The album's release date is pending a label deal however Campbell will tour for the new release- booking multiple theatre and small hall shows in selected cities. (Details will be posted when they become available.)
Showing posts with label Paul Westerberg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul Westerberg. Show all posts
Friday, April 9, 2010
Wichita Line-men
The album's release date is pending a label deal however Campbell will tour for the new release- booking multiple theatre and small hall shows in selected cities. (Details will be posted when they become available.)
Friday, July 25, 2008
Everything is Pop New Music Reviews
The Last Ingredient is Love - That seems to be a theme this week. All are artists remembering the viewer and listener first.
The National – A Skin, A Night
ppp
Last year I discovered the incredible work of Vincent Moon via the Takeaway Shows on blogotheque.net. I was immediately struck by Moon’s entirely unique cinematic approach to musical performance. His varied subjects read like a who’s who in new music. - From Final Fantasy to a newly recorded R.EM. session the results are beautiful and stunningly original. I would contend then, that is why the National hired Vincent Moon to shoot their documentary A Skin, A Night. Be forewarned though, this is not your classic rock documentary. If you are looking for a Behind the Music style expose, forget it. Go tune your cowbell or something.
I have to admit, I’ve been sitting on this review for over a month simply because I could not decide whether I truly liked it or not. In all honesty, I still don’t know. But I can tell you this disc and the accompanying cd of demos and live tracks certainly put me back in touch with one of my favourite cd’s of 2007, Boxer. I expected the documentary component to shed light on the band but Moon’s piece really illuminated the music that comprises that recording. And that is where it works best. By focusing on the music the visuals become secondary. By revealing the true craft of songs like “Blank Slate” and “Ada” the viewer is immersed in the artistry and not the story of the art.
Perhaps that was the intent all along.
The War on Drugs – Wagonwheel Blues
pppp
Forty four years ago Bob Dylan sang that the Times They Are a-Changin’. At the time, a self conscious protest song, the piece became an anthem for that generation. In three short minutes Dylan had accurately distilled, in verse, that period of great social and political change. I was reminded of this song for more than a few reasons as I listened to The War on Drugs’ new Secretly Canadian release Wagonwheel Blues. Maybe it was the harmonica and guitar in combination, maybe it was the vocal takes- The comparison seemed inevitable on first listen.
Essentially a twosome comprised of Philadelphians Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile, the duo play most of the music on this recording. The War on Drugs makes music about their quickly changing world. Whether they are changes to their country as a whole or changes to their own lives their songs are allegorical treasures. Little glimpses of contemporary Americana. Introspective and damaged, each one given up like a faded holiday travel photograph. The music, a peculiar mix of post and even classic rock reflecting that exact washed out quality. Imagine Bob Dylan fronting Guided By Voices.
Album opener, “Arms Like Boulders” is dramatic and sets the tone of the record. Rather than coming across as a cynical reminder of what is becoming of the country, and in larger terms- our planet it comes across as remarkably straightforward and earnest. The marching band drums and strummy guitar a perfect accompany to the songs call to attention. And here again I was reminded of Bob Dylan. I was reminded of Woody Guthrie’s depression era themes too. “Taking the Farm” a twenty first century call to listeners to ‘green up’ is catchy and has a certain timeless quality. Not unlike the aforementioned dustbowl troubadour's best work.
Wagonwheel Blues is a fascinating release that illuminates our particular human condition in the best of ways. Even better, if you listen close enough it might just give us the direction home.
Paul Westerberg - 49:00
pppp
In true Westerberg tradition 49:00 comes in at 43:55 precisely. For the uninitiated this is almost exactly the same length as one side of a C90 cassette tape- (The likely source of this decidedly “unlikely” release.) Now I say “unlikely” because this recording appeared without the usual industry ‘trumpet blasts’ on Monday of this week. * The single track recording featuring songs, song fragments and 'sonic experiments' is decidedly lo-fi. It’s also absolutely wonderful and for $0.49 it might be the best musical investment I have made in some time. A mixtape for fans made with love, dedication and apparently duct tape.
This spirit of 49:00 is exactly what drew me to Paul’s seminal former band The Replacements in the first place. Their music was, at its best, exuberant, funny, sad, more than a little damaged and ultimately pure. All 'Westerbergian' qualities that began to diminish from their music (and his) as major labels began to dictate style and direction. No, this stuff won’t change your life nor will its unlikely presence shake up the record industry a la Radioheads’ In Rainbows. It will however remind you just how exhilarating music can be. Like some drunken reverie Westerberg’s brief versions of “Eighteen”, “Rocket Man” and “Hello Goodbye” couched with so far ‘unnamed’ Westerberg originals are revelatory. At best, contrary to some critical opinion Paul is far from dead. Let’s hope the next ‘official’ release is half as much fun as this one.
* - The release was self released via server hosts and Amazon, not through conventional distribution means.
The National – A Skin, A Nightppp
Last year I discovered the incredible work of Vincent Moon via the Takeaway Shows on blogotheque.net. I was immediately struck by Moon’s entirely unique cinematic approach to musical performance. His varied subjects read like a who’s who in new music. - From Final Fantasy to a newly recorded R.EM. session the results are beautiful and stunningly original. I would contend then, that is why the National hired Vincent Moon to shoot their documentary A Skin, A Night. Be forewarned though, this is not your classic rock documentary. If you are looking for a Behind the Music style expose, forget it. Go tune your cowbell or something.
I have to admit, I’ve been sitting on this review for over a month simply because I could not decide whether I truly liked it or not. In all honesty, I still don’t know. But I can tell you this disc and the accompanying cd of demos and live tracks certainly put me back in touch with one of my favourite cd’s of 2007, Boxer. I expected the documentary component to shed light on the band but Moon’s piece really illuminated the music that comprises that recording. And that is where it works best. By focusing on the music the visuals become secondary. By revealing the true craft of songs like “Blank Slate” and “Ada” the viewer is immersed in the artistry and not the story of the art.
Perhaps that was the intent all along.
The War on Drugs – Wagonwheel Blues pppp
Forty four years ago Bob Dylan sang that the Times They Are a-Changin’. At the time, a self conscious protest song, the piece became an anthem for that generation. In three short minutes Dylan had accurately distilled, in verse, that period of great social and political change. I was reminded of this song for more than a few reasons as I listened to The War on Drugs’ new Secretly Canadian release Wagonwheel Blues. Maybe it was the harmonica and guitar in combination, maybe it was the vocal takes- The comparison seemed inevitable on first listen.
Essentially a twosome comprised of Philadelphians Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile, the duo play most of the music on this recording. The War on Drugs makes music about their quickly changing world. Whether they are changes to their country as a whole or changes to their own lives their songs are allegorical treasures. Little glimpses of contemporary Americana. Introspective and damaged, each one given up like a faded holiday travel photograph. The music, a peculiar mix of post and even classic rock reflecting that exact washed out quality. Imagine Bob Dylan fronting Guided By Voices.
Album opener, “Arms Like Boulders” is dramatic and sets the tone of the record. Rather than coming across as a cynical reminder of what is becoming of the country, and in larger terms- our planet it comes across as remarkably straightforward and earnest. The marching band drums and strummy guitar a perfect accompany to the songs call to attention. And here again I was reminded of Bob Dylan. I was reminded of Woody Guthrie’s depression era themes too. “Taking the Farm” a twenty first century call to listeners to ‘green up’ is catchy and has a certain timeless quality. Not unlike the aforementioned dustbowl troubadour's best work.
Wagonwheel Blues is a fascinating release that illuminates our particular human condition in the best of ways. Even better, if you listen close enough it might just give us the direction home.
Paul Westerberg - 49:00pppp
In true Westerberg tradition 49:00 comes in at 43:55 precisely. For the uninitiated this is almost exactly the same length as one side of a C90 cassette tape- (The likely source of this decidedly “unlikely” release.) Now I say “unlikely” because this recording appeared without the usual industry ‘trumpet blasts’ on Monday of this week. * The single track recording featuring songs, song fragments and 'sonic experiments' is decidedly lo-fi. It’s also absolutely wonderful and for $0.49 it might be the best musical investment I have made in some time. A mixtape for fans made with love, dedication and apparently duct tape.
This spirit of 49:00 is exactly what drew me to Paul’s seminal former band The Replacements in the first place. Their music was, at its best, exuberant, funny, sad, more than a little damaged and ultimately pure. All 'Westerbergian' qualities that began to diminish from their music (and his) as major labels began to dictate style and direction. No, this stuff won’t change your life nor will its unlikely presence shake up the record industry a la Radioheads’ In Rainbows. It will however remind you just how exhilarating music can be. Like some drunken reverie Westerberg’s brief versions of “Eighteen”, “Rocket Man” and “Hello Goodbye” couched with so far ‘unnamed’ Westerberg originals are revelatory. At best, contrary to some critical opinion Paul is far from dead. Let’s hope the next ‘official’ release is half as much fun as this one.
* - The release was self released via server hosts and Amazon, not through conventional distribution means.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
I'm In Love With that Song er, Joystick
The tubes are abuzz today with news that a new Guns N’ Roses track (possibly from Chinese Democracy) will see the light of day when Rock Band 2 is unleashed to the public. Not exactly earth shattering news by any means but I was pleasantly surprised to see the Mats (Replacements) apparently included in the listing with their track Alex Chilton. Now this is something to get excited about. Strap on your faux guitars, wax up your hair and put on your painted shoes and make like Paul Westerberg. At least now I might stand a chance in beating the nimble fingers of my eleven year old son with that one!
For those of you wondering why this is even news, welcome to the latest and greatest music marketing paradigm. No one buys cd's or listens to terrestrial radio, but they do buy and play video games.
How I yearn for the good old days when I could put on a record and get swepped away with side one for 21 minutes. What are we gonna do now? (Old guy rant will now end.)
Here's the alleged Rock Band 2 tracklist that's been circulating online... Now get the hell off my lawn!
01 AC/DC - "Let There Be Rock"
02 AFI - "Girl's Gone Grey"
03 Alanis Morissette - "You Oughta Know"
04 Alice in Chains - "Man In The Box"
05 Allman Brothers - "Ramblin' Man"
06 Avenged Sevenfold - "Almost Easy"
07 Bad Company - "Shooting Star"
08 Beastie Boys - "So Whatcha Want"
09 Beck - "E-Pro"
10 Bikini Kill - "Rebel Girl"
11 Billy Idol - "White Wedding Pt I"
12 Blondie - "One Way Or Another"
13 Bob Dylan - "Tangled Up In Blue"
14 Bon Jovi - "Livin' on A Prayer"
15 Cheap Trick - "Hello There"
16 Devo - "Uncontrollable Urge"
17 Dinosaur Jr. - "Feel the Pain"
18 Disturbed - "Down With The Sickness"
19 The Donnas - "New Kid In School"
20 Dream Theater - "Panic Attack"
21 Duran Duran - "Hungry Like the Wolf"
22 Elvis Costello - "Pump It Up"
23 Fleetwood Mac - "Go Your Own Way"
24 Foo Fighters - "Everlong"
25 Go-Go's, The - "We Got the Beat"
26 Grateful Dead, The - "Alabama Getaway"
27 The Guess Who - "American Woman"
28 Guns N' Roses - "Shackler's Revenge"
29 Interpol - "PDA"
30 Jane's Addiction - "Mountain Song"
31 Jethro Tull - "Aqualung"
32 Jimmy Eat World - "The Middle"
33 Joan Jett - "Bad Reputation"
34 Journey - "Anyway You Want It"
35 Judas Priest - "Painkiller"
36 Kansas - "Carry On Wayward Son"
37 L7 - "Pretend We're Dead"
38 Lacuna Coil - "Our Truth"
39 Linkin Park - "One Step Closer"
40 Lit - "My Own Worst Enemy"
41 Lush - "De-Luxe"
42 Mastodon - "Colony of Birchmen"
43 Megadeth - "Peace Sells"
44 Metallica - "Battery"
45 Mighty Mighty Bosstones - "Where'd You Go"
46 Modest Mouse - "Float On"
47 Motörhead - "Ace of Spades"
48 The Muffs - "Kids in America"
49 Nirvana - "Drain You"
50 Norman Greenbaum - "Spirit in the Sky"
51 The Offspring - "Come Out & Play (Keep 'Em Seperated)"
52 Panic at the Disco - "Nine In The Afternoon"
53 Paramore - "That's What You Get"
54 Pearl Jam - "Alive"
55 Presidents of the USA - "Lump"
56 Rage Against the Machine - "Testify"
57 Ratt - "Round & Round"
58 Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Give it Away"
59 The Replacements - "Alex Chilton"
60 Rise Against - "Give it All"
61 Rush - "The Trees"
62 Silversun Pickups - "Lazy Eye"
63 Smashing Pumpkins - "Today"
64 Social Distortion - "I Was Wrong"
65 Sonic Youth - "Teenage Riot"
66 Soundgarden - "Spoonman"
67 Squeeze - "Cool For Cats"
68 Steely Dan - "Bodhitsattva"
69 Steve Miller Band - "Rock'n Me"
70 Survivor - "Eye of the Tiger"
71 System of a Down - "Chop Suey"
72 Talking Heads - "Psycho Killer"
73 Tenacious D - "Master Exploder"
74 Testament - "Souls Of Black"
75 The Who - "Pinball Wizard"
Here's the alleged Rock Band 2 tracklist that's been circulating online... Now get the hell off my lawn!
01 AC/DC - "Let There Be Rock"
02 AFI - "Girl's Gone Grey"
03 Alanis Morissette - "You Oughta Know"
04 Alice in Chains - "Man In The Box"
05 Allman Brothers - "Ramblin' Man"
06 Avenged Sevenfold - "Almost Easy"
07 Bad Company - "Shooting Star"
08 Beastie Boys - "So Whatcha Want"
09 Beck - "E-Pro"
10 Bikini Kill - "Rebel Girl"
11 Billy Idol - "White Wedding Pt I"
12 Blondie - "One Way Or Another"
13 Bob Dylan - "Tangled Up In Blue"
14 Bon Jovi - "Livin' on A Prayer"
15 Cheap Trick - "Hello There"
16 Devo - "Uncontrollable Urge"
17 Dinosaur Jr. - "Feel the Pain"
18 Disturbed - "Down With The Sickness"
19 The Donnas - "New Kid In School"
20 Dream Theater - "Panic Attack"
21 Duran Duran - "Hungry Like the Wolf"
22 Elvis Costello - "Pump It Up"
23 Fleetwood Mac - "Go Your Own Way"
24 Foo Fighters - "Everlong"
25 Go-Go's, The - "We Got the Beat"
26 Grateful Dead, The - "Alabama Getaway"
27 The Guess Who - "American Woman"
28 Guns N' Roses - "Shackler's Revenge"
29 Interpol - "PDA"
30 Jane's Addiction - "Mountain Song"
31 Jethro Tull - "Aqualung"
32 Jimmy Eat World - "The Middle"
33 Joan Jett - "Bad Reputation"
34 Journey - "Anyway You Want It"
35 Judas Priest - "Painkiller"
36 Kansas - "Carry On Wayward Son"
37 L7 - "Pretend We're Dead"
38 Lacuna Coil - "Our Truth"
39 Linkin Park - "One Step Closer"
40 Lit - "My Own Worst Enemy"
41 Lush - "De-Luxe"
42 Mastodon - "Colony of Birchmen"
43 Megadeth - "Peace Sells"
44 Metallica - "Battery"
45 Mighty Mighty Bosstones - "Where'd You Go"
46 Modest Mouse - "Float On"
47 Motörhead - "Ace of Spades"
48 The Muffs - "Kids in America"
49 Nirvana - "Drain You"
50 Norman Greenbaum - "Spirit in the Sky"
51 The Offspring - "Come Out & Play (Keep 'Em Seperated)"
52 Panic at the Disco - "Nine In The Afternoon"
53 Paramore - "That's What You Get"
54 Pearl Jam - "Alive"
55 Presidents of the USA - "Lump"
56 Rage Against the Machine - "Testify"
57 Ratt - "Round & Round"
58 Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Give it Away"
59 The Replacements - "Alex Chilton"
60 Rise Against - "Give it All"
61 Rush - "The Trees"
62 Silversun Pickups - "Lazy Eye"
63 Smashing Pumpkins - "Today"
64 Social Distortion - "I Was Wrong"
65 Sonic Youth - "Teenage Riot"
66 Soundgarden - "Spoonman"
67 Squeeze - "Cool For Cats"
68 Steely Dan - "Bodhitsattva"
69 Steve Miller Band - "Rock'n Me"
70 Survivor - "Eye of the Tiger"
71 System of a Down - "Chop Suey"
72 Talking Heads - "Psycho Killer"
73 Tenacious D - "Master Exploder"
74 Testament - "Souls Of Black"
75 The Who - "Pinball Wizard"
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