Kasey Anderson and The Honkies - Heart of a Dog

Kasey Anderson and The Honkies
Heart of a Dog
Red River Records

Kasey Anderson, better known for his soft spoken songwriting is getting a little loud and ruckus on his latest effort. Teamed with his band The Honkies that brings a rich full sound to Anderson's signature storyteller lyrics; Heart of a Dog is ripe with a meaty blues-guitar salvation and a rhythm section that has the swagger and precision of a shot of good bourbon.
From the Rollingstone's Blues of "Mercy" to the echos of electrified Dylon in the opening growl of "The Wrong Light" this CD presents one amazing song after another. Easily each track could stand alone but tied together they make an awesomely tight album that propels the listener on a wonderful musical journey. Comparable to Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run, their is a consistent narrative to this CD that tells a story the audience can't help but to become emotionally invested.
This album documents an evolution in the creative lifespan of Anderson's music. Taking his already powerful lyrical stories and supercharging them with the power and speed of a top notch rock outfit. In addition to Andrew McKeags boisterous guitar, the powerful drum beat of Julian MacDonough and the luscious groove of Sean Cornin's bass, this album is populated with a long list of additional musicians who lent their expertise to this recording. A perfect example is the use of David Lipkind's harp on the track "Kasey Andersons' Dream" that takes an already great song and makes it awesome. With talent like this just waiting in the wings, it's no wonder this album sounds so good; as though a group of long time friends and musical collaborators sat down in the studio one afternoon and played the hell out of these songs with the same effortlessness of smoking a cigarette.
You can tell a lot about an album by who you'd recommend it to and Heart of a Dog is a one I'd give my good friend Eric. We use to tend bar together at a little place called the Driftwood Room. He loved the Stones, the New York Time's Crossword puzzle and taught me as much about life as he did about being a great bartender. I cherish the memories of closing down the bar and talking late into early morning over St. Pauli Girl and cigarettes. He has a great taste in music and I know he would love this amazing album as much as I.

10 Questions: Kasey Anderson

1) What excites you the most about your new album Heart of a Dog?

KA: The fact that it sounds like a band, not a "singer-songwriter" backed by studio musicians. Making the record was a collaborative effort, and I think that comes across clearly. This is not to say that the previous records weren't also collaborative efforts - they were, very much so - but Heart of a Dog sounds like four guys in a room playing, because that's exactly how it got made.

2) What is the significance to the album title, if any?

KA: The album's title is taken from the title of a novella by Mikhail Bulgakov, which contains a passage I really love:

"By kindness. The only method possible in dealing with living creatures. By terror you cannot get anywhere with an animal, no matter what its stage of development. I’ve always asserted this, I assert it today, and I shall go on asserting it. They are wrong thinking that terror will help them."*

*That sums up my general worldview pretty well.

3) In Heart of a Dog I can hear the influences of electrified Bob Dylan and the blues of The Rolling stones. Do you have any musicians that inspire your work but with whom your music shares no resemblance?

KA: Plenty. Mos Def, Thelonious Monk, Slayer, The Runaways. There are too many to name.

4) The past three years you’ve been consistently productive, releasing an album a year. Do you foresee a continuation of this momentum or are you ready for a break?

KA: I think I'll probably slow that pace down a bit over the next few years so I can catch my breath.
On the other hand, given the way I lived for most of my young adulthood, I'm pretty fortunate to be alive. I'm also very lucky to have this job. I'd rather not take either of those things for granted.

5) Name 3 locations in the Portland Area that can be or have been the best inspiration for a song?

KA: I think the city of Portland is inspiring in general, in that than the weather keeps people inside for the majority of the year, which gave me an excuse to hole up and write for weeks at a time without feeling like a recluse.
Aside from Nowhere Nights, my records are largely works of fiction. There hasn't really been a lot of, "Here's a number about the ol' neighborhood," and I'm not sure there ever will be. I'm not typically compelled to write that way.

6) If it was just you and your guitar in what Portland venue would you enjoy playing the most?

KA: I love Mississippi Studios, Doug Fir, and the Aladdin Theater.

7) So what happens to the materials that do find their way into songs? Having a storyteller’s style to your song writing, dose it find its way into different formats like prose and poetry? Or is it the other way around?

KA: Plenty of influences work their way in, sure. But I think that's just the nature of writing; it's difficult not to have the things you take in influence the things you put out. Nobody's writing in a vacuum. The hope is that you're able to find your own voice and filter those influences through that, instead of letting them dictate your voice.

8) In your arsenal of instruments, do you have favorite Guitar? If so, what brand is it? Dose it have a name? What’s the story behind it?

KA: I've got a 1964 Gibson J-45 I play at home; it's never seen the stage. I just bought a Rickenbacker 330 that I like a lot. I don't name my guitars, no. I had another J-45 - one that was given to me by one of my closest friends - that I left at an ex-girlfriend's house while I was on tour and she sold it, so I try not to get too sentimental about instruments.

9) The summer touring season it coming upon us quickly and I see that you’re playing several festivals including Bumbershoot and the Slowroots Music Festival. What it is the music festival you’ve enjoyed playing the most and what festival would you like to play in but haven’t had the chance to yet?

KA: We had fun at SXSW this year, the most fun I've had out there, anyway. Festivals can be tough because there are so many moving parts. I know for people who attend, the festivals are supposed to be an orgy of music and debauchery but, for bands, that's not the case. We played nine times in three days at SXSW this year; it was exhausting.

10) Name 5 bands you love but who few people have heard of?

KA: There's a band from Bellingham, Washington called Federation X;

Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs from Seattle;

70 Proof, also from Seattle;

Then there's Radiohead and The Beatles. I think those last two bands are from Germany.

The Triple Crown: 06/14 - 06/27

This Triple Crown is filled with returning legends, rising stars, and enough good music to keep you sated for a while. With the summer weather taking its sweet time getting here to the Northwest, you don't have to feel guilty about staying in doors for a bit longer. So enjoy.

Wednesday, June 15th
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
Maria Taylor/Kasey Anderson
Doug Fir Lounge
830 East Burnside
Doors: 8PM/ Show:9PM
Adv.:$15/Day of:$16
21 & over

One of the great truths I learned by the dim light of the stereo is that there are few things in this world more honest and compelling than a Southern songwriter. Portland is blessed to have one of the newest and greatest of these velvet tongued gentleman grace our streets when Jason Isbell plays the Doug Fir this coming Wednesday. Have earned his chops as one of the stellar song writing team of the hard rocking Drive-By Truckers, Isbell has no problem holding his own when it comes to creating amazing songs. The last few years he's been perfecting his craft piloting his own band the 400 Unit. Known for a blue collar honesty that's at time raucous and other times bitterly heart breaking Isbell and his band have captures the power of Tennessee river at flood stage and the strength of mill workers hands.
Opening the night is the storytelling mastery of Portland's own hometown troubadour Kasey Anderson. With an amazing skill of narrative Kasey has earned himself soft spoken comaprisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. With company like that you can believe that he can hold his own. Joining them on stage is the satin-voiced Maria Taylor. Like Isbell, a fellow Alabama native, Taylor makes songs that range from yearningly soulful to playfully lighthearted. Her sultry vocals will bring a lovely feminine touch to the night. At 16 bucks this show is a steal, so gather a friend or two and make sure you order up some smooth Southern Bourbon to start your triple crown off right.

Tuesday, June 21st
The Civil Wars
James Vincent McMorrow
Aladdin Theater
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave
Doors: 7PM/ Show: 8PM
Adv.:$15 /Day Of:$15(Sold Out)
Minors Accompanied by Parent

Emotionally raw as the exposed nerves of broken teeth the music of the Civil Wars is brutally honest and mournfully heart breaking. Minimalistic in the extreme, the achingly beautiful songs this Nashville duo create with just the smokey voice of Joy Williams and the picking of John Paul White on guitar are awe inspiring. You need to catch this band now as their star is rising fast. The last time they were in town they played the Woods and now headlining the Aladdin theater; with this trajectory soon they'll be playing the bigger venues where the intimacy of their live show won't be as personal.
Opening the night is the folksy soul of Dublin Ireland's James Vincent McMorrow. Having come across the pond with his unique style of high mournful dirges and energetically danceable songs, McMorrow excites near mystical visions of the misty isles and the wonderful people who populate them. Perfectly matched, these two bands are sure to enhance each other and the over all experience of the show, the way the right glass of wine paired with a meal will make the experience of both more enjoyable.
This is a must see show. You'll hate yourself if you miss it. So do whatever it takes to get a ticket, remember you can live just fine on one kidney.


Wednesday, June 22nd
Meat Puppets
Bad Weather California/The Black Box Revelation
Doug Fir Lounge
830 East Burnside
Doors: 8PM/ Show:9PM
Adv.:$16/Day of:$18
21 & over

As godfathers of proto-punk and forefathers of grunge, there would be no Nirvana without the The Meat Puppets. Having been born of the raw, guttural fire of punk rock these mad genius of auditory experimentation have molded and warped the fabric of music for over a decade. Touring in support of their newest album Lollipop, a collection of wonderfully crafted tunes so unique in their style that they defy classification. Exotic is the music that has returned with the Meat Puppets to the stage and I can't wait to see it live.
The supporting acts are sure to turn this night into a gritty psychedelic free for all. The distorted gutter blues of The Black Box Revelation is the awkward love child of two-part broken blues and underground indie rock. Drenched in copious amounts of gain and fuzz-effect this band makes songs that make you want to groove in all sorts of dirty ways. While Bad Weather California is a trippy cornucopia of musical styles that seem to be part Bob Marley and part The Grateful Dead. Swirling all these elements together this band has created a tie-dye of sound that will make you want to grab a beer and listen to them for hours.
So make sure to catch this return of legends to the stage and the rest of these great shows. If you can't do it for your self, do it for the music.

Tuesday Double Feature: Kathryn Calder "Arrow" & Kasey Anderson "The Wrong Light"

I have always been a fan of animation, so this week's Double Feature showcase videos that use unique forms of this medium to frame some wonderful songs.

Don't forget the popcorn and enjoy.

Kathryn Calder - "Arrow"

The softer side of post-apocalyptic survival and Hope.




Kathryn Calder of New Pornographers fame will be playing with The Dimes and Himalayan Bear Tomorrow night May 18th at the Mission Theater.


Kasey Anderson & the Honkies - "The Wrong Light"

What is it that we miss as we, like the camera, moves through our lives?

"The Wrong Light" from Kasey Anderson on Vimeo.

Kasey Anderson and the Honkies will be headlining a show at Mississippi Studios tomorrow night. Check out The Triple Crown:05/17 - 05/30 for more details.

The Triple Crown: 05/17 - 05/30

This Triple Crown is filled with some fun shows, so get off your couch and enjoy yourself.


Wednesday, May 18th
Kasey Anderson & the Honkies
Gasoline Silver/Lincoln's Beard
Mississippi Studios
3939 N. Mississippi
Doors: 8:30PM/ Show: 9PM
Adv.: $5/Day Of: $7
21 & Over

The bluesy rock'n'roll of Kasey Anderson and the Honkies is a thick brew of raw guitars spread over a rhythm of industrial beats. With echos of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, Anderson revels himself as a blue collar troubadour of extraordinary caliber. Brimming with amazing stories that translate into vibrant living songs, his music is the confession of a man who carries the long miles in his shoes and the memory of loss in his chest. Live Anderson and his tightly astute band controls the stage like a crossroads preacher who's fighting for souls with his words of common mans' truth. This amazing showmanship is sure to captivate and overwhelm the audience in the quaint atmosphere of Mississippi Studios, so make sure you don't miss it.
Joining Kasey and his Honkies will be Gasoline Silver who's music is an oddly fascinating mix of Dylan and the Ramones, giving it the artsy feel of late 70's Manhattan. Finishing off the opening line up is the energetic folk of Vancouver's Lincoln's Beard who's sound lends heavily from the likes of The Band.
This a perfect show to celebrate hump day and start this Triple Crown, so breakout of your weekly rut in style. Add dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants in the area, and this will make the weekend that much sweeter once it arrives.


Friday, May 20th
Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers
Hillbilly Hellcats/Honey Wars
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Doors: 8PM/Show: 9PM
Adv.:$20/Day Of:$25
21 & Over

If you know about Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, then you already have your tickets. But, if you still haven't discovered this amazing band and their fun filled live show then you need to get your ass down to Dante's for this Friday night show. Known as much for their punchy liquor fueled rock'n'roll as their loyal family of fans. A Peacemaker concert has the feel of a great party. With music richly influenced with south of the border elements that have blown across the Rio Grande on dry Arizona desert winds. Clyne and his men are road worn rockers of near legendary status with enough desert hippie and hard drinking surfer in them to make their songs wildly fun and soulfully honest.
Sharing the stage will be the raucous rockabilly of the Hillbilly Hellcats whose swinging music is wonderfully energetic and infectiously danceable. Also on the bill is an opening set by the folksy country of Portland's own Honey Wars. This is sure to be one of the funnest shows to hit Portland this month so make sure you don't miss it.

Thursday, May 26th
Guitar Wolf
Cheap Time/The Flip Tops
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Doors: 8PM/Show: 9PM
Adv.: $13.50/ Day Of: $15
21 & Over

The sound of Guitar Wolf is the angry growl of motorcycles through the over crowded streets of Tokyo and the primal scream of a people who have clawed their way out of the ashes time and time again. Aggressively powerful and abusively fast these gods of Japanese rock play their music like a physical assault; vicious and unrelenting. Blending the personality of 60's Garage rock with the fury of punk, this band has a style all of it's own. Live they are a force of nature clad in leather and speed and if you're lucky enough to survive the show you'll wear your scars with pride, showing them to anyone you can.
Opening the show is the speed punk of Portland's The Flip Tops. Their gritty garage fuzz is a perfect compliment to Guitar Wolf and an amazing way to open up the show. Additional support comes in the form of the new wave psychedelic of Cheap Time.
A chance to see a band this good in a small venue like Dante's doesn't come around too often so make sure you don't miss it.