About Last Night... James McMurtry

I should've had this up yesterday at the latest, but... Saturday night I bore witness to the a James McMurtry show at Sons of Hermann Hall. I took my nephew who is a big fan of McMurtry, I personally only knew his song "Choctaw Bingo." Needless to say, I was impressed by the man's twanged up rock.

What the man lacks in stage presence is made up for with his rapier wit as he commented in between songs. It was one of those shows where you show up only knowing one song and leaving wanting to buy the man's entire catalogue. Not only was McMurtry on fire that night, but, the Hall was like an oven! Apparently the a/c had gone out and it made for a very uncomfortable night in the packed venue.

Openers Eastwood did a terrific job as usual. It was a pretty big night for them opening up for such a well known act... and they delivered in spades.

MP3: James McMurtry - Choctaw Bingo

New Clientele

The first time I bore witness to The Clientele was several years ago when they opened up for Spoon at the old Gypsy Tea Room. It's one of the times when it pays off to see the opening band instead of drinking your way through their set hoping to make it.

They are returning with a new album Bonfires on the Health, which isn't due out until October 6, but, they are dropping their new single waaay early, "I Wonder Who We Are." It's the same ol' Clientele you've come to know and love, a little bit of the bossa sound wrapped up in chamber pop--basically... good stuff.

MP3: The Clientele - I Wonder Who We Are

Jaydiohead Brings The Encore

After the excellent first Jaydiohead album that came out earlier this year Max Tannone has just put out his follow-up, Jaydiohead: The Encore. Unlike his first effort, this one is a little more subdued and slowed down compared to the urgency of his first album.

You can get The Encore as a free download here... and if you haven't already downloaded Jaydiohead, I highly suggest you get it.

MP3: Jaydiohead - Reckoner's Encore

That Throwback Sound

For those who know me, one of the things I'm totally infatuated with is music and popular culture from the olden days... particularly the swing sound and pin-up art from the 40's. I could go into why, but, I don't really have enough time. So, when there are people who have a passion for the same time I usually really like them. Take Dita Von Teese for instance--not only is she physically stunning, she dresses in the 40's fashion respectfully, not ham handed like Brian Setzer.

That being said, say hello to Kitty, Daisy and Lewis. These London kids are on a sound that no one else would have the balls to even try. They sound like they walked USO tour with Benny Goodman. Their sound isn't just retro, it sounds authentic to a tee. Swing, R&B, jump Blues... if you heard them on the radio you would wonder why there isn't any vinyl scratching and hissing.

MP3: Kitty, Daisy & Lewis - Goin' Up The Country

Out of The Folkie Jungle

It's weird how a particular type of music will take off out of nowhere. Last year the pastoral harmonies of Fleet Foxes hit the blogosphere and the band took off like a rocket. With that type of success is often followed by imitators aping a sound that they hope will get them noticed. I mean, if it worked for Creed it has to work for other bands, right?

While Bagheera does sound a lot like the Fleet Foxes the harmonies they at least throw in a little bit of electronic effects and middle eastern flare into the mix to differentiate them from the Seattle band. Their EP Hollow Home is a nice piece to get you through and withdrawal you may be experiencing from lack of new work from My Morning Jacket, Great Lake Swimmers or... Fleet Foxes. However, even though their sound is directly in line with other bands, they stand out from the small crowd and stand on their own.

MP3: Bagheera - Horizon Lined With Scars

There Is Hope...

There was a time when I would listen to Mazzy Star's Tonight So That I Might See on a daily basis. The hushed, warm vocals of Hope Sandoval that came through the speakers sounded inviting and almost like an incantation.

Well, Mazzy singer Hope Sandoval is back for her second album as Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions with Through The Devil Softly. The album also features Colm O'Ciosoig of My Bloody Valentine who was onboard as collaborator for her first album. Through The Devil Softly drops on September 15, kid.

MP3: Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions - Blanchard