Here’s how you tell a story: So, this guy with a beard and a guitar from Philadelphia goes out and starts singing to those who would listen. In doing so he starts to establish himself as a folk singer and a purveyor of “roots music.”

Christopher Bohn (that guy mentioned above) goes to some coffeehouses and other haunts of the thinking folk in Pennsylvania and catches a few more ears with tunes such as “Victoria Amen.” That tune and others from Conspiracy of Sleep are good listening tunes. “Run Rabbit Run” is an interesting effort, to say the least. Listen closely, because that’s what Bohn hopes the audience members will do.

I enjoy artists who use good poetry to explain about themselves. Here’s what Bohn offers, on a Web site:

The god of dirt
came up to me many times and said
so many wise and delectable things, I lay
on the grass listening
to his dog voice,
crow voice,
frog voice; now,
he said, and now,

and never once mentioned forever,

-from “One or Two Things” Mary Oliver

I once read a review of a rock album that asked, “Does the world need another rock band?” I answered “yes.”

I ask now, “Does the world need another folk singer?” I answer, “Always.”

Christopher Bohn on MySpace

[tags]christopher bohn[/tags]

“King of the Knife” from Secret Sounds 2008 is an ear-opening type of tune. The frenzy in most of the song is real Cherry Bloom. I like the start of “Cash” from the same collection. I would have to rate this one of their best songs. The sharp rhythm and the single-note guitar work are fine.

This is alternative rock from France for those who want something that falls between melodic ballads and screamo. But the easy-listening crowd probably won’t be tuning in. Cherry Bloom is O. Zangs – vocals, guitars, piano; and J. Jourdan – drums, guitars and vocals. The production, by the artists, themselves, is really rather good. But that skill is becoming more common among independent artists.

Each tune is slightly different, but each carries the Cherry Bloom style forward. “The Stains” is an interesting song. The vocal setup makes this one work. I am also partial to a solid bass line as an integral part of the song. “Black Smoke” does this as well.

I have to admit I was intrigued by the title “No Gift This Time.” That song is percussion driven, but in the early measures it is rather straight forward. When the vocal kicks in, the tune picks up a bit. But it made me want to return to “Cash” and “The Stains.

The Cherry Bloom project formed in 2005. Here’s some comment from the duo – “The peculiarity of the sound of Secret Sounds lies in the type of formation based on guitar and drums. It was a challenge to keep a rock dynamics without bass guitar, but in the end the bet is held with a sincere originality.”

Cherry Bloom on MySpace

[tags]cherry bloom[/tags]

Just a couple of questions before venturing further into the Brightwood world: Is it possible to have a Swan Song when you’re very young? Isn’t that privilege meant for those who have “done it” for a long time and will go out with grace and beauty?

Anyway, this group from Oregon is a good band. “Swan Song” from Wake is a rouser and a plea. Nice vocals from Andrew Brittell (vocals and guitar). The title song starts of beautifully and stays that way. The band includes Andrew Brittell, Collin Schneider (guitars), Stephen Brittell (drums, backing vocals) and Matthew Fosket (bass). They will be very busy, judging from the gig lineup on a Web site. Brightwood will travel from home base in Oregon to California, Texas, Arizona and then turn for home, making their way through Colorado and Washington first.

Marketing information calls this band “enigmatic,” so if you can’t figure out what genre they fit in, don’t be concerned. I, for one, don’t feel it’s all that necessary to categorize musical groups. Just listen, damn it!! They had a CD out called The Love Antidote. I’m glad they found that!

The boys had label chances, but put Wake in the public ear on their own. Good for them!!! Here’s what the Web info states, “So far the future for this young band appears to be limitless. Having proven that they can independently and successfully create music with the innate ability to move people, Brightwood is quickly becoming a veritable sensation.”

Brightwood on MySpace

[tags]brightwood[/tags]

I was certainly drawn in by the cover of Standing on the Same Stick. But I my ear was equally captured by the tune “One of Us.” Nice pace and some fun to boot. I do like the horns because there are shades of The Beatles heyday, with Sgt. Pepper and all that.

I also hear a bit of what bands such as Dirty Dozen Brass Band do with Widespread Panic. Believe me, that’s no mean feat. It’s just plain good listenin’ music.

According to current www.myspace.com information, this is the list of guys making the sounds: Chris Considine – drums; Michael Lile – bass, piano; Marc Montoya – guitar; Taylor Sims – electric piano; Jake Wilganowski – guitar, piano.

According to the folks at the Dallas Observer, Bridges and Blinking Lights should be considered among “the best music” in the Dallas area. The boys hail from Denton and Dallas, by the way. Maybe we are listening to “indie pop gold,” as that publication states.

The tenor voice really comes across with “Halfway Home.” But then that shouldn’t be too surprising. This is a talented group. However, I do like the “sort of” yelling in the song. It does make the thing work.

Another by the way – the album mentioned started as a work-in-progress EP in 2005, went through growth pains in 2006 and was released in 2007. This ain’t necessarily new, but it’s very good.

Bridges and Blinking Lights on MySpace

[tags]bridges and blinking lights[/tags]

As with many artists whose names are not familiar to this listener/writer, I didn’t know what to expect when I hooked up to a Blake Griffith tune on his Web site.

I was a bit leery when I read that I would either like it or I wouldn’t. This is generally the case with any music/artist, but to come right out with this type of challenge put me off a bit. I found “Sweet Lookin’ Little Lady” (Information Age, Knitting Ram 2008) not to my liking, though there is obviously some talent in there somewhere.

“Clever New Device” gave me much the same feel. This is story-telling, but it is not consistent rhythmically, most likely on purpose. I am not a big fan of Valentine’s Day either, but this effort called “I hate valentine’s day” is particularly negative and depressing. Yet it is one of the better tunes, musically. Ditto “Panic Attack.” Might be something in this, after all.

So, what is it about Griffith that leads him to include “DELETE ME” as a name in his PR stuff?

Blake Griffith does the writing and playing. He lists session players to date: “Brooks Wackerman (Drums), Pat “Funk master Flex” Leon (Drums), Nico Saavedra (Drums), Anthony “Josh Freese, who?” Raya (Drums), Randy Costello (Drums), Eric “Mr. Radiophone” Cohn (vocals), Tyler “coffee greens” Shaw (lead Bass).

It is, indeed, quirky. The band, DELETE ME, is forming, or has formed, a live group.

Blake Griffith on My