"Cannibals Week" From the Shelf: Summer Cannibals - Make You Better EP (2014)

Summer Cannibals
Make You Better EP
New Moss Records

With the powerful darkness of the opening track “Make You Better”, the Summer Cannibals’ have done it again. Ripe with raunchy guitars and a flesh pounding rhythmic beat their latest EP, Make You Better is, as I suspected, the first truly brilliant rock ‘n’ roll release of 2014.

Surrounded by the rich wail of breathless guitars and a groping rhythm that has all the needful aggression of teenagers in heat, the moody sensuality of Jessica Boudreaux’s vocals have all the power of a rock ‘n’ roll siren. A solid foursome, this band is just what’s needed to save rock music. Screw MTV and Rollingstone, we need the passion of “Sit Still” with its unbound desire and the pressing heat of it’s driving guitars rubbed raw against the thrusting beat an lusty bass groove. Jessica Boudreaux and Mark Swart might have started the Summer Cannibals but Lynnae Gryffin and Valerie Brogden have completed this band, cementing the bold sound with their flawless rhythmic frame work.

I have to admit, slipping the cassette copy of Make You Better into my Sony Sports Walkman, I haven’t been this excited since the great tape war of ’98.’ Short but sweet, this EP is a must have and a great way to start off a new year of music.

From the Shelf: Ghost & Goblin - SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND (2013)

Ghost & Goblin
SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND
Self-released

One truly unique album, SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND has the feel of a jazzy synth nightmare. With a sound that falls somewhere between a Bowie concept album and a Rocky Horror Picture Show for a new generation. New York’s Ghost & Goblins latest record is a moody masterpiece.

Filled with boldly interesting songs, this album's tracks range from the weighty concussivness of the mostly instrumental freak-out of “Fleshcraft/The Transfiguration” to the loungey madman’s rant of "Rust Golem". Ripe with atmosphere these 11 songs are dark little gems perfect for a stormy night or a dreary afternoon.

Easily my favorite underdog album of the year, SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND is a 2013 album that shouldn’t be missed. So check them out and order it on some sweet colored vinyl. 

From the Shelf: Ha Ha Tonka - Lessons (2013)

Ha Ha Tonka
Lessons
Bloodshot Records

The flowing rustic sound of Ha Ha Tonka’s latest album is distinct in its audio presence. Traversing between spaciously simple songs and thickly complex tunes, this album is a perfect example of the rich nature of mid-west soul-rock.

Speaking volumes of drummer Lennon Bone and bassist Luke Long’s symbiotic playing relationship is the chugging, danceable rhythm of this album. Making for a wonderfully stable foundation the beat and groove of this album is filled with playfully energetic tracks like “Staring at the End of our Lives,” that allow for the freedom of  creativity of the rest of the band to run wild . Even in the melodically sedate “Arabella” the power of the rhythm section is undeniable.

With an ebb and flow of a perfect album the boys of Ha Ha Tonka have succeeded in creating a sonic masterpiece. The lyrical landscapes the band present on this album are currently relevant and yet still have an understanding of the worn edged blue collared sensibility that rests at the heart of this nation of ours. From urban hipsters to the dusty highway nomads, Lessons has a broad range of appeal that makes it a wonderful addition to any music collection.

From the Shelf: Two Cow Garage - Death of the Self Preservation Society

Two Cow Garage
Death of the Self Preservation Society
 Last Chance Records

Loud and ruckus the latest album from Two Cow Garage is the same powerful rock perfection we’ve grown to expect from this Midwest Trio. Their sixth studio album and first on the Last Chance label these boys are continueing to create steller music. If their third album (III) was an uncertain reflection of life on the stage, Death of The Self Preservation Society is the no hold bars, finger to the world, biography of a punk rock group that’s sacrificed everything for their unconventional life. Brutally honest songs like, “Mantle in '56” showcases that Micah Schnabel has continued his development into a songwriter of the highest order. While Shane Sweeny has his own moments of lyrical genius. The primest example is the stumbling serenade of “Spiraling into Control,” which delivered in his booming gravel drawl, gives him the air of a country outlaw's bastard son.

Like a punk rock Born to Run this album is filled with astute songwriting and the unrelenting rock n roll that makes you glad that you’re alive. If you’re a fan, this album will make you think Christmas has come early. For those of you who haven’t found these boys from Columbus Ohio yet, this is a great album to get started with. Be careful though, because one taste and you’ll be hooked.

From the Shelf: Summer Cannibals - No Makeup (2013)

Summer Cannibals

No Makeup

New Moss Records

The dredge-fuzz rock of the Summer Cannibals debut album No Makeup has a bold thickness to it.  With heavy dream rhythms and precisely punctuated drum beats, the opening track “Sounds” foreshadows the lovely album to follow.

Ripe with the thickened guitar tones more equated with 70’s rock and 90’s grunge the Summer Cannibals have mastered a truly luscious sound on their first album.  The weighty atmosphere of these songs is the perfect home for Jessica Boudreax’s sultry vocals, while the caressing waves of instrumentation is nearly hypnotic in nature.  An instant classic, from yet another Portland band that makes supporting local music way too easy,The Summer Cannibals’ No Makeup foretells of budding greatness. With tracks like the rocking swagger of “Wives” and building drive of “Wear Me Out”this boldly wonderful album is a must have.  Even if you haven’t heard the band yet, pick it up. It will be love at first note.

Double Shot: Lana Del Rey - "Born To Die" (2012) & "Paradise"(2013)

Lana Del Rey

Born To Die / Paradise

Polydor / Interscope

Lusciously meticulous, Lana Del Rey's Born To Die is a hypnotic masterpiece. Ripe with silky vocals and a boldly symphonic instrumentation that seductively caresses the songs' raw subject matter like a high-class escort in a dive bar bathroom. Populated with songs that saunter with back ally magic and sexual energy that borders on crass. Del Rey has given a musical voice to the muses of Bukowski poems and David Lynch films. It's been years since an album has made me ache this bad.

Peppered with stylistic elements that range from vocal jazz to the slightest smatterings of hip hop rhythm this album is able to keep your attention with a sweet auditor diversity. Revealing a richly talented artist who has a wide range of weapons in her arsenal. Through darkly seductive tracks like "Blue Jeans" and "Born to Die" her hauntingly smoky sirens call is arresting.

Unfortunately the follow up album, Paradise, pales in comparison to it's predecessor. Still retaining some of the crowning elements of Born To Die including the haunting vocal lament found in the opening track "Ride".This CD is certainly a lesser product.  Lacking the ground breaking awe factor of her first album. With songs that seem like the BTD studio session leftovers that had potential yet didn’t quite make the final cut. Ultimately rushing  these tracks to market might have robbed them of their greatness.

Also missing from this album is the subtle raw sexual sophistication of its predecessor. Exchanging it for a cheaper crassness that’s only worth seemed to be shock, epitomized in the opening line of “Coke.”

Comparably Born To Die is clearly a more sound collection of material, but I would be remissed if I didn't point out that both albums are clearly the work of an amazing artist and are both worth a listen.
 

From the Shelf: Bleached - Ride Your Heart (2013)

Bleached
Ride Your Heart
Dead Oceans

The sun baked surf garage of Bleached’s album Ride Your Heart is filled with ruckus summer fun songs. The dream like vocals of Jennifer Calvin floats through these grunge lovely garage tunes like the refreshing breezes through car windows on a night drive. Paired with crunchy phase jangled guitars and tightly precise bare bones percussion these tunes are lighthearted masterpieces.
Energetically fun and danceably pervasive the album effortlessly combines the endless summer carefree nature of California surf with the DYI attitude of an East Coast garage band. Like early Go Go’s, this album might not start an intellectual or emotional revolution but sometimes you need an album that’s just fun, and this one has it in spades. Noteworthy tracks include the driving guitar energy of “Waiting By The Telephone” and "Searching Through The Past”.
Made for house parties or road trips to the coast Ride Your Heart is the perfect soundtrack for the summer of 2013.

From the Shelf: Walk Off The Earth - "R.E.V.O." (2013)

Walk Off the Earth
R.E.V.O.
Columbia Records

Short and sweet, R.E.V.O, the latest E.P. from Walk Off the Earth is a four song treasure. From the bold arena anthem of “Red Hands” to the refreshing island folk of “Summer Vibe” this short-play album is a joy to listen to all the way through.

Infected with a danceable beat that can’t be denied this collection is a celebration of life. Wonderfully arranged this band seems to have perfected the execution of its individual parts. With the strategic use of Sara Blackwell’s lovely voice paired with Ryan Marshall’s own rich gravel tones the lyrics are delivered with a wonderful contrast. While the instrumentally diverse choreography that propels these tracks swim with a wildly vivid strokes of sound. Known for their unique covers this E.P. is proof that their original material is just as interesting and creatively rewarding. With the eclectic heart of a Peter Gabriel album this musical tidbit will have you jonesing for a full length album, that with any luck, is looming in the not too distant future.

From the Shelf: Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit - "Live from Alabama" (2012)

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Live From Alabama
Lightening Rod Records

It starts in a milling confusion from the moment you enter the door. The people crowded around you are merely shadows with drinks in their hands. On the stage the guitars are lined up like soldiers at attention while the drum kits waits like a bouncer baring the exit. In a moment something changes. A wave of unspoken awareness takes hold of the crowd and all the shadows turn and move to the base of the stage. The club grows darker and the stage lights build to a blinding white. As your eyes struggle to adjust you notice the commotion from off stage as the band members begin to file out.

Your eyes closed, you can almost put yourself there listening to Live From Alabama the latest record by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unite.Complied from two Alabama shows played back in August this record captures the perfect concert experience.  As you would hope all the fan favorites are here from "Outfit" and "Decoration Day" from his Drive-By Trucker days to the award winning "Alabama Pines" from his latest album.  Touched by the sweetness of the live treatment, these classics are given new life, making you fall in love with them all over again. With extended guitar fills and the soulful horns that take them to a new level, this recording has captured a tightly woven band playing at the height of their skills.

As with his studio recordings, Live From Alabama makes it easy to focus on Isbell's amazing songwriter.The honesty of his lyrical poetry is potent with the uncomplicated struggle of the working class heroes of this great country of ours. Though unlike the studio recordings, this album is a potent reminder that first and for most in his soul of souls, Jason Isbell is a guitarist. A fact made clear on nearly every track.

From beginning to end this album is flawless and one of the best live records I've heard in years. If you've ever gotten the chance to see Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit live you certainly won't be disappointed.

From The Shelf: Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls (2012)

Alabama Shakes
Boys & Girls
ATO Records

Thank God for Brittany Howard and the Alabama Shakes. The soulful blues ache in her voice almost makes you want to cry. If you're like me and was raised on your parents Motown albums, then listening to their debut LP Boys & Girls is like a sweet memory you didn't even know you had. Occasionally affected by coffee shop impulse buying, this is the first album I've bought at a Starbucks that I didn't regret after three tracks. Filled with some of the most emotionally bold soul music to be played in over four decades this album is a must for anyone that loves Aretha Franklin, Carol King or Otis Redding.

From the aching groove of "Hold On" to the driving build of the closing  track this album is an audio time machine through the history of soul. There's the subtle rocking pew sway of the 50's in the title track "Boys & Girls."  "Rise to the Sun" on the other hand personifies the dancing shake of the heyday of 60's soul, while "I Found You" is the strutting gize and attitude rich flavor of Apollo nights of the politically charged 70's.

Stylistically and emotionally rich this album is amazing from start to finish. It has the three element that make all truly great soul music; Amazing instrumentation, a voice that can knock you to the grounds and faith. If the band can stay true to all three of these  facets then they are sure to be with us for a long while and will find the recognition that they truly deserve.   
 

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
.         
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: Patterson Hood - Heat Lightning Rumbles In The Distance (2012)

Patterson Hood
Heat Lightning Rumbles In The Distance
ATO Records

With an album title like a Charles Bukowski poem, Patterson Hood has produced his most emotionally honest record to date in Heat Lightning Rumbles In The Distance. Using his amazing storytelling skills to finally share his own story, this record holds some of the most personal songs we've ever heard from Hood.  Melding together, the songs on this album reveals the uneven journey to manhood.  Told through lyrics that  hold the same detailed mastery that we have grown to expect from Patterson Hood. Heat Lightning is ripe with potent characters and vividly emotional moods. Coming off like the passages of a great novel, this record leaves you with a deeper respect and simpathy for Hood as an artist as well as a human being.

As usual, the musical soundness of this album is unquestionable. In addition to some of the usual contributors like Mike Cooley, Brad Morgan and David Barde this album features appearances by other talented artists including Kelly Hogan and Patterson's father and well known Muscle Shoals session bassist David Hood.  Ranging from the sparse George Jones styled "untold pretties' to the short but driving energy of "Better Off Without" the emotional landscape of this album mimics the ups and downs of it's subject mater.

Patterson Hood has truly topped himself with this album. Once again joining the best of lyrics and music to create an unforgettable album that you'll want to place in heavy rotation.  

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.

From the Shelf : Morgan Grace - The Sound of Something Breaking (2005)

Morgan Grace
The Sound of Something Breaking
Lady Lush Records (2005)

This album is pure rock magic. Plugged in and turned up, the subtle rage boiling below the surface of Grace’s music has finally erupted,and man dose she sound pissed off. Bolstered by the aggressive growl of electric guitar and the backing of the rock solid rhythm section of Sam Henry's drums and Jeff Williams' bass, these songs force themselves upon you without diluting the ripe lyrical wit.

From the primal rock howl of “Just A Little Crush” to the jazzy sway of “The Story of Three Weeks,” The Sound of Something Breaking plays as a fully fleshed album that reveals Grace's wide stylistic range. It’s clear that she is evolving musically, growing new limbs of expression while strengthening her preexisting talents.Even her playful personality peaks its head in a Def Leopard style ode to 80's rock guitar on “Make Me Happy.” She seems to acknowledge and embraces this evolution, re-imagining “It’s Only You,” to reshape the song with a true reevaluation of its emotional worth.

Even without the attitude of a gain heavy guitar,Grace’s emotions read as raw and painfully honest as in the building ache of “Final Words,” marking Grace as an emotionally potent song writer of the first order. With this album Grace seems to have awakened to full musical consciousness. You can find it on CD Baby or iTunes so go over and pick up a copy.

The Boonevilles - Good Suites and Fightin' Boots

The Bonnevilles
Good Suites and Fightin' Boots
Motor Sounds Records

The greasy gutter blues of the Boonevilles drives bold and assertive like a ’69 GTO. With the whiskey-drenched souls of crossroad blues men and the bruised knuckles of guitar beating thugs, the thunderous pair of Andrew McGibbon Jr. and Chris McMullan brings to life songs that bleed motor oil and sweat gasoline.

Like the blues duos of legend these boys play their music like the Devil is breathing down their necks. The strut of McGibbon’s gain heavy guitar has a diverse range of personalities. In the tune “Asylum Seekers of Love” the guitar has a wild nature that’s as aggressive and unpredictable as a barroom brawl. While the six-string persona of “No Government, No Country, No King” is meticulous and haunting as a murder’s footstep on your grave. Complementing the raw guitar work is McMullan’s beats, delivered with the lean exactness of a street fighter and the stopping force of a .45 caliber. Topped with the dirty wail of McGibbon’s vocals, the music of The Boonevilles’ is one smoky juke joint away from rocking blues heaven.

The album “Good Suites and Fightin’ Boots” is revved up and humping to eat up the white line and asphalt of any road you that you put in front of it. With a full tak of the sexiest garage blues I’ve heard in a long time, this CD is meant for dirty fighting, hard drinking, fast driving and a few other things that raise a good sweat.

The Ettes - Do You Want Power.

The Ettes

Do You Want Power

Take Root Records

The Ettes latest album captures a band that has matured and found a rock solid confidence in their personal identity. They are a band sure enough of themselves, to take bold musical chances, thus demonstrating greater range and diversity then previous albums. Do You Want Power is a case for evolution strong enough to give Darwin wood.

No fear though, tracks like “Red In Tooth and Claw” and “It Can’t Be True” still hold the fuzztastic rambunctiousness, synonymous with this gypsy trio. Grabbing hold of you like a mugger in the night there is a new darkness to these songs driven by the lovely distortion of Coco’s guitar. While the groove of Jem’s bass and Poni’s dervish drum attack fuels a forceful stampede of sound with the weight and power of a drunken rhino. Long time fans will find more than enough of the bands familiar energy to make them happy and might be surprised by the artistic stretches the band has taken. Stretches as subtle as the dark side static blues of “Walk Out That Door” or bold as the unlikely country twang of “While Your Girl’s Away.”

A wonderful album Do You Want Power hints at a growing greatness and has secured The Ettes among one of my new favorites bands. I look forward to seeing them grow stronger and bolder in the years to come.