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. 

The Triple Crown: 06/25-07/08

A little eclectic this Triple Crown should hold something for you.

Friday, June 29th
Sara Jackson Holman
Pt. Juncture WA / What Heart
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.:$8 /Day Of: $10
21 & Over

The simplistically seductive sound of Sara Jackson Holman is filled with sultry nuances that intertwine with her intimate piano in tenderly beautiful ways. Heralding from Bend Oregon you could swear that her brooding styled songs would be more at home in the rain soaked streets of Portland. Having found great acceptance, both locally and nationally, Holman has astutely rode the momentum since the release of her debut album When You Dream. We are honored to have her at our own Doug Fir Lounge celebrating the release of her latest album Cardiology. Joining her is the organically popish rock of Point Juncture, WA and Portland’s acoustically minded female quartet What Heart. Make sure that you catch this show before Holman gets any bigger.

Saturday, June 30th
Bad Habitat
One Movement/mighty misc/Buck Turtle/Eastern Sunz/Sammy Mack/BooSen /Soul Ill /Diction One
Ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash Street
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9:30PM
Door: $5
21 & Over

Filled with some of the best hi-hop Portland has to offer, this showcase at the Ash Street Saloon will be great on the ears and at $5, easy on the wallet. Adding to the night is the release of Bad Habitat newest album Scissor Tree. Their wonderfully refreshing sound has the energy of classic hip-hop without relinquishing any street cred. With powerfully tight verse delivered with point blank precision this local trio is gaining well deserved attention. In addition to a new album, Bad Habitat has opening slots for DMX and Nos this summer. Certainly the cream that is rising to the top, this show is an opportunity to catch an amazing group in an intimate setting before they get big. So whether you're a hip-hop connoisseur or just a fan of local music, this show is going to fill your needs.           

Tuesday, July 3rd
Cory Branan
Audra Mae
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.:$8 /Day Of: $10
21 & Over

As a Nashville troubadour Cory Branan has a certain magic with words. His witty songs are ripe with the mysticism of highway white lines and truck stop diners. Few and far between Branan’s northwest shows are like the unexpected visits of a deadbeat dad. You cherish them with all your soul, but in the end it just makes you desire the experience that much more. Pop-psychology aside, make sure you don’t miss this rare performance at the rustic Doug Fir Lounge. Touring in support of his newest album Mutt, this opportunity to catch one of the South’s great modern song writers is a must. Opening the show is the dynamic energy of Audra Mae who’s smoky voice and bold stage presence is sure to make Branan bring his A-game.
So what if it’s a Tuesday night, with a show this good you have to throw responsibility out the window and wear your weariness, the following day at work, like a badge of honor. Believe me your co-workers will envy you.