Griffin House
If the labels on Web sites are to be believed, this musical effort is rock, folk and punk. In the past that would have been an interesting combination at least, if not an impossible one.
But Griffin House certainly puts folk music on the table with “Better Than Love” (Flying Upside Down 20007 Nettwerk). This, dear friends, is an excellent folk ballad, even if it is very direct in telling the listeners that she will always be his girl. Good production helps this song. How can you miss with help from Sheryl Crow’s producer and musicians from Tom Petty’s band? The choice of working from Nashville, Tennessee will be a plus for House if this is the genre and style chosen for future work. Information from his Web site notes that he is an Ohio native and the Cincinnati influence can’t hurt.
Live To Be Free” from the same CD adds fuel to the country/folk fire. Where is the punk? Perhaps it would be in the conversations of the old-timers from Music City. They might wonder how this “punk” can put out such music. For those who doubt that House has made the correct music industry connections, try listening to “When The Time Is Right” from Flying Upside Down. Griffin House is on a massive tour in April and May.
Tags: Griffin House, music, independent music, indie, indie music
I have visited their site on Myspace and I like the design. I can see that they have filled the music box with most of their songs. This is a good strategy that could be helpful on marketing themselves out of the open. Joining a social site such as Myspace has a real advantage if you want to get yourself known to the world. I wish that I could hear their songs because my sound card is broken.
These are some great sounds for sure man. I am not exactly hearing the “punk” here either though.
I totally love the comment about the old-timers in Music City! Haha. I’m in Nashville myself and to be honest, a lot of those old-timers really dig the newer music. True musicians can appreciate almost any sort of music even when it isn’t their style. And I don’t think you get any truer than the Music City “old-timers” and old Rock legends etc…
Good to know he is getting out there with a good tour schedule. Too many newbies spend too much time in the studio (or garage). You have to promote yourself or nobody else will.
I actually took a gander at Griffin House’s MySpace page and because my sound card is not broken, I was able to listen to their songs. And you know what? They’re terrific, especially if you like – even if it’s only on occasion, folk-styled, melody and lyric driven songs about real life. I especially loved the sad ditty “The Guy That Says Goodbye.” It is a great song, but make sure you’re not in a misty-eyed mood when you hear it.
“Better than Love” is GREAT! I heard a few things from these guys before and enjoyed, but I have fell in love with “Better than Love”, from the soft beat, the acoustics, the voice, and almost to the lyrics, even it sounds just a tad bit stakerish.