Monty Are I
Nice!
At first it seemed that this might be an Irish-influenced band that really meant it! But then I listened a bit more closely and heard the same young voices that come from so many other bands. So, what do we make of Between The Sheets? I mean, this is pretty much a straightforward suggestion. So, I guessed, sex, right?
Then……………there was that hesitation.
After all, these guys (why is it always guys!!!???) are from Rhode Island
What does that mean?
It means Kasselbowned REMIX, that’s what it means. It means Steve Aiello on lead vocals and lead guitar. It means Ryan Muir on vocals, guitar and trumpet; Andrew Borstien on synth keys, trombone and vocals; Mike Matarese on bass; and Justin Muir on drums and sampling.
So, these guys from the small state are trying. That’s impressive.
But let’s listen to "In This Legacy" (Wall Of People 2006 Stolen). Now that’s something to pay attention to!!
Is this great rock and roll? Not necessarily. But it is good playing, far and away. Here is the best song that Monty Are I will put out over the next few months. So, for the fans… listen up and rock to this one. "Organized Musical Chaos?" OK, I’ll accept that.
Listen up, America.
Tags: Monty Are I, music, independent music, indie, indie music
Low Down Alternative
While the content does not deal with music, Jim Hightower’s newsletter, LOWDOWN, is certainly about independence and alternatives. In addition, the theme of his new book, written with long-time sidekick Susan DeMarco, is entitled “Swim Against The Current: Even Dead Fish Can Go With The Flow.” What great advice for those of us seeking some honesty and truth in music!
In a time of corporate media without souls and unabashed brain washing efforts from our governments, independent labels and alternative music sources may be the most important destinations for music aficionados today. That’s why it would be good for Indie Update visitors to take a look at such sites as www.sessionsound.com and its indie hunt. This “contest” currently has Lalouzz, Plunkett and Let’s Become Actors listed as most popular singers/bands (determined by votes of listeners and site visitors). The key to the sessionsound project is simple - making the “independent” in independent music mean something.
Those music fanatics who are so inclined may also want to seek out such sites as www.alternativemusic.com, which is not only a Web destination but a real alternative music store in Rochester, New York. This business was known as Lakeshore Record Exchange in 1988. The name changed after Andrew Chinnici bought the store. Chinnici has been carrying the alternative music flag for almost 20 years.
Tags: low down alternative, indie, independent music, music, indie music
Deep in The Past
Deep in the past, way back in the 1990s, Jim DeRogatis thought and wrote about rock, punk and alternative music as “pop music critic” for the Chicago Sun Times. During that period he wrote an interesting piece for a major slick magazine and, to the best of memory, the article was about a cat named Jon Spencer and a band called Blues Explosion.
What set this group apart, if anything did, was the misdirection provided by the band’s name. You see, Blues Explosion was a rock band, or an alternative band, or an experimental band….not a blues group. Sure, Spencer and another guitarist joined with a drummer to produce music that allegedly had a foundation in “black” music. Spencer was quick to state that he considered Mississippi Fred McDowell and R.L. Burnside among his musical heroes.
But to DeRogatis, who probably experienced more of contemporary music in the last quarter century than anyone else, Spencer and his Blues Explosion was an indie/alternative group that probably didn’t feel the roots of the music it gave lip service to. Some observers of the current music scene might do well to look closely at the hundreds of indie singers and musicians around the globe, if for no other reason than to determine if there might be a few posers in the multitude. What purpose would that serve? Hard to say, but it might be fun! We might even uncover a treasure of sincerity among the boulders.
Tags: deep in the past, independent music, indie, music, indie music
Inept
Really? Inept?
If music fans don’t listen to the music of this Chicago-based group, they will have to take the band’s word for it when it comes to understanding the name.
Wait, I get it! Irony and sarcasm! Nice!
“So Much Between Us” the title song from So Much Between Us (2008) is a ballad of top order. This tune is very listenable, with nice guitar work. The song does build up energy as it proceeds, but again the levels of sound (dynamics!!) help this group stand apart.
“Just Like You” is rock and roll, with crisp, fuzz guitar and powerful back up vocals that lend a sense of immediacy and frustration to the song. Fortunately, this group of young musicians understands dynamics, placing some softer background music with vocals that nearly stand alone. I would think the sound of Inept would do justice to the late 1960s and early 1970s. That’s a good thing. Good finish on this song too.
For those who want to dig a bit into the band’s past, try “The Call” from Say Goodbye To This (2006). There was talent there, early, though the maturity of these young fellows comes through loud and clear with their newest CD. “Deepest Need” is a powerful early effort, with apparent guitar ability coming through from Kevin Singleton and Lucas Mountain. The rest of this solid lineup – Anthony Lira – vocals, Joey Ossey – drums and Ian Roberts – bass.
Check out their extensive tour schedule – Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Louisiana, Texas and Wisconsin.
Tags: music, Inept, independent music, indie, indie music
Liam Finn
Just to start with a personal note: I heard this fellow on a late night television show recently and to be honest I wasn’t impressed at first. The guitar licks were very basic and the vocals were so simple. Adding the female harmony certainly helped, however. The tune was “Second Chance” from I’ll Be Lightning (Liberation 2007). By the end of this simple offering I was rather hooked. “Gather To The Chapel,” from the same collection, is quite interesting, with a soft feel, reminiscent of Gilbert O’Sullivan from decades ago. But Finn is serious; something that I always felt O’Sullivan was not.
Then this New Zealander started pounding on the drums, exhibiting a level of energy that some may vaguely remember from their youth. This demonstration on national television was probably enough to draw in a few more listeners. In addition, the start to “Better To Be,” also from I’ll Be Lightning (Liberation 2007), invites the listener, as does “Lead Balloon.”
Finn is on the Liberation label in Australia and New Zealand, and on Yep Roc Records in the United States. He has a range of live dates set that will take him to Seattle and Portland in the northwest, as well as down the coast to San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Tags: Liam Finn, indie, indie music, music, independent music