Running for Covers

Always been a sucker for a good cover song. Maybe this guilty pleasure stems from spending countless nights listening to cover bands at various watering holes in college, I don't know. But I have always found it interesting how even the most vehement of fans of a band will scour and cull through countless shows, sites, and albums for that one cover song that everyone is talking about. Must be something about the revamped version as a tribute to a likely influence, or a new take on what one might think is an unlikely fit for the repertoire. But what I’ve noticed more of lately as I expand my library of artists is that a good cover will not only make me appreciate an artist more—where they came from, what they listen to—but it will usually open the door to someone I haven’t heard before or which I didn’t appreciate as much the first listen. For instance, take Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” off the Version album. This is a cover of a track from the Zutons' 2006 Release Tired of Hanging Around. Not a huge fan of Winehouse, but her rendition turned me back to the original and made me appreciate how it is one of those songs that could potentially transcend genres and musical tastes. Some other covers that I have really enjoyed:



“Where is My Mind?” – Bobby Bare, Jr.
“When the Doves Cry” – The Be Good Tanyas
“Sexual Healing” – Hot Chip
“No Surprises” – Easy Star All-Stars
“Ever Fallen In Love?” – Nouvelle Vague
“Eye in the Sky” – Viva Voce
"Bring It on Home to Me" - Britt Daniel (of Spoon)
“Waitin’ for a Superman” – Iron & Wine

Also, one of my favorite albums of the year is Bridging the Distance, which is a covers album featuring artists who are from or have some connection to Portland, OR, which has a booming musical scene right now. The Britt Daniel cover is on this album, as well as great covers from bands like the Decemberists, the Joggers, Viva Voce, and Blitzen Trapper. Reply below and let us know some of your favorite covers.

MTV and yet another National post

MTV has an indie video block called Subterranean. It airs at 12 midnight on Sunday Night. I DVR-ed it last Sunday and was very impressed. The video's ranged from The Shins to Minus the Bear. I would highly recommend DVRing it.

Also, I apologize for shoving the greatest band out there The National down your throat, but this is too good not to share. A kind soul at The National message board recorded the stream of "Mansion on the Hill" off of Youtube. Here it is.

Mansion on the Hill (Bruce Springsteen cover - live in New York)

“Allow myself, to introduce…myself.”

Clyde has been kind enough to invite me, Blythe, to contribute to this fantastic medium to discuss good music from a Southerner’s point of view. Met Clyde through a mutual friend at the National concert in Birmingham last month, where we realized we have similar tastes in music. I’ll be posting from time to time as a “Birmingham correspondent”, updating you on the shows I am seeing and want to attend (like yesterday’s post on Josh Rouse and Jason Collett), as well as letting you know what’s spinning on my jukebox these days. Born and raised in Alabama, I did a short stint in New Orleans where I rediscovered my love for great, non-mainstream performers. Been back in Magic City for a little over three years now and have been pleasantly surprised at the ability to see and hear good music in the area. Looking forward to spreading the word. I’ll be talking to you soon.

Random Music Post

I think after watching The Graduate I realized how amazing Simon & Garfunkel was. Then, it dawned on me that it was the whole 60's era that I randomly somehow relate to. Something about it, I can't pinpoint. Anyway, enough race-car ya-ya's, I finally made a fitting flower child mix. I suggest spending the 15 or so bucks and download you an iTunes mix.

1. The Sounds of Silence (probably one of my favs ever)- Simon & Garfunkel
2. California Dreamin' - The Mamas & Papas
3. Everybody's Talkin' - Harry Nilsson
4. House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
5. Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There is a Season) - The Byrds
6. American Pie - Don Mclean
7. Me and Bobby McGee - Janis Joplin
8. For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield
9. Mr. Bojangles - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
10.Sloop John B - Beach Boys
11.Tangled up in Blue - Bob Dylan
12.The Diamond Ring - Gary Lewis and the Playboys
13.Let's Get Together - The Youngbloods
14.Goin' Up the Country - Canned Heat
15.Blowin' in the Wind - Bob Dylan
16.Mrs. Robinson - Simon and Garfunkle
17.The Weight - The Band
18.Have You Ever Seen the Rain? - Creedence Clearwater Revival
19.Scarborough Fair/ Canticle - Simon and Garfunkel

Josh Rouse & Jason Collett - WorkPlay Theatre, Birmingham, AL

Last night, Workplay Theatre in Birmingham hosted Josh Rouse, with Jason Collett opening. If you have never seen at show at Workplay before, I highly recommend it. Like many other Tragic City venues (Bottletree, Zydeco, the Nick), it provides for a very (and in some cases, almost too) intimate viewing atmosphere, with its great sight lines and multiple booths/tables. We were able to sneak a table right next to the stage about 15 minutes into Collett’s act, as you can see from the pictures.

For anyone who is a fan of Broken Social Scene, seeing Toronto-based Jason Collett is a definite treat. He played the show solo acoustic and truly flexed his singer/songwriter muscle, as well as his dry, Canadian humor. Like so-many BSS albums (and their off-shoots), his lyrics are both contemplative and entertaining, and many times laced with just enough swear words to make you feel a little singe, but which quickly induces a smile or laughter. His performance fit the venue well, as he was very candid with the audience between tunes: recounting the inspiration behind a song about a first date and his “fashion purchase” of a black-velour pullover (which was promptly set on fire in the car by the remnants of a “super toke”) and sarcastically asking whether the crowd had gone to “audience school” (a comment on the almost tense silence between songs). Often during the show his music reminded me of Mason Jennings, and at times Jim James of MMJ.

Josh Rouse came on stage with full band, and immediately encouraged everyone to get up and dance. This was my second time seeing Rouse at Workplay—the last was 2 years ago while he was touring for the Nashville album. He put on a much better show and was more animated than before. Rouse has some southern ties, living in Nashville for a time before moving to Spain, so I think he enjoyed being back in the deep south, so much so as to inquire as to the availability of the neighboring lofts. He played a wide variety of songs from all of his albums—a few toe-tappers, a few “touchy feely” love songs. My favorites were “His Majesty Rides” and his solo acoustic version of “Winter in the Hamptons”. An incomplete set list:

Hollywood Bass Player
God, Please Let Me Go Back
Givin’ It Up
Middle School Frown
Come Back
????
Charlie Brown theme
His Majesty Rides
????
Snowy
Quiet Town
Isn’t She Lovely (Stevie Wonder instrumental)
Carolina
????
It Looks Like Love

***
Winter in the Hamptons (Josh only acoustic)
Love Vibration
Sad Eyes

My friends and I got a chance to meet both Collett and Rouse after the show where they were selling merch at the door. Both seemed like pleasant folks enjoying their taste of southern hospitality. Look forward to seeing them again when they return.

Upcoming shows at Workplay of interest:

10/12 – Avett Brothers (Theatre)
10/12 – Drive-By Truckers (Soundstage)
10/23 – Mat Kearney
10/29 – Explosions in the Sky
10/31 – Josh Ritter
11/4 – Mute Math/Eisley

The National playing "Mansion on the Hill"

The National covering Bruce Springsteen's "Mansion on the Hill" in New York.

Survey Says....

Results from Survey (as you may have already seen)20 Votes.
All The Wine 30%
Fake Empire 25%
Secret Meeting 10%
Other Song on cd other than Alligator or Boxer 10%
Mr. November 5%
Mistaken for Strangers 5%
Friend of Mine 5%
Other Song on Alligator 5%
Other Song on Boxer 5%
Abel 0%
Apartment Story 0%
Slow Show 0%

Very Surprising results. No votes for Abel? My vote was for Secret Meeting, probably because that is the song that got it all started for me. All the Wine is definitely in my top 3. I was still surprised that everybody else agrees though. Very Cool. Here are a few more to add to your collection.

Aparment Story (acoustic on WOXY 9/23/07)

All the Wine - live Black Session 11-17-2003

Also, much different version (on video)
Video of All the Wine

Secret Meeting- live on Jools Holland

Stereogum/REM; and Backyard Tire Fire

Yesterday, Stereogum posted a tribute to R.E.M. Automatic for the People where bands like Shout Out Louds and Blitzen Trapper each covered a song off of that album. Downloadable Mp3's available.

In other news, Oxford Music Snob found a live bootleg from Backyard Tire Fire offered by the band. Backyard Tire Fire Live at Double Door.

Arcade Fire gives a gift October 6th.

In case you missed this on P4k, I guess they were jealous that the other biggest band in the world was getting too much publicity

From P4k:

This Saturday, October 6, the Arcade Fire will wrap up their blockbuster tour with LCD Soundsystem at an extravaganza on New York City's Randall's Island that also features Les Savy Fav and Blonde Redhead. But that's not the only Arcade Fire goodness going down that day.

If you've visited NeonBible.com today, you might have noticed a link to www.beonlineb.com (clever, guys!), which as of right now, only sports the words "Arcade Fire presents..." and "October 6th."

So what's going on? Well, we know, but we can't tell you. Rest assured, it's pretty fucking cool. Definitely keep your browsers at the ready.

And hey, you were already spending this week in a state of heightened anticipation, so what's a little more excitement?

Arcade Fire dates:

New Releases Tomorrow

UPDATE: Sunset Rubdown is apparently switched to October 9th.

Not a bad day tomorrow for releases tomorrow.



Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover
Spencer Krug lead vocalist of Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown will be releasing Random Spirit Lover. As a big fan of Shut Up I Am Dreaming, Random Spirit Lover should be a solid release. P4k gave it a very favorable review.



Mobius Band - Heavens
Electro-poppers Mobius Band releases Heavens tomorrow. It is available now on iTunes. Back in 2005, MB released City vs. Country EP which I immediately was drawn to. Heavens is full of noises and laptop pop. For fans of Postal Service, Rogue Wave. STREAM WHOLE ALBUM



Bruce Springsteen - Magic
The Boss will surely please many with Magic. I listened to most of it today, and it sounds great. STREAM WHOLE ALBUM

New Radiohead album out in 10 days.

Radiohead recently announced they will be releasing a new album In Rainbows via their website on October 10. It appears they have chosen not to sign with a label. The "discbox" is about 80 bucks and includes vinyl and much more. However, the download is not a set price?

Latest Listens

My ears have been quite pleased with what I have heard lately. Here are a few:






The New Pornographers - Challengers


I was very surprised with how good this album was. I am not sure it has a bad song on it. Carl Newman shines on "My Right Versus Yours," and "Unguided." Also, Neko's songs are absolutely brilliant. I am not even a fan of her solo stuff, but her NP songs prove to be astounding. See "Go Places" and "Challengers" which is quite possibly my favorite song on the album. Just as those words exit my fingers, I proclaim that "Myriad Harbor" could also be the strongest. Dan Bejar (of Destroyer) basically can do no wrong...in my eye. To all the critics, what could you possibly want? Granted there is no specific song like "Bleeding Heart Show" that chorally sings "Hey-La's" that will make you get chill bumps, but the aforementioned tracks stand near Heart show's lonely pedestal. Grade A-.

Avett Brothers - Emotionalism (on emusic)

How much time you got? I can't say enough about the Avett Brothers. This album continues their amazing creativity of Four Thieves Gone. It is full of fun upbeat songs as well as pretty slow songs. Highlights include "The Weight of Lies," "Die, Die, Die" and "Will You Return." Packed with Banjos, Cellos, Guitars, and Harmonized singing, Emotionalism is a no brainer. BUY IT. Grade A

Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew - Spirit If... (on emusic)

This might as well be a Broken Social Scene album. Most of the Broken Social Scene albums have at least two or three throwaway tracks, whereas this album does not. Spirit If contains the bouncy melodies of BSS tunes as well as the slower tempo tunes. Kevin Drew's nonchalant vocals provide a relaxing yet uplifting feel that is certainly pleasing. Grade B+

NEW TO ME:




Josh Ritter - Animal Years (Released in 2006)

I finally caved in and got Josh Ritter's older cd Animal Years (on eMusic). I must say I am quite impressed. The man is a talented lyricist as well as vocalist. He reminds me of Ryan Adams Whiskeytown and Heartbreaker days before he turned terrible. It is one of those albums that hits you somewhere deep; I am not sure if it is from being from the South...Just something about this type of music. I am looking forward to purchasing his new cd The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter. Grade: B+




Drive By Truckers - Pizza Deliverance (released back in 1999). (on emusic).

I know, I know, the worst album title in possibly the history of America. However, one of my buddies recommended this album to me and sure enough, it is one of the finest DBT albums, Who Knew? The first track, "Bulldozers and Dirt", is one of the finest DBT songs in their collection. How I missed this album through the years, I don't know. The album even contains banjos and mandolins. Other highlights include "Box of Spiders," "Uncle Frank," "One of These Days," and "The Night GG Allin Came to Town." Grade B+

Roots Rock Update: Giant Bear

Another Bear band has arrived. Giant Bear, an alt-countryish band out of Memphis, released their self-titled cd back in June. Lead singer, at times, echo the raspy baritones of The Boss (Bruce Springsteen). "Nashville" recently appeared on Paste Music's Sampler for this month. Packed with cellos that sound like violins, electric guitars, acoustic guitars, slide guitar, mandolin, banjo, and accordians, GB certainly takes me back to the rootsy-ness of Uncle Tupelo and Whiskeytown. Jana Misener sings leads the vocals in a few tracks while accompanying harmony in most. (she sounds similar to Neko Case.) They even threw a NIN cover of "Head Like a Hole."
They are playing in Oxford this weekend. I have a wedding and cannot make it....
CD's can be bought via their website or iTunes or eMusic.
Strongest song on cd posted below:

Nashville - Stream

Sep 20 2007 Detroit, MI 9:00 pm Corktown Tavern
Sep 21 2007 Chicago, IL 3:00 pm WLUW 88.7 Live In-Studio
Sep 21 2007 Chicago, IL 10:00 pm Red Line Tap
Sep 22 2007 Milwaukee, WI 10:00 pm Lulu's Cafe
Sep 29 2007 Oxford, MS 9:00 pm Two Stick
Oct 5 2007 Memphis, Tennessee 8:00 pm Otherlands
Oct 12 2007 New Orleans, LA 10:00 pm Dragon's Den
Oct 13 2007 Lafayette, LA 10:00 pm Artmosphere
Oct 20 2007 Houston, TX 9:00 pm Last Concert Cafe
Oct 24 2007 McKinleyville, CA 9:00 pm Six Rivers Brewing Co.
Oct 25 2007 Eugene, OR 8:00 pm Sam Bond's Garage
Nov 1 2007 Denver, CO 9:00 pm Meadowlark
Nov 2 2007 Gunnison, CO 10:00 pm Gunnison Brewery
Nov 8 2007 Champaign, IL 9:00 pm Cowboy Monkey
Nov 9 2007 Chicago, IL 9:00 pm Uncommon Ground
Nov 10 2007 Milwaukee, WI 9:00 pm ArtBar
Nov 24 2007 Memphis, TN 10:00 pm P&H Cafe
Dec 7 2007 Fayetteville, AK 9:00 pm Boom Boom Room
Dec 8 2007 Little Rock, AK 10:00 pm White Water Tavern
Jan 25 2008 Shreveport, LA 10:00 pm Jackrabbit Lounge @ L'il Joe's
Feb 8 2008 Chicago, IL 10:00 pm Piece Brewery
Feb 9 2008 Des Moines, IA 9:00 pm Vaudeville Mews
Feb 21 2008 Knoxville, TN 9:00 pm Preservation Pub

New Release Tuesday, and Mark Your DVR's

New releases this week:

Iron and Wine - The Shepard's Dog

From the sound of Boy with a Coin (MP3) and the acclaimed reviews, Sam Beam likely put out another classic. While I have always enjoyed I&W, it is a little on the slow side for my taste (which usually means only special occasion listening). However, this album sounds like it has more bite to it (no pun intended). More instruments are used than the first two albums which should make my ear happier.



Other releases I'm not too interested in:
Jose Gonzalez - In Our Nature
Devendra Banhart - Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon
Matt Pond PA - Last Light

Also, in other news ACL has posted their music specials.

Austin City Limits:

10-06 Norah Jones
10-13 The Decemberists/Explosions in the Sky
10-20 Femi Kuti
10-27 Jimmy Reed Highway: Jimmie Vaughan and Friends
11-03 Wilco
11-10 Arcade Fire
11-17 Brad Paisley/Dierks Bentley
11-24 Van Morrison (Encore)
12-01 Gretchen Wilson/Miranda Lambert (Encore)
12-08 Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Encore)
12-15 John Mayer
12-22 Lucinda Williams/Old Crow Medicine Show
12-29 Bloc Party/Ghostland Observatory
01-05 Crowded House/Grupo Fantasma
01-12 Regina Spektor /Paolo Nutini
01-19 Roky Erickson/Kings of Leon
01-26 ACL PRESENTS: The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

Jason Isbell Live at Proud Larry's in Oxford

Jason Isbell put on a wonderful show at the newly remodeled Proud Larry's. Very impressed he changed up the setlist from Jackson, MS, which most bands fail to do these days. Highlights were Psycho Killer, Outfit (of course), Dress Blues, and American Girl. Outfit was electric this time, and Chicago Promenade was without a keyboard (because it would not fit on the stage). Overall good show.
Here are a couple of Mp3's for your enjoyment (although not from this show):
Jason Isbell - The Assassin (live)
Jason Isbell - American Girl














(when I got there)
Never Gonna Change
In a Razor Town
Chicago Promenade (sans Keyboard)
Danko/Manuel
Psycho Killer
Down in a Hole
Outfit
Try
____________
Dress Blues
The Assassin
American Girl

Okkervil River Live KEXP

I have been absolutely enjoying the new Okkervil River Stage Names. If for some reason you have not purchased this fine album. Here are some live great quality mp3's recorded at SXSW by KEXP on March 16, 2007.

01 - Intro
02 - The President's Dead
03 - The Latest Thoughts
04 - Our Life is not a Movie or Maybe
05 - Interview
06 - Westfall
07 - For Real
08 - Okkervil River Song

KEXP live

New Music Tuesday: on Wed.

New Music that came out Tuesday is as follows:


Broken Social Scene presents: Kevin Drew. Spirit If... Might as well be a new Broken Social Scene album. Great stuff. Pfk agrees, they gave it an 8.2. P.S. eMusic has it.




Rogue Wave - Asleep at Heaven's Gate

I truly enjoy Rogue Wave. I have not purchased yet, but I streamed it and it sounds very solid. Mp3 below:
Lake Michigan

Stream Both HERE

Local News: Rogue Wave coming down south:
11/08/07: The Earl: Atlanta, GA
11/09/07: Mercy Lounge: Nashville, TN
11/10/07: The Bottletree: Birmingham, AL

Jason Isbell Friday, September 14 in Jackson, MS

Absolutely sounded great. Crowd was pretty slim but into it nonetheless. Most of the songs on Sirens in the Ditch sounded better than the album. For instance, Grown does not have quite the cheesiness it does on the album, same with "Brand New Kind of Actress" and "Chicago Promenade." DBT tunes sounded perfect as always. I can't wait to see him again this weekend in Oxford. Forgot my camera of course. Very nice Cover of Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic"

Chicago Promenade
Never Gonna Change
Down in a Hole
GD Lonely Love
Psycho Killer (Talking Heads Cover)
Grown
The Magician
Outfit
Into the Mystic (Van Morrison Cover)
Dress Blues
In a Razor Town
Try (with I think a few lines from Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" or "Stop, Hey What's That Sound"
Danko/Manuel
Hurricane and Hand Grenades
-----
Brand New Kind of Actress
Decoration Day (this is when I had to leave so not sure if last song or not)

Arcade Fire (featuring David Bowie on vocals)

Arcade Fire with David Bowie singing and playing the twelve string on "Wake Up" live at Fashion Rocks. Grab the Mp3 over at iTunes. (it is for a good cause).

Wilco in Southaven.

Here is the setlist from the Wilco show in Southaven, MS I missed last night. Oh well.
I heard tt was raining the whole time, which I would not be too fired up about.
Played some old stuff though which makes me wish I would have seen. The two bathroom breaks would have been too close together though. (Shake It Off and Sky Blue Sky)

Shot In the Arm
Side With Seeds
You Are My Face
I Am Trying To Break Your Heart
Pot Kettle Black
War On War
Shake It Off
Handshake Drugs
Impossible Germany
Sky Blue Sky
Too Far Apart
Jesus Etc.
Hate It Here
Walken
I'm the Man Who Loves You
Hummingbird
On and On and On
-----------------
Heavy Metal Drummer
Red Eyed and Blue
I've Got You
California Stars
Box Full of Letters *(Jody played drums)
Late Greats
----------------
Via Chicago
Spiders (Kidsmoke)

*Jody Stephens from Big Star and Golden Smog