250 Word Album Review: Elder Brother – Heavy Head

Elder Brother - Heavy Head

Elder Brother - Heavy Head gets 3 stars

Elder Brother has a strong hold on the 90s alt-rock sound and deliver it in droves on Heavy Head. That particular sound isn’t really edgy right now and is played out but it still works as a good vehicle for Elder Brother to deliver their message. The album is all about the lyrics. Not just storytelling lyrics but the clean, crisp one line lyrics that stand alone to tell their own story.

“I didn’t say enough but at least I didn’t talk too much” is a great example of this from one of the more rocking songs on the record “Lightning Bug.” These one line pull out gems re-occur several times like the simple line “Youth is wasted on the young” from the title track, “Heavy Head.”  Many of the songs are cut from the same patterned cloth but they don’t try to hide it. The first and second songs share many similarities but the differences aren’t in the music in most cases on the album. The vocal strain on on “Any Sort of Pain” works as a hook in its own right and only highlights the lyrics more. A crescendo builds making “In My Bones” come to an edgy conclusion, making it one of the album’s highlights. The small distinguishing factors make this album interesting, the lyrics steal the show on nearly every song and that itself makes Heavy Head worth a listen.

Key Tracks: “Lightning Bug” “In My Bones”

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250 Word Album Review: The Wilhelm Brothers – Lay Your Burden Down

The Wilhelm Brothers - Lay Your Burden Down

The Wilhelm Brothers - Lay Your Burden Down gets 2.5 stars

The Wilhelm Brothers 6 song EP is dominated by a steady, acoustic old-timey sound that has really returned to popularity recently. The front porch folk heard here goes a little beyond the normal band that picks up a stand-up bass however, it goes all the way back to the 60s.

Call it bluegrass or folk or lost somewhere in-between but these songs are delivered with a throwback tone of a decade that has long passed. “Trail of the Lonesome Pine” is cultivated by a dangerous combination of a broken heart and listening to a lot of John Lennon yet somehow has an optimistic tone. “Perfect Isolation” is highlighted by simple harmonies but when you combine song titles containing the words “Burden” (as in the title track) “Lonesome” and “Isolation,” you get a pretty good vibe on what this record is all about.

Nothing really stands out as shockingly different among 5 of the 6 songs but one song is enough of a gem to really change the whole tone of the short EP. The song “The Go-Between” rattles with the dark power-pop of 60s band like The Animals and The Zombies. The closest correlation may be to The Box Tops’ song “The Letter” as they both share the same eerie vibe that is incredibly rarely achieved.  The song also works in Dylan-esque lyrics only adding to ominous feel of the clear centerpiece of Lay Your Burden Down.

Key Tracks: “The Go-Between” “Trail of the Lonesome Pine”

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250 Word Album Review: Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues

Against Me - Transgender Dysphoria Blues

Against Me! - Transgender Dysphoria Blues gets 4 stars

There is an elephant in the room, let’s just acknowledge it. Against Me! lead singer Laura Jane Grace got a sex change before this album. This album is understandably largely about that to no surprise but other Against Me! songs have touched on this in the past so this really isn’t all that shocking. Grace’s vocal performance remains in tact to the point of not being able to notice so this “elephant” is really quite irrelevant and simply back-story.

The songs are stellar. They rock hard and keep the same punk edge that you can come to expect from the veteran band. There are awkward moments as a listener because of the subject matter but the lyrics still paint a vivid picture of the tormented narrative of the album. “Your tells are so obvious, shoulders too broad for a girl.” is the line that starts the album and the battle ensues for the remaining 9 songs filled with frustration and anger. By the third track “Unconditional Love” you’ll stop squirming in your chair and be shouting along with Grace on the choruses. The final song of the first side, unfortunately titled “Osama Bin Laden As The Crucified Christ” has coats of grinding guitars and the feel of a System of a Down song only not so erratic. The also unfortunately titled “Fuckymylife666” is another strong song that is more in the vein of other Against Me! tunes and was even the song they performed on Letterman off the record.

If you can stumble past the awkward subject matter (for the vast majority of people anyway) this is an extremely good pop-punk record and is well worth the effort.

Key Track: “Osama Bin Laden as the Crucified Christ”

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Coming Soon: Money For Nothin’ / Gas Pump Talent

Money For Nothin' Gas Pump Talent Poster

WHO’S PLAYING?  Gas Pump Talent (Springfield, MO) Money For Nothin’ (St. Joseph, MO)

WHAT TO EXPECT?  A floor stompin’, drunken good time with lots of sing alongs…

Gas Pump Talent is possibly the best out of town band that has rolled through St. Joseph in the last couple years. Their honest and raw songs strike a nerve and make for perfect drinking music. They have a strong crop of original songs like “Ruler of the Elves” from their debut EP No Place In History and great new songs that aren’t even released yet like “Black Blizzard Boogie” and the fantastic “Ella May Rose.” They also have an anthem of a drinking song in “The Booze Tastes Like Blood” that if you can’t sing along to by the end of it, you have already had way too many. They also mix in many logical covers from the likes of Johnny Cash and Social Distortion among others that will have you drunkenly singing along.

Gas Pump Talent sounds like: Lucero, William Elliott Whitmore, the front porch of your neighbors house 75 years ago

Money For Nothin’ is a band with a very high hopes and the ability to make them a reality. Led by the talented songwriter Aaron Blumer and backed by the flashy drumming of Sara Verduzco and the strong pop sensibilities of the versatile Marcus Words, they have all the pieces in place. The band has been polishing their set for a year now and play several popular gigs in south Missouri. They are about to go to Nashville to record their first music together as a band. They play songs written by Blumer, Words and also songs they wrote as a band. They of course mix in a healthy dose of covers as well. They pull out pop, rock and country covers like “Life Is A Highway” “Free Fallin'” and of course “Wagon Wheel” among others that will keep you singing your heart out all night long.

Money For Nothin’ sounds like: Jason Aldean, Kip Moore, gravel crunching under pickup truck tires

WHERE IS IT?  The Cafe Acoustic; 2605 Frederick Ave. St. Joseph, MO 64506

WHEN IS IT?  Saturday, March 1st, 2014; 9:30, NO COVER

WHY SHOULD I GO?

  • It’s FREE
  • Cafe Acoustic always sounds great
  • Smoking is not only allowed, it is encouraged and unavoidable
  • pretty bartenders get you drunk at Cafe… it’s a good thing
  • Gas Pump Talent is from Springfield and don’t make it up often, so don’t miss out
  • Gas Pump Talent has some nifty new T-Shirts… you should get one (I got two in case one was dirty)
  • Money For Nothin’ puts on a great show, this town is spoiled because we see them so often but they belong on a larger stage than St. Joe
  • Everybody likes to sing along… even if they won’t admit it
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Concert Review: Local H at Mojo’s in Columbia, MO on 2/22/14

In lieu of a traditional concert review I’m just going to jot down some notes. I’ve done a few Local H live reviews already and this show wasn’t terribly different. Another rocking show… no disappointment.

  • New drummer Ryan Harding is legit, he is a competent replacement for Brian St. Clair. Comparing the two would be stupid so I’m going to just leave it at that.
  • First time at Mojo’s or in Columbia, MO period for that matter. Really good venue, set up for concerts, good sound, posters all over the walls, you’ve got to love that.
  • Scott’s hair is long again and he looks noticeably older than he did a year ago.
  • The band came out to the classic Batman theme and covered the Spiderman theme later.
  • There are always drunken assholes at almost any show, this was no exception.
  • Harder rocking set than normal, not many slower moments.
  • The band played for about an hour and 40 minutes without leaving the stage.
  • Scott only stopped to talk about twice during the set.
  • No “All The Kids Are Right” but an odd cover of Lorde’s “Team” was included.
  • A rare performance of “Chicago Fanphare ’93” made the setlist, “Taxi Cabs” was a good surprise too.
  • They would only play two songs from their latest album Hallelujah, I’m A Bum.
  • 2 new songs were played.. I’m not sure of titles but you can see my guesses below.
  • Scott crowd surfed back to the merch table at the end of the show.
  • Post show PA was nearly all Radkey songs, Scott must really like them boys.
Local H's Ryan Harding (drums) and Scott Lucas perform at Mojo's in Columbia, Missouri on 2/22/14.

Local H’s Ryan Harding (drums) and Scott Lucas perform at Mojo’s in Columbia, Missouri on 2/22/14.

Local H setlist from Mojo’s in Columbia, Missouri on 2/22/14:

  • Buffalo Trace
  • Deep Cut
  • Eddie Vedder
  • Want You Dead (new song)
  • Blue Line
  • Chicago Fanphare ’93
  • The One With ‘Kid’
  • Hand on the Bible
  • California Songs
  • Taxi Cabs
  • Another February
  • Team (Lorde cover)
  • Alright (Oh Yeah)
  • “Cha!” Said The Kitty
  • Fritz’s Corner
  • Spiderman (cover)
  • One of Us (new song)
  • Bound For The Floor
  • What Would You Have Me Do?
  • Hi Fivin’ MF
  • Heavy Metal Bakesale
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250 Word Album Review: The Orwells – Other Voices EP

The Orwells - Other Voices EP

The Orwells - Other Voices EP gets 4 stars

Every once in a while it is really nice to hear a new band that gets it. Their unashamed rock at its finest packed into a four song EP given away free on their website is a good way to get the world to hear your band. Lots of bands give music away for free and many times it’s still not really worth the time and effort to seek out.

The Other Voices EP by The Orwell is definitely worth the effort. The slowest song, “Blood Bubbles” broods with some AM radio qualities while the lyrics hide behind a wall of whining guitars. It along with “Head” are good songs but fail to match the quality of the other two songs available here. The brash “Mallrats” rattles out of control, at times just barely staying on track, giving the tune a punk quality with the loose guitars and hundreds of frantic “la la las” during its two and a half minute life span. The true gem is the title track “Other Voices” it oozes with hooks and proud, strutting vocals complete with simple guitar solos that fit the framework like puzzle pieces.

The Orwells are getting their name out by giving away a sampling of what they are capable of. If the product is this quality they won’t have to give away much more, people will be happy to pay.

Key Tracks: “Other Voices” “Mallrats”

 

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Album at a glance: Third Wounded Man – Patsy EP

This is Third Wounded Man's first release; a live EP recorded at Cafe Acoustic named Patsy. You should really go to the following link and listen to some Third Wounded Man; Toss them a couple bucks for downloading it while you are there too: http://thirdwoundedman.bandcamp.com/

Don’t let the warts of this digital live EP scare you off; “Patsy” contains some shining hard rock gems. You can almost feel the pain of the drum heads with each abrupt thump and the full power of the guitar sound can easily be credited to Metallica as an obvious influence. These things only highlight the clever wordplay on tracks like “Every Little Thing She Does Is Tragic” with lyrics like “Even a bad actress gets to bow…” These six heavy tunes cover everything from why Tuesdays are great to JFK to the removal of eyelids. It makes for great driving music; just watch the speedometer if you are listening to it and be sure check the back seat.

Key Track: “Ghosts of Tuesday’s Past”

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250 Word Album Review: Hard Working Americans – Hard Working Americans

Hard Working Americans self-titled debut album

3.5Stars

The Hard Working Americans aren’t really all that hard working at all it seems. It is hard to picture Todd Snider, the self proclaimed “Peace lovin’, pot smokin’ lazy-ass hippie” as a hard working guy. He leads the charge in this supergroup project along with many other notable musicians from such bands as Widespread Panic. This isn’t to say that this project is misnamed however; the group covers songs that show they are, in-fact, in touch with hard working Americans.

With song titles like “Blackland Farmer” “Mr. President Have Pity on the Working Man” and “Welfare Music” it is easy to see how the name fits the bill. Some songs really hit the mark and make for interesting listens, something that is always unpredictable with covers. Hayes Carll’s “Stomp and Holler” serves as a highlight as the band lets loose on it. Snider even nails his friend Will Kimbrough’s “Another Train” with a very loose and fun reading. Some slower, burning songs are also included like Tommy Womack’s “I Don’t Have A Gun” that show not everything about the Hard Working Americans is a loose jam.

The project remains interesting and is a much better collection of covers than Todd Snider’s tribute to Jerry Jeff Walker a couple years ago. That album found Snider trying to have fun, this album seems to actually capture a group of friends having fun. Hard Working Americans likely won’t become your favorite album or stay in your CD player for months at a time but it is still an enjoyable listen.

Key Tracks: “Stomp and Holler” “Welfare Music” “Another Train”

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250 Word Album Review: The Biff Tannens – Johnny Dare is a Douche

The Biff Tannens - Johnny Dare Is A Douche

The Biff Tannens - Johnny Dare Is A Douche gets 3.5 stars

The Biff Tannens are a straight forward American punk band that doesn’t waste its time by trying to be clever or adding unnecessary frills, they just let the ourtrage flow. Their sense of humor is apparent by both their name (the Back To The Future villain) and the brilliant album title Johnny Dare is a Douche (Johnny Dare is a Kansas City DJ for a butt-rock radio station.)

They do sloppy punk music well. Their lead single “Fat Chicks from the Planet Flabbius” shows their power and drive all while keeping on the lighter side of things. Balls out rockers like “Punt The Cunt” and “Mr. Toilet Man” are abrasive, loud and just flat out fun. Lead singer Duke White summons his inner Jello Biafra in an obvious homage on the grinding “Pet Peeve” and of course the sound of the Ramones is painted all over the album. The smooth pop hook and refreshing female lead vocals by Jessica White make “Let It Begin” the most “accessible” track on the record and brings to mind the better moments of hard rocking The Donnas songs.

The band has honed in on what punk is and concentrate on it, all while writing good hooks. Johnny Dare is a Douche is everything a band’s first punk album should be; loud, obnoxious, sloppy, disrespectful, short, dirty and gritty complete with grinding guitars and “I could sing better than this!” vocals.

Key Tracks: “Punt The Cunt” “Let It Begin” “Fat Chicks from the Planet Flabbius”

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250 Word Album Review: Christopher Bell – Sirens

Christopher Bell - Sirens

Christopher Bell - Sirens gets 4 stars

When you listen to a lot of music, and I truly mean A LOT OF MUSIC, you have a thirst for something different and original and it is much harder to find than you might imagine. Look no further than Christopher Bell’s album Sirens if you are trying to quench the thirst for something so unique it will fill your ears with virgin sounds.

It is pretty difficult to describe exactly what he does because it is so unconventional. He uses a lot of vocal loops and he plays a cello for starters. This puts him in the class of “weird for the sake of being weird” right away but because Bell writes quality songs everything gels and the finished product shines bright. The solemn hum of cello strings give “Shipwreck” an instant ominous feel, this kind of mood is echoed on and off throughout Sirens. The album frequently shifts moods, many times within songs and keeps it hard to pin down exactly what Bell is doing, if you don’t pay attention, you won’t be able to keep up.

The sweet, flowing vocal performance of “This Road” is a good representation of what Bell is capable of. The song has pop hooks and a loop of plucking cello strings just consistent enough to hold the song together. The shining masterpiece of the album is “You are an Atom” with exceptionally abstract lyrics and beatbox style loops. Bell proves that a well written song can be executed in many different ways. The natural flow of Bell’s music seems organic and original, therefor it doesn’t wear on your ears with repeated listens.

Key Tracks: “You are an Atom” “This Road”

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