A Rise From the Mountains-Birds and Arrows

I have written before and continue to say that when you go out and see live music, you need to make sure that you see all of the bands on the bill. A few years ago I went to a show and saw Birds and Arrows,  who have become one of my favorite bands. They were actually the first of four bands that night and truthfully I did not expect much from them. They walk out on stage with a guitar, drums, and a cello, and I had even less expectations from them. They launch into their first song and I was mesmerized by them. Richness, depth, clarity, and beautiful harmonies set a spell on me that continues until this day. I champion them to everyone I meet and talk about music. Now I want to introduce them to you. I will admit that I have become very good friends with them, so I am bias, but the beauty of this blog is that Larry and I are trying to introduce you to bands that we love to listen to and therefore are biased about. We don’t pretend that these are critical reviews of records or live shows. It is just bands we love.

Birds and Arrows formed in 2006 by the husband-wife team of Andrea and Pete Connolly. They still live in the Chapel Hill-Durham, North Carolina area, which is a hotbed for bands now like The Rosebuds, Love Language, and The Bowerbirds. Their name comes from a cross of wanting a good masculine-feminine sound and when Andrea had flying birds tattooed on her arms and Pete was making folk art arrow sculptures, the name made sense to the two of them. They produced two Birds and Arrows EP’s on their own. Then in 2009 Josh Starmer joined them with his cello and the group’s sound really took off. They released Starmaker through 307 Knox Records. This is when I saw them for the first time. I fell in love with their mountain and folk influenced sound, which made you feel like you are sitting on the porch of their house and listening. Andrea and Pete’s harmonies are so beautiful and lush and when combined with Josh’s cello, the depth of the music is stunning. They then released We’re Gonna Run in 2011. This year they just released their new album Coyotes, which is a huge step forward in their career. You can hear the inspiration of their rural school house-turned-cabin country home in the mountains outside of Durham. Please enjoy a song from Coyotes called Firefly. The video was done in one continuous shot, no cuts or edits.Very cool.

I also want to include a live video my favorite Birds and Arrows song Mountain Air:

The new album is fantastic.  It is produced by Chris Stamey of the dB’s and he has done a great job with it. It features other musicians from Ben Folds Five, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Mount Moriah (another N.C. band on the rise). However while these people help support Birds and Arrows, the songs and music stand on their own. I can feel the confidence in the new songs and I look forward to their continued growth. I have worked their merch table many times and I can also tell you that they are some of the nicest people I have ever met in the music business. They are kind, considerate, humble, and very down to earth as people. I really encourage you to visit their web site and purchase the new album. It will be worth it.

Wayne Shorter's CQ, PQ, and IQ

Our Curiosity Quotient, or CQ, and Passion Quotient, or PQ, are becoming as important as our Intelligence Quotient, familiarly known as IQ, according to a recent brilliant column by  New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman.  I couldn't agree more.  For my day job, I work with educators and students to promote that mindset. Now I'm thinking about how it relates to the the music I listen to.

Wayne Shorter's CQ, PQ, and IQ

Wayne Shorter's music has impressed me for decades with its delightful cocktail of CQ, PQ, and IQ.   I stumbled upon the music of Weather Report, which he co-led with the late and great Joe Zawinul, when I was in high school.  Their music was vastly different from most of the other music I listened to then.  While each player's virtuosity was self-evident by virtue of his technical dexterity, I was mostly moved by the beautiful melodies Weather Report wrote and how its songs painted musical landscapes. Listen to Black Market in a quiet space with your eyes closed to experience this. Back then I was also taken by the complexities of the improvisations in Weather Report's music.

A few years later, I learned that Wayne Shorter had played with Miles Davis Quintet in the 1960s.  Over time I have become a fan of many of the other alums of that amazing group, including Herbie Hancock, and Ron Carter. 

Recently I was delighted to read that Wayne Shorter's quartet was releasing a new album.  I downloaded it as soon as it came out and found it to be a total joy.  Wayne Shorter,  now 80,  has not lost any of his CQ, PQ, or IQ.  Listening to Without a Net, I find it's immediately apparent that the music he is creating today is much more abstract and less structured than the music of Weather Report.  While performed using acoustical rather than electronic instruments, the music is nonetheless electrifying. The quartet's improvisations and musical conversations tell complex stories.

The opening riff of the first tune, "Orbits," played both on the string bass and bass notes of the piano,  told me that that I was for a treat. The riff, played in an odd time signature and with adventurous syncopation, is tantalizing. I was immediately taken with the CQ. 

From there the fun begins. Nine compositions are performed on the album.  All deserve multiple listens, and it's far too early for me to settle on a favorite.  That said, I'm particularly drawn to the deconstruction of Vincent Youmans's, Gus Kahn's, and Edward Eliscu's 1933 tune (from the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film of the same name) "Flying down to Rio." Clearly Shorter loves this tune.  The PQ jumps out at the listener.

Enjoy listening to the IQ in "Plaza Real":



 If you are a Wayne Shorter fan, or simply a fan of musicians who dare to go where few others do, I think you will love Without a Net.

Other Notes: 

February has been a great month for enjoying terrific new music from old friends.  If you were a fan of the group Roxy Music, I encourage you to check out Bryan Ferry's new release, The Jazz Age, in which he recasts many Roxy Music tunes, such as "Do the Strand" and "Love is the Drug," as if they had been written and performed in the 1920s.  No ironic humor here.  The band plays these tunes seriously, and result is a joy.

Lastly, I want to give a shout out to my co-blogger, Fletcher McNeill, for turning me on to First Aid Kit.  Thanks to his post I've been listening to and enjoying this terrific band.
 

The Roar From Sweden- First Aid Kit

Where does one go to hear the most authentic Nashville sound today? Why Sweden of course! The Swedish duo First Aid Kit is producing some of the most faithful country tinged Nashville music today (and that includes bands out of Nashville). They sing these incredible heartfelt lyrics such as “I’ll be your Emmylou and I’ll be your June/and you’ll be my Gram and my Johnny too” as a tribute to those who were there before them. They however don’t live in the past and are producing some of the best county and folk music I heard last year.

First Aid Kit is composed of sister’s Johanna and Klara Soderberg. They grew up outside of Stockholm and their father was a working musician who always had music playing. The two sisters can never remember a time when they weren’t singing together. This singing grew into a demo that they sent out in 2007 to radio stations in their native country, who immediately picked up on the sound and gave them airplay.  They were quickly signed to a local label and opened for Fleet Foxes when the group toured Sweden in 2008. First Aid Kit then signed with a larger label, Wichita Recordings who put out their first full length in 2010. Jack White and Conor Oberst  fell in love with their sound. Jack had them record a single for his Third Man Records and they toured with Conor. Last year the band released their second album titled The Lion’s Roar which featured a song with Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes. The album gained a lot of attention on Triple A radio stations who were in disbelief this Americana sound was coming from Sweden. Please enjoy this video of “Emmylou”.

They took their name from an English dictionary because it suggested both care and protection. I think it is hard not to fall for the charm of these sisters who are passionate about American country/folk and roots music from the 1960’s and who put today's spin on it. I hope you fall for them, as many have, and hopefully many others will. I know I have.

Best Of 2012

Once again it is my favorite time of year where Larry and I get to look back at our favorites this year in music. Over the two years that we have been blogging this has been our most popular post as many people are looking to find what people are listening to all over the world. We both spend time looking at other “best of” lists. Once again we want to thank our readers for taking to time to visit us this year.

We always hope we are exposing you to new bands and styles over the year. We hope you really do take the time to listen to these bands, for even they may not be your own personal style, we hope you can appreciate them for being good at what they do. We have gone all over the board this year in looking at some bands from Baltimore to electronica to a punk rock musical. Even though Larry and I don’t always see eye to eye on music, that diversity is what we hope to expose our readers to. We really enjoy the comments from many of our friends (even though we would love to encourage you to comment on our blog) and enjoy when people tell us about bands that they like. So anyway here we go:

Fletcher’s Best of 2012 picks

So here are my top five albums with my two favorite songs from each one. I have spent a lot of time putting underlined links for every song, so please take a while to explore and enjoy them. I want this to be interactive and for you to spend some time with the music!

Top Albums of the Year (listed alphabetically by band)

Cloud Nothings, Attack on Memory—this band from Cleveland just explodes on stage. Their live show is so full of energy you are exhausted from watching them. My favorite song of the year is the live 14 minute version of "Wasted Days". It is killer so stay with it until the end. Also love "Stay Useless".

Delta Spirit, Delta Spirit—this third album from the band from California has a more studio polished sound, but it still rocks beautifully. Check out "Tear It Up" and "California".

First Aid Kit, The Lions Roar—who would have thought this Swedish sisters act would produce the best country tinged album with their beautiful chilling harmonies. Listen to "TheLions Roar" and "Emmylou". Yes it is a tribute to Emmylou Harris.

The Lumineers, The Lumineers—This breakthrough band of the year exploded from touring small rooms to opening for Dave Matthews this month in arenas. Enjoy "Stubborn Love" and "Submarines". I still think Submarine is the best song on the album.

Scars on 45, Scars on 45—Had the honor of working the merch table of this band from England. Love these songs and beautiful male/female harmonies. Listen to "Hearts on Fire" and "Give Me Something". You will be a fan.

Top Songs of the Year (listed alphabetically by band)

Alabama Shakes, Hold On—Great tune by this up and coming band from Athens, Alabama. Brittany Howard sounds like she has been at it for years. Just in her early 20’s. So much soul, passion and truth about her lyrics and voice.

Black Box Revelation, High On A Wire—Got to work this two piece Belgian garage band. Wow. Lot of sound for drum and guitar.

Dirty Projectors, Gun Has No Trigger—Saw this influential American band in Denver. Their time and chord changes are amazing. PS-Their web site goes right/left not up/down. Cool like them. Dig this live version with amazing vocals.

The Dunwells, So Beautiful—This British folk-rock band really had a strong year. Gaining in America with their version of their brand of beautiful harmonies and roots music.

Heartless Bastards, Marathon—Another strong album from Erika Wennerstrom and her band from Austin. This is the way to open an album. Love the way the song builds throughout.

Here We Go Magic, Make Up Your Mind—This Brooklyn band calls themselves “psychedelic electro-folk”. I say they get amazing grooves that will have your feet tapping.

Kindness, Gee Up—Who would have thought that Adam Bainbridge, a tall white guy from England would give us this amazing no-fi, electro-funk pop under the moniker of Kindness. This song is short but will stick with you all day long. My second favorite song of the year.

Ben Kweller, Jealous Girl—This American songwriter just keeps putting out amazing memorable pop tunes.Great hooks. Don’t know why is isn't bigger than he is.

Langhorne Slim, Song For Sid—I have worked the table for Langhorne many times. This year his song about his recently passed grandfather had everybody talking about it. A beautiful tribute.

The Shins, Its Only Life—Even though I wrote a post on this band this year, I am still in love with this album. Such a great song.

Best Musical Moment- For me it was getting to work for and talk to The Lumineers. You just know when you are in the presence of greatness. You can feel it, the crowd feels it, and I sold more merch in one night then I ever have. That tells me a lot. Magical moment.

Looking forward to in 2013- There are four albums I can’t wait for. Three are from bands I have a lot of personal connections with and love their music. Birds and Arrows, Goldspot, and Ha Ha Tonka. Can’t wait for music to drop!! The other is a guy I always look forward to but you never know what to expect. That would be Beck.

Larry's Best of 2012 Picks

Top Albums of the Year (listed alphabetically by band)

Alabama Shakes, Boys and Girls—What a treasure this group is. This debut album is rich with many delightful songs, elegant in their simplicity and memorable.  Many thanks to Fletcher for turning me on to this group. Hold On (one of Fletcher's top songs of the year) and "Hang Loose" are two standouts.

Avett Brothers, The Carpenter—How can one not but be impressed with the song writing and harmony of "The Once and Future Carpenter" and "Live and Die"?

Diana Krall, Rag Doll—T Bone Burnett has brought out of side of Diana Krall we've not seen before: an earthy, bluesy quirkiness.  It's a joy to hear the edge in her voice and the music.  Listen to "I'm a Little Mixed Up" and "Wide River to Cross" and you will begin to get the idea.

The Lumineers, The Lumineers—Another example of elegant simplicity.  The passion of these three musicians flies off of this album.  "Stubborn Love" and "Hey Ho".  "Hey Ho" is as popular as it is because of its beautiful simplicity and "Stubborn Love" is drop dead gorgeous.

Rufus Wainright, Out of The Game — As promised in last month's blog post, this terrific album is on the list. Enjoy the terrific melodies and wonderful scoring on both Rashida and Montauk. 

Top Songs of the Year (listed alphabetically by band)

Allah Las, Tell Me What's On Your Mind  —This band has the classic sound down cold!

Rose Cousins, The Shell— This song just blows me away.  I just discovered this artist and downloaded her album, We Have Made A Spark, prior to this post. After a couple of listens, I suspect that I'm going to regret not listing this album as one of the year's best.  

Django Django, Default —I really enjoy Scottish psychedelic music that makes me want to dance.  The video is fun too.

Tift Merritt, To Myself — I love the way Tift is branching out in this song.

The Shins, Simple Song—This terrific anthem deals with self-doubt.

Tedeschi Trucks Band,  Everybody's Talkin' -  Nilson's cover, of this Fred Neil song, that won an Academy Award for Best Song in Midnight Cowboy is its classic cover.  This cover, but this super band stands on it's own. Talk about cooking!  This just rocks! This band is amazing live.

Best Musical Moment- What an exciting year for new artists. As you can see I listed several in both my favorite albums and songs. 

Looking forward to in 2013- Rumor has it that Robert Plant will be releasing a new album in 2013.  His new stuff has been terrific. I'm also looking forward to Ra Ra Riot's new album Beta Love.

Out of the Game: Rufus Wainright

When exploring the work of a songwriter who is new to me, I look at several components of how he or she crafts music:

• Melody:  Is this work truly original?  Why does the songwriter move the melody in the direction it's going?  Why do the notes go higher or lower?  Why do they go faster or slower? Is the melody beautiful?  If not, is it not supposed to be beautiful? Is the music alone telling a story, or is the music subordinate to the lyrics for that purpose? What is the musical range of the melody?  Is the difference between the low notes and the high notes huge, or is it minimal?
• Lyrics:  Is there a compelling story?  Do I care? Am I paying attention to the words, or do they just seem to be an afterthought? Do the lyrics make me think?
  
• Scoring:  Is the music scored minimally, such as with a simple accompaniment by a piano or acoustic guitar, or does the score call for a greater number of instruments and layers?  Why was the scoring designed as it was?

Discovering songwriters who succeed at their craft is truly a joy: Rufus Wainwright does just that. While Wainwright has been around for some time, with the exception of his brilliant cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," for some reason I had not paid attention to his work before. Rufus is the son of the singer/songwriter, actor, and humorist Loudon Wainright III. 

Noting superlative reviews by sources I respect, such as Paste, for Wainwright's Out of the Game, his seventh studio album, I decided to check it out.

It's a terrific work.  The songs are all carefully constructed, layered, and performed.  Not nearly enough can I enjoy listening to complex pop music and enjoy having a wonderful melody in my head hours after having heard it. The stories in the songs are compelling. While the music is new and original, I can hear echoes of the pop music songwriting giants: Elton John, Freddie Mercury, and David Bowie, upon whose shoulders Rufus Wainright stands.

The musicianship on this album is stellar.  The Dap Kings do a fantastic job serving as Wainright's backup band.  And the guest artists on the album,  including the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Nick Zinner, Wilco's Nels Cline, Martha Wainwright, and Sean Lennon do more than just show up.

Here is the clever studio video of Out of the Game's title track, featuring actress Helena Bonham Carter:


In a few weeks Fletcher and I will be sharing our "Best of 2012" lists.  Don't be surprised when you see this album on my list.