OBSESSION COLLECTION MUSIC

Langhorne Slim Bell House live review

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:26:00 +0000

Langhorne Slim worked up the formally hometown crowd @ Bell House in Brooklyn. They hung on every word, yelp, utterance and soulful vocal. The songs from Be Set Free sounded so fresh. The new band lineup spiced up songs with additional keyboard, banjo and saxophone. They set the house on fire with “Cinderella” and “For a Little While” and brushed us with a warm breeze with slower songs.

The ballads were amazing and it was so nice when Slim was alone on stage and the audience was with him all the way. This is not an intimate venue so it was striking that he was able to have a conversation between songs.

Slim expressed gratefulness to the audience who gave it right back in spades. It is not too often to see love and music working their magic. Langhorne Slim has a relationship with his audience and it’s a good one.

Flickr Set Bell House

Be Set Free, Langhorne Slim review

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:19:00 +0000

Langhore Slim's Be Set Free has broken the glass ceiling reaching beyond the novelty beloved by fans, to a wider audience. This is one side of Langhorne Slim. It is the studio side. Langhorne Slim is an incredibly raw live band. Be Set Free produced by Chris Funk (The Decemberists) changes it up adding variety with new instrumental treatments. I would call it Langhorne Slim smooth but not lite.

Slim's songwriting and vocals is so versatile that they cross a variety of genres. Be Set Free does just that combining soul, folk and symphonic rock with heart stopping vocals that reach for the rafters. The slew of instruments piano, organ, brass, strings of all sorts are played by a cast of talented contributors.

The songs are simple and basic like a conversation spiced with little truisms. It is Slim's vocal delivery that adds emphasis broadening interpretation. There are many great catchy melodies, raucous Honky Tonk as well as strong heart tugging ballads.

Starting with the upbeat opener “Back to the Wild” with its smooth strumming, flurry of strings and steady shuffle percussion. Followed by “Say Yes” an optimistic take on love and possibilities.

“Be Set Free” is a ballad of significance with jewel like slide guitar and expressive piano. The soft shaker is the heartbeat for “I Love You But Goodbye”, blending gorgeous cascading piano with Slim’s fervent vocals.

Starting as a mild tempo and escalating to a full soulful throttle of impassioned intonation “For a Little While” blends contrast of timing. It peaks when Malachi DeLorenzo's slow shuffle drumming evolves into a hardcore exuberance mixed with the exhilarating mayhem of mashed up ingredients. “Cinderella” flirts with the listener, offering a soulful wink with help of Honky Tonk swing and an enthusiastic boy chorus.

The sumptuous "Leaving My Love" uses symphonic swells interspersed with lovely vocal dialogue between Slim and Erica Wennerstrom (Heartless Bastards) The chorus of / I can't believe it / I'm leaving my love / intensifies like romantic longings.

In the tradition of country confessionals "So Glad I'm Coming Home" offers sincerity about going home in a sobered state and hoping to be welcomed back.

The album closes with "Boots Boy" an upbeat love affirmation, / I don't want just anybody / I want you / nobody but you /.

Be Set Free is sweet and sultry and naturally uplifts the spirit, A high worth getting.

Little Teeth Make Folk an Art Form

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:58:00 +0000

This is a shout out to the band Little Teeth from San Francisco. They have embarked on a huge ambitious tour through the US and are planning a European tour as well. Their debut album Child Bearing Man was released September of 08 on Absolutely Kosher Records.

I was going to see them again at Death by Audio tomorrow but they cancelled due to illness.
I saw them for the first time at CMJ at Zebulon. I unfortunately created a poorly titled post CMJ Day Three, so I'm hoping for a little more exposure via search with this re-post of the review and Video entry.

Feel Better Little Teeth

To say I was delighted to see Little Teeth is an understatement. The twosome of Sofia Bell and Dannie Murrie recently added Sean Real to their inner circle. Their very original music is Folk as an art form played with a conviction of sensibility and spirit. Their all out abandon of song structure focused on experimentation, strange but beguiling harmonies and escalating emphasis of vocals, drumming, cello or banjo.

I was outside socializing when the band set up and was flabbergasted when I moved to the front to find the most intricate found object drum set dejour including a small xylophone. Dani Murrie strapped on an assortment of shells and bells from ankle to knee.

During the set they brought out some additional homemade contraptions. The traditional instruments were plucked and bowed with attitude adding to the disjointed samplings of sound that fried my brain from overdrive of the unexpected. The drummer Sean Real has a passion for playing. A joy to watch.

the music sounds like a much looser Coco Rosie or The Roaches scrabbled. They bring it on with guts, punk and moxie. Halfway through their fifty state tour they stated, “We showered tonight”. Everyone cheered.

and if your really intrigued this is an awesome video highlighting their musical point of view.

Hop Along Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:23:00 +0000

Just had to post this fabulous picture of Hop Along Playing at the Zombie Party Festival in Philly. Hop Along used to be a solo formally known as Hop Along Queen Ansleis and is now with a full band.

Many people in the DIY punk community embraced her music and often put her in their line-up. Well this picture gives me reason to believe Hop Along is achieving their goals. Wow wish I was there.

Photo Credit: Amanda Shoulson

Halloween Parade, Greenwich Village

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:29:00 +0000

I started taking pictures at the band holding station. Later settling in behind a barricade with the NYPD, sharing the space with older photographers donning fancy cameras and trench coats. Other new school guerilla photographers were on the street and a part of the action!

It might have been raining but that didn't damper the spirit! I walked twenty blocks home and the only people I felt sorry for were the dry drivers stuck bumper to bumper on Canal Street. Below are my best shots. Flickr Set

CMJ Day Five

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:19:00 +0000

Emanuel and the Fear @ The Delancy rooftop, Afternoon Scores

Emanuel Ayvas’ brought an ensemble of four and delivered lush scores with tabulators and music stands in place. His poetic writing and emotionally delivered vocals accompanied by violin, cello and guitar created a toned down but perfect acoustic orchestral pop and afternoon score for a roof garden space.Their set was a smaller representation of a group that performs with eleven.

Listening to Emanuel and the Fear recordings exemplifies the lush ambitious arrangements full of complexities and swelling of orchestral passages with smart lyrically emotionally delivered vocals.

Bryan Vaughan founder of their label Paper Garden Records has a passion for music he loves and believes in so I was remiss in not following through and hearing them sooner.

Flickr Set

Drink Up Buttercup @ The Delancey rooftop, Acoustic Muscle

Drink Up Buttercup is a very different band in the early afternoon. But this is not Drink Up Buttercup Lite, anything but. Although they abandoned their drums, amps, garbage cans and kinesthetic body contortions they highlighted the muscle of their vocal muscle. They stretched their harmonic layering of show stopping standards adding detailed appendages. Showing off their incredible versatility and giving the tired genre "Barbershop" a vibrato edge.

Flickr Set

Cale Parks 2 The Delaney Warmth to Techno

Cale Parks brings warmth to Techno, blending cascading dance beats, looping of original music with synth and drum machine. Live Cale Parks drumsticks twirl through the air and hit his mark. The baton twirler, soft crooner, and synth composer does it with precision and finesse. Adding two new players on guitar, bass and keys to his live line-up. Performing, as a one-man band is hard he said as he introduced his new band mates saying “how nice it was not do this alone”. The packed dank basement at the Delancey was the perfect setting to be transformed to another place. Cale Parks and Company took me there.

Flickr Set

CMJ Day Three

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:17:00 +0000

Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned @ Zebulon, Word of Choice Amazing

Sgt. Dunbar and The Hobo Banned packed the house and the stage with eight musicians and every imaginable brass and string instrument. I love the Hobos and have seen them several times. Their instruments were in full force featuring many songs off their new EP. They played the title track "A March Through Charles Mingus' Garbage" that featured a vibrant mix of Folk and Jazz a direction they are forging ahead with. The two new songs they debuted forecast a vital and original direction.

The musicianship is something to behold they have become a much tighter entity without loosing their energy and heart displaying the joy of playing together. What is also fascinating is the seamless exchange of instruments throught the set. Whether blowing, singing or strumming everything works. This is a democratic collective where various members share the lead vocal helm adding diversity to the mix.

Sgt. Dunbar and The Hobo Banned were full of bite. All the instruments and vocals united and filled the space with joy and substance. When the set was over I walked through the crowd and the word or choice was amazing.

Flickr Set

Pink Noise @ Zebulon Invigorating Smart Noise

Pink Noise makes lots of noise from metal shredding guitar and bass, pounding drums but could not drown out the heafty and soulful vocals of Sharon Sulami This was a set of pure intensity with incredible exchanges between instruments. Noise of exhilaration and contrast played with the force of unpredictability. Invigorating smart noise.

Flickr Set

Little Teeth form San Francisco @ Zebulon Scrabbled Experimentation

Flickr Set

I would be remiss not mention how much I enjoyed Zebulon. I loved the music played between sets, food and all around great staff!

CMJ Day One

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:59:00 +0000

Blood Warrior @ Piano’s, Edgy Twist to Folk

Blood Warrior's brand of Folk is weighty with a thump stomping percussion, great choral harmonies and the vocal awesomeness of Greg Jamie. The music can sooth like a lullaby but don’t get too comfortable because these gentle warrior’s can bring up the volume. Their voices swell; electric guitar leads and acoustic strumming intertwine with shakers and emphasized bass drum, giving traditional Folk an edgy twist.

Flickr Set

Max Vernon @ Kenny's Castaways, Master of Design

Making a fashion statement at CMJ is an anomaly, but Max Vernon's intention is to please both visually and sonically. He walked onto the stage wearing asymmetrical googly eye ensemble of his own design.

He started the set by saying "please excuse my unnecessary banter, I have to fill this forty minute set" and fill he did. Max Vernon's verbal acuity does wonders for in between songs but that gift translates well to songwriting.

Standing confidently at 6’4 behind his keyboard and almost strutting he played complex pop / jazz arrangements. His vocals were daring going from low to falsetto adding unexpected touches to his recorded material. What I found the most fascinating was his ability to seamlessly create the backup vocals as well. In between he played three songs on the guitar.

A highlight was "Around Your Finger" with friend Emily to sing the chorus / I hate to tell you / that I had more fun / When you were hooked on drugs /. "Psycho Bitch" a new one is a song in the same vain. His second new offering had a haunting juxtaposition between and irregular chord repetition and a beautiful vocal. He ended with a Liz Phair cover "Canary".

Flickr Set

Download a slew of songs here

Got Lots To Say CMJ soon....

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:48:00 +0000

Some Shot offerings from my brief schedule of events at CMJ. Hey I got a full time job so this was fun but ain't easy. Almost done writing about the bands below. Check back or home, scroll and check labels on this site.

Blood Warrior @ Piano's

Max Vernon @ Kenny's Castaway

Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned @ Zebulon

Pink Noise @ Zebulon

Little Teeth @ Zebulon

Emanuel and Fear @ The Delancey

Drink Up Buttercup @ The Delancey

Cale Parks @ The Delancey

Catch Sgt. Dunbar and The Hobo Banned CMJ

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:31:00 +0000

Great set planned by the awesome eight piece band Sgt Dunbar and the Hobo Banned. They are They are planning on playing eleven songs with one and possibly two songs never played in public, tomorrow at 9:00 @ Zebulon. All Things Considered Blog made CMJ 09 recommendations of several bands and the Hobos are included.

Everything Is Pt II from Tom Muro on Vimeo.

Catch Drink Up Buttercup CMJ

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:09:00 +0000

There are four more stops. Catch the mayhem. This latest video Drink Up Buttercup performs Heavy Hand live on East Village Radio for the CMJ Festival. Believe me this is restrained.

More CMJ & Tour
Dates

Max Vernon CMJ Debut Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:20:00 +0000

Photo Credit Jacqueline Zaccor

Max Vernon reached out to me about a year ago and I've been hooked ever since. He will be performing tomorrow at Kenny's Castaway, his first CMJ debut.

Max Vernon has a vocal instrument that is deep and resonating, its clear tonality has reach and depth of maturity. With a signature voice he delivers piano driven melodies with a broad lyrical palette of intelligence. At twenty years old he composes music that can move in many ways like the Woody Guthrie of Pop to make a bold comparison. OCM 2/ 09 Here

Below is a sweet taste of his music in one of many homemade video entries!!!

Issue Project Courtyard Great Lineup to End Summer

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:14:00 +0000

The Issue Project courtyard on a beautiful afternoon was a perfect site to hear a selection of music by three different musicians. Greg Jamie's pure unadorned set was sandwiched in-between two experimental improvisational sets by Sacred Harp from Virginia and Honne Wells with Juan Comas.

Sacred Harp’s compositional arrangements with instruments, amplification and accoutrements created a trance not for sleeping or contemplating but a welcome space from ear to head.

The instrumental set featured finger picking on a classical guitar, bowing of an electric and anything but typical on a sitar. Utilizing a looping percussion of scrubbed strings was an effective background for guitar instrumental.

Greg Jamie solo set consisted of songs from his newly formed outfit Blood Warriors and one song off a 7” a collaboration with Honne Wells. Going solo is a rare occasion for a man that fronts two bands. So his apparent shyness was charming to watch. Playing guitar, hand held harpsichord and hearing his straightforward vocals were delightful.

The sun was setting as Honne Wells and Juan Comas were on stage and the quietness of the night took hold guiding the sound to resonate off the concrete and bricks. Starting with a five-minute compositional movement that struck time like broken clock tower. Guitar string pings applied in various measures broke up the composition and were contrasted by Honne Wells grunting low vocals.

This spectacular collaboration is something to witness. The guitar, slide guitar, banjo, mouth harp, stomping and vocals melded together to create unique sounds that are unfamiliar and offsetting. Familiarity is not their forte but to create dramatic and mesmerizing tension is.

Flicker Set Here

Blood Warrior from [dog]and[pony] on Vimeo.

Langhorne Slim / Crackerfarm Films it Best

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Can't wait for Be Set Free by Langhorne Slim due out September 29th on Kemado Records! Here's a great clip by Crackerfarm with a brief interview, some crazy live footage and a sweet acoustic rendition of the song "So Glad That I'm Coming Home". For personal reasons I especially love the handsome young man with the big white specs loving the live show.

Brief Excursion To After The Jump Fest

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:35:00 +0000

When I say brief it was but I was happy to catch Get Haunted and I’m Turning Into and the tail end of The Octagon.

Get Haunted is a little bit of Buddy Holly, Rockabilly, speed strum bottleneck and a pounding drum kit. Their shoes were waxed, a tuxedo shirt, some sharp glasses that set the stage for some fancy footwork and great showmanship. So refreshing to not hear we’re from Brooklyn. Although the group hasn’t had many shows it is obvious that they are not new to music or performing. The banjo and drum were the details but the soaring outcomes of Kevin on the slide guitar shredded the joint. The drummer Sarah kept a rudimentary beat, finesse did not apply but enthusiasm, smiles and downright pounding did! Lead singer and banjo strummer Joey Macrino had awesome dance moves and an outstanding command of the stage both vocally and personally.

Although all the songs were full of life there was one outstanding exception that they dedicated to Blood Warrior. The song had levels of intrigue and several time changes that built to a frenetic beat. This made the New York debut for this three piece from New London Connecticut one to remember for them and for me.

I'm Turning Into is a multi-instrumentalist threesome of rotating players who are adept at playing as well as singing. Fast paced punky rock mixed with experimental vocal loop effects and fast rhythmic drumming. They played the ultimate upbeat song “Would It Matter”. Other songs showed off how well they all can play whether it was a long and dynamic jam excursion “Nonlocal” or unusual vocal arrangements with perfectly intact harmonies interspersed with yodel like howling and human beat box. There are some performance quirks to work out due instrument changes but they have a lot to offer.

Edd Chittenden, Jhon Grewell, Steve Tarkington guitar, bass, drums and vocals. Check out this out on myspace you wont be disappointed.

Got to get me some balls and learn the subway system and try to brave the night. Now that I live part time in the city I thought this would be easier but it presents other difficulties. Anyway besides seeing some music I wanted to show my support to the Bloggers from After The Jump Fest who worked so hard to put this event together. Although some of the groups on the fest roster have garnered some press it usually just starts with one curated blog post, download, live review or pictures.

Although I would have loved to stay later to especially see Blood Warrior. I got to hang talk and take some pictures Greg Jamie and Kristen Kellas-Jamie two members of BW a few hours before their 10:00 o’clock set. I have seen Greg Jamie with o’death and was very lucky to catch him for Tonic's official last night doing a special guest appearance with Honne Wells.

Blood Warrior finished up their first small tour making After the Jump Fest their last stop. Featuring the great vocal styling of Greg Jamie with spirited chorus, some shakers and drunken drum beats sounds like a patchwork folk collage.

My Flickr Set Here
Photographer Maryanne Ventrice documented the whole Fest at Prefix Day #3

Max Vernon New Video Entry

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

To say I'm obsessed with Max Vernon is an understatement. I'm always searching and waiting for new songs and they have been coming at record pace for free download @ The Sixtyone. But it has been long nine month wait for a new home video entry until now. It is a cover song completed for the celebration of Morrisey's fiftieth birthday and part of a compilation released by The Music Slut called TMS Hearts Moz.

Enjoy "The Headmaster Ritual"

The Beets / The Virgins / Animal Collective DJ @ Santos

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:50:00 +0000

Santos Party House is an amazing place. The atmosphere is immediately welcoming. It has the most fabulous sound system. Few can compete because this place was specifically designed for musicians and listeners. Also a great place to hold a benefit for a good cause to save a neighborhood Indie video store Cinema Nolita.

The Santos Party House sticks to a schedule. To my dismay I took my sweet time and strolled the four blocks to arrive around 9:00 only to see T he Beets on stage playing their final song to an appreciative engaged crowd.

I caught them at CMJ in 08 and loved their set. So I approached them after the set with apologies and asked them a few questions about the upcoming tour with Vivian Girls and their feelings about playing at Santos. My lead in should read; The Beets Had A Sound Check!! Seriously that is a big deal and in this place sound checks are worth doing, because it works. They have been playing outdoors, DIY events, beaches, rooftops and unofficial all age shows. Although that is a great way to see music it is not always the best way to really hear it. The sweetest thing to watch were all the patrons complimenting the band on their set. I Informed them that they were the lead in picture at the Brooklyn Vegan segment "What's Going On Monday". As they embark on a tour with Vivian Girls starting August 25th they have a very positive experience to draw on. I love the mix of all girl and all boy bands on the same bill.

I rarely see group like The Virgins. I came out to see The Beets and usually concentrate on emerging talent. I thoroughly enjoyed their fantastic seamless set. Tight and focused is what I have to say. The front man and lead singer Donald Cumming was barefoot wearing optical leggings and a tee. His long lean body in constant motion showing off his less then fluid geeky ballet gestures. It was endearing. The guitarist broke out occasionally exaggerating a long strum with an extended arm or an occasional knee dip.

They played a mashed up disco/ new york / new wave with edgy catchy hooks. At first I felt like everything sounded repetitive but they scaffolded and built energy with the electric leads, some Reggie beats and funk. I liked when Cumming's sang alone and pulled out an unexpected harmonica. Slowly the others weighed in. The very enthusiastic female crowd including me took it all in. They have a great European fall tour doing major festivals with one detour in Texas at Austin City Limits.

Animal Collective DJ (Avey Tare and Geologist) set started out with little fan fare. It's possible that during a restroom break I might have missed the introduction. When I returned they were busy in the DJ loft to the right of the stage. The surroundings were transformed and the large disco ball rotated in the center of the space with fog and laser lights. They started with a very long psychedelic song with animal like screams sporadically interspersed between rhythms. The twisted remix of standards like "Rock Lobster" (pretty sure) and Abba "Take A Chance On Me" were catching on and the groove was setting in. When suddenly their set was hijacked by an unexpected appearance of by The Film director Abel Ferrara and crew. They took the stage and played raw rock & roll with Abel having a propensity for course street grime rap. the stage became crowed with all the female hosts connected with Cinema Nolita, including the lead singer of The Virgins.

Animal collective sat this one out checking cell phones and sitting on the stairs to the upper loft. After the three song set they began again. Not sure how it turned out I left after the next song I knew it would take some time for a groove to set in again.

Flickr Set

Novice Theory / Aria Orion; September @ Galapagos

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:30:00 +0000

Two Noteworthy bands that I reviewed last year are embarking on some dates to showcase their new projects. I guarantee a night of invigorating music and edgy performance at the beautiful Galapagos art space in Brooklyn September 1st. So mark your calenders. I'm very disappointed that I won't be able to attend. It would be wonderful if some of my readers take the dive.

Novice Theory AKA Geo Wyeth has been performing solo now has a new band, new songs and a new EP to be released in September. Aria Orion Jules Gimbrone's multi - sensory ensemble with new band and songs as well and Geo Wyeth on drums. Leyna Marika Papach solo violin performance.

Aria Orion Live at Monkeytown 5.15.09 with film by Elliot Montague and Stephen Remington. Jules Gimbrone (composer /vocals / guitar ), Geo Wyeth (Drums, vocals accordion ), Daniel Arnnow (Bass), Batya Sobel (oboe).

Langhorne Slim "Say Yes"

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:11:00 +0000

Langhorne Slim's "Say Yes" was featured on KCRW's Top Tunes of the day. "Say Yes" is a song from the third Langhorne slim release called Be Set Free produced by Decemberists' Chris Funk. Release date September 29th on Kemado Records.

Yes is the greatest word in the English Language full of possibilities. In this song Langhorne explores the anticipation within a love relationship singing / I prefer it when you say yes /. This upbeat song brings it on strong when it slows down and Langhorne bellows in a higher soulful range singing / I could not believe its true /. The recorded version adds nice orchestrated touches of full strings, bells along with guitar, stand-up bass and drums.

Below is an awesome live black and white video entry. Kudos to the videographer.

When Hate Becomes Public Discourse

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:16:00 +0000

I’ve always wondered how the word gay became an acceptable negative. Words have consequences with sometimes unintended associations. What started out as banter between straight males has infiltrated the broader culture of negative. It is now commonly used as a negative descriptor to describe music, cloths, movies etc. It almost never refers to a person’s sexuality but the innuendo is implied.

The recent publicized suicides of young people as a result of being bullied in school only point out how toxic this banter can be. Those colors you used are gay, that song you sang in the school play was gay, that club you belong to is gay and those sneakers are gay or only a few examples. It is the tone and the caviler way they commonly thrown about.

This has been on my mind for a while. I work with young people and have witnessed this phenomenon grow at a rapid pace. It is often kids mimicking what is acceptable in the culture at large. It is only getting worse.

What prompted me to write about this is the coverage of the health care debate and how within a month what was never acceptable to say or view has infiltrated the public airwaves. Words and images cheapened and co-opted for political gain. The ugliness is being spread and will become commonplace. It will infect our society with repercussions that we will regret.

Anti Folk Fest Sets of Max Vernon/ Clinical Trials

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:51:00 +0000

Max Vernon

Max Vernon is colorful, flamboyant and fashionably overstated much like his outstanding music and songwriting. On one of his You Tube video entries he was asked about a harsh email he received from his mother where she writes, listening to your music is like eating nine courses of foie gras and know one wants that many courses of foie gras. It was an interesting comparison with apologies to follow. A loving and caring mother was concerned about Max’s appeal to a broader audience. Max Vernon I believe has the ability to create timeless and great pop songs and maybe he will someday. But for the last year he has been recording smart, politically topical, catchy, gender bending not neutral material. Max Vernon is true to himself.

Charmingly relevant and bright he works it from the visual, cerebral to the sonic. That was so clear at his set during the Anti Folk Fest at the Sidewalk Cafe. The talent is apparent but what comes through is a genuine performing style that is relaxed and personal. His set was quite beautiful. I'm glad he came with his keyboard placing himself front and center even though I saw a piano on the side of the stage. He didn't go for the easy listen, in fact he chose to play his most challenging material. I knew I was in for a treat when he opened with “Diamond Dust” a song with many twists and turns both vocally and on keys. He introduced "All I Need" by saying something to the effect "this song describes my love life". Then he invited us to sing along to the chorus; / you’re not all I need / you’re not all I need / you’re not even close / but I like you, I like you. Although I like to sing, I wouldn't miss one minute of hearing Max Vernon’s spectacular interpretation. He added some yodeling extras splicing his highest pitch and intertwining it with his awe inspiring low register.

"Love At Last" dedicated to Michael Jackson is a brand new song that he never played live and it was awesome!!! The new material added an edge of enthusiasm. Playing keys combining Rhythm and Blues circa (mid 60's), back alley honky tonk, and classical. The chorus has a celebratory atmosphere mixed with the somber fate of a fallen Icon; Hallelujah / best friend though we hardly knew you / don’t it feel good to finally be loved at last / till the bullet rips through you.

He ended the set with a Morrissey cover that was featured on TMS (The Music Slut) compilation dedicated to Morrissey's fiftieth birthday called "Head Master Ritual".

Max Vernon can capture attention through his incredible gift for music but what I realized tonight is how well he can translate his talent live.

Max Vernon Flickr Set

Clinical Trials

I always arrive early to events. So I was really taken by surprise to hear a very impressive rock band Clinical Trails. Fronted by a female singer and guitarist Somer Bingham accompanied by an all male group on bass, keyboards and heavy hitting drums. It was so cool and a complete disconnect to be sitting in a lovely cafe and watching and hearing such a rip you to shreds set. Literally at one point Somer asked if anyone had an A string. Her vocals are a cross between Joan Jett, Patty Smith and Pj Harvey but her performance persona has a rock in your face attitude guised in a beautiful he-she image. Gorgeous and riveting. Check their site for upcoming dates. The Trash bar is a perfect choice.

Clinical Trials Flickr Set

Free Range Drink Up Buttercup @ Santos Party House

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 05:15:00 +0000

Santos Party House has a nice vibe and I love the space. The stage is wide and deep which offers a lot of room for the performers. It has just the right amount of space for the audience not too big or small. Its square shape appeals to my feng shui sensibilities.

It was a fun relaxed atmosphere at The Santos Party House presented by Adult Swim. Our two hosts Dave Willis (voice of Carl and Meatwad) and Dana Snyder (voice of master shake and Granny on squidbillies) had a prime-time audience familiar with the shtick and inside jokes and ready to dive to pick up random objects being thrown from the stage. The early bird crowd was feisty for 7:30 so when Drink Up Buttercup was introduced, I was surprised that they seemed unfamiliar with what they were about to experience.

The light hues and added fog worked so glowingly with Drink Up Buttercup's electrifying over the top set. The larger stage area let Ben Money out of the cage to strut, stagger and pluck in free range mode. His bass was never in the horizontal position. "Honey Honey" sounded great with Afro beat that slowed down only to re-energize in full force. It didn't take long before DUB's enthusiastic infection spread. They announced the last song but after it was finished the audience demanded more.

Oakley Hall Had a pretty long set up and sound check for their very short set. They are a country-tinged band with gospleque vocals with some nice instrumentation. I especially liked one of the songs where the bass and vocals compete sonically. They ended with a multi-layed vocal that made me think that I was hearing a full church choir. Unfortunately It ended before it began.

Marnie Stern and company was a delight. A wild veteran punk hybrid of sorts where instrumentation is important but the raw is magnified. Marnie's high pitched yelps were spliced perfectly between her faced paced guitar leads using both hands up the fret. The sound is less nuanced then typical guitar leads. Her confident attidude is striking and she displays so much pleasure playing her instrument. Malia James played the bass and applied rhythms in a reactive

style. The drummer Jim Sykes deserves major Kudos! Keeping time with unstructured rhythms is an art form. I was instantly taken with the sound and spirit of Marnie Stern.

A crazy unexpected highlight of my night was a campy kitschy visit outside the venue by a rocking mini bus on wheels blasting music and filled with an energetic dancing crowd. It was the I Got A Heart On promotion for the new independent movie Paper Heart. The bus stayed in pace for about twenty minutes. When the driver started up the engine the bus pulled away from Lafayette Street "Day O" (the Beetle Juice version) accompanied the sweaty dancing bodies! How Fitting.

Drink Up Buttercup OCM flickr Set
Marnie Stern OCM Flickr Set

Paper Heart Bus OCM Flickr Set

Hop Along Video "Sally"

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:17:00 +0000

So nice that people are uploading some new tour videos of Hop Along formally known as Hop Along Queen Ansleis. I say that because it was not easy to find primarily due to the name change. The search results for the name Hop Along through Google are Hop Along Cassidy or any Hip Hop reference. So I'm hoping this switch won't take too long to work out.

This was taken at Greeks in Bloomington, Indiana by Brownjullius. It is a new song called "Sally".

Hop Along 114 Stunning Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:08:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Emily O'Donnell

114 Pictures on Facebook Public page: It's Too Dangerous Out There So I Had To Save You

Please, Mr. Postman by Hop Along, Queen Ansleis from David Senigo on Vimeo.

Francis played Valentine's in Albany, NY. July 10th 2009 with P.S. Elliot and the B3nson Family Band. Here she performs a cover of The Marvelette's Please Mr. Postman at Valentines Upstairs in Albany, NY.

Catch the Tour dates Here

Langhorne Slim Bringing Charisma to Lollapalooza / Newport / Philly

noreply@blogger.com (ARTIFACT) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:37:00 +0000

Langhorne Slim and the War Eagles are ripe for festivals big or small Lollapalooza, The Newport Folk Festival and The Philadelphia Folk Festival. Slims voice is soulful and passionate and The War Eagles drummer Malachi DeLorenzo and new bassist Jeff Ratner back it up front with enthusiasm.

This magical three piece can stir a crowd into bursts of energy and slow the tempo for heart driven ballads. Although Slim is a mild mannered off stage his charisma on stage is larger then life. This ain’t about ego but a transference from artist to audience. This willingness to share and make a connection is special and should be experienced. I speak from the heart I’ve seen them at least nine times.

Catch just a taste of the magic that is Langhorne Slim. Below is a new song uploaded by Breakfast On Tour from the Wakarusa Music Festival earlier in June.

Check here for more US dates and to hear "I Love You, But Goodbye" from their third full-length release Be Set Free and second to be released by Kemado Records recorded in Oregon with producer Chris Funk (Decemberists). Release Date September 29t!

OCM Everything Langhorne!