"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: 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.

From the Shelf: Birds of Chicago: Birds of Chicago (2013)

Birds of Chicago
Birds of Chicago
Self Released

The soulful urban-folk of Birds of Chicago's self-titled debut album is as energetic and vibrant as spring.  Lively and danceable, the music of J.T. Nero and Allison Russel is honest and optimistic in a heartfelt manner. Mixing a richly natural feel with a street wise sensibility this album is filled with highly approachable songs.
Built from Nero's urban white-man's blues and finished with Russel's soulful crooning these songs will wash over you like a warm spring breeze. Its sound musical landscapes weaved from organically paired instrumentation giving this duo a comforting aura that's a joy to listen to.  From the playful "Trampoline" to the reflective wail of "The Wide Sea" this record is filled with one wonderful song after another. A personal favorite is the soulful folk of "The Moonglow / Tapeworm" with its laid back tempo and lyrical play. Even the French of "San Souci" seems at perfect harmony amongst the rest of the songs on the album.
Like a sweet dream, this record has been forming in the ether for sometime now, as the occasional collaborations between these two artists developed into something more permanent. With fruit like this we can only hope that this musical marriage has a long and bountiful future ahead of it.     

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: 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: 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.