The new OK Go video for their single This Too Shall Pass is, not surprisingly, extravatacular. The kings of the treadmills sure have a knack for quirky visuals that require a lot of planning. I’d like to think if I were given a warehouse full of odds and ends, a little time and some funding this is the kind of antics I would come up with.
It is usually about this time of year I need guitar playing that carries some heft, lyrics that are revelatory and visceral, bass lines that offer more than a steady beat; basically I need good soul nourishing rock and roll to shake off the cold and fortify me until spring finally sets in. I found everything I needed and then some last week at the Dawes + Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons show.
Cory Chisel isn’t challenging any well established classic rock traditions with his music. He isn’t simply mimicking them either. What Cory Chisel and his Wandering Sons is doing is refining the nuances and incidentals often found in the songs from rock’s halcyon days. The skill used to create these beautiful arrangements is taut. Pulling some influence from southern rock, as well as, a bit of bluegrass the Wandering Sons do a great job grounding Chisel’s rock solid vocals.
I would say Chisel’s lyrical deftness is finest when strutted live. The raspy strain countered so delicately by the wonderful Adriel Harris who remains just shy of the lead as though nipping at the heels of his words to keep him going. During their duet on Tennessee Chisel professes his longing for a place and with Harris’ sweet thread weaving through his lyrics it came off almost as a longing for a lover.
At times, during Born Again in particular, there is a vibe of catharsis about Chisel’s songs. As though by getting this out of his system he is putting aside some baggage and working towards something greater. The set offered up way more than I was expecting and I certainly could’ve listened a lot longer. I suspect there will be future spins through Philly for this group and most likely in the headline role.
Dawes’ album “North Hills” has been in consistent rotation these last few weeks. Like a good cup of cocoa their music is familiar and comforting this time of year (well, any time of year really). So, needless to say, I was almost yearning for this show. While they took a song and a half to really find their comfort on stage once they hit their stride they busted out the kind of set that completely restored my energy and enthusiasm for live shows.
This quartet from LA reaches back to the essence of early 70′s folk rock when rich harmonies told simple stories over complex instrumentals. Throughout the entire set the group never once faltered in their connectivity. While the majority of the elaborate riffs were carried by lead Taylor Goldsmith and bassist Wylie Gelber – who’ve been playing together since the band’s previous iteration Simon Dawes- each member contributed to an impressive whole. Taylor’s younger brother Griffin’s percussive touch suggested the modest jangle of classic rock and brought an energy only matched by the intensity of Taylor’s vocals.
The really mesmerizing element of the show was the Gelber’s work on the bass. Rarely do you see someone so entirely in their own world yet still tethered acutely to the rest of the band. Never showy, his bass lines had intention and character that went way beyond the usual plodding note picking. There was a soulfulness that belies what you hear on the album, perhaps emphasized by not only hearing but seeing him play.
Taylor’s vocals also gained an edge that isn’t as apparent on the record. Depending on the emotion the song dictated his voice would reach a raw pitch or strick a genuine twang never loosing its musicality. The volley between each of the band’s members was so organic and smooth the whole set ran like buttah. They tied it up with When My Time Comes and feeding off their energy the packed house was happy to oblige their requests to sing along.
This show was a awesome reminder that while albums can be great absolutely nothing replaces a phenomenal live show. See them.
Tennessee – Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons (Daytrotter Session)
When My Time Comes- Dawes (Daytrotter Session)
Finally, after two whole days of taking the old site apart, creating a new look and pulling everything together I present to you the new and improved World In A Paper Cup. It isn’t entirely finished [you'll notice the alignment of some of the pictures are a little wonky] but most of that business is on the back end. I’m pretty excited I’ve managed to make the move to my own server and really look forward to bringing you even more extravatacular music news and reviews.
While I have your attention I might as well remind you to reset your reader to the new address. You can do that here. I need to also say that none of this would’ve been possible without the patient and dedicated help of Ryan Hansen. So, with that said and this finally up and running I’m going to enjoy the last few hours of my weekend not looking at a computer screen and listening to some music, of course.
Stay tuned; more new content tomorrow.
You’ve read my praises and know very well the soft spot I have for Dinosaur Feathers. If you’re smart you’ve preordered their album Fantasy Memorial. Now, I’m happy to report, you will get your chance to catch them live. They are performing next Saturday [March 6th] at Philly’s newest DIY venue The OX Warehouse with Lonnie Walker, Grandchildren, Ape School & The Armchairs. They’ll be back around on the tail end of their tour but, as I like to say, see them early and see them often.
Neon Indian
Last weekend brought two hot acts to the stage for Philly dance party institution Making Time. After missing Neon Indian’s set at the Barbary a few months ago there was no way I was going to miss them again. Alan Palomo brought his full crew with him and let loose their space pop synth navigated jams. Neon Indian’s album Psychic Chasm is the ideal fodder for your home dance party needs but when they bring it to the stage they push and pull at their tracks in just the right ways to create a unique experience that truly rowdies up the crowd. They kept it short, hitting all the popular points like Deadbeat Summer, but promised to come back again soon since they’re making the obligatory indie band move to Brooklyn. Judging from their presence on the Late Night TV circuit I’d venture a guess that the next time they come through town it’ll be at a larger venue. Glad I saw them when I did.
Memory Tapes
Memory Tapes quickly made their way to the stage after Neon Indian and soon held the attention of all in the room. I was expecting a simple replay of what you get from their recorded stuff – this wouldn’t have been bad at all since Making Time is, at its core, a dance party and Memory Tapes have mastered a real nice funky smooth dance vibe – but I was elated to find a far more dynamic set. New Jersey native Davey Hawk, while backed by a good bit of electronic instrumental support, also had a tight live drum accompanying his guitar lead. The nuance of Memory Tapes’ arrangements really popped in the live delivery. They satisfied the movers in the crowd by remaining incredibly danceable while those there to watch got plenty to enjoy. It was a very satiating performance and perfect for the Making Time standard.
Neon Indian – Deadbeat Summer (Daytrotter Session)
Memory Tapes – Bicycle
One of my fav Philly acts has created a really awesome video for their single So Bloody So Tight. They’re currently on the road for a bit of epic touring so do your best to check them out, that is if they don’t disappear into the surroundings.
Rosie & Me
I received a delightful email from Rosie & Me last week with their new EP Bird & The Whale enclosed. As I expected the 5 tracks contained therein were fantastic. Their playfulness is intact as are the simple twee leaning lyrics. Here’s a taste but I strongly recommend you go get the rest and stock up on their older stuff too.
Following on the tails of Sharon Van Etten’s session Weathervane, in partnership with WXPN, announced the second artist to be included in the Shaking Through series. Sonoi ,a rock trio from Chicago, was selected by Daniel Smith (Danielson) who is curating the first season. You can check out their studio session as well as their single (below).
Shaking Through: Sonoi from Weathervane Music on Vimeo.
Finally, the second issue of Vinyl & Vodka has been released. Continuing with the quality content and also with the accompanying Vodcast. This time dedicating their work to Alexander McQueen, the fashion designer who took his life earlier this month. It is a great read so give it a perusal.
There is a level of cheekiness and experimentation found on each track of The Zookeepers new album Good Looking Out. There is a lot of sound piled into this record but the New England quartet holds off on mashing everything together and making it real loud like a lot of bands do these days. Instead, they nibble at synth pop, silly punkishness and really simple piano driven indie sounds. Gula Gula comes off all chill but they play around with it just enough to tease your ear. Lady Gaga is an ADD romp through sampling and hooks that plays a bit like a nervous breakdown, but in a good way. How do they pull all of this off without coming off as aimless goofs? They know music. They are comfortable enough to play around and adventure without getting lost. There is room to tighten up their sonic mission but as a way to get themselves out there Good Looking Out gives you a good sense of their skills.
Lady Gaga
It is with great embarrassment and even greater pleasure that I am just now posting anything on Pearl & The Beard. They’ve been making their way into my playlists for a while now and are just about to release God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson so I simply must bring you into the loop. The group has truly grown into a lush and nuanced indie folk group and this album shows the refinement and craftsmanship that has become the hallmark of a Family Records production. P&TB incorporates some traditional folk components like accordion, accapella chorus and simple string accompaniments with excellent results. When wrapped in their strong lyrical delivery each song achieves soul warming status even in the sadder songs. Pearl & The Beard has already come quite a way as artists and if God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson is any indicator the group’s evolution holds a lot of promise.
Oh, Death!
I’m away in Vermont for the weekend enjoying a little down time cooking, listening to music (of course), reading and snowshoeing. But I’ll be back next week with the regularly scheduled programming. I hope you are having a spectacular long weekend.
Like a whole lotta other folks I’ve been snowed in today as waves of ice rain, sleet and snow wallop Philly. Snow Days were a rare treat when I was a kid; in Minnesota they pretty much only cancel school when the temps are so cold it is dangerous to be outside. On those chilly days when they did let us stay home my sisters and I would round up our friends and we’d do movie marathons at our house. This usually also included a smorgasbord of comfort food and break to go outside for a little energy release. I have many fond memories of those cozy days with my friends and fam.
The magic is decidedly less palpable as an adult, in particularly an adult who works from home. This morning I was made a little cranky by the prospect of being trapped inside with my work. I’m headed up to Vermont for the weekend so I have scads of work to do before I leave. But, after powering through a good bit of my “to do” list with the help of my stand bys (Ida Maria, Queen, Lookbook and Abba) I was able to settle in and enjoy watching the snow pile up outside. While my chillaxed approach to work after that point, paired with a little whiskey means I still have stuff to knock out yet tonight I thought I would take a moment to provide you all a little Covered In Snow mixtape. Whether you too are tucked in your house for the night or looking out at a sunny sky here is a mix for you.
The Fools are a Brooklyn duo that, upon first listen, took me back to the early days of Righteous Babe Records, Lilith Fair and Tracy Chapman. When good strong female singers tapped a soulful vein but weren’t afraid to really rock out. Jen and Uchenna first met at Rutgers U but they didn’t start playing music together until they both moved to NY after college. With Jen on guitar and Uchenna on bass they’ve matured into quite the bluesy duo. It’s not terribly complicated just earthy and enjoyable. The duo currently gigs all over NY so if you’re in the area be sure to check out one of their shows.
Good Day
This group is my new obsession. Everything about their high energy synth pop sits well with me. Its got the essential spaztic bump to get a dance party reved up and the kind of clean power vocals that you can’t help but jump in on the action. The Minneapolis act consists of Maggie Morrison, rocking the lead vocals and Grant Cutler, on the “beats.” Morrison has a direct line to the pop greats of the 80′s. Her vocals croon and sail over the dream electroscape created by Cutler’s instrumentals. If I were to actually reveal the number of times I’ve blasted Wild At Heart and danced around my apartment I’d be exposing a little to much of my crazy chic underbelly than is appropriate on this here blog. But, trust me, it’s a lot.
Yesterday’s Company
