Another Monday
There’s somebody playing somewhere every night. That’s not the point here tough. If you’re looking for shelter from boredom, just leave the living room. If you take the time to read this ramble, I hope to give you a little more than a list of things to do to keep yourself awake.
Last week was an extraordinary week for music. There were plenty of great acts at quality venues. Choices had to be made. Not every week works out that way. This is one of them. I’ve got two shows this week and that’s it.
Thursday night brings us Wild Sweet Orange at the Earl. These boys hail from Birmingham (Alabama, that is) and bring exactly the kind of music you can most often find on my turntable. I’ll let you decide what to call it – I find the labels have become so microscopic that nobody plays rock n’ roll anymore. That being said, this band is reminiscent of a stalwart like Uncle Tupelo and one my newer favorites, Ha Ha Tonka. Which to be honest is Alt-Country or Americana or something…. The sound is straightforward, the lyrics introspective, and the angst – well, more genuine than say, Green Day – okay way more genuine. They are supporting their first full length, We Have Cause to be Uneasy, (there’s a positive message) but my favorite might be the more rollicking “Wrestle with God” from The Whale EP. (They like whales. One is one the cover of the new album too).
Friday will be for lookin’ and Saturday for the Silver Jews at Variety Playhouse. I’m working off of their 2005 effort, Tanglewood Numbers but their new record – Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea – is alleged to be more of the same (and the name works wonders on anybody who has made the drive up 75 into Tennessee). Less acoustic and stark musically than Wild Sweet Orange, but more direct in all other aspects. D.C. Berman is the lead songwriter and chief stylist for these blonde tribesmen. If the name didn’t tip you off, nothing is sacrosanct. The ultimate lyric might be “How can I love you if you don’t lie down?”
The Silver Jews began as a trio including a fellow named Stephen Malkmus, the creative force behind Pavement (you may have heard of them), Berman, and another UVa grad. They started out in the Big Apple a couple of years ago (or maybe a decade). Pavement is no longer with us but Malkmus recently covered “Ballad of a Thin Man” on the soundtrack to the Dylan biopic I’m Not There.
The Silver Jews move between their indie roots and a more modern incarnation that can sound a little like the orch rock of Band of Horses. They remind me much more of the Replacements than so many other bands that get seem to that comparison lately (see e.g., The Hold Steady). In either case this is an opportunity to support one of the stalwarts of the indie sound. I think I’ll start at the EAYC before taking in the show on Saturday night.
For those of you into long term planning mark your calendar for the Hold Steady and the Drive By Truckers (are the “the”s in their names capitalized?) at the Tabernacle November 1. And for those who choose music first, Band of Horses will be back in Atlanta for New Year’s Eve. Last year’s shows at the Earl sold out early. They’re trying to fill the Variety this time and probably will do it. Skip Ryan Seacrest this year and meet me there.
That’s all for this week. The blog is not ready for part time but it’s on the way. If you don’t like the e-mail tell me. If you do like the e-mail tell somebody else.
by Gunter Grass. All are welcome.
