The British Columbians

Ironically they actually are from British Columbia. So their name may lack a little originality. That is ok because it appears they put all of their originality and creativity into their music. The Blues have influenced Rock & Roll since, well actually forever. However, thanks to bands like White Stripes, Black Keys and Black Mountain among others the blues are invading Indie Rock again. You can add The British Columbians to the list. Their self-titled debut album on Rural Records is garnering some attention but it deserves much more. The album was mixed in B.C. at The Hive by Colin Stewart (Black Mountain, Destroyer, and Ladyhawke). Not unlike Black Mountain the album has a Psychedelic Blues sound but it is also influenced by Classic Rock and Roll. Consequently, the band doesn't let the solos and improv over-shadow the core song like a lot of Psychedelic influenced bands. Instead The British Columbians employ Rock and Blues influences that let the songs be the focus.

This is not to say that they can't jam. They certainly aren't afraid to let it rip at times. The British Columbians are Girard Knox - guitar and vocals; Dave Moran - drums and vocals; Christopher Ellis - electric & upright bass; Owen Connell - keyboards, guitar and pedal steel. The use of the upright bass and pedal steel give the album an ancient sound at times while sounding fully modern. At times it reminiscent of Sixteen Horsepower and David Eugene Edwards. Some songs like "Bye Bye Marie" sound eerily rural while others like "Gasoline Handshake" are more electric with a clear Led Zeppelin influence. The latter song is the linchpin of the project. It has a driving bass line that gets you in a groove just in time to deliver a gut punch of an improvisational guitar solo, which flows right into a Psychedelic jam with a wailing trumpet scream. Right now the band is touring primarily in their native B.C. and Alberta. However, based on what this debut shows, Canadians won't be able to keep them to themselves much longer.

MySpace

This review also appears on Twangville

Wild Sweet Orange Exclusive Video on Spinner

I love to see bands from Alabama go national. So it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Wild Sweet Orange. I first heard them through Reg's Coffeehouse. They are an Indie Rock band with a Rootsy undertone. They recently filmed their EPK for the forthcoming album "We Have Cause to be Uneasy." They will also be starting a national tour to promote the album. The video introduces you to the band and to their town and mine, Birmingham. Check it out on Spinner:

Wild Sweet Orange, 'Have Cause To Be Uneasy' video premiere on Spinner

North By Northwest

Recently I have run across some music by a few artists from the Northwest and Canada. Canadian artists are often ignored in this country, but there is a healthy music scene in Canada. Canada's music roster includes a wide ranging group of songwriters, from the obscure country of Corb Lund to musical Icons like Bruce Cockburn and Hank Snow. Bands hailing from Canada include legends Rush and The Guess who as well as current progressive groups like Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene. So I would like to take a few moments to introduce you to a couple of lesser known Canadian artists as well as one artist from the Seattle area, which is close enough I guess.

The Deep Dark Woods - Hailing from Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, they have just released their sophomore album Hang Me Oh Hang Me on Black Hen Music. According to the band they drew their inspiration from the long, depressing Saskatchewan winters. However, this is far from a depressing album. The songwriting is diverse and covers many genres. The music features rich vocal harmonies and the melodies draw you hypnotically into each song.

Check out the Title Cut

Jim Armstrong - Toronto based singer - Songwriter Jim Armstrong makes his debut with Mudtown He is an accomplished producer who has worked with number of independent Canadian artists. Although the comparison may not be fair, He is clearly influenced by John Hiatt. After working all of these years with other artists he is finally releasing a solo album of his own. In fact to call it a solo album is an understatement since Armstrong wrote or Co-wrote all of the songs, produced the album and played most of the instruments himself. The result of this tightly controlled process is an infectious hook laden Americana album.

Visit Jim Armstrong's MySpace Page

David Bavas - Originally from the Appalachian foothills, David Bavas now lives in Seattle. His style is unique, although his Appalachian upbringing definitely influences his music. However, his sound owes as much to Indie Rock as it does Roots Music. His newest album Songs of Love, Death and Trains was released on October 2nd by Proud Mountain Records. The album was mixed by Kevin Suggs (The Shins, Minus 5, Cat Power). Among his original tunes is an excellent cover of the Townes Van Zandt song "No Lonesome Tune."

Listen to All the Trains

Highlights of Upcoming Releases

Sept. 11th :

Joe Henry - Civilians

Supposedly more stripped down than his previous efforts this album I am hearing is an instant classic. Scott Register of Reg's Coffeehouse and the Coalitoin of Indepndent Music Stores says it is incredible and played great song off of it this morning on his show.

http://www.joehenrylovesyoumadly.com/listen.php

Oakley Hall - I Will Follow You

One of my favorite releases back in early 2006 was their album Second Guessing. This is their debut on Merge Records. It was produced by Peter Katis (The National, Interpol). Stream it on the Merge records site.

http://www.mergerecords.com/index.php

Sept. 18th
Mary Gauthier - Between Daylight and Dark

Gauthier just keeps getting better I am sure this one will not disappoint.

Jim Lauderdale - Bluegrass Diaries

Supposedly Lauderdale is going to release 3 albums in the next year. This is the first of the three. It was debuted on XM14 Bluegrass Junction to rave reviews. 2008 already looks like a good year.

Stream blue Mule Below:

http://www.yeproc.com/upload/media/view_media.php?id=499

Under the Radar: Giant Bear

Giant Bear just released there self-titled album on August 14th and it will rank up there with Elliot Randall as one my surprise favorites of the year. They are an Americana outfit with Indie Rock sensibilities. Based in Memphis the Commercial Appeal says they are "somewhere between cowboy noir and the best band to ever play on a front porch." The Source Weekly in Eugene, OR calls it "Orchestral Funk-a-Billy." I call it awesome. These guys could follow Lucero's rise from Memphis to the Alt.Country circuit.

The album starts out with the line "There are no honky tonks left in Nashville" musing about the current state of Music City from the perspective of a guy who "Wants to drink the old time way." The album also has the coolest cover since The Gourds did "Gin 'n Juice." They do a quirky Americana version of "Head Like a Hole" by Nine Inch Nails. Some of the songs are dark like "Devil in the Wall" - "There was blood on your wrist and a Bible on your reading list. I tried to fix you with my towel. You clenched your fist and woke me with a growl." Mostly though, the album is an upbeat good time. Also, Luther Dickinson from North Mississippi All-Stars contributes slide guitar on the album to give it the local Memphis "Street Cred."

The album is streaming for free on: http://redwaxmusic.net/ check it out for sure!

This review also appears on: http://twangville.com

Under The Radar: 8/7/07

Here are a few artists I have come across lately that I think have potential to be much bigger in the future:

The first is Intensive Care an Indie Rock band out of Montreal. They have the atmospherics not uncommon to other Indie bands; but these guys also understand the importance of a good Rock hook as well. Their self released EP is available through iTunes and CDBaby. Check out the MP3s below:
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/5/29/1124526/2-Break_Me_Up_Machine.mp3%20http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/5/29/1124526/3-dls.mp3
Here is a Youtube video


Next is The Mountain Pearls. Their sel-released debut is very lo-fi rough edged Roots Music that sounds like a hillbilly version of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This is toe tappin' front porch music.

Check them out on EMUGGA:
VISIT
The Mountain Pearls



Also, The Steep Canyon Rangers winner of the IBMA energing artist award for 2006 are coming out with their new record Lovin' Pretty Women on Rebel Records August 14th. If you like traditional Bluegrass you don't want to miss this one. Below is a video biography of the band:

Josh Rouse - Country Mouse, City House

The new Josh Rouse album Country Mouse, City House is more city than country and it is also great. What else do you expect from Rouse. This album is very Jazz influenced in the vein of his Under the Cold Blue Stars release. "Sweetie" and "Hollywood Bass Player" will be the fan favorites but the coolest song on the Album is "Pilgrim" which I swear had to be produced from the grave by Miles Davis.

See the video for "Hollywood Bass Player" and a live acoustic version of "Sweetie." Also there is an interview done on the DL on AOL Music.

Justin Trawick: Live 9:30 Club DC

My friend Tom, who runs AWT's favorite blog Twangville, which I write for under the name "CrackerSoul," turned me on to Justin Trawick. Tom and I went to see him at the 9:30 Club friday night, June 29th. It was a great show. The 9:30 Club is also a great venue. Trawick is a real up and comer who has already developed a loyal following in the DC area. Here is a link to the Twangville review and a link to video Tom shot during the show:

http://twangville.com/580/justin-trawick-rocks-the-930-club/

Settin' the Woods on Fire: This Week's Charts

This is a weekly feature in which I post on AWT the top albums and debuts in the airplay charts from Americana Music Assoc., XM Cross Country and FMQB Non-Commercial Adult Alternative chart. Links to all of these charts are found to the right in the AWT favorite links list.

Americana Music Association - Airplay Week of June 25th
1) Jimmy Lafave - Cimmaron Manifesto
2) Gurf Morlix - Diamonds to Dust
3) Marty Stuart - Anthology of Duets
4) Son Volt - The Search
5) Adrienne Young - Room to Grow
6) Amy Lavere - Anchors and Anvils
7) Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
8) Ryan Adams - "Easy Tiger"
9) Elizabeth Cook - "Balls"
10) Kelly Willis - "Translated from Love"
Debuts
36) Pam Tillis - Rhinestoned
37) Marc Olson - Salvation Blues


XM Ch.12 Cross Country - Cross Checking week of June 25th
1) Todd Snider - Peace, Love and Anarchy
2) Elizabeth Cook - Balls
3) Renegade Rail - Ragged
4) Dale Watson - From The Cradle To The Grave
5) Olav Larsen/Alabama Rodeo Stars - Love’s Come to Town
6) Jimmy Lafave - Cimmaron Manifesto
7) Kendel Carson - Rear View Mirror Tears
8) Wrinkle Neck Mules - Wicks Have Met
9) Avett Brothers - Emotionalism
10) Gurf Morlix - Diamond to Dust
Debuts
49) Jeff Finlin - Angel in Disguise
50) Blackie and the Rodeo Kings - Let's Frolic


FMQB AAA Non-Commercial - Airplay Week of June 25th
1) WILCO - Sky Blue Sky
2) PAUL MCCARTNEY - Memory Almost Full
3) FEIST - The Reminder
4) R.THOMPSON - Sweet Warrior
5) RYAN ADAMS - Easy Tiger
6) SUZANNE VEGA - Beauty and Crime
7) TORI AMOS - American Doll Posse
8) SPOON - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
9) GRACE POTTER - This is Somewhere
10) BRIGHT EYES - Casadaga
Debuts
14) WHITE STRIPES - Icky Thump
26) STEVE FORBERT - Strange Names and New Sensations
29) MARC BROUSSARD - SOS: Save Our Souls

Best of 2007

This is My updated Best of 2007. Wilco is still #1 The artists with the highest debuts are White Stripes and Wrinkle Neck Mules at 3 and 4 respectively. The Hackensaw Boys and JohnDoe also debuted in the top 10. While Paul McCartney and Sarah Borges entered just outside the top 10. This list does not inlcude any albums released on June 26th. So Ryan Adams and Kelly Willis will have to wait until next month. Also, as usual, I did some rearranging based on further reflection. Enjoy the list and feel free to tell me how you agree or disagree. Also, make no hesitation to trash me or my intelligence in any way you see fit. I'm used to it.

1) Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
2) Patty Griffin - "Children Running Through"
3) White Stripes - "Icky Thump"
4) Wrinkle Neck Mules - "Wicks Have Met"
5) Assembly of Dust - "Recollection"
6) Hackensaw Boys - "Look Out"
7) The Broken West - "I Can't Go on I'll Go on"
8) )The Shins - "Wincing the Night Away"
9) Son Volt - "The Search"
10) John Doe - "A year in the Wilderness"
11) Paul McCartney - " Memory Almost Full"
12) Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles - "Diamonds in the Dark"
13) Willy Mason - "If the Ocean Gets Rough"
14) Dale Watson - "From the Cradle to the Grave"
15) Modest Mouse - "We Were Dead Before he Ship Ever Sank"
16) Feist - "The Reminder"
17) Charlie Louvin - "Charlie Louvin"
18) Infamous Stringdusters - "Fork in the Road"
19) Nathan - "Key Principles"
20) Olav Larsen and the Alabama Rodeo Stars - "Loves' Com to Town"
21) Adam Hood - "Different Groove"
22) Elizabeth Cook - "Balls"
23) Rocky Votolato - "The Brag and Cuss"
24) The Basement - "Illicit Hugs and Playground Thugs"
25) The Greencards - "Viridian"
26) Pela - "Anytown Graffiti"
27) Joe Ely - "Happy Song from Rattlesnake Gulch"
28) Cadillac Sky - "Blind Man Walking"
29) Martin Sexton - "Seeds"
30) Two Cow Garage - "Three"
31) Hoots & Hellmouth- "Hoots & Hellmouth
32) Norah Jones - "Not Too Late"
33) Bill Kirchen - "Hammer of the Honky Tonk Gods"
34) Adrienne Young - "Room to Gow"
35) The Dexateens - "Hardwire Healing"

Through The Sparks

There is a lot of buzz around the local Birmingham indie band Through The Sparks. Paste magazine put them on their most recent sampler and has featured the band online. Pitchfork gave them a good review also. I am certainly going to buy it. My initial streaming on the band’s website found it to be extremely well crafted. I'vs also seen their name crop up on several blogs.

Stream the album on the band's website.
http://throughthesparks.com/

Download it on emusic
http://www.emusic.com/album/Through-The-Sparks-Lazarus-Beach-MP3-Download/11032812.html

Or think Indie and get it at your local record store: http://www.cimsmusic.com/

Rocky Votolato - "The Brag & Cuss"

Rocky Votolato has come full circle. Prior to going solo he was in a post-punk/emo band called Waxwing. On his new album Brag & Cuss, set to be released on June 19th by Barsuk, the influences of his Texas childhood are more apparent. Votolato was born in and spent his early childhood in rural Texas. His father was a member of a motorcycle gang called the Scorpions, who at the time were rivals of Hell’s Angels. The songs on Brag and Cuss involve characters that could just as easily appear in the songs of fellow Texans like Guy Clark, Joe Ely or Robert Earl Keen. Lyrically the songs could also easily fit in a Texas roadhouse. Musically though instead of roadhouse rockers the songs on Brag and Cuss are well crafted low to mid-tempo songs that mix his Texas influences with a mature singer-songwriter style.

The connection Votolato feels to his own personal history show lyrically as in “Red Dragon Wishes” where the protagonist laments “There’s some demon way down South some kind of confederate ghost. It holds me close and shows me where to go until I’m sure I’m lost…but some mistakes can’t be undone it’ll never be like it was and wishing for it only makes it worse.” Votolato hooked up with a group of talented friends on this album. Brag and Cuss features James McAlister (Sufjan Stevens) on drums, Bill Herzog (Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter) on bass, Case Foubert (Pedro the Lion) on Electric Guitar and Rick Steff (Hank Williams Jr.) on Hammond B3 and keyboards. The result is a collection of songs that together make a unified body of work.

http://barsukmusic.blaireau.net/RockyVotolato_PostcardFromKentucky.mp3

I originally published this review on: http://twangville.com/

Pela Releases First Full Length Album

Encroaching on the territory already occupied this year by The Shins and Modest Mouse is the debut full length release by Brooklyn based band Pela, Anytown Graffiti. However, they are not making the territory crowded. In fact, they are definitely expanding the neighborhood, and it seems they have moved in to stay.

It is certainly nice to see an Indie Rock band that doesn’t feel the need for constant shoe gazing melancholy when shining a light on the human condition. The anthems on Anytown Graffiti rock with a dramatic flare comparable to the Decemberists (although Pela is less literary). Fronted by the earnest vocals of Billy McCarthy, the sound of Pela catches on and won’t let go. Paste Magazine compares their dramatics and style to U2, which is an unfair burden to put on them and not unlike comparing a young quarterback to John Elway. I don’t want to over-hype this band, especially since the future of any band is always hard to predict. However, these young guys are doing it the right way.

Listen to songs like “Lost to the Lonesome,” “Drop Me Off” and “Your Desert's Not a Desert at All” to make up your own mind.