Farce the Music

Phil Vassar is Creepy

2013-05-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

Album Review: William Clark Green - Rose Queen

2013-05-23T11:30:00.000-05:00

William Clark Green has quickly ascended the Texas/Red Dirt scene in recent months, and for good reason. He has a warm, weary voice and amiable songs that bridge the gap between twangy barroom rock and dusty Americana. It's an approachable sound that has appeal to both casual listeners and folks like me, who want a little something deeper.

Rose Queen, Green's third album, proves the still young artist one to watch for the foreseeable future. Hitting the airwaves with equal parts radio-ready tunes and darker journeys (sometimes in the same song), it is a release that shows both arrival and massive upside.

The title track is a heartland rocker that explores the short-lived relationship between a regular Joe and a country club girl. It's drenched in fast-burning passion and the resignation that there was no chance in hell of it lasting. Mellencamp made millions doing this kind of song; Green should at least get a touring bus out of the deal.

"She Likes the Beatles" is the most commercial sounding tune in the bunch. She likes the Beatles, he likes the Stones, but they make it work somehow. It explores the contrasts that keep a good relationship strong, even if their respective sets of parents hate the other set's half of the couple. It's probably the song that could make the most impact nationally, but there's likely too much personality and realism in the song for Nashville to give it a second glance.

"Drowning" is the literal and emotional center of Rose Queen. Backed by stunning vocals from producer(!) Rachel Loy, it's a stark and beautiful stroll along the edges of a broken love affair.

My favorite track on the record is "Take Me Away." "If you take me away from here/I will make a promise I will never keep" sings Green in this raw, emotionally bare song that veers away from country into almost a mainstream rock sound. The dark, confessing tone of this song proves itself a theme by this point in the album, a surprising thread to tie together such a charming set of songs.

Rose Queen immediately proves William Clark Green ready for the spotlight. He's an artist worthy of running in the circles of the critically and popularly acclaimed Turnpike Troubadours and Departeds of the world. What's scary is that Green probably hasn't reached his creative peak yet. Rose Queen is both promise realized and the declaration of so much more to come.

Highly recommended to fans of: Turnpike Troubadours, Ryan Adams, John Fullbright, Chris Knight, Ryan Bingham and Randy Rogers Band.

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Rose Queen can be previewed/purchased at Amazon, Lone Star Music and the other usual outlets.

Country eCards: May '13

2013-05-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

YouTube Junk: Jessta James

2013-05-22T15:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, this guy is being promoted to country radio and by "country" websites.

Film Review: The Other Life (Shooter Jennings/Blake Judd)

2013-05-22T13:30:00.000-05:00

by Jeremy Harris

To coincide with the release of The Other Life album, Shooter Jennings along with Blake Judd have made a short film/long music video by the same name. The film begins with The Other Life music video, which has already been released for online viewing and travels through several of the songs from the new album in a twisted tale of psychedelic proportions. While there are several reoccurring themes and characters throughout, this is not to be confused with the style of connected music videos released by Travis Tritt throughout the 1990's. Instead this is a fast paced trip down a dead-end road that leaves more questions than answers. It is everything yet nothing at the same time. Is this a bad thing? No, it's exactly what it needs to be: Something to make the viewer want more and to talk about what they've seen for quite some time. (Shooter also doesn't have an answer to sum it up)

One thing I was able to take away from watching the film was that this may be an actual look into Shooter's life itself. The struggles of not knowing who to trust and finding out you've trusted the wrong people too late. I may be way off on this, but it's just my take. I didn't ask any questions about any special meaning after my viewing mostly because of my interpretation and the fact that I didn't want this review to be influenced by any inside information I may have received. I believe if ten different people watched the film together, you would get at least six different takes on the overall meaning and direction of the film. One thing is for sure, I would not take anything that may make you hallucinate before watching The Other Life. You may see enough things based on the high production quality and trippy storyline.

While the film consist of very few words (less than ten) and only a few subtitles there are several moments that made me feel as if the story was actually being read aloud to me. No, I wasn't under the influence of anything (Does beer and bar food count?) and I'm definitely not the artsy type, but I could see this movie getting high marks at several film festivals. I was most impressed by Shooter's ability to lay still for long periods of time and to not freak out in a body bag. (Two things I couldn't do if my life depended on it) While the acting itself is of high quality, the overall star of the project is the way the film was edited and pulled together in itself. Blake Judd deserves a bigger opportunity based solely on this project. I'm not sure anyone else could offer up a thirty minute film that somehow brings to mind Quentin Tarantino, old black and white horror films and the Nicolas Cage movie Family Man. Yes I'm serious about my previous sentence (and still not on drugs).

Just in case this all doesn't sound weird enough for you.... The plan is to release The Other Life on purple VHS at first. (I guess they couldn't find a good Betamax supplier?) Only after all of the limited edition VHS copies have been sold will the project come to life on any other format, so I guess I'll take one. I haven't owned a machine capable of playing it in 5-6 years but just think how cool an autographed purple VHS would look in a display case. One good thing about this is the simple fact it will add a step or two to a pirated copy going viral. But don't worry, if you can't wait or if 1980's technology isn't your thing, the film will begin playing as soon as the doors open at all indoor Shooter Jennings' shows on the current tour and as part of special VIP packages that can be purchased at shooterjennings.com and also includes a special meet and greet, acoustic performance and other goodies. So grab some popcorn, hop in your DeLorean, lace up a pair of British Knights and tighten the drawstring on the best pair of Zubaz pants you own because it's movie time.

Lyrical Satirical: This Song is for Summer

2013-05-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

This Song Is For Summer

Aw hell yeah it's summer again

Time to drop a tailgate with your redneck friends

Text up some honeys in cut off jeans

Sugar shaker, donkadonk, know what I mean?

Crank some Lil Wayne in a country mood

Pass around some moonshine we bought at Whole Foods

Let's get rowdy like Hank would do

Hey, check out my new Duck Dynasty tattoo

Chorus

This song is for summer, y'all

Those three months after spring and just before fall

Have to spell it out cause my fans are dumber

Crank it on up in the summer summer summer

Yeehaw boys, yeah I got some swag

Got a Mud Life sticker and truck nutz that drag

Old farts hatin' cause I drop some rhymes

But that's how we do country in the summertime

Shotgun, old truck, some other cliche

Gather round the fire and I'll sing you some Kanye

Feet on the dash, let the night commence

Who cares if this tune doesn't make any sense?

This song is for summer, y'all

Those three months after spring and just before fall

Have to spell it out cause my fans are dumber

Crank it on up in the summer summer summer

Bridge (spoken)

And now a word from our sponsor:

It's hot out there while you're partying with your homeyz

Try something a little different!

Bud Light Lime.

It's Bud Light, with a twist!

Back to this song for summer, son

Put it out in March so it's a June number one

Have to spell it out cause my fans are dumber

Crank it on up in the summer summer summer

Pickin' on Strait

2013-05-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Help Oklahoma

2013-05-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Our hearts, minds and spirits go out to the people of Oklahoma today in the wake of yesterday's tragic tornadoes.

If you'd like to help the relief efforts, you can donate $10 to the Salvation Army by texting STORM to 80888. You can donate $10 to the Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999. There are other ways to help, some documented here. Also, if you live in the area (or any area for that matter, but particularly in OK), it would be excellent if you went and donated some life-giving blood.

Yeah I Like The National

2013-05-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

I know most of FTM's readers probably aren't big into indie rock (and neither am I), but I can't get enough of this band. The National is one of the few supposed "hipster" bands I love. Their music is morose but joyously so, if that makes any sense. The National is a hypnotic, anthemic soundtrack to despair. Their new album out tomorrow, Trouble Will Find Me, is easily one of my favorite albums of the year thus far. Here's the first video from the new album, "Sea of Love."

Fun With Google Autocomplete

2013-05-20T13:30:00.000-05:00

These are actual results from Google Instant (the autocomplete feature on their searches).

Pants. I think the answer is pants.

Come on, she's pregnant. And her name isn't Lady Antebellum.

Hey, they said it ...not me.

No, she's pretty much perfect except for that one night with Martina McBride at the Chippendales' show.

I thought this was a joke until I saw that the CDB used to cover this in concert. I still think it's a joke...

Probably not.

Yes, Gary gave birth to Hunter himself.

No comment.

No, but her fans like poop in their ears.

How to Become a Country Star 2013

2013-05-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

Monday Morning Memes: Blake Shelton, Shooter Jennings, etc.

2013-05-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Jeremy Harris for most of these... including that last one. Hoo boy.

Awkward Gary Levox Photo of the Week

2013-05-19T16:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday Mornin' Music: Johnny Paycheck

2013-05-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday Night Music: Johnny Paycheck

2013-05-18T16:00:00.000-05:00

Douche Bryan Photo of the Week

2013-05-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

The Peach Pickers Say...

2013-05-17T15:00:00.000-05:00

YouTube Gems: George Strait

2013-05-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

Wylie Lama

2013-05-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

Brantley Gilbert Fan eCards #17

2013-05-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

These are actual, unedited YouTube comments from Brantley Gilbert fans.

More Trucks Than Cars

2013-05-16T14:30:00.000-05:00

Seriously though... all that stuff is in this one song!

Album Review: Aran Buzzas - 3 7 77

2013-05-16T13:30:00.000-05:00

by Jeremy Harris

Most of you are probably wondering who Aran Buzzas is. I can't blame you for this, since I would not have had an answer until hearing him live at The Moonrunners Music Festival last month. In short I would call him the man who is filling the void between Roger Alan Wade and Jonny Fritz by combining sadness with a little fun while ranging from slow to upbeat songs that provide a perfect soundtrack for a quiet saturday night of drinking on the porch. If you're into overproduced albums with a strong mix of instruments, then this isn't for you. If your thing is more of a singer and his guitar with backing instruments to bring the music to a higher level, then you're in luck.

In his latest release "3 7 77" Aran provides a path into the soul of the sad clown with songs like "The Weather Inside," "Another Man's Woman" and "Biggest Fool," but brings out a smile with several cleverly written and performed tracks throughout the album.

Switching over to the lighter-hearted side you'll find songs like "The Night I Saw Willie Play" and "Cougar Bait." "Cougar Bait" is a song that provides the story of a man who just can't get a woman of an appropriate age to give him the time of day; fighting with the struggle of all the women interested in him either being the age of his mom or having an over protective dad. This catchy tune is packed with charming lyrics. I'm sure you can figure out what "The Night I Saw Willie Play" is about and that's all you really need to know, but just in case you were wondering: It's a story about seeing Willie Nelson in concert. While its a fun story, it does come off as a little on the gimmicky side after repetitive listens but nothing you'll get tired of.

One sign of a good songwriter, in my opinion, is their ability to connect with people through their writing and make the listener say "That song's about me". This is where Aran hits a home-run with the songs "Thirteen Days To Payday" and "Water Into Wine." In "Thirteen Days To Payday" he sings of a man who lives payday to payday and has just gotten his bi-weekly check and celebrated the event a little harder than he should have. He now has to find a way to survive until the next check comes with little food and not every billed covered. This is a story that surely would resonate through America with many families and individuals. With "Water Into Wine" you'll find a man that wants to do what makes him happy instead of taking care of the boring events in life such as work. "If Jesus Christ could really turn water into wine and he was here right now, he'd be a friend of mine" is the standout lyric, not only from this song but the entire album and sets this song slightly apart from the others.

The traditional Irish song "Whiskey In The Jar" fits into the mix quite nicely and is provided with a good mix on the vocals to make it as original as you could expect from a song that has been covered countless times. The nicest part about it is how well it leads into the following track "Back For My Whiskey". A song about a man that has been thrown out by his wife and all he wants is to go back to retrieve his whiskey. This engaging track will probably make quite a few women wonder about their men.

The final two tracks "None Compares" and "Colleen" are so different from each other but fit together so good at the same time with their completely opposite story lines. You start out with having the love of your life and everything going perfect day in and day out on the first of these tracks (which also has a very pleasant sounding female voice on the backing vocals) then you have a complete turn around. Love blossoming and dying all within the time it takes to plan and have a wedding. "Colleen" starts with a man finding the greatest woman in the world only to realize she was troubled all along, but not until after she is gone.

All in all you'll find several catchy songs on 3 7 77 and lots of great stories. The one thing you'll won't find is a huge hit or a single song that carries the album. In this case, this isn't a bad thing because you also won't find anything bringing the album down or making you pound your fist in anger. Luckily you also miss out on most of the cliches that have infiltrated country music as of late. (I'm excusing the song about Willie from this since it's only one out of eleven and not so bad) Maybe there's a lesson in here for Nashville's writers in the way beer, moonshine and other things are inserted into the songs without having to be the basis of the song, or maybe that's just the final point you'll need to purchase 3 7 77 and become a fan yourself.
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Aran Buzzas' 3 7 77 is available for purchase at CD Baby, Amazon and other retailers.

If/Then/Else Charts: Strait, Aldean, Tracy Lawrence, etc.

2013-05-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

Live Review: Ryan Bingham - Northern VA

2013-05-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

by Matthew Martin

It really bugs me when an artist plays right outside of D.C.- in this instance, northern Virginia. For a couple of reasons really; 1- I think the bars in D.C. are plenty and perfect for many of these artists, and 2- I don't have a car, so it's a bitch. Regardless, when you hear that Ryan Bingham is coming close, you go. You figure out public transportation, and you make sacrifices.

The Wild Feathers

To open up the night, The Wild Feathers out of Nashville, TN came out guns blazing. The five piece band sounded like a mix between Ryan Adams and what Kings of Leon could sound like if they weren't so concerned about their perfect hair and sex of the fire variety. There was 3-part harmony on most of the songs and vocal duties switched between the 2 guitarists and the bassist. While the band itself was a tight, cohesive unit, I will say that the drummer was the most fun to watch. My friend and I could not stop watching the full-on assault he was laying on the drums all night. The Wild Feathers' set offered up an energetic, fun set. They mentioned they will be putting out a new record this year, and I, for one, can not wait to hear it.

Last year, Ryan Bingham dropped his backing band The Dead Horses and opted for a solo album. After seeing Ryan and The Dead Horses a couple years ago and really loving that line-up, I was a bit worried that maybe this would be a bit of different affair. However, the troubadour and his new motley crew of a band made sure any notions of doubt were washed away with the first few notes of the show.

If you haven't heard his latest album, you might not know that Bingham is pissed off about the state of the nation, politics, and the separation between the haves and have-nots. There's a certain anger that rings throughout the raucous "Guess Who's Knocking" and the restrained "Rising of the Ghetto." These type songs have been the staple of his career and in a live setting, they come across as poignant and unabashedly fun.

Bingham ripped through a set that included all of the crowd favorites, such as, "Bread and Water," "Hard Times," "Sunrise," "Country Roads," "Tell My Mother I Miss Her So," "Hallelujah," and "The Poet." Each song was sung with an intensity that is specific to Bingham's style of country-infused folk/rock music. The crowd was entranced and fully enthralled by the music. Every song turned into a sing-along and dance party. If you can stand still during the breakdown of "Sunrise," you truly have no soul.

Bingham's new backing band was every bit up to the task of keeping up with the talented frontman. The fiddle player seamlessly weaved in and out of every song. The lead guitarist ripped and roared with killer slide guitar solos. The rhythm section kept it all together at chest rattling volume. By the time the last song of the first set was over, you could tell that no one was ready to go home and it was almost inevitable that we would stay until we got an encore.

The encore consisted of just Bingham with an acoustic guitar. He played a couple of songs before ending with the appropriate "Ever Wonder Why." With the final line being, "Well, I'll see you all around," it felt like there was no better song to have ended the show on.

If you are only familiar with Ryan Bingham because of this well-known (and deservedly so) song, "The Weary Kind," you are doing yourself a disservice. He is not to be missed. Maybe his albums could stand to cut out a song or two in order to be truly great, but each album is still important. And, if you aren't a fan of his albums, go see him live. Do yourself a favor. The charasmatic troubadour will win you over.

3 Up 3 Down: May '13

2013-05-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

3 Up

Jake Owen - Anywhere With You
Really, Trailer? My selection of this song is more an example of how bad the charts are right now than an indicator of how good this song is. It's a catchy bastard for sure, but it's nothing new. It echoes umpteen songs that came before it about the place a love interest resides/visits being where the singer wishes to be. Owen's solid vocals and the wailing guitar hook make the song. I should hate it, but I can't. "Anywhere With You" would probably have fit in fine in the 90's (with the guitars dialed down a touch), and that's probably the reason for its guilty pleasure status with me. As long as Jake stays away from crap like "8 Second Ride," he's one of the few bright... well, um... not dim, lights on the country charts, if only because of his selection of hook-laden, semi-country tunes and his impassioned delivery.
B-

Easton Corbin - All Over the Road
Corbin's reluctance to record songs that glorify pasture parties or feature hip-hop breakdowns seems to be holding the talented singer back quite a bit. Hard not to root for somebody like that. This is a breezy, nearly weightless bit of country-lite goodness that (required Strait comparison coming) wouldn't have sounded out of place on an earlier George Strait album. It's hummable, foot tappable and so polite that it has a hard time elbowing its way into the forefront of the average listener's mind through the crowd of blazing guitar solos and moonshine references all too prevalent around it on the charts. It's also a gem.
A-

Kacey Musgraves - Blowin' Smoke
A no-doubter. Kacey's latest single that won't go any higher than #10 on the charts (mark it down) is smart and sneaky while sounding relatable and lightly cynical. It's clever and real, working both as a snapshot of a day at the diner and a prod at people who are always making plans and proclamations but never following through. Unfortunately, it doesn't work at a level that makes Jane-soccermom or Jeff-collegeguy not feel depressed while listening to it so we'll just have to be happy it's charting at all.
A

3 Down

Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift (ft Keith Urban) - Highway Don't Care
This tries hard to sound deep. Modern radio listeners mistake intent for effect, so expect lots of soulful, eyes half-closed singing along in the carpool lane. Unfortunately, "Highway Don't Care" is neither insightful nor tuneful, so this is a dud on all counts. Taylor's refrain is as grating as you might expect, the chorus is annoying and repetitive, and Keith Urban's guitar playing is nearly unnoticeable on this throwaway.
D

Florida-Georgia Line - Get Your Shine On
I've been over songs or phrases about "getting your anything on" since the late 90's so this is a non-starter for me. I'll give FGL one thing: they've crafted a signature sound that is unmistakable even in a sea of sound-alikes. It's not a signature sound I approve of, but it's certainly caught on beyond reasonable expectations. Also, these guys don't even pretend to go any deeper than the above ground pool half-filled with Pabst empties in the back yard of their trailer. So there's that. No pretense. Does it sound like I'm praising these guys?
Well...
D

Blake Shelton - Boys 'Round Here
The most dangerous song released to country radio in a decade or more, "Boys 'Round Here" is a genre-shifter disguised as mindless entertainment. It has a far more universal theme than Aldean's similarly hick-hopped "1994" and also comes from a pop culture icon with less baggage. On the surface, it's just another laundry-list country song whose verses happen to be rapped (not spoken, as BS bs'es). Beyond that, it's a top ten smash that will make dollar signs appear in record executives' eyes and slowly rewire the synapses of the easily-led masses to expect more urban sounding "country." When stuff like this becomes the norm, SCM's long-predicted monoculture will be at hand. Dress accordingly.
F