Living Room Performance: The Banditos - "Golden Grease"

The Banditos - "Golden Grease"
The Audiovore's Spectra Sonic Sound Sessions
Sound & Page
Birmingham, Alabama



Former Birmingham natives The Banditos now spend their nights raising hell in Nashville with their powerfully dark-tinged southern country soul. Like a spring storm, don't be fooled by the timid nature of this ragtag band, their is force and fury behind these musicians. The voice of Mary Beth Richardson alone could lay waste to a number of small towns and has the same distinct elements as the likes of Janis Joplin.
May will see the release of their self-titled debut album on the Chicago based Bloodshot Records label. Sure to be a must have, head on over a per-order a copy for yourself.

From the Shelf: Cory Branan - Mutt (2012)

Cory Branan
Mutt
Bloodshot Records

Somewhere between the highway spirit of Bruce Springsteen and the drunken melancholy of Tom Waites the latest album by Cory Branan is rich with his tell-tail honesty and blatant creativity. It's been five years since his last album  and the time has left it's mark. Delivered in his raw smokey voice, these songs remind you why it's worth the wait. With moments of experimentation, Branan's 3rd full-length LP finds him expanding his instrumental canvas, revealing a broader array of musical influences.  Mutt showcases an evolved singer who has emerged from the chrysalis of a guitar wielding troubadour into a complex musical architect.
   
Lyrically, their is nothing subtle about these songs. From the opening "Croner" Branan peels back the ragged facade of life to reveal the tragic and wonderful. Thankfully though, not without the tongue-in-cheek wittiness he's known for. This album, like his others, is filled with some of the most ingenious lyricism and blatantly emotional honesty currently set to music. Effectively reaffirming his place as a king among songwriters, Mutt is another jewel to place securly in his crown.

Musically this album ranges from the tender country serenade of "Darken My Door" to the rocking power house of "Survivor Blues" while hitting all the tempos in-between. Some unique highlights include the Waits inspired gypsy jazz of "Snowman" and the contrasting translations of "Survivor Blues" that exist so independently of each other that it lacks the repetitiveness that you would usually expect. In all this album is a wonderfully fun ride on an auditory roller-coaster of tempo and instrumentation
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Being a fan of Cory Branan is like being in a long distance relationship, you learn to appreciate the quality of his material verses the quantity. I should know, I've been writing about music for ten years and Branan's The Hell You Say was one of the first albums that I reviewed.  Mutt certainly is the highest of quality.  Hopefully it won't have to hold us over for another 5 years, but I'm sure that, if need be, it most definitely will. 

From The Shelf: JC Brooks And The Uptown Sound - Want More (2011)

JC Brooks and The Uptown Sound
Want More
Bloodshot Records

I haven't listened to a soul album this good since lying on my parent's living room floor, one of my father's Motown records spinning on the turntable and the world illuminated only by the dim light of the stereo.  Somewhere between James Brown and Otis Redding the music of JC Brook and the Uptown Sound is a fresh take on a classic sound. With moments of aggressive blues power and sweet soulful tenderness Want More is filled with songs that blessedly capture the feel of all three decades that defined Soul's musical supremacy. With the tender 50's croon of "To Love Someone (That Don't Love You)", the danceable 60's blues strut of "Everything Will Be Fine" and a groovy 70's funk in " Bad News" this album has all the bases covered. There's even a little gospel thrown in there, which has to make Momma Brooks proud.            

Having successfully captured a powerfully raw live sound this album is filled with amazing instrumentation and tremendously awesome vocals. Without a single bad track in the bunch you're going to find yourself listing to this album over and over. If it doesn't make you dance, please see someone because there might be something seriously wrong with you. Trust me when I say this: You Need This Album. So whether you pick up a CD or digital copy or get it on sweet sweet vinyl, don't let another day go by without it.

10 Questions: Mark Ortmann of The Bottle Rockets

1) Your newest album, Not So Loud was recorded at the Lucas School House in St. Louis. What in particular about this venue and show made you decide to record your acoustic album there?

MO: The Lucas School House was an intimate listening room with good acoustics and sound system, making it well-suited for the audience and performers.

2) On the new album you re-imagined and re-tooled 13 songs from your extensive catalog. What process did you take in choosing the songs you would use for the album?

MO: We chose the best performances with the best recording quality and technical aspects. However, with over four hours of music recorded over two nights, we were selective in choosing only enough for a single disc.

3) What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of an acoustic show verses an electric? Is it a misnomer that you need less equipment for an acoustic show?

MO: The quieter volume of an acoustic performance can allow songs to be heard easier. An acoustic show seems to require about as much equipment as an electric show, but the gear is much lighter to carry. I guess it's easier on our ears and our backs.

4) In converting from electric performance to an acoustic one how did the drum parts evolve?

MO: I stripped down the drum set to just a bass drum, snare drum and hi-hat, and modified the drum parts to fit within that confinement. Playing with those restrictions forced me to approach the drum parts from a different creative space.

5) Rock and Jazz are know for their drummers, from the antics of Tommy Lee to the skill of Gene Krupa. Who do you gain influence from and are their specifically any Country music drummers among the list.

MO: Some of my favorite old-school drummers are John Bonham, Joe Morello, Clyde Stubblefield, Ringo Star, and Art Blakey. I do admire the talents of many of the Nashville session drummers, but none have necessarily influenced my style.

6) In past interviews you’ve sites influences like Jim Chrochy and David Gates. What are the names of current or newer bands/musicians that have had an effect upon the music of the band? With changes in the line up over the years, did that infuse new influences?

MO: I can't think of newer acts that have influenced the band, but yes, new band members do bring different influences to the band. Not all band members share the same exact tastes in music, so each brings their unique talents when they join.

7) The Bottle Rockets have been around for almost 2 decades, in that time what has been the most significant changes to the music industry? What have you done as a band to survive these changes?

MO: The biggest change has been the decline or necessity of record labels because of the Internet. Anybody can post or share free music in the spirit of do-it-yourself. We are slow at keeping up with the newest web technologies.

8) Over the years you’ve been connected with several record labels with both positive and negative results. To date you’ve released the most albums with the Chicago based Bloodshot label. What is it about this label that’s made the difference?

MO: Bloodshot (Records) does what they say and doesn't promise what they can't.

9) Your 2002 album Song of Sahm, a tribute to Doug Sahm that demonstrated your love of his music and the respect of his craft. Name 3 other songwriters that you feel are long over due for a tribute album.

MO: I haven't thought about it, but there is such a glut of tribute albums at this point, is there anybody who hasn't had one made yet?

10) What is the name of 5 bands you love but few people have heard of?

MO: I'm embarrassed to admit I'm out of touch with that.