The Mountain Tempo

Luke Doucet

2009-06-30T08:44:00.000-06:00

"I know, he's everywhere right now right? Check out number 4. It's the song Jeff Tweedy never wrote." That's what my co-worker said and unlike my co-worker, I don't know every Wilco song nor was I there for the commencement and fall of Uncle Tupelo. I couldn't have put it any clearer, but i get it and I fully believe him.

Luke Doucet And White Falcon - Cleveland

I'm not sure why I feel like I've heard his name every hour on the hour over the past two weeks. Maybe it's a familiar name. Born in Nova Scotia, Luke Doucet got his first guitar when he was 13 years old. The term "travelin' man in a blues band" seems to be thrown around like a mystical story reserved for those that only made it far enough to open a bar in the middle of nowhere. But with Doucet, it's a dead ringer. He traveled solo across Canada, from distant city to city on Greyhound, before he was ten. By 15, he was in his father's blues band and after graduating high school, the young Doucet found a stage playing in Sarah McLachlan's band. Doucet now has five solo albums, all from Toronto's Six Shooter Records. His most recent album (and where you'll find "Track number 4" aka. "Cleveland") is from 2008's Blood's Too Rich; and although it is still a solo Doucet project, he pays homage to his circa 1955 Gretsch White Falcon guitar by crediting the artist as "Luke Doucet and White Falcon."

Luke Doucet - Blood's Too Rich

Now...I'm At eTown

2009-06-29T19:17:00.009-06:00

It's not my longest drought, but I've been neglecting the blog for a bit. Several of my avid readers knew of my position in the music industry at the radio consulting firm that also had many fingers in the online and retail realm of music delivery. I'm happy to say that after 4 years of growing with them and knee deep in the muck and glamour that is the music industry, I was offered the New Media/Audience Development position at eTown. I still get to ride my bike to work. Only now, I get to ride toward the downtown part of Boulder, past the stunning Flatirons, alongside the river and sit in an office that is literally a stones throw from hiking trails and deer crossings.

I'm not going to shy away from self promotion when I do know it's a great company promoting a great cause. I'm still supervising music licensing projects and producing soundtracks when I have time. At eTown, I still get to see the most fascinating emerging artists in juxtaposition to legendary icons. In addition, we hope that with the format of the show and the projected growth on our horizon, eTown will not only be a prime outlet to watch and learn about musicians, but a place where social issues and intelligent conversation can surface to a greater public.

Who's perfomed at eTown? Several thousand musicians, including some of these names: Ray LaMontagne, Keb' Mo', Gregory Alan Isakov, Steve Earle, Josh Ritter, Sam Bush, J.J. Cale, James Taylor, Devotchka, Alexi Murdoch, David Gray, Nickel Creek, Ben Harper, T-Bone Burnette, Ted Hawkins, Michael Franti, Mavis Staples, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Guster, Marc Cohn, Odetta........

A new site is in the works which will serve as a blueprint to more stuff to come. In the meantime, here is eTown.

The Low Anthem

2009-06-18T10:15:00.010-06:00

What comes out of Providence, Rhode Island other than a Farrelly brothers flick? Comprising of a NASA technician, a jazz bassist-slash-"baseball scholar" and a painter, The Low Anthem has had a breakout year already performing South By, Bonnaroo, Coachella, Lollapalooza and Newport - ALL IN 2009. The band initially met at Brown University and is now on tour across the globe with stints with Dave Matthews, The Fleet Foxes, Langhorne Slim, Joe Pug, M. Ward...and the list goes on.

The Low Anthem just released their album,Oh My God, Charlie Darwin, from Nonesuch/Bella Union on June 8th. I'll admit I haven't gone through the entire album, but the four I've been running on repeat have my spine chilling. The three members of The Low Anthem construct balanced harmonies with the backing of their their 30+ instruments played between the trio. Here's a taste...

The Low Anthem - Charlie Darwin

It Might Get Loud

2009-06-12T08:47:00.002-06:00

My friend Patrick provided the tip on the new movie, It Might Get Loud, set to hit theaters on August 14th.

As told from the press kit:
It Might Get Loud isn’t like any other rock’n roll documentary. Filmed through the eyes of three virtuosos from three different generations, audiences get up close and personal, discovering how a furniture upholsterer from Detroit, a studio musician and painter from London and a seventeen–year–old Dublin schoolboy, each used the electric guitar to develop their unique sound and rise to the pantheon of superstar. Rare discussions are provoked as we travel with Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White to influential locations of their pasts. Born from the experience is intimate access to the creative genesis of each legend, such as Link Wray’s “Rumble’s” searing impression upon Jimmy Page, who surprises audiences with an impromptu air guitar performance. But that’s only the beginning.

While each guitarist describes his own musical rebellion, a rock’n roll summit is being arranged. Set on an empty soundstage, the musicians come together, crank up the amps and play. They also share their influences, swap stories, and teach each other songs. During the summit Page’s double–neck guitar, The Edge’s array of effects pedals and White’s new mic, custom built into his guitar, go live. The musical journey is joined by visual grandeur too. We see the stone halls of Headley Grange where “Stairway to Heaven” was composed, visit a haunting Tennessee farmhouse where Jack White writes a song on–camera, and eavesdrop inside the dimly lit Dublin studio where The Edge lays down initial guitar tracks for U2’s forthcoming single. The images, like the stories, will linger in the mind long after the reverb fades.

Willem Maker's Mark

2009-06-11T08:55:00.011-06:00

Wanna know how to piss off a person who has access to new tunes across the board and listens to new music every single day? Give him another 600 songs he hasn't heard that are right up his alley. First, because I blame myself for not knowing WHY I didn't know about the artist and second, because...well...it's overwhelming. I can't post on all the tunes my separated-at-birth-music-twin Jeremy Kay gives me. Hell, I have been working for over a month now to get through the initial barrage of tunes he dumped in my lap. Here is an average song he gave me...which says a lot to his taste AND because this artist is ANYTHING but.
Willem Maker. Sounds scruffy right? Like he came straight from a southern porch scene? You're probably right. Willem Maker comes to us from the hills of Turkey Heaven Mountain (I'm not making this up), in Cleburn County on the east side of Alabama. Joining such staple porch-bred powerhouses like AA Bondy, Junior Kimbrough, Andrew Bird, Townes Van Zandt and the Black Keys, Willem Maker appropriately finds himself part of the Fat Possum Records line-up.

Willem Maker stepped out of the acoustic performances and bedroom demos with his rookie release in 2007. Maker now offers some more southern comfort with his 12-track New Moon Hand. Mr. JK sent me the lead-track yesterday brimming with whiskey scratched vocals, an honest tune of resonating slide guitar and the feeling that took me away from my desk and plopped me on a wooden slat porch overlooking a dirty river. When the song finished, I looked back at my computer. That sucked. Thanks JK.

Willem Maker - Black Beach Boogie

If this suits your fancy, scroll down on the blog as this song is a bull's eye in my library. Or, check out Joe Pug, William Elliot Whitmore, Lucero, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band or Stoll Vaughan.

Sometimes It's Not About The Music

2009-06-09T08:35:00.001-06:00

There are lot of heavy hearts in Boulder this week. The international climbing community and several families and friends got rocked this week when it was announced that Boulder's own, Jonny Copp, Micah Dash and Wade Johnson lost their lives in an avalanche in the deeply remote region of southwest China while attempting to be the first to climb the 22,368-foot Mount Edgar (pictured above). It was so remote and such a feat, that the mountain has not only been unclimbed, but has never even been approached. We may soon find out if someone in this trip was able to reach the summit. Regardless, I have expressed my condolences and thoughts on the matter to the specific people within this situation. To me, this blog is not going to serve as my emotional outlet that accompanies losing friends and business associates. What is it about then? I won't get started. But, here are pictures of Jonny, Wade and Micah.

The video excerpt below, produced by Wade Johnson, was a project in which I served as music supervisor and briefly captures Johnny Copp and Micah Dash in their backyard playground. Ironically, they briefly talk about confronting death in their daily endeavors. They lived to explore and frolicked in the most breathtaking and remote regions on earth. They died doing what they loved most...playing in their larger-than-life jungle gym.

Excerpt from The Sharp End courtesy of Renan Ozturk

To donate to the ongoing search and recovery of their bodies, or learn more about the situation and the lives of these marvelous gentlemen, please don't hesitate to visit the links below.

The Adventure Film Festival/search and donation headquarters
Jonny Copp's personal website
Jonny Copp's bio via patagonia.com
Letter from the parents of Wade Johnson
Sender Films
Micah Dash's bio courtesy of Mountain Hardware
Micah Dash's blog

Kings Of Leon ARE the cool guys that don't look at explosions

2009-06-03T07:57:00.005-06:00

My favorite song off of Only By The Night now has an accompanying video. Just a few years ago the Followill brothers were constricted by a well-received debut album that lacked the pop-glam to further their exposure beyond the indie-alt basement scene. Add in another album, multiple festival appearances, some Saturday Night Live and Late Show appearances, an MTV Video Awards performance, and backing by RCA...and well, some damn nice rock vocals and catchy tunes with a likeable face...and Kings of Leon are still making waves. This time with "Notion," the third single off of KOL's most recent album.

Yesterday, the KOL online premier of "Notion" became available on their Myspace page. Nothing to write home about, but it'll satisfy any KOL fan...or female under the age of 40.

Fire? Check. Bad ass "I don't give a shit" attitude? Check. Smoldering light bulb in worn-down warehouse? You bettcha. Singing into a brick wall and hawking a lugie on the stage floor (1:26 in). All systems go. Ok, ok...I still love the song and hell, I can't talk too bad about the video...Caleb is telling me the entire time: "don't knock it, don't knock it..." But wait! There's more!

Is it ironic timing that this fire and explosion-filled video premiered the day after Andy Samberg's penultimate tribute to the cool guys that don't look at explosions? I think not. The KOL crew are indeed the epitome of cool cats. Here's Samberg's statement:

Miley Vs. The Boss

2009-06-02T08:22:00.003-06:00

I could've posted on the new Wilco release or even the Buckley CD/DVD release of his live cuts. Nope, I'm not because that's not chapping my ass right now.

Hear me out. I GET MTV's demographic. I know the MTV Video Awards are mostly silly, viral and really don't count for much. I get that I was probably one of the few television viewers that was over the age of 25 but hey, I'm an Andy Samberg fan. So given it was just the measly MTV Movie Awards full of bare-assed angels flying around and mumbling award recipients, why am I cranky?

Because even in the hoo-hah land of MTV and their Clash and Ramones t-shirt wearing fans, how or lord, how was Miley Cyrus' song voted above Bruce Springsteen's?

Folks, I don't have the answer and never will. OK, I'm not really cranky as I know the reality of it all...but I do wonder if Bruce even knew he was up for an award against Paramore or Miley. But for shits and giggles, let's take a look at how MTV explained the two songs so we can at least offer Miley some credit for the deep seriousness of her song, "The Climb" which I'm guessing, she didn't even write.

MTV says:
Miley Cyrus "The Climb"
Miley's ballad is all about staying optimistic in the face of tough decisions, like choosing between regular life and your secret pop star alter-ego.

Bruce Springsteen "The Wrestler"
This eponymous song is based on the real life lost-and-found friendship between The Boss and 'Wrestler'-lead Mickey Rourke.

Must be tough to choose between a regular life of a millionaire on a ranch and being a pop-star millionaire with a ranch to fall back on. Hey - that should be a song!

Rusted Root is back!

2009-05-29T18:02:00.001-06:00

Ok, I'm back...off of a quite lazy spell and have actually been hearing the guff, nagging, and groaning about the need for new music updates from many of you via email. Thanks.

More importantly, one of my favorites from back in the hay day, Rusted Rood is back. (or is it "hey day"? Me thinketh it's "hay" as in a farmer reference).

Yes, Rusted Root is back after a 7 year studio hiatus. The Pittsburgh group have sold over 3 million records world wide mostly due to "Send Me On My Way," the hit you've heard in movies and on radio waves over the last decade. Although you haven't heard much else from them, be weary that they've been anything but stagnant. Over 6 albums and multiple movie scores (Twister, Mathilda, Party of Five, Charmed, Ice Age, etc.) have kept them in the lime light...and I just learned that "Send Me On My Way" was also chosen by NASA to wake up the crew on the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity.

Although Rusted Root's new album, Stereo Rodeo, has been available online since March, the big release is now, during the pre-lull of the summer season...and thank God, we need some good music. Original members, Michael Glabicki, Patrick Norman and Liz Berlin, are joined by a small slew of backing band members on this album. As Glabicki says, "Labeling is dangerous and limiting...We are a band made up of individual musicians who come together collectively to create music, call it what you want but we are simply creating music that has a message.” In Stereo Rodeo, you'll not only hear the pulsating rhythms and chant-like howls they are known for, but deeper political and historically-influenced themes and lyrics.

Rusted Root - Dance In The Middle

Alexi Murdoch - Away We Go

2009-05-12T08:43:00.005-06:00

Alexi Murdoch finally scored a film. The first time I heard Alexi's "Blue Mind," I knew it was going to be my masterpiece when I placed it in an epic scene in a film I worked with. The moment I heard his "Orange Sky" appear in an underground action-adventure climbing film (Pilgrimage) and then in the background of Braff's dramedy of Garden State, it was so clear to see how a melodic tune from a quiet singer-songwriter can enhance both scenes that you'd never imagine in juxtaposition. That's one reason why I love Alexi Murdoch and why my heart skipped a beat the very moment I heard the first song notes of this trailer.

Comedians John Krasinski (The Office) and Maya Ruldolph (SNL) appear in Academy Award winning director Sam Mendes' (American Beauty, Revolutionary Road) new film from Focus Features, Away We Go. The trailer, full of a packed cast and strong emotional and comedy pulls, seems fully heightened due to the melodic and sombersome sounds and driving perfection that Alexi adds with the song "All My Days" (see below). I can't wait to see this flick.

Murdoch is offering a free download of the song heard in the trailer, here. The soundtrack will be available digitally on June 2nd while the physical CD will become available on June 23rd. The track listing for the original soundtrack is as follows:

1. All My Days

2. Blue Mind

3. What Is Life (George Harrison)

4. Song For You

5. Golden Brown (The Stranglers)

6. Towards The Sun

7. Meet Me In The Morning (Bob Dylan)

8. Breathe

9. Wait

10. The Ragged Sea

11. Oh! Sweet Nuthin’ (The Velvet Underground)

12. Orange Sky

13. Crinan Wood (bonus track)

Herzig. Dawes.

2009-05-06T09:09:00.005-06:00

Ahhh...one day, two great artists.

Katie Herzig
Katie Herzig - Wish You Well
The one artist I get giddy around! One of the very few artists that I can say I've seen develop from performing bar gigs into headlining the last scene on Grey's Anatomy that made you ball your eyes out. Herzig's absolutely gorgeous song, "Wish You Well" was featured today on NPR's Song of The Day. Read more about her and the song here. For the Tempo's previous post on Herzig, click here

Dawes
The marvelous blog crew over at Daytrotter just posted some fresh content on the enigma of a band that is Dawes. Head over there and get your fill of the band, free song downloads from their session at Daytrotter, and info about each song. The Tempo's previous post on Dawes can be found here.

Scrubs and Me.

2009-05-05T08:13:00.011-06:00

I'm not really sure how I got into the music business or furthermore, how I ended up starting a music supervision (soundtracks) company. It could've been the countless times my mom played Paul Simon and Manfred Mann while doing yardwork. It could've been that I had nothing better to do. It may have been the high school spanish films we made for classes and how excited I got when I edited in my favorite songs to back-up any dialog and action. Or...maybe even Dawson's Creek, Scrubs, Top Gun and various other movies that so perfectly enhanced their theatrics with the perfect soundtrack.

I've been on a Scrubs kick lately, as I usually am during such times - re-watching the best they offered during Seasons 1-3, which also happens to be a great example of tv using songs to further their impact.

Did it start with 90210 or did Juno and Grey's Anatomy make you think about music with film? Most my age probably relate to how amazing the Garden State soundtrack turned out because it ditched norms of using headlining acts like Shawn Colvin or U2 and focused on the indie/emerging scene. No offense to the soundtrack, but making that mix is SIMPLE. Saying that, I do applaud Braff for using his role/power in the industry to share his love of emerging and blanketed artists like Imogen Heap, Alexi Murdoch, Schuyler Fisk, Iron & Wine and even re-introducing deep Simon and Garfunkel gems to my generation. let's be honest, Braff knows his shit (music) and moreso, how to use it (music, of course) effectively.

But to me, Scrubs was where it was at. It surpassed Dawson's Creek and 90210 in the depth at how it used music. It was the prequel to what Grey's Anatomy, The OC, Chuck, and maybe what The Hills are emerging into. Sure it's a comedy, but you'd be surprised at the transition into the serious roles it develops into and how the music expedites this. The depth of artists and frequency of incorporating them into the theme was not seen, in my opinion, until Braff and Co. at Scrubs took the plunge. Who is responsible for the music at Scrubs? I know Braff did help quite a bit in convincing the director and music supervisor on the use of certain songs. Braff himself also ended up directing numerous episodes through the seasons. And...Braff specifically helped launch the career of his college friend, Joshua Radin, and re-launch the career of ex-Men At Work singer, Colin Hay. Through Scrubs, Braff either continually exposed or introduced me to some of my now-favorite artists/songs and moments in television. He even included several artists performing their songs on camera, such as Colin Hay and The Polyphonic Spree. Here's a slight recap of moments and some songs that have been doing their number on me lately:

Nil Lara - Fighting For My Love

Erasure - A Little Respect

Finger Eleven - One Thing

Joshua Radin - Closer
(2:15 in)

Eels - Fresh Feeling

Appreaing: Polyphonic Spree - Light and Day/Reach For the Sun

Colin Hay - Waiting For My Real Life To Begin
Appearing: Colin Hay - Overkill

Joshua James

2009-04-23T08:48:00.003-06:00

Influences:
The Ghost.
The God.
The Devil.

Hell, it nearly sounds cliche and almost trite. But if you've had a chance to see Joshua James and hear the background behind some of his ballads, you'd find they are true stories and not a vivid imagination captured by great songwriting. I've seen him three times now, all by accident. The last time, I watched his tiny frame belt echoes and drop jaws throughout the overwhelming and sold out Ellie Caulkins Opera House before Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova took stage. It was his brief but heart-aching intros to each song that really left an uncomfortable stain on your face when listening to his songs. Horrific deaths in his family. Family substance abuse problems. Friends losing fathers prematurely. A unique view of the holocaust from the view of a child.

From his site:
“I used to isolate myself in my parents basement, away from my five siblings, and devour records by Dylan, Marley and The Doors,” says James. These influences are clear in the simple beauty of his songs, deconstructed yet complicated. One could say his material deals in the contrast of absolutes: Love and Hate, Life and Death, Good and Evil, Pleasure and Pain. “It’s not all black and white, I do enjoy intricacy in my story telling,” states Joshua. “But leaving the gray area there for the audience to draw from often means more."

Joshua James - FM Radio

From his homebases in Lincoln, NE to Utah, Joshua James is on tour now supporting dates for Ani DiFranco, The Duhks and a slew with Rocco Deluca. Aside from his very well-received debut album, The Sun Is Always Brighter, James has also released Sing Songs, an EP of songs that didn't make the final cut for another project, available here from North Platte Records. I strongly suggest the entire first album and also taking a stroll to his MySpace and check out songs that are only available by recommended purchase, such as "Crash This Train," "Ribbon Bows," and "Baby Boy." All full of heartbroken whispers.

Pertinent songs for pertinent times: Grey Room

2009-04-22T08:35:00.002-06:00

A random post is what you get for random times. A pertinent song for pertinent situations. A rather somber and gray song for a sunny Colorado day and happy camper.

"Grey Room" by Damien Rice is one of my most coveted songs. The reasoning behind this songwriting, his voice, his temperament and the awaited crescendo building up to his plea of momentous words near the 4-minute mark. That clashing of symbols and Rice's realization at the end, erupt. Most of you that know Damien Rice (probably not personally), know he sings about some pretty damn troubling and disheartening situations and doesn't really have a bottle of sunshine in his catalog. You're most likely right. Well, at least with this song, he tried. Rice explains:
This song is about writing songs that are always down and it was ironic because I found myself in that moment where I was down and I was down about the fact that i was writing songs that are down so I wrote another down song...

Although it's one of my favorites, this song has come to my attention (unwarranted) this week by four different people, for two different reasons and in three different & unrelated outings. Ironic? Am I down? Judge as you are free to do. But to me, the lyrics near the end have an uplifting soaring roar to them and though this is another gray song, I think it has a great silver lining. At least to me...

Damien Rice - Grey Room

D. Rice
Grey Room
well i've been here before
sat on the floor in a grey grey room
where i stay in all day
i don't eat, but i play with this grey grey food
desole, if someone is prayin' then i might break out,
desole, even if i scream i can't scream that loud
i'm all alone again
crawling back home again
stuck by the phone again
well i've been here before
sat on a floor in a grey grey mood
where i stay up all night
and all that i write is a grey grey tune
so pray for me child, just for a while
that i might break out yeah
pray for me child
even a smile would do for now
'cause i'm all alone again
crawling back home again
stuck by the phone again
have i still got you to be my open door?
have i still got you to be my sandy shore?
have i still got you to cross my bridge in this storm?
have i still got you to keep me warm?
if i squeeze my grape, then i drink my wine
coz if i squeeze my grape, then i drink my wine
oh coz nothing is lost, it's just frozen in frost,
and it's opening time, there's no-one in line
but i've still got me to be your open door,
i've still got me to be your sandy shore
i've still got me to cross your bridge in this storm
and i've still got me to keep you warm
warmer than warm, yeah

Old Crow debuts a new video

2009-04-20T08:45:00.002-06:00

I'd hesitate to call Old Crow Medicine Show a country band. Screw it, I wouldn't. But, last time I called something on this blog with a tinge of "newgrass" or non-traditional sounds accompanying traditional bluegrass as actual "bluegrass," I got an earful. Anywhoo...maybe Old Crow are scream-o hard rock since they use amps and hollar a lot on stage.

It's been out for some time, but the accompanying video for "Caroline" is now ready for your viewing pleasure

My comments? Eh. I LOVE this band. The most energy I've ever seen on stage was watching Old Crow deafen the audio engineers ears at Boulder Theater...twice. This video is just ok and though it IS for CMT viewers, I prefer the more rompin' stompin' version of OCMS that I have become drawn to. More along the lines of this

And it certainly isn't as Joe Cool as the laid-back-swagger video for their Dylan ballad which put them on the map

Ketch, Willie, Morgan, Critter, Kevin and Gill are on tour now supporting Dave Matthews for a few shows and also appearing with another Mountain Tempo favorite on others-Justin Townes Earle! Nope, they're not coming to Colorado either. FML.

Rainy Day Songs - Me, Mariah & Sam

2009-04-17T08:46:00.015-06:00

You wake up just after sunrise on an open weekend, sleepwalk yourself to your kitchen and grab the steaming cup of coffee or tea and head over to fogged and rain-pelted window to find out it's the quintessential stay-inside day. What song do you want played in the background at that moment?

Me First
For a bit, I was chewing the cud deciding if Damien Rice's "Grey Room" or Bon Iver's "Stacks" would accompany the somber and sighful mood that I would be in. I'm a full-blown optimistic guy and nothing suits me more than sunshine. So why do I gravitate to these angst-filled singer-songwriters basking in gloom? Not sure. But given a day like yesterday and today, days full of low gray clouds where the droplets are not quite sure whether to fall as snow, sleet or rain, all I want are these somber songs to match the beautiful frown outside. For my final answer, I'm choosing the painful hymn of the late Nick Drake. Specifically, his Cello Song.
Nick Drake - Cello Song

On we go to amazing friends that have a trusted knack in musicology...

Mariah Second
Sasha’s remix of Grandnational’s “Talk Amongst Yourselves” (Involver) --- this tune makes we want to get out into the rain and drive up to the mountains (while it plays on repeat in my car). - Mariah K.

Little explanation behind this and shows a completely different attitude when confronted with the elements of mother nature. BTW, I didn't require ANY explanation when asking them for their songs. It's easy to see how Mariah's song does the talking.

Samuel Third
He's been on here before and I'm giving my Samuel Wallstreet Francis Hays Miller even more accolades. His two songs and the brief commentary are a great way to absorb the lull of a frigid Friday.

Song 1
Miles Davis - So What - Kind of Blue

Kind Of Blue: to me, Kind Of Blue is more the birth of cool, than "the birth of cool" was. Miles grew up in east Saint Louis. Having lived in Saint Louis, I hear the fucking clouds that wont leave for 6 months over winter. I hear the industry dying in the decaying pavement downtown. I see the riverboats and their glacial movement down the Mississippi. In yet, when that first horn snaps in around the minute and half mark...damn. Like death makes way for life.

Quincy Jones: "That will always be my music, man. I play Kind of Blue every day - it's my orange juice. It still sounds like it was made yesterday."

Song 2
Radiohead - Planet Telex - The Bends
Thom Yorke complained that he felt he sounds like a refrigerator humming. written in London, the album sounds like it was conceived under water. Either rain drops or within waves. The guitar affects tremolo around your head in a manner any audiophile can appreciate. In fact, check your equalizer - is it optimized to appreciate the way Radiohead is taking its wet arms, its wet peacoat and wrapping it around your body. This song is a girl walking away, it's a job loss, it's a windshield wiper, it's goddamn trash washing out of the alleys, down he streets, out of you... - S. Miller

Yum.

Lesley Kernochan and The Gospel of Calvin & Hobbes

2009-04-16T08:35:00.009-06:00

My friend Keith took me to a small coffee shop show the other night to see a buddy of his on a rickety piano and a sub-par amp system equivalent to those at a high school talent show. I've talked about being jaded a bit and seeing typical big venue shows leave me frustrated and wondering where the showmanship and passion escaped on their rise in the industry. That reason alone is why I often dive into the local music scene to hopefully catch glimpses of performers like Lesley Kernochan. She is not for everyone and she'd probably not take offense that statement. You'd most definitely pass her on the street and in a line-up of would-be performers, she might even be the last one you'd guess to beat-box, roar the hymns of gospel, rise through elongated falsetto cries, and tickle the ivories while cracking jokes. She blindsided me when I watched this Sarah, Plain and Tall type approach the stage.

Lesley Kernochan - Bob Cash & Johnny Dylan

Comparisons are inevitable when trying to explain an artist that is not mainstream. Lesley Kernochan - think some of Lily Allen in a 1950's Betty Bop bar. Think Dar Williams with more sass. Maybe a Nellie McKay on the rising. Think Tori Amos in a burlesque lounge. Kernochan, a recent composer/singer/songwriter Boulderite transplant from Portland, where she received her degree in Music Composition, is...well...a wanted squirt in the eye from a grapefruit. Her music is sassy, fun, full of heartbreak and shots of daily ponderings. Her second album, The Pickle Jar, is available now from her own label, Maple Syrup Music.

Lesley Kernochan - Yes

Full of tracks that distinguish themselves apart from one another due to varying melodies, stories and instrumentation, The Pickle Jar, as Lesley puts it, is "a collection of songs about a few pickles I've found myself in, that turned out to be blessings." Humor yourself and dive in deeper to find out the footprints she has left by investigating her mini-life story available on her Myspace. After time in Portland and travels in South Africa to help the AIDS crisis, I'm glad I can spend a relaxing night in Boulder laughing and being torn by the lyrics and presence of Kernochan.

Tip 3 of 3: Here We Go Magic

2009-04-15T07:48:00.004-06:00

Ah...this is a head's up kick to my ears courtesy of my co-worker Jason that sits just across the office from me. Now hear me out...my taste in music differs greatly from those that work around me. They are fans of Hall & Oates, any indie band that hasn't been formed yet, 311, and Lyle Lovett. Not too bad. But I get the stereotype as the light-hearted hippie due to my general love of bluegrass and singer-songwriters. All too often Jason and my other co-workers bring my "perfect" song to me to no avail as I find I can't stand the whiny voice, the fake lyrics or the lackluster "uuumph" in the song. They all too often bring me the extreme of what I'm not. I mean, I love the singer-songwriter but there has to be that spark, that indie beat, that pizaaz to really catch my ear. Well, all that does lead up to this: A few days ago, Jason brought me another song I knew I was going to throw out. Within 4 seconds of him debuting the song, I was hooked. Completely hooked.

Take Paul Simon, a touch of what Vampire Weekend started and pepper in some Hot Chip, Animal Collective/Panda Bear and maybe some Sigur Ros acoustics.

Here We Go Magic - Only Pieces

Here We Go Magic is their name. The longing build-up, the mysterious yet simplistic lyrics, the muffled and metallic sound...they all build with a sense of sustained urgency that makes me want a final clash of fireworks...a huge crescendo. But it never comes and for the first time, I'm OK with the building anticipations they offer with no resting conclusion. I have yet see hear their whole catalog, but I have not found a song by Here We Go Magic that was average, ordinary or that didn't receive countless repeats on my speakers.

Here We Go Magic - Tunnel Vision

Here We Go Magic released their self-titled album over a month ago courtesy of Western Vinyl, but it's still damn hard to find the inside scoop on them. Who are they? Rather, who is he? Luke Temple, a folk/rock singer-songwriter and graduate of School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, who has songs on Grey's Anatomy and opened for Guster, now lends his name to this band who is set to open up for Grizzly Bear on a national tour. Temple is responsible for the recording process though he brings on some cohorts for live performances. And no thanks to them, they are NOT stopping in my neck of the woods this go-round. Go figure.

Tip 2 of 3: breaking news from Iglu & Hartly

2009-04-14T08:30:00.012-06:00

Tip #2 comes courtesy of my bestie, Whitney...well, sort of. Iglu & Hartly are the first band I've seen grow from a far-fetched pipe dream to reality. I've seen the hurdles, I've seen their gigs with only a small handful of onlookers and I've seen band members come and go. Recently, I've also seen a fully produced video of them rocking out masses in Amsterdam, heard their song on MTV's The Hills and heard their voice after they signed with Universal Republic. When I had my first DJ slot fresh out of college, it was Whitney who interviewed them, made me listen to their demo and eventually had me be the first DJ to player their song on air. Thanks...self kudos.

Iglu & Hartly - In This City

The Tempo has posted on Jarvis Anderson, Sam Martin, Simon Katz & Co. before and I'm more than happy to do it again. Iglu & Hartly now find themselves permanently residing in California when not tramping on a world tour. You can currently catch them on tour on the west coast before they make a few stints in Ireland and Japan...yes, if you didn't know, MTV is over there too. When I tell friends about them, I try and define their tunes as hip hop inspired by 60's punk, the Ramones, the Clash and a lot of flippy floppies and sun burn. Their agency did a nice work with
Tom Petty meets The Pointer Sisters in a neon karaoke bar in Tokyo singing Tina Turner. The music is a sonic milkshake, a genre blending, culture-defying laser show. Synths, raps, explosive hooks, colorful bridges, sailboats, inspiration.

Iglu & Hartly are set to re-release And Then Boom on May 5th, this time under the supervision of Universal Republic. With hundreds of shows under their belt and tv licensing in full throttle, if you're not familiar with them yet, you just got your sneak peek of what's to come.

Iglu & Hartly - Day Glo

Tip 1 of 3: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

2009-04-13T08:43:00.001-06:00

My music guru, known by many as simply, "JK" (who just so happened to introduce me several years ago to my favorite song of all time), has come through again. This time, he dropped Brooklyn's Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson on my earholes.

Confusing listeners in a good way with his developed sound, poignant lyrics and timeless sound...it's odd to find out Robinson is only 24. His self-titled album was released nearly a full year ago, but timeliness or oversight doesn't phase this Mountain Tempo, especially when members of TV On The Radio and Grizz Bear accompanied Robinson it. MBAR on tour in now in the UK and I'll be damned if I miss him on his next go-around in my neck of the woods. Think a bit of Raphael Saadiq meets almost a humbled and drugged Conor Oberst...and then some Ritter maybe? Leading with the anticipated pulsing sounds of his lead track about his own funeral, "Buriedfed" takes a bit to gain traction but then erupts in an oddly composed disarray of clashing instruments and stellar songwriting.

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - Buriedfed

And the video isn't too shabby either

I get to see THE BOSS tonight.

2009-04-10T02:36:00.011-06:00

I can't sleep. It's nearly 3am and I feel like a little kid waiting to go to Disney World for my first time tomorrow. Embarrassed a little? Yeah. I know I'm spoiled. I work in the music industry and because of generous label reps, artists, managers, my friends at the venues combined with my love of music and job, I've seen hundreds upon hundreds of headliners, mid-level stars and emerging artists. And, most of this has been in the past 4 years. Most people I know have a list of THE ARTIST YOU HAVE TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE. The last one on my list is Bruce Springsteen. I mean, Led Zeppelin isn't THE Led Zeppelin anymore, U2 hasn't put out a real album in a decade, Cash passed before I entered music maturity and my chances of seeing Bob Dylan after the release of Freewheelin' is a few decades late...and I'm only 28. I don't even know who's next after tonight's performance. And I may pre-judging the show I have yet to see, but I'll call tonight a Happening.

I get to see THE Boss tonight.

I think I can blame my mentor back at KBCO who brought me into this beautiful music mess when I was a college intern. He unleashed Bruce on me and drove me to investigate why he was primarily one of the first songwriters, I mean true young-buck songwriters that wasn't afraid to blow the fucking amps, emerge as an American Icon and inspire so many at such a young age. I know I'm a younger Bruce fan and hell, I'm not even from the east coast. Although I've studied it and it's run a heavy course through my heart, my favorite song is not "Born To Run." (Video here) I can't empathize with someone back in '75 going through adolescent turmoils or breakthroughs as this song uppercuts you in the first round with the depth, passion and integrity only a young and roughneck Boss can deliver. I mean seriously, the composition and time spent putting THIS song together speaks volumes for Bruce's impeccable ability at perfection, production, storytelling. The making of just this song has filled many a documentary and web page. The making of the entire album will knock your boots off. But no, this isn't my favorite song and he's not even my favorite artist.

Why then am I so giddy to see such a show? Because he has ingrained his tunes into my soul. Because I am saturated and cognisant of the mark he's left on the history of the music industry as a whole...not just rock and roll. Because I understand what he means to so many other people. And forgive me if you think I'm exaggerating, but because of his iconic stature as the soul of the American lifestyle that Levi's has tried to grasp for oh so long. Because I want to see the man who inspired Peter Gabriel's life-changing movement with Bruce's "standing stretching every nerve." Because I want to partake in the droning "Bruuuuuuuce" that onlookers at the Super Bowl thought were "boooo's." And yes, I'm sad I won't be able to tell my friends and kids (someday, mind you) that I wasn't able to see Bruce with his full E-Street crew. My friends now probably don't even know who Danny Federici is. Most of my generation thinks Max Weinberg is Conan's drummer. Nils Lofgren, Scialfa, Van Zandt, Clemons...I want to see them all.

I do love bluegrass and because of that, my most played Bruce album is probably his tribute to Seeger. But the song I'm most excited to hear? To hear the full story and emotional circumstances involved would require you taking me out for a beer. But, I first heard this song when traveling outside of Amsterdam, staying with some Dutch family friends who brought me to a defunct concentration camp to see where my relatives had passed through before being shipped to Auschwitz. In addition, THEIR friend and her family were personally responsible for saving my German grandmother by hiding her behind a bookcase and feeding her their family's ration of bread during the Holocaust. Knowing that I was American, my host played Bruce over and over and over and over during this emotional trip...and then played the video below for me the moment we got back to his house. It had nothing specific to do with my grandmother, but the tracks were laid and the live release of this song hit me maybe the same way "Born To Run" hit so many back in the 70's. Because of the company I'll be with tonight, my fingers will be slightly crossed and my heart might skip a few beats if Bruce plays one of the very few songs to ever bring me to tears.

I get to see The Boss tonight.

New Gregory Alan Isakov

2009-04-09T07:52:00.000-06:00

So this is actually the blog post I've been waiting over 8 months to do. My friend and local emerging artist out of Boulder has seemingly reached that cusp in every aspiring artists career. Watching his rooted and humble demeanor stay consistent, the sounds and fan base of Gregory Alan Isakov have been anything but. After catching the ears of the syndicated radio program eTown, charming Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls and opening up for countless of headliners, Gregory is now in prime position to impress the masses. And...the once unpolished but heart-strikingly ballad that has been my most played song on iTunes for the past 7 months has finally been recorded, mastered and is set for release. And yeah, Brandi Carlile is the gem providing the stunning backing vocals. Here is Gregory's latest-

Gregory Alan Isakov - That Moon Song

The Mtn Tempo has posted on the South African multi-instrumentalist before in case you need some catch-up on his previous tracks. But, Gregory Alan Isakov is now full swing on tour with Brandi Carlile AND is set to release his new album, This Empty Northern Hemisphere, on May 19. FINALLY!

Arcade Fire: They're up to good

2009-04-08T08:42:00.003-06:00

I'm seeing them everywhere lately...except live. I missed their performance some time ago when they saturated Red Rocks. "Nice work self." So why have we been seeing The Arcade Fire everywhere lately?

The trailer for Where The Wild Things Are has been all over the web featuring original music by Arcade Fire. If the trailer is even 3% close to the actual movie, I'm going to be a happy boy.

Here's the original take of the song
The Arcade Fire - Wake Up

Miroir Noir is officially out and for sale. And...this week only, you can stream the entire video over at Pitchfork. Click here to stream it in it's entirety.

Via Toronto and some sad lounges, Emma-Lee

2009-04-07T07:44:00.000-06:00

This tip comes courtesy of my radio-collegue turned rocker, Ms. Amy Miller of The Panic Years. Maybe a rejuvenation of the 60's bar era when you'd have those sexy women singing in lounges whilst draping themselves over the ash covered grand piano. Maybe the kind of down-tempo singer you'd get if you added mixtures of Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy, Sam Phillips and Leonna Naess. Emma-Lee comes to us from Toronto and with the angst-filled heartache, she also radiates a stripped soul. Though I've provided the title-track to Emma-Lee's album below, I think her most sensual and exposed track maybe caught on this simple video that makes you want a long drag and a martini.

Emma-Lee just released Never Just A Dream courtesy of Bumstead/Universal. Not only armed with the voice that she facetiously proclaims sounds like a red velvet cupcake, Emma-Lee has also spent her time composing her songwriting depth, which are clearly evident in the album. And how old is this circa-50's heiress? Only 25. Yikes.

Emma-Lee - Never Just A Dream

"Oh No" - Take 2

2009-04-06T08:28:00.002-06:00

Ah...another overlook by The Mountain Tempo. A few moons back I posted on a new obsession, Kaiser Cartel. One of my favorite songs (pun intended) of the year was their recording of "Oh No." Not until yesterday afternoon did I find out that this was a cover. And no, I'm not taking anything away from Benjamin and Courtney, as they cover the song beautifully and back it up with a whole album of stellar tracks.

And...they had a damn nice video to accompany their voices and raw version:

But, "Oh No" was actually written by Tracy Thielen, a singer-songwriter who lost his life due to a heroin overdose in 2006. I now know there are numerous covers of this song and I'll stand by KaiserCartel as my favorite. Shivaree is responsible for me diving a bit deeper into the song after hearing Ambrosia Parsley's voice carry that song a bit deeper back in 1999.

Shivaree - Oh, No

Musicology 300: The cost of ticket prices

2009-04-02T08:36:00.031-06:00

***Before you read this, please KNOW that I don't intend to be all-knowing and don't want to get pinned for libel. This is my soapbox and I'll present some ideas for you to consider. Some ideas are parallels based on facts, some are only meant to provoke further thoughts, and some may be solely personal opinions.***

Ahem.

I have been a booker for nationally touring bands. I have worked with promoters and venues both large and small, and know the basic (if there is such a thing) run-down for ticket prices vs. venue takes vs. promoter takes vs. a performers paycheck. Being involved in another side of the biz and watching politics play out can turn your stomach, as it does mine quite often. It's business though. Don't believe me?Keep in mind that Disney On Ice, The Wiggles, and Hannah Montana...they're businesses, not just performers aimed to make you smile.

It was three weeks ago and I bought a concert ticket to the Bluebird Theater in Denver for $10. Why did my bill come $19? Nearly another 100% markup in fees after the initial cost. I also bought a Bruce Springsteen ticket for over $100. This time, I paid only $25 (hey genius, that's 25% in extra fees). Why? Again, no two concerts you may go to have the exact same payment agreement between the several parties possibly involved. But let's take a look at a few scenarios as to where your money may be going when watching The Jonas Brothers rock your soul (God forbid).

The possible players in the game or combinations thereof:
The performer (band members/artists, manager, label, business team)
The Promoter (think Live Nation, AEG Live or maybe an in-house person that works for the venue)
The Venue (Staples Center, Fillmore, Moe's the bar around the corner)
The Ticket seller (Ticketmaster, IronHorse, Live Nation, venue doorman)

-First, the easy scenario-
Scenario 1: You go down the street, enter a 21+ pub and pay a $10 cover to hear your local jam band cover Phish's "Bouncing Around The Room." The venue holds 200 patrons. If this show sells out, someone is going to have to distribute $2000 in door sales. Pending the agreement between the booker/promoter, the band and the venue, the money can be split several different ways. Sometimes, the band will take ALL of the door money, the full $2000. The bar owner may love this as the band can be happy and sell out his bar/venue for the night and the bar owner can take home all bar sales. 200 people x 2 drinks each = nearly $2000 for the small bar owner. Out of the $2000 the band takes home, maybe 3%-10% will go back to the original booker who landed them the gig. The remaining amount in the band's pocket still has to cover their manager's fee, gas, hotel, travel, etc. Hmmm. Other times, their may be an incentive for the band to round up people to come if the bar owner doesn't think they can sell the place out. Maybe this time the bar owner tells the band they can have a guarantee of $500 vs. the till (till = bar sales). Meaning, the band gets their $500 even if three people show up - OR - they get the total bar sales if it is over the $500 mark. This scenario would probably assume that the bar owner has control over ticket/door sales, right? Or maybe the owner gives them door sales vs till. Why would the bar/venue owner choose to do one of these scenarios? Well, when it's a guarantee/door sales vs. till, it seems that the weight of driving fans into the venue shifts between the owner/promoter/band/ticket price, right?

Ok, that's a lot to think about. Let's get to the big players like Elton John, U2, Celin Dion, Bruce, Miley Cyrus and thei big promoters like AEG Live and Live Nation.

-Second, the rough scenario-Again, this is just an example of what MAY OR MAY NOT take place on a given concert performance deal given the parties and combinations involved.
Scenario 2: (actual concert stats courtesy of Billboard, issue: March 7, 2009) Elton John performs at Caesars Palace for 10 shows. Promoter: AEG Live/Concerts West. 8 of the 10 shows sell out. The capacity of the venue is 37,538. Tickets range in price at three levels: $250/$175/$100. The GROSS income of those 10 shows (8 sellouts) is $5,365,772. 10 days, $5 Million = good business plan...maybe.

OK, Ok. You let's JUST SAY you bought your ticket for $100 and let's say that you bought it from Ticketmaster who charged you another $25 in convenience charges. Not too "convenient" huh? How is this huge sum split up? Maybe I have no clue. But let's roll with my lack of brain...

ACDC - Money Talks

A/typically, the promoter (AEG Live) will enter the agreement with a 90/10 breakdown with the artist and venue. This common industry practice tells us that 90% of the box-office gross goes directly to the artist and their team. The other 10% comes back to the promoter (AEG or Live Nation or whomever). Ok, ok, that's cool...$500k for the promoter and $4.5+ Million for Elton John for a tough 10 nights of performances. Now what? Well, there are lots of practices that can take place here. Often, it is Live Nation or AEG Live that has to take the big gamble or monetary swing on whether the show is a success (pulls in enough $$$). Huh? Well, what if a huge snowstorm hits? What if the band leader gets caught selling cocaine a few days before the show and no one shows up in protest? Enter insurance fees that the promoter often pays. The promoter also helps dictate ticket prices. They know how popular the band is and how deep our pockets/love is. They also are the ones that choose and rent the venue, security, and personnel for the show. Sometimes, and yes, they're sneaky - promoters own their own venues (Fillmore/Live Nation). The promoters often front all fees wtih any given concert which even include advertising the show via radio, print, etc. So...just so you don't HATE promoters, they are damn important and have to be on their A-game in order to pull a successful show off. Plus, the artists NEED them too.

You see, promoters have a lot of weight and front a hell of a lot of cash to make a show. They need to re-coup this money. How? Sometimes, the promoter may enter into the agreement with the artist saying that they'll retain a certain percentage of all band t-shirts sold. AEG Live or Live Nation may also tell the arena/venue they'd like '__%' of all food and beverage sales. Hell, AEG Live or Live Nation MAY tell the venue they'd even like a percentage of the parking fees associated with the venue. In fact, promoters make most of their dough off of getting the masses through the door and banking on the fact that they/I/we buy food, merchandise, beer and parking. Where does the venue make their money? Well, on the percentage of the food/beer/parking they chose to keep AND their intial price that the promoter pays them to rent their establishment for the event.

Where does Ticketmaster and their convenient backrub of surplus charges fit in? Well, Ticketmaster can take care of all the ticket sales and present it to the promoter and tour manager nicely...with a huge check too. Ticketmaster has to make some money too here folks. They'll add a nice convenience backrub charge of $25/ticket. We already know the band will take 90% of each ticket sold and the promoter will take the last 10% of FACE value. Why didn't Live Nation or AEG Live sell the tickets and not add a surcharge/convenience fee? Well, that's another topic altogether which is changing right now...Ticketmaster and Live Nation are in a pending merger. But, hold your horses. Ticketmaster will keep part of that $25 convenience fee for their pocket and keeping track of all ticket inventory and the monetary transactions. The other part of the convenience fee goes right back to the promoter as a way of saying thanks for letting us handle the transactions for your event.

Ok, and again, just to stay safe...do NOT count these as absolute facts. What I've explained are practiced in combinations with several external factors and parties involved in each performance transaction. And...who the hell am I anyways...just a lonely blog writer. We DO know this: The Band needs a good promoter/booker and manager to get the right crowd in. And yes, we need the promoter and (oh God, shoot me) Ticketmaster to get into our beloved shows.

Is that enough?

Ok, one more thought. Back in the day, Live Nation (the promoter) was owned by Clear Channel, who owns thousands of radio stations. As we said, Live Nation also owns their own venues (so do other promoters, mind you). Do you think any political elbows rubbed closely or lines were crossed when a HUGE band let Live Nation/Clear Channel promote their show, dictate the arena and maybe, just maybe only let certain radio stations sponsor the show and receive in-studio promotional band performances?
Talk amongst yourselves.

Excuses are like...

2009-03-30T23:11:00.006-06:00

It's been a few days, I know. I know. Why? Well do you want rational or excuses? Ok, it's 11:11 and this is what I can come up with...

Excuse #1: No NEW music has really caught my ear this week. Ok, The Decemberists did come out with a new one...and Gomez too (see below for them). I know music comes out daily. In fact, it was generalized that over 28,000 albums were released in 2008...over 75 a day. That being said, not all are good. Those that are good are either not my style, slip under my radar or are not worthy of a Mountain Tempo post. Arrogant? Maybe. Blind? Maybe.

Excuse #2: This is a part-time fun thingie. Aside from my full-time position in the music biz, my endeavors as a Music Supervisor for films, and avid outdoors enthusiast; posting on here may stay in the bullpen until the 9th inning on busy weeks.

Excuse #3: _________________________.

Nonetheless, here are some interesting sites and a few songs from the yesteryears that have been on repeat for some odd reason. Sappy? Heartbroken? Sentimental? Am I in one of those Ryan Adams-y (circa 2002) phases? Random? Enjoy-

Song 1: Opie Gone Bad - Angel
Site 1: Music Trivia here

Song 2: John Butler Trio - Losing You
Site 2: Best Craigslist ad...ever

Song 3: Eagle Eye Cherry - Worried Eyes
Site 3: en.do.sym.bi.ot.ic

whiskey + raucous + hootenanny = Felice Brothers

2009-03-26T08:22:00.005-06:00

With the weather changing outside and spring beginning, it seems I accidentally turned this week into a porch-music themed week. Sara Watkins with her folkerized bluegrass, William Elliot Whitmore with some dusty howling and a backyard stomp by the Local Natives. The Mountain Tempo has posted on the upstate country bumpkins from the Catskill mountains before, but the brothers Felice (+2) are back again.

From family barbeque's to NY Subway busking to a full-throttle tour and even a slot at last year's Bonnaroo, The Felice Brothers have left their stomp print rather quickly. And you'll see why if you watch the video above. They're infectious, they're ragged and rugged and beyond that - they're a fucking kick-in-the-pants. Their new album full of dirty-bar tunes, scorched ballads and Octoberfest chants that would bring in any straggler. Yet another reference to Twain, The Felice Brothers have titled their new album Yonder Is The Clock (Team Love Records) and it'll be available on April 7th. But, if you're antsy, you can order it here.

Here is my favorite from the upcoming album and luckily, it's the only one that seems to have been released! You'll get their notorious old-tyme gun slinging feeling about 2:15 in... The Felice Brothers - Penn Station

Who put William Elliot Whitmore on my iPod?

2009-03-25T08:30:00.010-06:00

I hand-pick every song that accompanies my bike ride. The other day, I was biking up Flagstaff Mountain and on came this hypnotic, howling hymn

William Elliot Whitmore - Old Devils

A building tempo with unrested sawdust filled vocals, giving a sense of urgency and anxiety. I re-played it about 5 times before I had to let my iPod go to the next song. I have NO CLUE how it got onto my iPod or into my music library. Did I get it from a music sampler? A blog post? A friend? Bueller?

Nonetheless, William Elliot Whitmore is a dead lock in my musical alley. Similar to Ray Lamontagne, Dylan, Joe Pug, Flynn...Whitmore possesses the burnt voice that simply conveys the truth with some americana attitude and some nice southern strumming. Music fit for a dusty bar accompanied with a pipe and a scotch on the rocks. Whitmore's debut album, Animals In The Dark, from Anti Records is available now. And it seems I'm 2/2 folks (see yesterday's post). This album is complete. No other way to say it - it's a complete album. Organ, church chants, banjo, stomping, guitar, soul and gospel transformed into americana-alt rock. I strongly suggest you get this album now.

William Elliot Whitmore - Mutiny

Three decades old and 6 albums deep, William Elliot Whitmore emerges from a horse farm in Iowa on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Whitmore came from a family of musicians; his mom played the accordion, his father played guitar and his grandfather plucked the banjo. After losing both of his parents in a short period, Whitmore dealt with his grief through songwriting and either fair or unfair, he has drawn many comparisons to traditional alt. country folk like that associated with the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. To get some more on Whitmore, head over to a great interview by Dan Bullock's on OnMilwaukee.com.

Sara Watkins brings the artillery

2009-03-24T08:23:00.016-06:00

Finally. A fresh album. No offense Music Industry, but the stacks of new albums that keep growing at our office is sure lacking a stand-out. Finally, one comes across that I know main stream radio will not acknowledge, and rightly so (no offense). On the other hand, I've listened to it twice already and can see NPR and folk/bluegrass programs salivating over this. Sara Watkins, one-third of the Grammy-winning, bluegrass-bending group Nickel Creek, is set to release a solo album from Nonesuch Records.

You hear me say "solo album" and you think it's a one person feature. Sara brought her A-game into the studios during the recording process. First off, let's add some Zeppelin with John Paul Jones backing her on nearly every track AND producing the album. And for those of you that keep tabs on country, bluegrass, americana and folk, some of these fellow pickers that also appear on her album will ring a loud bell: Chris Thile, David Rawlings, Sean Watkins, Greg Leisz, Benmont Tench, Rayna Gellert, Gillian Welch, Tim O'Brien, Mark Schatz, Chris Eldridge, Ronnie McCoury, Aoife O'Donovan...is that enough. Sara's self-titled album is set come out on in the beginning of April and is avail for pre-order now here. Not only will hear some glimpses of Nickel Creek bluegrass, but Sara continues to explore the talents of those around her with new spins of traditional songs, a few covers (Waits, John Hartford, Jimmie Rodgers, Norman Blake) and handful of songs penned by her and her ex Creek crew. As I said, this album is laced with talent and you'll hear intricate layering's of multiple instruments fused into a symphonic setting that never loses control. It's relaxing, complicated, composed, and topped off with Sara's bow and feathery voice. Not a bad way to start your Tuesday off. The only problem is choosing which song to post as no two are even remotely identical or indicative of the entire album. Ho-hum...

Sara Wakins - Where Will You Be

Sara Wakins - Freiderick

Jubiliation, she loves me again

2009-03-23T08:08:00.001-06:00

First, off - not gonna lie. Credit where credit is due. I stole this video from another fantastic music blog, I Guess I'm Floating...go say hi to 'em after you're done here each day.

Secondly, those who know me know Paul Simon is my favorite artist. Hand's down. After the rough go, this was a great pep-me-up by the Local Natives. A nice backyard video tribute to Simon and his blonde afro cohort.

We Brave Bee Stings and All

2009-03-20T08:45:00.006-06:00

It's been a tough week at the Mountain Tempo, but it could always be worse right! Here I am living in the coolest town in the U.S. with mountains to climb, roads to bike and hills to ski in my backyard and I leave my readers without a new post offering for several days now. It could be worse. A lot worse. It's March, 70 outside and SXSW is happening in Austin right now with the hoards of fans getting their socks knocked off by the 2009 emergers. One could just be Thao with the Get Down Stay Down.

Now calling San Francisco their home base, Thao and Co. have 6 shows this week in Austin and are hoping to lasso a few more followers as this year seems to be the one that can offer the stage lights. Picking up the guitar at age 12, Thao Nguyen began practicing and composing her tunes mostly at her mother's laundromat in Virginia. After getting some inspiration from the Lilith Fair and then meeting drummer Willis Thompson while at William & Mary college, things began to take form. Thao has opened for Rilo Kiley and now is honing in on the Austin mass at SXSW and soon the road with the Hotel Cafe Tour. Thao recently released her third album, We Brave Bee Stings and All, courtesy of Kill Rock Stars. And, they are supplying a great single that you can download here: Thao - Bag of Hammers

Um, new Stevie Nicks? Yes please.

2009-03-16T02:53:00.006-06:00

Seems like the new cool thing huh? Lily Allen covering the Clash (scroll down), Old School Freight Train and Blondie (scroll down), Peter Gabriel paying homage to Vampire Weekend (and again, scroll down). It's getting bigger now - Stevie Nicks covering Dave Matthews.

Sure Fleetwood Mac just kicked off another tour on March 1st, but now it's Ms. Nicks' return to the solo spotlight if not for a few minutes. She is gearing to launch a "Live In Chicago" DVD and "The Soundstage Sessions" on March 31st from Reprise Records full of her classics and the Crash cover.

"Oh Yeah"

2009-03-12T08:11:00.001-06:00

You know the song and unbeknownst to you, you can probably lip-synch the entire thing too. So why haven't you heard of the band Yello? Easy there Cowboy...I'm not blaming. Hell, I never knew who sang it until today and it's those two guys above, Deiter and Boris. I'm not making those names up either. You're probably thinking it's the "Macarena" too, huh? I would not do that to you. It's "Oh Yeah" by Yello. They Swiss electronica duo really only had the one hit, and that only peaked at #51 back in 1987. Why do you know it so well? Not Another teen Movie, Soul Plan, K9, SNL, Nip/Tuck, Gran Turismo, The Simpsons, Twix, and Oh Yeah...Ferris Bueller's Day Off - they've all used it.

"1961 Ferrari 250 GT California.
Less than a hundred were made.
My father spent three years restoring this car.
It is his love, it is his passion..."
"It is his fault he didn't lock the garage."

So, the song I know you know you know is actually by Yello and now when it comes up again in some obscure subway situation or the next AT&T commercial, you can at least say you know a smidgen about the song.

Yello - Oh Yeah

Bluegrass & Blondie. Welcome Old School Freight Train

2009-03-10T08:37:00.008-06:00

I've been listening to them for a bit and have always loved their strict adherence to keeping the old school bluegrass base while sneaking in some light swing, pop or lyrics to infiltrate younger generations. But now, Old School Freight Train's bent bluegrass is resurfacing a new take on Deborah Harry's 1979 hit, "Heart of Glass." Did you know that Blondie's 1979 hit "Heart of Glass" was actually recorded in 1975 as "Once I Had A Love" with a bluesy-reggae beat? It got it's disco transformation in 1978 just before the video for "Heart of Glass" was filmed in the notorious Studio 54 in NY. And knowing is half the battle. *Now last time I used the term "bluegrass," I was uppercut by a reader who had his or her strong opinions on what bluegrass is defined as. So, I'll say it here...I consider this group a damn great example of what redefined bluegrass is. Talk amongst yourselves.

Old School Freight Train - Heart of Glass

Now, onto the younger bluegrassers. Six years in the making and hailing out of Charlottesville, VA, Old School Freight Train are pushing the newgrass styles while paying homage to their predecessors like Bela Fleck and the dawg music of Grisman. Though their previous albums are full of flourishing instrumentals and pickin' solos, the gem off their new album may be the Blondie cover. Covers are not rare for the Virginians as they've been asked before to cover the likes of Coldplay and Mayer for the Pickin' On Bluegrass series. They are on tour now, sharing some dates with the Squirrel Nut Zippers (yes, Andrew Bird's ol' crew). Their new album Six Years (11:12 Records/Sony/Red) is available on March 17th.

2009-03-09T08:31:00.005-06:00

I'm back and after a week of bounding and bouncing in the Teton-Bridger forrests, I'm sore and ready to sit down for some more tunes. The 8 hour drive wasn't as bad as you'd think especially when you're noticing the vast plains of Wyoming errupting into the jagged young ranges that make the Teton range so notorious with a great soundtrack backing me up. So what was I listening to during the drive? Joe Pug, Josh Ritter, Vampire Weekend, lots of Frightened Rabbit, Bon Iver on repeat, Sam Cooke, Raphael Saadiq and Justin Townes Earle. And let me not forget the multiple times I played Johnny Flynn.

I've recently been on this Americana, old-tyme music kick. The music that perfectly accompanies a relaxing porch afternoon or a warm spring day in the backwoods of Yellowstone and Teton-Bridger. Dusting off albums with Cooke, Dylan, Van Zandt, Nelson as well as the barrage of young gunslingers like Joe Pug, Justin Townes Earle and Johnny Flynn (all of whom I've previously posted on in case you need to dig up the Mountain Tempo archives). Ironically, La Blogotheque greeted me with a session of Mr. Flynn mid-week during a needed snowfall. There I lay in the nook of a loft on the hillside watching the fog lay over the Tetons with Flynn strolling "The Box" through a bodega Take Away Session. Give it about two minutes to warm up and you'll see a great Flynn session.

Gone Skiing.

2009-02-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

Taking a week off...

I won't leave you hanging though. If you need another blog to add to your list to quench your music happy hour, don't hesitate to go over to My Old Kentucky Blog. See you when I get back!

Peter Gabriel and Hot Chip make a Vampire Weekend

2009-02-23T08:27:00.012-07:00

I was surprised when bringing up the news this weekend that many of my friends did not know about Peter Gabriel and Hot Chip covering The Group to Know of 2008, Vampire Weekend. Though it almost sounds odd for such a pairing to come together to cover this song, let's not forget the diversity of Vampire Weekend's music. Full of worldly influences circa Paul Simon's Graceland backed with strong indie JCrew beats sounding as if they were conjured up in a backyard sailboat garage, it's almost comforting to know that such an experimental musical icon like Gabriel teamed up with indie staples like Hot Chip.

Hot Chip & Peter Gabriel - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

"Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" was the 4th single released from Columbia University's Vampire Weekend back in 2008. According to their Wiki, lead singer Ezra Koenig drew inspiration for the song when traveling to India and was "thinking a lot about colonialism and the aesthetic connections between preppy culture and the native cultures of places like Africa and India." He named the song ("Kwassa Kwassa")after a dance rhythm in Congo. XL Recordings introduced the song to Gabriel who accepted the offer from both the label and the band to cover the song with Hot Chip. He ended up changing the original lines in the song that referenced his name from
"This feels so unnatural, Peter Gabriel, too"
to:
"And it feels so unnatural to sing your own name"

Enjoy your Monday back at work!

Little Latin Lupe Lu

2009-02-20T08:11:00.018-07:00

Dick: "Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels?"
Barry: "No! The Righteous Brothers!"

My life parallels to High Fidelity is not a secret. My comparisons of heart-wrenching fictitious music meant for someone else, to my life is scary. Or rather, somewhat absurd. But it's Friday and let's leave all that at the door and concentrate on my favorite scene from my favorite music comedy. All Dick asked was a simple question to Barry and what resulted was war. Who's version of Little Latin Lupe Lu is better and why? Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels or The Righteous Brothers? For that matter, where does Bruce Springsteen, The Kingsmen or The Chancellors lie in this roundup?

Written by Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers (you know, Maverick singing You've Lost That Loving Feeling), "Little Latin Lupe Lu" peaked at #49 in 1963. Three years later, Mitch Ryder & Co. took it to #28 and there it hid for decades until Jack Black (Barry) placed it as Track Number 2 on his Monday-Morning Mix Tape.

Who's version is the best? Careful folks...your answer could dictate whether or not you are part of a fascist regime.

Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels - Little Latin Lupe Lu

And The Righteous Brothers...sorry, it won't let me embed it! Listen here

Hear the Boss' version here or The Kingsmen's take here

And for those of you that needed the full scene to complete this gorgeous Friday of yours...

Dawes. Say no more.

2009-02-18T08:41:00.009-07:00

This specific post turned out to be harder than I thought...and thus, actually easier. It all started when a group of friends and I went to see Delta Spirit at the Hi-Dive in Denver last week. There I am, next door living the high life, this time with a Budweiser in hand. Whitney (we'll get to her later) pulls herself away from the opening act, grabs me and makes me listen to the opening band that is rocking her face off. Dawes. Now if you recall my history on this blog, I have a history with opening bands I aim to miss. Delta Spirit was such an example - a band I once aimed to miss, who have now been on my top-played list for quite some time. Here I go again...and have not learned my lesson yet. I get next door for one final song where I witness some yahoo on stage belting out similarly to Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses. Nonetheless, the rompin' drums and the echo-filled voice of Dawes treated me well. I came to find out their last song was the worst of the night...which is good news for them.

Dawes - When My time Comes

Dawes. That's it. That's really all there is about them. Ok, I'll give you a bit more, but don't try and dig up the information yourself. You'll either be disappointed or on a self-acknowledged goose chase. All I can really summarize is that Dawes, the BOH spin-off is from Malibu/Northridge, played in Denver the other night and if it wasn't for Whitney mandating my cameo, I would have dis/missed them completely. They MAY have started off as the band, Simon Dawes, a fictitious name that is "named after no one." After reforming under the name Dawes and dropping a few members and adding a few others, they have released their self-titled album from the label, Record Collection. That's about it. No public bio that my sleuth-like ability could sniff out. Oh yeah...word to a band...if you're getting started in this biz...maybe you should post your bio, or band info or, ummm, ever think of a building a site or something of that nature? Bueller? I do know their songs are growing on me, but treat me much better in a live performance setting. They have released a fun video which seems like it pulled some inspiration from The Wonder Years, Nirvana's Nevermind and an American Apparel catalog.

Dawes "Love is All I am"

Is it ironic that they also cover this tune too?

Wonder Years Troubadour

Moral of the story: don't miss the opening band. And when Whitney tells you to get your ass over to the venue "like, now," well then, get over to the venue.

Dark Was The Night

2009-02-17T08:40:00.001-07:00

Best compilation ever. Sorry Cera and Braff...but it's even better than the Juno and Garden State soundtracks 40-fold. I know, I know, many of you thought the only good things this February are the release of the 3-D Jonas Brothers concert coming to an IMAX in your neighborhood and Miley Cyrus & Taylor Swift performing at the Grammys. But to soothe your soul the folks at the Red Hot Organization, an international charity dedicated to raising money and awareness for HIV and AIDS through popular culture, have released a token indie dream mix for the ages.

Dark Was The Night (4AD/Beggars)is available as a triple vinyl, double disc or download purchase. Loaded with 31 tracks recorded exclusively for the project, Dark Was The Night is a "who's who" of today's staple indie artists. Below I've posted a rundown of the tracks and fear not...when you run across a name you don't recognize it...don't go to your local record store and ask them who it is. Those smug bastards wearing cowboy flannel and black-rimmed glasses will only feel more mighty. Chances are, you DO know them from their full-time projects - take a look-see here.

As always, I won't leave you hanging. Below, are two tracks that are just the tip of the ice berg for the compilation. Plus, you'd feel like a schmuck downloading the entire compilation illegally from the numerous blog sites that have been hailing this project. As I briefly mentioned above, the The Red Hot Organization is the leading international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture. So, if you want to do your part and get rewarded with a slew of "must-haves," head here for the complete download or to get your hands on the disc or vinyl set.

DARK WAS THE NIGHT

THIS DISC
1 Knotty Pine – Dirty Projectors + David Byrne
2 Cello Song (Nick Drake) – The Books featuring Jose Gonzalez
3 Train Song (Vashti Bunyan recorded, written by Alasdair Clayre) – Feist + Ben Gibbard
4 Brackett, WI – Bon Iver
5 Deep Blue Sea – Grizzly Bear
6 So Far Around the Bend – The National (arrangement by Nico Muhly)
7 Tightrope – Yeasayer
8 Feeling Good (popularized by Nina Simone) – My Brightest Diamond
9 Dark Was the Night (Blind Willie Johnson) – Kronos Quartet
10 I Was Young When I Left Home (Bob Dylan) – Antony + Bryce Dessner
11 Big Red Machine – Justin Vernon + Aaron Dessner
12 Sleepless – The Decemberists
13 Stolen Houses (Die) – Iron and Wine
14 Service Bell – Grizzly Bear + Feist
15 You Are The Blood – Sufjan Stevens

THAT DISC
1 Well-Alright – Spoon
2 Lenin – Arcade Fire
3 Mimizan – Beirut
4 El Caporal – My Morning Jacket
5 Inspiration Information (Shuggie Otis) – Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
6 With A Girl Like You (The Troggs) – Dave Sitek
7 Blood Pt 2 (based on original song “You are the Blood” by the Castanets) – Buck 65 Remix (featuring Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti)
8 Hey, Snow White (Destroyer) – The New Pornographers
9 Gentle Hour (Snapper) – Yo La Tengo
10 Another Saturday (traditional song) – Stuart Murdoch
11 Happiness – Riceboy Sleeps
12 Amazing Grace (traditional song) – Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues
13 The Giant Of Illinois (Handsome Family) – Andrew Bird
14 Lua – Conor Oberst + Gillian Welch
15 When the Road Runs Out – Blonde Redhead + Devastations
16 Love vs. Porn – Kevin Drew

A Chevy Chase songlist

2009-02-12T08:19:00.002-07:00

For the past few, I donate some time to my local Boulder International Film Festival. This year, in addition to the stellar film in the line-up, Chevy Chase was wrangled up and is receiving a deserved tribute for putting smiles on faces for the past decades. Do I get to meet him? Not sure and I really don't care as I'm not one who gets star-struck. But, should I get an opportunity to do the Amigo Salute, I will not shy down. So, as I depart from the blogging for a few days in order to concentrate on the film festival, I'll leave you with a few songs that I associate Chevy with as well as a few clips that stand out in my mind. Enjoy!

Three Amigos

Vacation

Lindsey Buckingham - Holiday Road

Caddyshack

Kenny Loggins - I'm Alright

You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon and Chevy

Anjulie...she's so hot, Boom

2009-02-10T08:41:00.002-07:00

The Grammy's are over and thank God. Yikes. Whew. Youch. OK, really quick...let me vent. If I ever run into the Jonas Brothers on the street...please protect them. Kanye, Kanye, Kanye. Ok, you're still cool, but shut the fuck up FOR ONCE. Robert Plant and Krauss, I adore your CD...now smile and be happy you just put a royal flush on the Grammy comp! And again, Jonas Brothers. Imagine how embarrassed Stevie Wonder would've been if he could see what you do alongside him. I still have some dignity left after finding out they did not win Best New Artist.

Ok, moving on...

Should I now be embarrassed after that rant on the Jbros? I mean this new artist that I'm digging is on MTV's The Hills. She's sorta like a teenie bop version of M.I.A. with a skim of soul and gospel hidden in there. Not as mature as Winehouse, but then again, this girl looks healthy. If that's not enough, she's on the already-cliche record label owned by Starbucks (that did back McCartney), Hear Music. Anjulie is from Toronto. Yes, you heard me. Toronto. The youngest of four, Anjulie was raised by her immigrant parents from Guyana, who filled her childhood with "Afro-Caribbean calypso, reggae, and South American Latin music." I'm digging her. Her self-titled album from Hear Music is set to arrive on our doorsteps on March 31...we'll see what the blogging and entertainment industry can do with her career before then. Yes, I hear some soul, Top 40 Leona Lewis, Simon Cowell infused "hit" ingredients. But, I like it. This video from her EPK isn't a bad teaser for what's to come:

"The Heat"

And the single is rumored to be...
Anjulie - Boom

Off to the orchestra. Speaking of...

2009-02-06T08:43:00.001-07:00

I'm off to see the Colorado Symphony Orchestra perform this weekend. This post is spawned from a few thoughts that I'll try and tie it together. Knowing I was going to see the symphony this weekend, I started thinking of memorable symphony performances within the rock world. It got me thinking about kick ass hybrids of current rock/performers that have had some heightened help with a slew of backing strings, timpani and conducting...a full on orchestra. Am I talking about the Electric Light Orchestra, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra or the patchouli wearing Animal Liberation Orchestra? Negative Ghostrider. I'm talking the real deal. I'm talking G-N-R's "November Rain." I'm talking about the supposedly first instance this happened - a 1969 "Concerto for Group and Orchestra" by Deep Purple and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Hell, I'm even stretching this as far to say Josh Ritter's performances with a 24-piece orchestra, the Boston Pops, or with young-gunner extraordinaire, Hillary Hahn.

After that, I remembered a question I ask a handful of music-savvy friends that I'll now ask you: What one concert/performer would you see if you could go back in time? I usually get Elvis, Beethoven, The Beatles, or even the Bob Marley or Zeppelin as common answers. None are wrong, it's your choice. So, what is the one performance you'd want to see? I think mine would be Led Zeppelin performing "Kashmir" with a fully symphony in the background adding some pepper and jalapeno to the earth-moving vocals and soul-ripping strumming of Page and Plant. I'd sit in the front row of the balcony during their full sound check rehearsal of "Kashmir" soaking in every vibration. Note: I WOULD post the song here but I'm timid as Led Zepplin's pockets are pretty deep for a tiny blog like this. So, if you don't know what song I'm talking about you have two options. 1.) where the hell have you been that you don't know "Kashmir"??? 2.) Buy it now and pretend you misplaced the album or your computer accidentally erased it.

Yes, Mozart would be a tough answer to beat. But what if I used my one chance to travel back in time and found out that Beethoven's 5th or Chrysostom Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's concertos debut involved 8 wretched villagers who just learned to play the violin instead of the imagined polished orchestra hired by the king? I have heard from reliable sources that Zeppelin's concerts are as I might picture them. So they are my answer. Anywhoo...happy Friday.

Deep Purple and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Josh Ritter & 24-piece Orchestra - Girl In The War

Led Zeppelin - Kashmir

New Gomez single and tour announced!

2009-02-04T08:43:00.001-07:00

After a an extended halftime break, the Gomez boys are back with a new single, a Bonnaroo slot and a tour. They were my "concert of the year" back in 2005 when they kicked the hell out of Boulder's Fox Theater and the rambunctious crowd. The Southport ragamuffins have been blogging a bit to hype up their new album and just announced a North American tour that kicks off in March. Better yet, a few lucky venues get to see Gomez co-headlining with Mountain Tempo favorite, Josh Ritter. I swear to everything holy that if Gomez co-headlines with Josh Ritter in Colorado, my middle name will "Lucky Day."

And as mentioned above, Gomez is giving us a taste of their ATO Records release, A New Tide, available in late March. Here's some lobe tickling for you.
Gomez - Airstream Driver

Steve Martin's SNL banjo:was that for real?

2009-02-02T07:44:00.008-07:00

Yes. So if you're...let's say 30 years or older, forgive me...but not many people under the age of 30ish really know the true Steve Martin. I was perusing this weekends Saturday Night Live clips on Hulu.com (surely you know about this site from the Super Bowl commercial by now) and there were many comments throughout the web debating whether this act was a fingerpicking karaoke SNL joke or a serious song:

Most of my friends, and maybe you, thought his start was circa "Lucky Day" in The Three Amigos! or maybe in Roxanne. Few my age remember his stints on Johnny Carson, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, The Smothers Brothers or "King Tut". Little did I know until a bit ago, he not only performed, but was a writer for those shows (and many more) too. (Thanks mom and dad for taping many of those!) But, yes indeed...Steve Martin is a musician and his fingers really can pluck the fuck out of that banjo. And, he's been plucking with the best for years now, winning a Grammy with bluegrass grandaddy Earl Scruggs on this little ditty (how many legends can you fit on a small stage?)...

Steve Martin has a newish album available via 40 Productions, titled The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo. The 2009 album features 15 songs all penned by Martin and has a few cameos of note: Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Tim O'Brien, Earl Scruggs, Pete Wernick and Tony Trischka. It was even produced by Nitty Gritty's John McEuen. Not bad eh?

Lily Allen and some Straight To Hell history

2009-01-30T08:26:00.002-07:00

I admit I'm not even the first of several hundred bloggers to post on The Clash's 1982 song, "Straight To Hell." Recently the blogger Gods that be, at Stereogum, broke the story that sassy Brit Lily Allen was taking her shot at covering it...and it sounds damn great by the way. Most in the music world, especially after the success of Slumdog Millionaire, know about M.I.A. and her beat-injected take on it. But to those of us in the younger-years realm that are learning a bit more about The Clash, this song and its resurgence on our speakers, I'll dive deeper into "Straight To Hell."

"Straight To Hell" was released in September of 1982 from The Clash's album, Combat Rock. The song probably would have seen more airplay if it wasn't overshadowed by the two iconic staple tracks that preceded it in the lineup: "Rock The Casbah" and "Should I Stay Or Should I Go?" Hidden behind the heavy beats that M.I.A. added on her cover as well as the whimsical sprinkling from Lily Allen's take, "Straight To Hell" tackles rather heavy topics directly related to American and English history. Mick Jones and Joe Strummer, the two Clash writers of this song, touch upon racism and joblessness in England and unsettling leftovers from the Vietnam War. Specifically, the song mentions "Amerasian blues," the abandonment of mass Vietnamese children fathered by American soldiers. And again, thanks to Wikipedia, many more symbolic lines in the 7-minute track (though it was cut to 4 minutes for radio) put "Straight To Hell" in a much more serious political, religious, and social light than I initially accredited to it. The song and album could be considered the high point of the Clash timeline for a few reasons. First off, this was the last album produced before members, Mick Jones and Topper Headon left the band. Secondly, as mentioned earlier, the album had a few huge hits and spent 23 weeks on the UK charts and 61 weeks on the U.S. charts. Combat Rock ended up selling over 2,000,000 copies alone in the U.S. Lastly, because of the serious topics and themes of "Straight To Hell" and the lengthy track, it stands apart from all other Clash songs as one of the most down-tempo ballads.

So, thanks to some troubled times and the writing of Mick Jones and Joe Strummer, we now have a few versions to keep our ears happy.

The Clash - Straight To Hell

M.I.A. - Paper Planes

And how hard is it for Brit-popstress Lily Allen to get permission to cover the song while securing an appearance from a Clash member? It makes it easier when your god-father is Joe Strummer. Allen's take will be available in February from the War Child's "Heroes" album.

Lily Allen - Straight To Hell

KaiserCartel me...now.

2009-01-29T08:45:00.011-07:00

They're back! Well, not that they really left. But the duo of Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel that make up the light indie rock group KaiserCartel are back in my neck of the woods. I missed their last go-round at the Monolith Festival this fall, but thankfully their on tour again and will be visiting Denver this Saturday night for a show at the Hi-Dive.

KaiserCartel made my list of favorites in 2008 with "Oh No" form their very successful March Forth album from bluhammock Records. Still riding the wave that can't get enough of the indie rock couple that fulfills any needing ear with a minimal assortment of instruments, Courtney and Benjamin also released the enhanced limited EP titled Okay...and other things we feel. Full of a few extra songs from their tightly gorgeous sound, the Ep is a nice addition to bulk up the songs you must own from them. As I said, they're on tour now, so make sure you don't miss the opportunity to what the buzz is all about.

Kaiser Cartel - Okay

Shugo Tokumaru ...did I spell it right?

2009-01-27T08:13:00.004-07:00

This is Shugo Tokumaru. I'm guessing that some may call him "Shug" but I hope that doesn't garner comparisons, street gang affiliations, or rivalry with the infamous Suge (pron. Shug) Knight. Let's hope a Japanese multi-instrumentalist -slash- singer-songwriter can keep distinguished enough from a rap monger. When most think of "multi-instrumentalist, you'd maybe think of Andrew Bird or your hippies may mutter, "oooh, I know, I know...Keller Williams!" Really hippie? Good work. According to Paste, Shugo features over 50 instruments on his new album.

Shugo Tokumaru, a 29 year-old from Tokyo, Japan is set to release another album, that is finally available in the U.S.

Full of intricate arrangements from various instruments and demented carnivalesque melodies, it seems appropriate to shelf his music between Sigur Ros and Boy Least Likely To. Exit, Tokumaru's newest release, comes courtesy of Columbia Records though he does have two smaller labels backing him, pending your worldly location. Why is he relevant for The Mountain Tempo? Not only does his music make me smile and hit the "repeat" button, but Shugo has got some tread on the scene as of late. Not only did he just finish a tour with The Magnetic Fields, but he's also played with some Mountain Tempo favorites including M.Ward, Animal Collective, DeerHoof, and Iron & Wine. And yes, those of you that do have Paste in your mailbox, you'll see a tiny featurette on him in the february issue. I'd keep your eyes peeled for a chance to see him and your ears alert for some television licensing that I'm sure is headed our way.

Shugo Tokumaru - Parachute

Also...The Mountain Tempo is almost at 30,000 visits!!!! Thanks!

Josh Ritter, thin flame to wildfire

2009-01-23T08:37:00.007-07:00

So one of my pet peeves is when people say "I have a lot of best friends." Yeah, can you really pluralize "best" or "favorites"? If you were to ask me who my favorite singer-songwriter was, I'd rack my brain analyzing the showmanship, songwriting, performance styles, lyrics, compositions, etc, between Ray Lamontagne, David Gray, Damien Rice, Gregory Alan Isakov, Bright Eyes and my boy, Josh Ritter. Stephen King hailed Ritter's "Girl In the War" from The Animal Years as one of the best examples of songwriting of the decade. Many industry notables have hailed him the receiver of the torch Springsteen and Dylan will pass. I will tell you this. I've listened to Ritter's "Thin Blue Flame" (my generation's version of Dylan's "A Hard Rains A Gonna Fall") well over 200 times. Easily. I'm still not through sifting the deep metaphors, the biblical and pop historical references and complete direction contained within that masterful ballad. I will also say that though my favorite Ritter concert is not my favorite concert of all time, I've undoubtedly never ever seen anyone happier and more appreciative to be what he is doing while on stage.

Paste Magazine just unveiled Josh Ritter's newest ruby, a live version of "Wildfires." I say ruby because let's be honest folks, Josh's artillery is strong and a ruby among a collection of diamonds is still pretty damn nice. From his Live At The 9:30 Club mini-release, comes a bonus song from the Irish Edition, out on Independent Records. Sorry, it's not available in the U.S. just yet, but my Pennsylvania pen pal always seems to jump boarders and round up some obscure Ritter releases for me. Happy Friday to you, especially when you have some Ritter in company.

Josh Ritter - Wildfires (live)

Sarah Siskind? Thanks Bon Iver.

2009-01-21T08:29:00.014-07:00

A big thanks goes out to Bon Iver for not only giving us another excuse to zone out to his honestly beautiful bellowing wails during a tiring day, but now for introducing us to his lovely little opener, Sarah Siskind. Though seemingly fairly new to most ears, Siskind's been the Great Oz behind country music gems for a bit now. Several of Siskind's compositions were released by Randy Travis, The Infamous Stringdusters and one even garnered a Grammy nomination through Alison Krauss. Never mind she's released six albums.Back to Bon Iver. Blame Bon Iver front man, Justin Vernon, for closing many of their 2008 shows with Siskind's "Lovin's For Fools." The fans warm reception of the song eventually led to her invitation to open up for Bon Iver's Euro tour. Sarah Siskind is now celebrating the new year with another release, titled Say It Louder. "Falling Stars," the single from her new album, is available now from Amazon...you may have to seek a bit more to find the album. Thanks again to Bon Iver for introducing us to an 'new' artist. Lord knows I'm glad she ditched the country scene for a more honest and revealing run in the singer-songwriter realm.

Sarah Siskind - Falling Stars

Siskind & Bon Iver with Lovin's For Fools

Sarah Siskind - Lovin's For Fools

Jizz In My Pants

2009-01-15T08:34:00.008-07:00

You've probably seen the SNL Digital Short just before the Holidays. Although I had seen the risque video before, my baby cousins who I deemed as quintessential innocent Catholic school girls, surprisingly revealed the video and song to my extended family over Christmas Break. More shocking though was how naive I was at every one's ability to fully laugh as much as I do every time I see their "O" faces in the video.

Andy, Jorma and Akiva are childhood friends from Berkley, CA, and are the comedy thrusters behind Awesome Town, many of the SNL Digital Shorts, and Hot Rod. After spending time at different colleges, the boys came back together and continued filming comedy shorts under the name The Lonely Island. Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaeffer now reside in New York and either write, produce or act in most Digital Shorts seen on Saturday Night Live. They're set to actually release their Digital Short viral, "Jizz In My Pants" as the group The Lonely Island. Yikes and hell yes!

The Lonely Island - Jizz In My Pants

M. Ward sets to release Hold Time

2009-01-14T08:24:00.012-07:00

No, I'm not a hypocrite. I love M. Ward. I really do. Sure, his albums have been a bit flippy-floppy and my word is still as strong as oak in saying that his latest album with Zoey was an 'alright' album. It was not deserving of 2008's Album of The Year as Paste decided. So what's the hub-bub today about Portland's Matt Ward? His (solo) new album is starting to make a few ripples around the web and landing in some mailboxes. And worry not, if you DID fall head over heels for She & Him in 2008, Ward's new album features Ms. She (Zooey Deschanel), along with other quick cameos from Lucinda Williams and Rachel Blumberg (The Decemberists).

M. Ward will be releasing Hold Time from Merge Records, available on February 17th. I hate sitting on the fence about albums and how to describe them...(But)M. Ward's new release is nearly typical. Yes, nearly. Although Ward is known for his down-tempo, airy and eery dust-clogged voice, some songs buried in the album have instances of silver lining. The lead track on Hold Time, "For Beginners" has a steady quick strumming rhythm and country porch-esque guitar picking. You'd almost think it was upbeat if it weren't for Ward's voice reminding the song to cool down. Even the new single, "Never Had Nobobdy Like You" features some edgier backing with a beginning that's a damn replica of Steely Dan's "Reeling In the Years." It almost picks up until M. Ward overshadows it with the slyness we've grown to love and expect. What's the cause of this "new" sound? Not fully sure, but I'm not afraid to point my finger and congratulate Ward for hiring Mike Mogis to produce this album. FYI, Nebraskan Mike Mogis is the multi-instrumentalist/producer/engineer behind the successes such as Bright Eyes, The Faint, Rilo Kiley, Jenny Lewis and Tilly and The Wall, and now M. Ward.

NPR allows you to hear the full album including my favorite, "For Beginners," here.

Hold Time Track Listing
1. For Beginners
2. Never Had Nobody Like You
3. Jailbird
4. Hold Time
5. Rave On
6. To Save Me
7. One Hundred Million Years
8. Stars Of Leo
9. Fisher Of Men
10. Oh Lonesome Me
11. Epistemology
12. Blake's View
13. Shangri-La
14. Outro

Springsteen snags 2nd Golden Globe

2009-01-12T08:30:00.007-07:00

The Boss pinned another Golden Globe last night with his original song for the new film The Wrestler, featuring Marisa Tomei and fellow Golden Glober for best actor, Mickey Rourke. This is Springsteen's second Golden Globe; winning one over a decade ago for his slow ballad "Streets of Philadelphia" from 1994's Philadelphia.

Here is Rourke explaining how Springsteen came to write his original song, "The Wrestler"

"The Wrestler" comes as a bonus track from the deluxe version of Springsteen's new album, Working On A Dream, available on January 27th from Columbia Records.

To hear the full version of "The Wrestler", click here

Bon Iver Poster Giveaway

2009-01-08T08:11:00.008-07:00

Another giveaway! I've posted on Bon Iver before as he's been one of my very favorites of 2008. Bon Iver is set to release a new CD/EP on January 20th from Jagjaguwar titled "Blood Bank."

Bon Iver - Blood Bank

As you'd expect after hearing his first release, it's typically gorgeous and full of Bon Iver's hollow and despondent sounds that have caught many a blogs mention...including this one.

In celebration of his new release, The Mountain Tempo is giving away a beautifully bold print from Bon Iver's show at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac, Michigan from July '08. The artistically savvy music fans over at Capital A are responsible for this giveaway and the design behind many other sharp prints also available on their site. These aren't the posters you'd hang up with tacks in your bachelor pad. These handcrafted, finely designed prints are those worthy of a nice frame over your entertainment center...click on the image above for a bigger look at the print. John Eikost and Steve Mockensturm designed this Bon Iver print (individually numbered || size 23" X 17.5"). Want it? Comment on this post or email me and you may be chosen!

#16 - Mates of State

2009-01-05T08:46:00.003-07:00

If you've been up to date, I've posted my top 15 favorite tracks of the year. I won't lie like others when they make a Best-Of list. It wasn't difficult. It's not to say there wasn't a lot of fantastic music released in 2008, it's just that my favorite songs came to me very easily. However, ever since I made the list, I have been wondering why I followed conventional norms of making a Best Of list that either ends in a "0" or "5." I should have just made a Top 16 list. Reason being is that a song by Mates of State is one that has been on a few of my 2008 mixes and has been on my mind since their single was only one off from my Top 15. Maybe fate is on their side and since they didn't make the top 15 slots, they now get an individual post all to their own. I ramble on...

Mates of State - My Only Offer

Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel make up the indie rock duo from Lawrence, Kansas. Lawrence, Kansas? Yes, Lawrence, Kansas...it's huge...even the 6th largest city in Kansas! Although each member started in different bands while dating different people, it only took Gardner and Hammel a few months to ditch their bands and temporary bed companions to come together in 1997 and form the organ and drum driven group Mates of State.

Opening for Death Cab For Cutie and Spoon during their emergence can't hurt. This year, their 2008 album Re-Arrange Us from Barsuk Records charted well under any one's radar at #140, but seemed to tickle many bloggers and radio stations alike by landing among the upper echelon on numerous 'Best Of 2008' lists. "Get Better" was the official single from the album, though (my favorite) "My Only Offer" seemed to gather a bit more steam for the Mates. You can decide.

Get Better

My Only Offer

2008 Music wrap-up and tidbits

2008-12-24T08:48:00.003-07:00

As the year wraps up, here are a few lead stories from the bigger bands, some stats to make you go "hmmm." Not a bad business to be in if you're the top dog huh? Let's just hope The Fleet Foxes, Vampire Weekend, Bon Iver, and the countless other "indie" projects reap some rewards for having their 2008 album releases on countless Top 10 lists.

OK, according to Billboard, here are some top lists and numbers from 2008 to ponder.

Top 5 Concert Tours of 2008 (Gross Revenue)
5. Celine Dion - $91 Million
4. The Police - $149.6 Million
3. Madonna - $185.6 Million
2. The Boss - $204.5 Million
and at an average income of $2.1 Million per show...
1. Bon Jovi - $210.6 Million

If you want to actually ponder those numbers, it's pretty astounding. Especially if you're Celine or Madonna and don't have to share that number with your bandmates. And FYI, because I KNOW you're itching to know...Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus was able to pull in $45 Million in 2008 concert sales alone...more than fellow newcomers like Elton John, DMB, Billy Joel and Tom Petty. Maybe she can buy Petty new vocal chords and Billy an AA meeting. Elton could still kick her ass if he really wanted to...I just know he could.

**Live Nation and AEG both pulled in over $1 Billion worth of concert revenue**

According to Billboard charts through the year...

Top 3 Artists
3. Rihanna
2. Lil Wayne
1. Chris Brown
(Miley Cyrus - 7, Coldplay - 11, Kanye West/Bueller? - 18)

Top "Independent" Artists
4. Radiohead
3. Mannheim Steamroller
2. Garth Brooks
1. Eagles
(Vampire Weekend - 7)

Top Digital Albums
3. Jack Johnson - Sleep Through The Static
2. Juno Soundtrack
1. Coldplay - Viva La Vida

Top POP Singles
3. Chris Brown - Forever
2. Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
1. Flo Rida feat. T-Pain - Low
(21. Miley Cyrus - See You Again)

Top Soundtracks
3. Mamma Mia!
2. High School Musical 2
1. Hannah Montana 2
(8. Hannah Montana 1)

U2:
Back in the studio recording No Line on The Horizon. And after selling a modest 9 million copies of your album, why not continue to hire the best producer for your album? Enter Brian Eno. While we're already hiring one, why not make it two? Enter Steve Lillywhite.

DAVE and Company:
From The Lone Microphone we learn DMB is on a tour. Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be first in line to get tickets even if Dave DID stop in Colorado. But wtf, I'm almost offended that Red Rocks is not slated. Let's hope this is a prelim tour. Regardless, you'll notice some Mountain Tempo favorites such as Old Crow and Avett Bros. scheduled to open up for Dave and Co. offering these groups some needed attention...which I'm all for!

Dave Matthews Band Spring 2009 Tour Dates
Apr 14 ~New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden #
Apr 15 ~East Rutherford, NJ @ IZOD Center #
Apr 17 ~Charlottesville, VA @ John Paul Jones Arena ^
Apr 18 ~Charlottesville, VA @ John Paul Jones Arena ^
Apr 20 ~Pelham, AL @ Verizon Wireless Music Center Birmingham ^
Apr 22 ~Raleigh, NC @ TWC Music Pavilion %
Apr 24 ~Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre %
Apr 25 ~Nashville, TN @ Vanderbilt Stadium (Special Show)
Apr 26 ~New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Apr 28 ~Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre %
Apr 29 ~Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre %
May 1 ~The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia L. Woods Mitchell Pavilion %
May 2 ~Dallas, TX @ Superpages.com Center %
May 5 ~Albuquerque, NM @ Journal Pavilion %
May 6 ~Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion %
May 8 ~Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena *
May 9 ~Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena *

Support
# = The Roots
^ = Old Crow Medicine Show
% = The Avett Brothers
* = Jason Mraz

2008-12-23T07:40:00.002-07:00

Wisely (Wise"ly) adv. In a wise manner; prudently; judiciously; discreetly; with wisdom.

Willie Wisely - singer-songwriter, Jenna Fischer's friend.

Diggin up another gem and dusting off the earphones, I remember a lesser known artist that came to light with the help of Jenna Fischer, or better known as the reserved Pam from NBC's The Office? Apparently a big fan of Wisely, Fischer agreed to be in a video for his first bigger release, "Through Any Window."

Singing in a somewhat despondent tone as if here were in a permanent lull, Wisely gives us simply naked songs almost with comparisons to Elliot Smith or Nick Drake. Keep in mind I said "almost." Oddly enough, as you listen to more Wisely, you quickly dismiss any mysterious sorrow that accompanies any mention of Drake and Smith with his happier and poppier songs more along the lines of Train. Anywhoo...nothing HUGE about Wisely yet...but definitely worth a quick check for the needed pause in your busy Holiday shopping filled day. Wisely's self-titled albums has been out for some time now from Oglio Records...enjoy!

Wisely - Through Any Window

Happy Harmonica

2008-12-22T08:22:00.005-07:00

My friend teaches elementary school to a handful of pre-double-digit potty lickers. She was asking her class to brainstorm all of the holidays celebrated by different people besides Christmas. One of her kids anxiously raised his hand and blurted out "Harmonica." So, happy first day of Harmonica to you all! I celebrated Harmonica's first evening by cooking up some mean matzoh ball soup full of the fixings for a crew of both Jews and Gentiles alike. And yes, I also drank a cup of eggnog.

Adam Sandler - The Chanukah Song #3

With the hundreds of thousands of Christmas themed music available now, it's even more difficult to keep up with the 22 songs about Harmonica that are understandable. At least us Jews have Adam Sandler to partially thank for letting some type of Chanukah song hit the mass audience. As of 2007, he was up to version #3. It seemed to be a slower 2008 in Hollywood in terms of new Jews getting into the movies and music scene...maybe they were afraid of the Tom Cruise and Mel Gibson wrath. Maybe #4 will be ready by the end of 2009.

Version 3

This is Kate. Kate knows music.

2008-12-18T11:42:00.002-07:00

Either I have no standards or Kate knows music. I've been told both! Now it's rare that I'll post on a friend though I've done it before --> here and here. Nowadays, it is once in a blue moon (and keep in mind folks, the full moon last Friday night was at it's apogee, meaning the moon was the biggest it will be all year...14% bigger!) that a friend actually gives me music that:
a.) I am not familiar with and
b.) Actually makes my skin tingle while
c.) Causes me to turn the speakers to '11' and eventually
d.) Causes me to write about the experience

Kate delivered me a peculiar mix at 5:55am this morning as we headed out to our bi-weekly morning climbing session. At 9:56am I popped in the album to let it take it's course. You see, John Cusack (via Nick Hornby) nailed the art of the mixtape on the head in High Fidelity by explaining the trivialities and hurdles of configuring a proper mix all through the composers thought process, mood, goal and various other influences that serve as the intricate ingredients to a successful product. Not that I'm judging and not that I really looked into it (ha!), but this compilation is one of two (thanks Wallstreet) ever given to me that has blown me away. That being said, I did just receive a mix from Melt Your Face Off that looks like it could raise a ruckus.

Kate's mix is full of radio staples, "unveiled" indie gems, obscura, orchestral soundtrack backers, forgottens of the yester-years, and the neck-out-on-a-limb singer-songwriter ballad. The disc has it all excluding The dreaded Police, the wrist cut inducing Steely Dan and "lord I wish I had a rope and stool" Van Halen song, for which I praise the lord and Kate for not including! Just some highlights that I implore you look into would be
Alec Puro - Concert Dream
Elvis Perkins - All The Night Without Love
Electric President - Ten Thousand Lines
Scott Matthews - Elusive
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Pin
Fruit Bats - When U love Somebody
James - Fine
Yo La Tengo - Stockholm Syndrome
Home - Slide
New order - Ceremony

Thanks for a better than great Thursday Kate!

Missed Joe Pug = mulligan

2008-12-16T09:04:00.017-07:00

It was tortuous irony how I found Joe Pug. Every week I have to glance at my blog line-up and for some reason last Friday, I checked a new blog and scrolled the past months worth of entries. For some odd reason (I rarely click on videos) I decided to click the video. Short, simple name, with an honest tune. Joe Pug. Enthralled at the video and the stripped dusty sound that accompanied Dylanesque lyrics, I started my research. Within 5 minutes I discovered Joe Pug, loved the first two songs I heard and found out that he was ironically playing in my backyard for the next three days. Holiday Parties are fun but apparently can come at the wrong time. Damn it! Three chances to see this emerging powerhouse and I went 0 for 3. His videos, live sessions, myspace and tunes have been clogging my computer ever since.

Joe Pug - Hymn 101 from Sam Molleur on Vimeo.

So here's the dilly. So many out there are quick to judge a decent singer-songwriter with a bit of freedom and dust in their lyrics as "just like Bob Dylan." Sure they may have some similarities, but being a huge Dylan admirer, I usually scoff at the accusations as a knock to Dylan. But here is Joe Pug, a seemingly bashful personality with brilliant lyrics and some southern porch pickin.'

I'm sold. And though he is not Dylan and may never leave footprints like Dylan, Pug can at least fill the void for me while offering something new to my ears.

According to his site, Pug picked up his guitar after finding himself in a lull from his senior year at the Univ. of North Carolina. re-tuning the guitar he hadn't touched in a decade, the 23 year-old pug road-tripped toward Chicago and left his life as a carpenter behind. A friend snuck Pug into recording studios for late night sessions that opened up after cancellations from main artists. Initially slated for a play Pug was writing, the songs turned into his first EP released in 2006, Nation of Heat. Since then, Joe Pug has been a headliner to a sold-out Schuba's and is gearing to release another full-length album in 2009. I will be sure not to miss him again.

Courtesy of Joe Pug
Joe Pug - Hymn #101

Andrew Bird announces new album

2008-12-15T08:02:00.007-07:00

Multi-instrumentalist virtuoso Andrew Bird is gearing to release another firecracker on January 20th and from the two songs that are floating around, it's impossible to see this album not making waves. Noble Beast is arriving as from Fat Possum Records as a deluxe edition, featuring an additional 16 instrumental tracks, or as a standard edition, featuring the following tracks (tentative):

Oh No
Masterswarm
Fitz and the Dizzy Spells
Effigy
Tenuousness
Nomenclature
Ouo
Not A Robot, But a Ghost
Unfolding Fans
Anonanimal
Natural Disaster
The Privateers
Souverian
On Ho!

The first single rumored to hit us should be "Fitz and the Dizz Spells," another intoxicating pinwheel of instruments, whistling, and Bird's storytelling. Noble Beast will be Bird's 11th release to date. Not too shabby for the violin playing Chicago native that started his career with the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

To hear Bird's new tunes, head on over to Pitchfork or his MySpace

Need a Friday comedy break?

2008-12-12T16:46:00.005-07:00

Leave it up to me to waste your time. It's worth it, I promise.

Tipped off by Stefania, I now just made my three co-workers waste 15 minutes, 90% of it filled with crying/laughing at the most humorous blog I've seen in a bit...unless your humor is opposite mine.

The blog: Fuck You, Penguin

Happy Friday folks!

Johnny Cash Giveaway!!!!!!

2008-12-10T08:37:00.009-07:00

The lovely folks at Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings sent me over some previously unreleased Johnny Cash tracks to give away to you...making this the first official giveaway from The Mountain Tempo blog! What is it? Well, there's a 99% chance you've either seen Joaquin Phoenix portray John R. Cash in Walk The Line as he's about to perform to the Folsom Prison inmates OR have heard the actual live album. Columbia/Legacy released a new double disc + DVD of Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison featuring handfuls of previously unreleased recordings from the TWO shows he actually delivered to the inmates. The double disc includes unissued performances by road mates Elvis Perkins, June Carter and the Statler Brothers as well as radio announcer Hugh Cherry introducing Cash before the famous "Hello I'm Johnny Cash."

Johnny Cash Intro into Folsom Prison Blues

This two-disc CD covers Cash's 36 performances during both Folsom shows, 16 of them unissued until now. Aside from Cash's powerhouse staples, some of the highlights I got excited to see were the actual opening performances by Carl Perkins performing "Blue Suede Shoes," the hit Elvis ran away with, Cash and Carter dueting on "Long-Legged Guitar Pickin' Man" and Hugh Cherry's introduction of Johnny and his father.

If you want this double disc covering The Man In Black's two shows at Folsom Prison either comment on this post or email me (bodie*at*themountaintempo*dot*com). Remember that if you comment on this post, I must be able to contact you, so make sure you're registered on blogger.com. I'll compile all names and draw a winner early next week.

The Black Ghosts

2008-12-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was going to say, "maybe I live in my parents basement still since I've never heard of the book series or the box office smash, Twilight." Then, I realized that the only way a 27 year-old male would have heard of Twilight is if they still lived in their parents basement. Anywhoo, I was recently introduced to the movie through my cousin, still in high school and still in the demo that safely encompasses Twilight's appeal. Aside from how hokie or nostalgic this emo flick is, the soundtrack ain't half bad, nor fully good. Iron & Wine, Muse, Perry Ferrell (Janes Addiction), Mute Math and a the wrist cutting cherry on top to solidify the movie's emo stance, Paramore. Not shabby. Twilight did introduce me to a song that's been hogging my iTunes - Full Moon by The Black Ghosts. Some nice acoustic-ish guitar strumming backed your typical Brit singer full of 3 ounces of angst but still enough dignity to kick some indie ass and some nice beats thrown in to prove it's not a song for your mom.

The Black Ghosts - Full Moon

Another bad ass group not from the U.S., The Black Ghosts continue to prove that despite their oral hygiene, the UK (and hell, even Canada now-a-days) can still produce some great music. The electronic based duo is comprised of Theo Keating and Simon Lord, two artists that met on the Internet and produced handfuls of work together before meeting face to face. My co-worker tipped me off that these are the same two that were once a part of Simian. The Black Ghosts are still new to the scene (relatively) and should be picking up some steam now that they've trampled SXSW in Austin and are the buzz from the Twilight soundtrack.

A cold day in Boulder

2008-12-05T08:10:00.001-07:00

The snow is finally here and the Colorado temps are starting to reflect what a winter should bring. In fact, it's finally cold enough that I've worn socks and shoes to work and not flip flops for the first time since the summer (business meeting days excluded!). I'm not complaining. The above photo is what I get to see on my ride/drive to work every morning after a nice snowfall just as the sun glances off of the great Flatirons.

Anywhoo, not much going on today except for a lazy winter Friday full of three cups of Peppermint Celestial Seasonings tea and two cups of joe...and some songs needed to warm up the coldness that is upon us. Keep your eyes peeled on The Mountain Tempo next week - I've just received a nice gift from Legacy Recordings that I must let a reader win next week. What is the prize? It involves a great performance and previously unissued moments from a momentous occasion in music history.

Enjoy some songs for a mild weekend ahead.
Bodie

Ray Lamontagne - Winter Birds

Calexico - Corona

Marlena Shaw - California Soul (remixed)

Before The Goldrush: Covers and covers

2008-12-04T07:56:00.014-07:00

So, here's a pretty damn nifty album that required a bit of licensing, organization, compiling and permission (perhaps)begging.
Before The Goldrush is a compilation album paying homage to mentors, teachers, and singer-songwriter artists of the 60s, 70s who influenced the music of today. Supposedly, an open call was made to all current singer-songwriters in an effort to cover some damn beautiful songs for the compilation. All the profits from the digital-only full album download from Amazon are going to Teach For America and is also tax deductible, if you're already itching for the $19 deduction before the close of 2008.

Before The Goldrush, released from A Nest of Eggs, is full of 26 covers ranging from some artists I guarantee you've never heard of to some break-outs of 2007/8 such as The Swell Season (remember Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of the movie Once?...it's their group), Okkervil River and Neko Case. Who are they covering? Here's the line-up

Here are two of my favorites that do the original great justice.
The Swell Season - Into The Mystic

Pete and J

Frightened Rabbit What does it take to keep warm?

2008-12-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

I heard of this Scottish group a few back from my bud over at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends and have placed their song (Backwards Walk) on mix CDs to many friends last summer. The way Frightened Rabbit builds their clanging percussion and layered guitar through their songs almost reminds me a bit of 80's U2 circa The Joshua Tree with some indie rock trickled in with a kick ass whiny voice.

Supporting Death Cab For Cutie, releasing The Midnight Organ Fight from Fat Cat Records last April, and the various instances I run into their songs at the most random of places has put them back on my radar...big time...again. Frightened Rabbit recorded that album in Connecticut and say the album's title is a "euphemism for sex." Not too surprising after you hear the endless stories of sex, relationships, and heartbreak that is set in a rather direct and "fuck you" tone. Here's another example:

Frightened Rabbit - Keep Yourself Warm

From yoga teacher to main stage in one song

2008-11-30T13:13:00.012-07:00

It's been done before and hopefully the trend of placing unheard music in national television campaigns will continue. Although Apple may not have been the first to exploit (it's not a bad thing) an emerging artist through an ad campaign, they certainly have been the most recent company responsible for the growth of dozens of new radio singles and iTunes downloads. Remember the Kooks, Yael Naim, The Ting Tings? Yes, they each charted and beyond that, it's hard to argue any of them would have reach mainstream ears if it weren't for conglomerate corporations helping them. Side note: people have given groups such as Aerosmith and Zeppelin shit for years now saying they've "sold out" by allowing their music to sync with car commercials and so on. Really? If someone came up to you and offered you $500,000 to use your song in a commercial that didn't offend anyone and all you had to do was say "ok", could you really turn 1/2 million down? Honestly? Ok, now what if you were Johnny Cash and Preparation H offered you $1,000,000 to use your song, "Ring of Fire" for their anal burning campaign? What then? Is it the money amount involved, the brand involved or a combo of the two that defines a "sell out"?Discuss amongst yourselves.

Batter up: Dell Computers and Kira Willey.

A children's yoga instructor, mother, and musician, Kira Willey founded Fireflies, a musical yoga program in Pennsylvania for children. Full story here. I may have been the last on earth to see this commercial until my brother urged me to hear the simple song that reminds quite a bit of Yael Naim or multiple Juno Soundtrack staples. It's a simple song with that innocent and feel good attitude. If I were a parent singing songs to children aiming to teach them a healthier lifestyle and then some computer company offered me 'x' amount of money and a possible fortuitous musical career for a song I'd written for fun, then I'd be a sell out any day.

Kira Willey - Colors

Ah...now I remember

2008-11-26T08:44:00.002-07:00

So I've been one of those that, despite their popularity and dent left on the history of rock, have never taken a liking to certain groups such as The Police, Steely Dan and Van Halen. Keep in mind that yes, I thing two of these groups actually have amazing talent. But for some reason, their tunes generally make me search for a new radio station. Though whenever I hear a song by Van Halen, I end up searching for a noose and I now I know why. A few days ago my co-worker showed me a video of David Lee Roth's vocal track of what he contributed to the 80s ballad, "Runnin' With The Devil." Simply put...embarrassingly talentless.

Yikes.

To justify his talent, or lack thereof, here is David Lee Roth with the rest of the group, allowing him to mask his minimal input.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela Live in Japan

2008-11-25T08:32:00.001-07:00

The seductive Mexican duo via Ireland can now add the country of Japan to the most recent list of swooners and oooh-ers and ahhhh-ers. Sure their songs get a bit repetitive if you listen to the album in it's entirety, but seeing Rodrigo Y Gabriela live is a completely different experience. The speed in which the metal influnced folksters hands explore and dance the necks of their one-of-a-kind handmade acoustic guitars will leave your jaw dropped. In addition to Rodrigo's humbleness and Gabriela's cutsie stage presence comes some great music. Are they dating? Are they married? Are they brother and sister? Let's hope it's not the Jack and Meg White question all over again. Rumor has it that they are definitely together, though on stage it's all about the music, picking and getting the crowd to clap along.

Rod Y Gab have just released a double disc CD/DVD of their time overseas from ATO Records. On it you'll find a handful of songs from their debut release with a bit of pepper. However, to make it worth your penny, the crew was able to capture a few newbies including a solo by each and a kick ass cover of Dave Brubeck's 1959 classic, "Take Five." Here's the original and Rod Y Gab's take on it for ya!

Rodrigo Y Gabriela - Take Five (live)

She & Him is the best 2008 has to offer. Really? I mean, really?

2008-11-21T18:17:00.006-07:00

I mean really Paste magazine, She & Him released the best album of 2008? Really? C'mon. So I'm at work earlier today minding my own when Jason walks in and slams down the newly released Paste rubbish on the table after announcing their choice for Best Album of 2008. Without hesitation, I facetiously respond: "did Paste even listen to the album?" Stereogum, please save us.

OK, I'm a realist and know it's just a simple poll. Before you think I'm one of those self-righteous music snobs who's "above it" and no matter who "they" ranked at #1 I would have disagreed, let me put in my own asterisk. *I love (Him) M. Ward. I think (She) Zooey Deschanel would never ever win an ugly contest...voice or looks. I own all of M. Ward's albums. I love watching Zooey and Buddy The Elf (Will Ferrell) duet in Elf. But really...the best album of 2008? It IS unique. It does stand out. Hell, he is an instrumentalist extraordinaire and she only adds to the skiked Kool-Aid. But trust me you, by no means does their talent, production, lyrics, melody or sound top the charts of 2008. Take a listen and then come right back.

OK, now I'm not stating that I'm important enough to compile a Top 50 list of 2008. And I'm confident that if I did, I'd have to stand up and take the punishment of the naysayers and critics, which is only appropriate after rating artistic talents...especially when my musical talent is confined to performances alone in my living room or at campfire in front of alcohol-induced onlookers. That being said and without posting these in any specific order, I'd like to remind you of some songs/albums that I believe got shoved aside by Paste when they hoisted She & Him's Volume One to the #1 slot of 2008. Really. Again, I'm not saying She & Him blows. I'm saying it was good but "good" should never be the cover of a magazine as big as Paste. In this man's humble opinion, each below are more deserving of the #1 stature than what Paste determined.

Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal

Vampire Weekend

TV On The Radio

Okkervil River - Lost Coastlines

Lykke Li

Bon Iver

Ray Lamontagne

Noah And The Whale

Girl Talk

Radiohead

Sigur Ros

New Belle & Sebastian!!!!!

2008-11-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

They're back! I know there were never really gone, but when a new release arrives from such an influential indie band, it's a good day. Now I know the definition of "indie" has lost much of it's flare and has easily been clouded due to the ease of attaching those five letters to any old band that isn't on the four big labels. Hell, many of the bands on the big labels are still considered "indie" becuase of their roots and many of the bands on "indie" labels such as Sub Pop (bullshit) are anything but independent of politics and polish of the big boys they despise. Anywhoo...on with the main point huh? Indie pop staples, Belle & Sebastian, have released a new double disc album available digitally, on CD and if you want the true living room performance experience, it's available as a double vinyl. Right on.

It's a testament to Scotland's Belle & Sebastian and their volumes of stripped songs when a BBC sessions album full of bootlegs, live performances and rareties, can count as damn great album in it's own right. The first disc is full of BBC radio recording from 1996-2001 while the second disc provides some nice dessert via a live performance from Belfast. The BBC Sessions album is out now from Matador Records. If you want some more detailed information on the release from the band, check their Myspace here. Their BBC album on vinyl is the answer for a brisk fall Sunday evening with a slowly disappearing glass of wine.

Belle & Sebastian - (My Girl's Got) Miraculous Technique

Le Scaphandre et le papillon

2008-11-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hands down one of the best films I've seen in a handful. "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" is a true story of Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, who suffered a stroke causing him to be almost fully paralyzed apart from his left eye. Through family, transcribers and doctors, Bauby uses his left eye to blink a memoir describing "the aspects of his interior world, from the psychological torment of being trapped inside his body to his imagined stories from lands he'd only visited in his mind" (imdb). See the trailer here

Aside from the brilliant cinematography, the actors involved and the numerous awards that this film has secured (including a Golden Globe for best director), the music was sterling. Not only serving as the director, Julian Schnabel also supervised the films soundtrack. Watching the film and noticing the pastel layout of colors along with the surf and ocean scenes coupled perfectly with Tom Waits, Lou Reed and some grunge from the days forgotten, I immediately thought of another movie, "Basquiat". After making a trip to IMDB, it was no surprise that Schnabel also wrote and directed "Basquiat" He also composed the soundtrack's original music with John Cale, the man responsible for the now notorious "Hallelujah."

Anywhoo...Go see the film (or both!) and get the soundtrack(s). The Diving Bell and The Butterfly's bloated soundtrack is full of Lou Reed, traditional French gems from the 40s and 50s, The Dirtbombs, obscure(ish) U2, classic Tom Waits, Joe Strummer, Bach, and Ultra Orange and Emmanuelle. Speaking of...
The Velvet Underground - Pale Blue Eyes

Ultra Orange and Emmanuelle - Don't Kiss Me Goodbye

Iglu & Hartly

2008-11-18T07:31:00.007-07:00

I was at a concert recently when a friend asked me if the artist on stage had "made it." What is the status an artist should reach or is there an initial plateau, monetary amount, fan base, record deal, tour schedule, self fulfillment or combination that counts for "making it" in this political and cutthroat profession?

DJ Iglu and Hartly Dark, a young group of hip-hop artists that I used to help out a bit, is at that moment...or maybe they surpassed it months and months ago...I'm not sure. Micheal Jarvis and Sam Jantz used their imagination, light-hearted nature, musical experimentation's and various left-field influences to start up a hip-hop/rock/punk/beat-driven group when they attended the University of Colorado in Boulder. In the long months to come with late evenings spent locked in their college basement with a bunch of instruments, liquor, self-taught production skills and time, they eventually gathered a light local student following. Maybe enough of a following to pay for a few kegs and a three vintage sets of shirts. Through their small success grew the needed confidence to pick up everything and head to Hollywood to see if the college band/experiment could blossom.

Being a consultant, booker, blogger, and supervisor in this profession, I'd have to say about 1% of the bands/artists out there make it past the trudge of performing the free coffee shops and house parties decorated as a dive-bar. Jantz and Jarvis quickly proved to NOT be one of those. Eventually re-branding their band under the name of Iglu & Hartly, picking up some actual back-up musicians and making the move to California, they quickly found the surfer-girl following and rightly so. These guys are skinny Cali punks that haven't a care in the world other than what stage will allow them to dance and smile the following night. Hell, no one still knows whether to call them a rock band, punk experiment, garage rock or hip hop. Their influences range from 60s punk, The Cars, The Clash, to the 80s NY street rappers and probably today's underground indie bands that won't make it upstairs.

Weeks after establishing their fan demographic of flip-flop wearing surfer gals topping out at 22 years-old, Iglu & Hartly played the Viper Room, opened for acts that they've now surpassed ten-fold, appeared on MTV's The Hills and placed their newest single "In This City" on the UK charts. In roughly a year after the sun started shining bright, Mike Jarvis (now Jarvis Anderson), Jantz and full band found a home next to The Killers on Mercury Records and on an extensive tour in Europe. Regardless of all the success and fans now following Iglu & Hartly, the local "rock" station in Denver still passes them up for jokes like the Flobots. Maybe stations in the U.S. like KTCL will continue to let the UK fans establish bands and jump on in a few more months down the road. Why take the risk, right?

Have I&H made it? Major record label, full tour schedule, smiles, no need for t-shirts any more, chart position in the UK and great music. I'd cast a vote.

Here's a recently filmed concert at the famous Paradiso in Amsterdam via Fab Channel
And here is for your critique:
Iglu & Hartly - In This City

David Ford shows us how to go to hell

2008-11-12T07:45:00.012-07:00

He was my favorite artist to break out in 2006...at least to U.S. audiences. I'm lucky enough that after not touring in my neck of the woods for the past two years, UK singer-songwriter David Ford is coming back around! He's still not too well known in the states but has secured opening slots for gems such as Gomez, KT Tunstall, Richard Ashcroft and Elvis Costello. Not only a brilliant singer-songwriter that gleams passion, Ford actually calls himself as much a technician as a strict performer. A jack-of-all-trades is what you'll see if you don't pass up the common name on a billboard venue. David Ford awes fans on stage as most expect his backing band to appear any second to fill the vacant slots in front of the bass, percussion, guitar, drums, piano, guitars, and multiple mic stands. Not much time is wasted when Ford takes control and loops segments of dozens of instruments, resulting in a cacophony of perfectly synced sounds, dismissing any need of a backing band.

Ford has now released a few videos showing that everything you hear on his album may have taken a lot more talent you'd be quick to guess. Here's how he constructed the full sound of "Go To Hell"

David Ford - Go To Hell

Now how about this - a live recording, one take, four times

Ford is again on tour in the states, this time with New Yorker Ingrid Michaelson (yes, the gal responsible for making you remember Grey's Anatomy and Old Navy), and England's Newton Faulkner.

Margot and Nuclear W's Last Day In Office

2008-11-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Mountain Tempo posted on Margot & The Nuclear So And So's a bit ago, featuring the two fantastic singles, "A Children's Crusade on Acid" and "As Tall As Cliffs" from their upcoming album. If you wanna get 'em and hear more about Margot's history and their relationship with George W., check out the post link above. The news coming out of the Margot headquarters is the hilarious new video for their single, "As Tall As Cliffs," documenting W's last moments in office. I'm no political jive-talker, mudslinger or high-hat spokesman, though I do take a firm stance in encouraging satire and dark comedy, no matter the victim. Take a look.
As Tall As Cliffs

Not Animal was released in Oct from Epic Records and I'll say it again. It's a hodge-podge of diverse influences, balanced noises, and uniquely titled songs like their single or the down-tempo'd "Hello Vagina." Don't let the titles and jolly video make you dive in with expectations of only silly and fun songs though. Both "Hip Hip Hooray" and "Real Naked Girls", buried deep in the album, threw me off as I expected something totally different from what the lyrics and tune delivered. The albums really does have it all. Your turn.

Margot & The Nuclear So And So's - Real Naked Girls

Margot & The Nuclear So And So's - Hip Hip Hooray

Music History: How Springsteen changed Genesis

2008-11-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

"Solsbury Hill" is arguably Peter Gabriel's most recognizable song which is saying a lot after the video success of "Sledgehammer" and Cusack's hoisting of "In Your Eyes." You know the song as a staple on adult radio and you know the singer, but do you actually know how it came to be?

According to Wikipedia, the song emerged after a spiritual experience Gabriel had atop the actual Solsbury Hill, located in Somerset England, after his departure from Genesis. In fact, Solsbury Hill is said to be a metaphor to the excitement and adventurous spirit Gabriel felt once he made the decision to leave Genesis. Wiki leaves it at that and misses much of the story that I find more interesting. Although most know Phil Collins as the lead of Genesis, it should be known that he only ditched the drums and sang in the mic after Gabriel's departure. So what ignited this song and Gabriel's ambition to depart such a prolific band in favor of a risky solo-career? Bruce Springsteen. The Boss.

As the story goes, Gabriel arrived to his decision at some point before 1977 after watching Springsteen in concert. His first verse describes Springsteen as an "eagle who flew out of the night" and "standing stretching every nerve." Some sites and reviews go line by line through the song dissecting Gabriel's concert experience, his reaction to it and how he paved his new solo path. Instead of regurgitating their words and sending you their direction, it may be more fun and eye-opening for you to re-listen to the song with this new information of how this song came to be and how Springsteen's heavy-hitting style might have served as a catalyst.

Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill

Since emerging in 1977, "Solsbury Hill" has appeared on over 50 albums, received countless cover tributes by people such as Dave Matthews, Sarah McLachlan, Erasure, Moe., and has seen millions of spins on our FM dial throughout the decades.

New Decemberists Cover Velvet Underground

2008-11-06T08:34:00.005-07:00

The Juno Soundtrack was the "Garden State" of the past few years. A pretty damn-strong soundtrack that served our highschoolers, college boys and girls with some of the great indie staples they may have missed out on while focusing on Beyonce, Bush, No Doubt or Modest Mouse only a few years before. Juno re-introduced the younger masses to acts like Mott The Hoople, Kimaya Dawson and her Moldy Peaches, The Velvet Underground, Belle and Sebastian and some Sonic Youth. The Juno soundtrack really didn't debut any new songs, it reminded us what needs to be re-added to our iPods.

Portland's The Decemberists are about to release another album and having listened to it in it's entirety, I'm now assuming Meloy and Co. are one of the few bands that just don't put out an average album. They didn't get the memo about the notorious one-hit wonder phase and they overlooked putting out a weak sophomore album. Maybe their last album in 32 years will suck.

Anywhoo, The Decemberists are set to release a handful of singles through their Always The Brides Maid: A Singles Series from Capitol Records. A few are currently available through their site, iTunes or ThinkIndie.com. One released single covers Lou Reed's 1976 bootleg called "I'm Sticking With You," which resurfaced in early 2008 thanks to Juno and Velvet Underground. Seriously, take a listen to this and then get the rest of the singles for yourself...it really is another strong output from the Portland quintet.

The Decemberists - I'm Sticking With You

Here's the Velvet Underground version

1 Vote DOES NOT make a difference

2008-11-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

Only 537 people decided the 2000 election.

"537? There's more Baldwin brothers than that."

Here's a nice little viral campaign with a plethora of celebs. I think the best may be Braff's reference to "Tommy Cruise" or Justin's "I can do anything. I was in a boy band, ok?" Get up early tomorrow and do your part if you haven't already done so.

I like Toe Jam

2008-11-03T08:35:00.002-07:00

Here's a funny and wonderfully edited video, showing us some music and hot buns that are to come in the middle of a cold winter.

"Toe Jam" is the first single from I Think We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat, the new album from Norman Cook or The Brighton Port Authority, or BPA for short. Norman Cook, the real name to the face behind Fatboy Slim, teams up with greats such as Lateef, Martha Wainwright, Simon Thornton, Iggy Pop, and Emmy The Great in the album which is set to drop from Southern Fried Records in early 2009. The video you saw above is none other than Cook with rhymester Dizzee Rascal and Talking Heads front man and musical experiment extraordinaire, David Byrne.

Toe Jam - David Byrne, Norman Cook & Dizzee Rascal

This is Halloween

2008-10-31T07:05:00.000-06:00

Ahh...the sounds of Danny Elfman. The brain behind Oingo Boingo who also brought us the soundtracking for Pee Wee's Big Adventure, The Simpsons theme, Beetle Juice, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Edward Scissorhands, and more. Not that it has much competition other than your typical horror flicks, but I'd consider Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas a damn good movie to get you in the mood for Halloween, especially the Halloween Song from it.
Here's the song for you to play at your little Halloween shindig this weekend.
This Is Halloween

I'll admit I'm not a huge Halloween fan, but thanks to the plethora of concerts that headline Hallow's Eve and Halloween in my town, it's impossible not to participate...and I'm not complaining too much. Who do I get to see tonight? I almost feel guilty for not doing a full post on what their performance alone entails...yet alone a halloween show. This is a small clip of the Devotchka Halloween show I witnessed two years ago...tonight is gonna be great!!!

Hell Yes I Lykke Her!

2008-10-30T08:34:00.001-06:00

So I'm not the kind of guy to have a celebrity crush and talk about it. But, let's just say I HAD to be that guy for a day and let's just say that I had to choose someone outside of Rachel Bilson, Kate Beckinsale and Kristen Wiig. Lykke Li (real name: Li Lykke Timotej Zachrisson), a young Swedish music vixen at the age of 22, is kicking some serious ass in the music industry as of late. And how do you pronounce it? Lykke Li --> (say this fast: "Youk-uh-Lee" with a small silentish "L" tucked just after the 'Y' in 'Youk')...pretty easy actually.

Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance

Videos of her performing with artists young and old are now clogging up YouTube and she's even been doing a few projects with some of my favorites. How do I choose just one to show you, among dozens that are worth of your eyes? I don't. I let you waste some of your work day here by showing you the three Lykke Li videos I think you should see to familiarize you with my crush.

1. Lykke Li's acoustic live version of "I'm Good I'm Gone" with Robyn, members from The Shout Out Louds, The Concretes and a few more. See the produced music video here.

2. Lykke Li with another street performance...this time singing "Dance, Dance, Dance" with Bon Iver and Co.

3. Recently tipped off by one of my favorite blogs, I found out Lykke Li just covered Vampire Weekend's "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" in Paris while throwing a bit of her own flare and songs in there.

Nik Freitas and his Mystic Valley

2008-10-29T07:49:00.008-06:00

So I'm watching ol' Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band in a studio performance last week and he introduces bandmember Nik Freitas. So that's why his voice and Beatles-esque style sounded a bit familiar and oddly comfortable alongside the indie staple that fronts Bright Eyes!

Out of L.A., Nik Freitas sounds quite a bit like McCartney sans accent. But it's there, it really is...just listen to "Sophie" or "All The Way Down". Not only that, but his label puts his album in the same stylings of Paul Simon and a bit of Bowie. Such a big statement from an emerging artist and I'm quick to turn him off as Paul Simon is my absolute favorite. However, after only listening to his lead track titled "Sun Down," I agree with the bold statement and find myself making even deeper comparisons. Now, keep in mind neither I nor his label are saying he IS the next Paul Simon or the upcoming McCartney. It just seems we're both saying that Freitas has that same poppy-slash-carefree style with some musical genius. Sun Down, Freitas' fourth album and first by Team Love, came out last spring and showcases Freitas' all-around talents as he produces, engineers, writes and plays every note on the album. His talents didn't go un-noticed either as he initially began opening up for Bright Eyes and now finds himself in a solo career and part of Oberst's Mystic Valley Band. Not a bad start to a career that was started only a few years ago when Nik's co-worker sold him an antique piano for run. Take a listen. Team Love has offered up two of his songs for free download.

Nik Freitas - Sun Down

Nik Freitas - All The Way Down

Whoah.

2008-10-28T08:11:00.007-06:00

I was lucky enough to see Ray LaMontagne perform twice yesterday, in studio and in concert. Most that follow him even remotely close will easily find that his stage persona or demeanor is not typical of an entertainer. He often comes across as shy, brief, cold and unfriendly to crowds. The first time I saw Ray perform in Denver a few years ago, he asked a crowd member to quiet down as a person cheered his name during the silence between songs. Many are put off by his coy attitude, but those that dig into his rocky past and atypical childhood often find solid reason for his unique banter or lack thereof.

I'm no biogrpaher but I do know a clouded outline of some of Ray's not-so-glamorous childhood lowlights, which is why I am one of the fans that cares less about the stillness left in a room after an uncomfortable interview with him. You can find more information on Ray Charles LaMontagne if you dig on this blog or head to one of many attempts on the web that outline "his story."

During the one-minute elevator ride I took with LaMontagne and his band, I saw a completely different side of him than I had witnessed on stage over the past years. He was laughing, joking, and hell, nearly gregarious. A complete 180 from the quiet, reserved man that emerged only minutes later when being interviewed in the studio or congratulated by his manager. During an interview on eTown last summer, the host and crowd were able to catch Ray in the light I saw him yesterday, as he quickly responded to a question not immediately knowing his answer was a complete sexual innuendo. Ray, the host, and crowd were all on the same page, if only for a few minutes.

Watching Ray's show last night at Macky Auditorium in Boulder gave me the chills numerous times. I was on the first row in the balcony with all the speakers aimed directly at my face. My friend and I could even notice the difference in volume, pitch and bass when we leaned over the balcony 6 inches as compared to leaning back in our seats. Ray LaMontagne was armed with full band, which included Jennifer Condos and the legendary Ethan Johns. His smoky voice bellowed emotional stories in the aged theater while Johns provided the catchy backing rhythms and much of the new-style arrangements. His recently released album covers a new spectrum of Ray with the gorgeously down-tempo ballad of "Winter Birds" in contrast to my favorite, the Americana, bar-stomping, gospel chant of "Henry Nearly Killed Me (It's A Shame)". It sounds like this

Ray LaMontagne - Henry Nearly Killed Me (It's A Shame)

and felt something like this last night:

Kings of Leon - Notion

2008-10-24T08:08:00.000-06:00

Yes, I saw Kings of Leon for my first time last night and better late than never. I'm saying I'm not going to do a concert review for ethical reasons, but in reality, it's because it's Friday morning and after a late night, I'm not in the mood to see where the lack of sleep and absorbed double-Americano takes my ramblings today. I will say I've been a fan of the Followill boys since my first listen of "Fans." And for those of you who know the KOL timeline, you'll realize I'm a rather new fan.

I wasn't a huge fan of the first single RCA and Kings of Leon pushed from their new album, Only By The Night. I finally sat down two nights ago and listened to the entire album straight through, allowing the album's ordering, production, composition and build-up to run it's course. Because of my listening session with the volume up to '11', another song has been on constant repeat on my iPod and in my car. Why? Take a listen.

Kings of Leon - Notion

Here's a snippet from KOL's video diaries during the recording of "Notion." It's not bad to have a producer who'll lay it straight out to you. And by the sound of the entire album, I'm glad he took his time to provide fans with a spectacular album full or depth, great production and something new from KOL.

hey yoU. THANKS!

2008-10-23T08:14:00.002-06:00

So I logged on yesterday and I realized that The Mountain Tempo has now had over 15,000 visitors. This may not be much to many posts out there, especially those that post upwards of a dozen times a day to keep their masses happy. But, 15,000 viewers are a lot to me especially since I only started this blog a few months ago in order to keep a small handful of friends up to date on the music that frequents my ears. Thanks to them and a few labels out there, I'm glad this has blossomed a bit further. On that note, I ALWAYS appreciate comments and feedback both good and bad. And, should you ever have a tip or artist you'd rather make me do the leg work to research and post on, please don't hesitate to let me know - bodie @ themountaintempo.com .

So, thank you very very much for taking the time to come by this little music outlet of mine. If you haven't told your friends about it yet, please do, and maybe their friend's friends will eventually visit and I can start to do this during the day instead of at the Boulder coffee shop circuit at night! Please keep this going by passing along this blog address and supporting the artists that work their asses off to make you smile.

And for those of you that need entertainment for today, this should give you a good chuckle.

Again, thank you.

Jens Lekman goes black in black

2008-10-22T08:22:00.001-06:00

Jens Lekman, the Swede who stormed the blogging world with his last two pristine albums, has joined the celebrated list of performers who have taken stage in the Black Cab. With their "one song-one take-one cab" format, the Black Cab Sessions have hosted emerging greenbacks and the hall of fame sluggers by driving aritsts such as Death Cab For Cutie, Fleet Foxes, Cold War Kids, Brian Wilson, My Morning Jacket, Okkervil River, Spoon, The Kooks and The National.

Jens Lekman visited the Black Cab crew and performed his "Black Cab" among the active streets in the background. "Black Cab" debuted on Jens' 2003 EP titled Maple Leaves, but was made more popular by appearing on the 2005 release, Oh You're So Silent, Jens.

Jens Lekman - Black Cab

Within the lines of a solo David Byrne, Belle and Sebastian, Sondre Lerche, and Architecture in Helsinki, it's tough to strip down Jens more than his typical album will naturally convey. In the song above, I even hear a bunch of The Velvet Underground. Is it just me? Despite his ability to show up and perform with a backing choir or even a guitar in hand to amplify his style a bit more, the Black Cab Sessions catches Jens with only his voice and a kalimba (finger piano). It's stripped and quite gorgeous.

Au Revoir Simone

2008-10-21T08:41:00.004-06:00

"Au Revoir Simone!" - Pee Wee Herman

The ladies of Au Revoir Simone look like daughters out of Big Love with that one piece of flare confirming their New Yorker indie-pop roots. The trio are prim and proper and during the show, you'll see them slip a smile here and there between their composed head bob keeping beat. Prim and proper and undeniably cute. NME called them "lush electronic hypno-folk." That seems easy to stereotype huh?

Au Revoir Simone has not broken in the U.S. as of yet, but if you listen carefully you would have heard their music in alongside McDreamy and Co. on Grey's Anatomy and on stage at some hefty festivals. And, like so many other bands that haven't fully blossomed in the States yet, Au Revoir's album sales have made a killing overseas in Asia and have been re-worked among the spinsters.

Au Revoir Simone - Lark (ruff and jam remix)

Brooklyn's Au Revoir Simone set up stage with a dozen or so instruments, most of them keyboards - few of which have been used on stage in the past 20 years. The alesis, rhythym ace, moog...all providing their sound which aligns them in the near ballpark of Camera Obscura, Viva Voce, Stereolab...hmmmm, this is tough. Remember the soundtrack to Napoleon Dynamite? Think that on caffeine with a touch of FrouFrou/Imogen Heap.

How would you propose? Robert Francis can help.

2008-10-17T07:22:00.000-06:00

The album has been out for a year and some but who's counting? With the millions of songs entered into the copyright database each year and the barrage or artists sent to my inbox and work place, diamonds will continue to slip through the cracks. Luckily, through great blogs, commercials, music supervisors and hard work by the artist, the cream eventually rises to the top.

Robert Francis came to my ears through a great advertising blog, Everything's Better With Brentter. The blog showcased an adorable (yes, I used that word)Zales Jewelers commercial featuring Francis' song and a uniquely cute proposal strategy. Damn it! He totally stole my idea! I was so close to beating him if only I wasn't Mr. Bachelor! exclamation point. According to Brentter.com, Francis wrote the song "Don't Forget Love" specifically for this commercial.

Who comes to mind when hearing a few of the diverse tunes that Robert Francis delivers? Alexi Murdoch, Gregory Alan Isakov, Iron & Wine, M. Ward and maybe some of Josh Ritter or Conor Oberst when it comes to slide guitar or light twang-rock.

The debut record from Robert Francis, One By One, has been out for some time now and I'm starting to let his imeem and MySpace pages run on repeat as the songs continue to show his diversity of tempo and moods. The album is available from Aeronaut Records, though the song featured in the commercial should be a quick $.99 from iTunes. If you want a to download "Little Girl" from Francis, it's free here.

Ray Lamontagne on Conan

2008-10-16T17:36:00.002-06:00

If this were his main music video for "You Are The Best Thing" I'd be happier than the one he actually chose. Nonetheless, it sounds damn good.

Ethan Johns +1...Sarabeth Tucek

2008-10-15T08:25:00.002-06:00

Is this guy in protective custody or in hiding? Jesus! I can find the name 'Ethan Johns' in just about ever CD album booklet in my collection. Hell, he's either played an instrument, produced, mixed, and/or engineered most of them. Among his multi-credited history includes a suaree of powerhouse artists like U2, EmmyLou Harris, John Hiatt, Wallflowers, Stevie Nicks, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Ray Lamontagne, Joe Cocker, The Pretenders, Kings of Leon, Ryan Adams, Jayhawks, Ben Kweller...

Finding a photo or specific bio on Johns online is like trying to find an admitted Republican in Boulder, Colorado. He must either be running from the gov't or one of the very few who could care less about fame. Hmmm...coincidence he's so close to Lamontagne or Adams? The only thing I can find out is that he MAY have solo stuff coming out on 3 Crows Music and that he is represented by a big firm. Nice job self, I may start calling myself Sherlock Shit or start comparing myself to the janitor from Billy Madison. Seriously.

Here is another artist that Ethan Johns has recently worked with. I'm guessing this gal may be on the rise as most projects associated with Johns tend to become noticed sooner than later.

Sarabeth Tucek. The name almost gives her style away. Something simple with a twist. Now that I introduced her via the lengthy record that Ethan Johns brings to the table, you'd have high expectations, and rightly so. Sarabeth Tucek will fulfill those expectation with an almost Alexi Murdoch style of stripped, frail, simplicity. I almost hear a ghostly resemblance of The Velvet Underground's Nico, with some of the air-filled gasps and the hollow bass drum in the background. Her voice is definitely more clean and crisp with her steady falsetto. It's pretty easy to only catch yourself daydreaming as the song builds layers and creeps up on you. However, should you need another listen, the lyrics aren't to be missed.

Sarabeth Tucek has already opened up for Bob Dylan, Ray Lamontagne, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. You can hear her voice alongside The Brian Jonestown Massacre in "Seer," which is actually her own song, though titled "Something For You" in her catalog. If you watch the Brian Jonestown Massacre's video for "Seer," you can probably see where she got the idea for her debut album cover art. Small world...from Ray Lamontagne to Ryan Adams, all the way through Johns, Tucek and the Jonestown Massacre.

Take a listen.

Sarabeth Tucek - Something For You

or

The Brian Jonestown Massacre with Sarabeth Tucek - Seer

Ray Lamontagne - Sarah

2008-10-14T07:50:00.003-06:00

Sheesh! It's finally here. The Mountain Tempo has been waiting patiently for the release of Ray Lamontagne's Gossip In The Grain from RCA. We even gave a listen of Ray's "You Are the Best Thing" a bit back...and today the album is finally available for all of us.

Joining Ray on Gossip In the Grain is Jennifer Condos on bass, guitarist Eric Heywood, drummer/producer Ethan Johns, and singer-songwriter Leona Naess. Now, it may be common knowledge to the few, but as I was memorized by some old Ryan Adams tunes this gloomy weekend I came to find out another web between two of my favorite artists while reading the liner notes. Johns and Condos are both a part of Adams' long discography while Johns has also produced Kings of Leon, Ben Kweller, Crowded House, Glen Phillips, Wainwright, and on and on...not so surprising such a kick ass producer/drummer appears with Lamontagne now is it?

And what is the result? Yet another jaw-dropper.
Ray Lamontagne - Sarah

The Spinto Band

2008-10-13T08:16:00.002-06:00

My life-long music-guide, Abby Berendt, introduced the Spinto boys to me back in college as her radar was on full force as a trailblazin' music director. Since then, she's connected me with the band members and their publicity agent which has allowed me to use their music in a film and to see exactly what they can offer on stage. I watched The Spinto Band open for Rilo Kiley which didn't seem to work out well as a touring pair. Hear me out. I love me my Jenny Lewis, Sennett and Co. Who wouldn't? I was overwhelmed by the lightning-esque performance that The Spinto Band displayed, leaving my ears ringing and my laughing unhinged due to their energy, dancing and antics on stage. Combining 50's pop via Oneders/Wonders style, kazoos, cardigans and dancing as if they were marionettes controlled by erratic hands, The Spinto Band know how to wrangle fans.

Remember their first release a bit back?

The Delaware boys just released their 6th album, Moonwink, full of the indie-pop fun you'd expect. Their newly designed site, formatted for their new album, almost rivals that of the Arcade Fire in terms of interaction, layout and entertainment. The Spinto boys are on tour now and if you want a night out of great music, dancing and laughter, they can deliver.

The Spinto Band - Summer Grof

What was that song?

2008-10-10T07:11:00.008-06:00

Blame Wes Anderson once again for infecting my head with amazing music that would have otherwise gone un-noticed. Yes, the director who clogs my MySpace movie favorites with dark comedies such as Rushmore, Bottle Rocket, Tenenbaums, Zissou, and the still rising, The Darjeeling Limited. Anderson also directed a prologue to The Darjeeling Limited titled Hotel Chevalier, which was originally left out of the film and offered for free on iTunes until the prologue's popularity made it necessary for Anderson to re-insert it with the main film. I digress.

Hotel Chevalier features a song that Jason Schwartzman casually plays as his ex-girlfriend (Portman) announces an unexpected visit. "Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)" by Peter Sarstedt eventually became a buzz for quite a few ears as the movie re-popularized his old-world tunes after the theatrical release. It also gave us a perfect setting for the scene to follow. Although the scene in which this song debuts takes place in Paris, the main movie takes place in India - an odd bridge and coupling of cultures to cover with a song, right? Kudos to Anderson and/or his music supervisor for finding this song. Sarstedt was born in India, yet this song has that rooted Parisian, Moulin Rouge-era feel...a perfect fit. I mean, it's no surprise that Anderson yet again delivers an amazing soundtrack...but the (re)discovery, placement and use of Sarstedt's song is abnormally unique.

Peter Sarstedt - Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)

The song never rocketed in the U.S., though it reached #1 in 14 other countries. Sarstedt even won an Ivor Novello Award back in 1969 for his composition and songwriting.

Seriously, nice hair.

Blue Merle Then & Now

2008-10-07T08:48:00.023-06:00

I love to keep track of the tiny webs of musicians that seem to keep popping up in my life, reminding me that although the music world is growing at an exponential rate, it isn't THAT huge. I was working on a soundtrack for a video last month when I ran into their manager who provided the missing link between four bands. Back in 2005, Nashville's Blue Merle hit the radio waves with their mandolin filled, light rock hit "Burning In the Sun."

Blue Merle - Burning In the Sun

The group was started by singer/songwriter/guitarist Luke Reynolds and bassist Jason Oettel who were actually offered a quick deal by Sony only 4 months into recording together. The duo passed on the offer, decided to start a band, and acquired singer/mandolinist Beau Stapleton and drummer William Ellis. Quoting Zeppelin's "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp," the band named themselves Blue Merle. Queue the split of Blue Merle.

After the split of Blue Merle, Luke Reynolds started a new project, Pictures and Sound. In the self-titled album from Vanguard Records, Reynolds plays a dozen different instruments, ranging from lap steel to guitar. According to their MySpace, Reynolds aimed to "create an album that is modern in its arrangements and soundscapes, yet a throw back to an era when songs were written and recorded in a more organic atmosphere."

Pictures and Sound - It's You

Beau Stapleton, the other key component behind Blue Merle joined with Johnny Mann to start Computer Vs. Banjo, an experimental sound combining kick-ass beats with some rooted, almost bluegrass melodies. Based in Nashville, Computer Vs. Banjo have had their sounds in a lot of speakers lately due to MTV, a Kenneth Cole campaign, KCRW, and the outdoor adventure flick I worked on (which also featured Pictures and Sound and their mutual acquaintance, Ki: Theory).

Computer Vs. Banjo - Give Up On Ghosts

New Ray Lamontagne video

2008-10-06T08:36:00.000-06:00

Ray Lamontagne released a video for his new single "You Are The Best Thing" last week. I think a great video can sometimes catapult an emerging artist to a much higher level. I consider myself a huge Ray fan and luckily for him, I think a crappy and cheesy video can never extinguish a great artist. I keep watching this waiting for the "Heineken" or "Axe" logo to appear until I remember that even those companies would never let a lackluster video like this be a part of their campaign. Urgggh. It's a great song (see a slight review on my previous post)...think of what they COULD HAVE done with it!

Artist Site

The Felice Brothers. American music. Period.

2008-10-03T07:07:00.001-06:00

The Felice Brothers, American music. Period. Can't argue too much with that. I've been a bit addicted to Americana and rooted music lately as you can probably tell from my recent posts lately of Flynn, Bingham, Avett Bros., Dylan, Floozies, Okkervil...it goes on, just scroll down. I hadn't noticed until a co-worker called me out on it while noticing a stack of Ryan Adams albums sitting on my desk awaiting a revisit from my ears.

The Felice Brothers do play American music. Not Americana or bluegrass or folk, mind you. Music form our backbone. Hailing out of Palenville, NY, nestled in the Catskill Mountains, the three Felice Brothers started their band in the subways of New York City busking for a living. It's Simone Felice (drums, guitar, and vocals) Ian Felice (lead mic and guitar), James Felice (organ, piano and accordion) and their buddies Christmas (bass) and Farley (fiddle and washboard). When they say they make "American music," they mean it. Think porch music times ten and then add some oddly looking fellas from belly of our eastern hills. Place these roughians in a scrappy bar with whiskey-soaked wooden planks for a stage and you begin to get the feeling of the brothers Felice. They were a jaw-breakin' kick-ass, beer swashin' surprise when I saw them a few months ago touring with Justin Townes Earle, yes a boy named after Van Zant and Steve's son. It was something similar to this and yes, my toes and sandals were sopped with beer by the end of the evening.

The Felice Brothers released a self-titled album from Team Love Records last March and they're on the road again and I beg you not to miss a tour date in your neck of the woods. Not sure if the crew is still traveling around in their big, sluggish, white special education (the short bus) bus this go 'round. Seriously, if you come across a sketchy bar and you see the white "short bus" parked in front, there's a 60% chance it's the Felice Brothers making smiles and drunken stoopers and not the local charity bus on a night out. Team Love has offered up some Felice songs to wet your whistle

The Felice Brothers - Frankie's Gun

The Felice Brothers - Wonderful Life