafted a perfect rock n roll record. Stay Positive features several songs as compelling as anything from the previous record ("Constructive Summer", "Joke About Jamaica") and three, shuffle-proof, bonus tracks. Though all of the songs are fine in isolation, the record just doesn't stand as a cohesive whole. It starts strong, plods in the middle and pulls together nicely in the end (thanks to the bonus tracks). Recommended, just make sure that you get to know Boys and Girls first.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Year in Review
This is a list of musical albums that I purchased in 2007.
Wilco... Sky Blue Sky
Wilco create a gorgeous rock n roll record. The more I listen to this album, the more I enjoy it. Highly recommended for those who think that dual guitar is antiquated.
Ryan Adams... Easy Tiger
Easy Tiger is Ryan Adams best album. It blends all of the best of his previus work in a career defining masterpiece. If I were to recommend Ryan Adams to someone new, I would direct them to this album. It gets better with every listen.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals... This is Somewhere
This is Somewhere ranks high based on pure positive energy. Grace Potter and company create fresh, sexy rock n roll for all types of listeners. This record will make you happy and you will want to groove whenever you put it in the player.
American Babies
American Babies are led by Brothers Past guitaritst/songwrite Tom Hamilton. While Brothers Past specialize in electronic jam, American Babies craft country, rock n roll that brings to mind a modern-day Gram Parsons. This album is full of love songs and longing.
Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles... Diamonds in the Dark
Along with Grace Potter, Sarah Borges proves that girls can lead a band of men with an electric guitar. The Broken Singles create fresh rockabilly roadhouse music that makes you feel like your on the road in the 1970's.
The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter
Forgive this album for having the most arrogant title in the history of Americana music. I can only hope the title is an inside joke of some sort. This is not as accessabile or as pleasurable a listen as The Animal Years. Its the type of album an artist has to make after a career defining masterpiece to prove that they can do something different. In this case, Ritter proves he can be edgier and aggresive after the beauty of The Animal Years. This is a good album with golden moments (Wait for Love, Empty Hearts), and I am sure that the harder songs flesh out Ritter's setlist on the road.
Bright Eyes... Cassadega
On Cassadega, Bright Eyes sounds more like a band than ever before. A beautiful blend of country and a little bit of indie rock. Lyrically, Conor Oberst provides the most innovative and accessable lyrics of the year. There are some artistically impressive yet strange songs (Coat Check Dream Song)that do not make this an easy listen from start to finish. However, Conor demonstrates that while he has mastered the folk song he will continue the push toward further musical enlightenment.
moe. ... The Conch
moe. blends rock, jam, pychedelia, country and multiple songwriters to create one of America's most dynamic sounds. The Conch would garner nationa attention for album of the year, if it was released by Wilco. However, because moe. is considered a jamband, most critics do not give it a fair listen. By far, The Conch offers the years best mix of soulful rock n' roll, fun and intelligent song-writing. My only complaint is that at seventeen songs, it is a bit of a task to get through the album in one listening.
Son Volt... The Search
In The Search, I found the union of Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream and electric guitar based alt-country. Jay Farrer is one of our most dynamic singers and, vocally, this may be my favorite album of the year. I just prefer lyrics that are a bit more accessable.
Lucinda Williams...West
I am a long time fan and admirer of Lucinda's work. When this album was released last winter, I read a review which described it as music best saved for death and break-ups. Thankfully, I did not experience either in 2007. Regardless, I would look for something a lot more positive to get me through mourning and loss. This album is the dark and depressing sound of a desperate, lonely and angry middle aged women. Fortunately, the album ends with two beautiful songs, Words and West, which offer a glimmer of hope that Lucinda is not completely lost in self despair.
Wilco... Sky Blue Sky
Wilco create a gorgeous rock n roll record. The more I listen to this album, the more I enjoy it. Highly recommended for those who think that dual guitar is antiquated.
Ryan Adams... Easy Tiger
Easy Tiger is Ryan Adams best album. It blends all of the best of his previus work in a career defining masterpiece. If I were to recommend Ryan Adams to someone new, I would direct them to this album. It gets better with every listen.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals... This is Somewhere
This is Somewhere ranks high based on pure positive energy. Grace Potter and company create fresh, sexy rock n roll for all types of listeners. This record will make you happy and you will want to groove whenever you put it in the player.
American Babies
American Babies are led by Brothers Past guitaritst/songwrite Tom Hamilton. While Brothers Past specialize in electronic jam, American Babies craft country, rock n roll that brings to mind a modern-day Gram Parsons. This album is full of love songs and longing.
Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles... Diamonds in the Dark
Along with Grace Potter, Sarah Borges proves that girls can lead a band of men with an electric guitar. The Broken Singles create fresh rockabilly roadhouse music that makes you feel like your on the road in the 1970's.
The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter
Forgive this album for having the most arrogant title in the history of Americana music. I can only hope the title is an inside joke of some sort. This is not as accessabile or as pleasurable a listen as The Animal Years. Its the type of album an artist has to make after a career defining masterpiece to prove that they can do something different. In this case, Ritter proves he can be edgier and aggresive after the beauty of The Animal Years. This is a good album with golden moments (Wait for Love, Empty Hearts), and I am sure that the harder songs flesh out Ritter's setlist on the road.
Bright Eyes... Cassadega
On Cassadega, Bright Eyes sounds more like a band than ever before. A beautiful blend of country and a little bit of indie rock. Lyrically, Conor Oberst provides the most innovative and accessable lyrics of the year. There are some artistically impressive yet strange songs (Coat Check Dream Song)that do not make this an easy listen from start to finish. However, Conor demonstrates that while he has mastered the folk song he will continue the push toward further musical enlightenment.
moe. ... The Conch
moe. blends rock, jam, pychedelia, country and multiple songwriters to create one of America's most dynamic sounds. The Conch would garner nationa attention for album of the year, if it was released by Wilco. However, because moe. is considered a jamband, most critics do not give it a fair listen. By far, The Conch offers the years best mix of soulful rock n' roll, fun and intelligent song-writing. My only complaint is that at seventeen songs, it is a bit of a task to get through the album in one listening.
Son Volt... The Search
In The Search, I found the union of Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream and electric guitar based alt-country. Jay Farrer is one of our most dynamic singers and, vocally, this may be my favorite album of the year. I just prefer lyrics that are a bit more accessable.
Lucinda Williams...West
I am a long time fan and admirer of Lucinda's work. When this album was released last winter, I read a review which described it as music best saved for death and break-ups. Thankfully, I did not experience either in 2007. Regardless, I would look for something a lot more positive to get me through mourning and loss. This album is the dark and depressing sound of a desperate, lonely and angry middle aged women. Fortunately, the album ends with two beautiful songs, Words and West, which offer a glimmer of hope that Lucinda is not completely lost in self despair.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Railroad Earth...Penns Peak...12-30-08
When I see a band I love, I get nervous. I get nervous because I very much want the bands I love to do well and be successful. My nervousness comes from the fear that bands I enjoy will not draw a crowd. Strong attendance is critical to a bands success.
Penns Peak is by far the biggest room I have seen Railroad Earth play. It was only a few years ago that Railroad Earth was happy to fill small bars and clubs. Penns Peak is a venue for popular, national acts. Even before the winter storm warning, I did not expect Railroad Earth to fill much of this huge room. As we drove up the mountain, through accumulating, driving snow, I expected a disappointingly small turn-out. I was wrong.
On a snowy, Sunday night, Railroad Earth filled Penns Peak. The parking lot was full of vehicles and covered in snow and ice. The snow and the scene had arrived at Penns Peak.
Cabinet, a young acoustic band, opened the night. These guys are young. Some of them do not look like they are old enough to buy a drink. Regardless, this is a band that can jam and excite a large crowd. The band was so popular with the fans that they managed to draw an encore out of the crowd. Encores for opening acts are rare and these guys deserved it. I hope that this young band can keep it together and continue to pursue their potential.
Where Morristown was quiet Jim Thorpe was estatic. The crowd was fired up and ready for a party. I was treated to another personal favorite and rarity, "Drag Him Down". I had not seen the band play this song in years. Just like the night before with "Everything Comes Together", I knew that it was going to be a great show from the opening note. "Drag Him Down" and "Elko" provided more rock n roll than the whoe previous night in Morristown. Railroad Earth slowed it down with "Black Bear". Lyrically, "Black Bear" brims with hints of winter hibernation, making it a fine choice for a snowy night in the mountains. At this point, the band was drawing the crowd in and letting the energy of the night settle like the falling snow outside. The rest of the show consisted of high, energy songs ranging from folk to rock. My personal highlights included "Daddy-o" (six part harmonies!) and Warhead Boogie (dark, aggressive, warhead siren jam). Before beginning the encore, Todd wished everyone a happy new year before beginning Grateful Dead chestnut, "The Wheel". On this night Railroad turned this song into an anthem by increasing the tempo and the fans joined together for an inpiring sing-a-long chorus...
"The wheel is turning and you can't slow down,
You can't let go and you can't hold on,
You can't go back and you can't stand still,
If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will."
With a timeless song celebrating the circular seasons of life, Railroad Earth wished their fans a happy new year. As we drove down the mountain through the still falling snow and ice, I reflected on our New Years 2008 road trip. We had visited with family and friends. We enjoyed a beautiful hike at Jenny Jump State Forest. We shared a winter storm with friends and strangers. We experienced a growing band, still searching the peaks and valleys of their creative potential. For all of this I was grateful. Of course, I was also tired. But with fatigue, I looked forward to a quiet, January in Bloomsburg with my wife. Through cloudy January, we would reflect on the year passed and look forward to the road to joy ahead.
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