Indie Update

This young L.A. musician is putting out some unusual sounds, in that there is country-rock in "Beyond My Means" (Open To Close 2007 What Have You), along with some straightforward country and just a nice piece of folk. What is surprising with this one tune is that Hexum lists The Beatles, Wilco, The Police, Wayne Shorter, The Beach Boys, Jason Falkner, Stevie Wonder, Elliott Smith, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Beck and Radiohead as major influences. The list doesn’t include any truly folk/country artists.

Then comes "Little City Driver" from the same collection. The listener gets a completely different feel. Perhaps it would be best to stop trying to categorize new music. (Yeah right!) In the decades of popular music and popular music reviews, very few have been able to resist the temptation to put artists and musicians in convenient cubbyholes.

Try out "Work of Art" (Realistic Fantasy 2005 What Have You) to get another taste of acoustic work that pre-dates some of the current balladeers by a couple of years. Or check in with "How Many Times" The Story So Far 2006 What Have You). Hexum is a veteran on the indie music scene, with songwriting efforts reaching back several years. Look for him around the Golden State.

Zack Hexum on MySpace

Tags: indie, Zack Hexum, music, indie music, independent music

Music from Delaware! That’s a good start, because we just don’t see too many musicians/artists from this oft-forgotten state. There doesn’t seem to be a solid reason for this, but it is true. Perhaps the residents of that area of the United States might argue, or at least strongly suggest, that there are more talented people in Delaware than the world is aware. No argument from this quarter so let us hear more.

The Spinto Band is Jon Eaton, Albert Birney, Nick Krill, Thomas Hughes, Jeffrey Hobson, Sam Hughes and Joey Hobson (at least according to the group’s myspace page. The band’s self-titled Web site is cute, to say the least. (Personal note: Just as Susan Sarandon "hate’s cute" in Bull Durham, this writer is not particularly enamored of cute.)

"The Cat’s Pajamas" is cute. Or is that – the cat’s pajamas are cute?

In either case, this live version of the tune has the feel of a 90s techno/Andy Warhol-influenced effort. Not bad, just slightly unusual. But then, what would the listener expect when the first name on the band’s "influence" list is Burt Bacharach?! Not a problem, just slightly unusual again. But then we move down that list to Frank Zappa, The Zombies and David Bowie, and once again, we, the listener are comfortable.

For the listener new to The Spinto Band – try out "Oh Mandy" or "Crack The Whip" (Nice and Nicely Done 2005). The CD title says it best.

The Spinto Band on MySpace

Tags: music, The Spinto Band, independent music, indie music, indie

Being greeted by a flying insect and the electronic atmosphere of "Intro" (Songs From the Glasshouse) puts the listener right where he/she needs to be to enjoy some of the "rock, ambient, electronica" of The Panic Division.

New listeners can samle "Here We Go" or "Day You Left" to get some idea of how this works. Colton Holliday (vocals, guitar, keys) joined forces with Daniel Stanush (guitar, Rhodes, keys), Tavis Wilson (bass, keys), Jesse Garcia (drums) and Diego Chavez (electronics, programming) to create what could serve as excellent club dance music as well as pleasant ambient music. This CD was introduced in August of 2007.

This is not music that is heavy on philosophy, though lyrics do drive some of the work of The Panic Division. The group also pays some attention to musical dynamics and song structure, so these tunes aren’t just rhythm tracks. This is certainly true of "Day You Left." Nice keyboard finish.

Look for the group in California, Arizona, Washington and other points west, as The Panic Division moves about from their San Antonio base. There is some word going about that Daniel Stanush is not part of the mix anymore. I guess it’s best to take that at face value. Let’s see what happens from here.

The Panic Division on MySpace

Tags: music, independent music, The Panic Division, indie, indie music

What do you get when you tie Sunday morning and alternative rock together, in a Web search or in real life? It may be your fate to get some words and phrases such as "The Velvet Underground" and "ska" thrown your way.

The questions are: What is appropriate for "alternative seekers" on a Sunday morning? What is comfortable for those same listeners? Discussions with rock aficionados in the past have uncovered some interesting theories on this subject. Many among the classic-rock set  feel they can live best with bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Who and The Allman Brothers Band on Saturday night, but must have The Moody Blues or great folk rock such as Joni Mitchell on Sunday morning. It’s a headache thing, really.

A quick trip to www.last.fm brought up a California group called No Doubt that even includes the phrase "Sunday Morning" in its music. According to this Web site (the social music revolution) No Doubt compares favourably to Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Pink and Alanis Morissette. Not all bad, but maybe a bit too soft for many alternative listeners.

At blogcritics.org, visitors may find references to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Woodstock ‘94 and Nine Inch Nails. Perhaps that’s a bit closer to the coffee and Red Bull type of music you are looking for.

In closing, let’s look at www.bartoy.blogspot.com for some "Sunday morning coffee with Uncle Tupelo." Maybe that’s more to your taste. No matter where you travel for your morning after music, don’t let the music die just because it’s not Saturday night.

Tags: independent music, Sunday Morning Coming Down, indie music, music, indie

So, how does a girl sing and sound so much like Sheryl Crowe?

It has to be coincidence with Sarah Hethcoat. Probably nothing more. "Everybody Wants" is a good beginning pop tune, certainly not a heavyweight contribution to modern music, but this girl will probably move on to become a major entertainer (with the right help). "Love Me Then" takes the Crowe comparison off track a bit, especially when the music slides to that minor chord. A smooth song.

The listener gets a taste of the real musical talent of Sarah with "Love Trap." (First time listener comment: This is the song I would choose if I were Sarah or one of her confidants.) Choose for what? Pick this one to show to the musical world. A bit different and quite enjoyable. "Gone" provides a brief look at the Sarah Hethcoat keyboard ability. First indications are that Sarah is an accomplished pianist, which certainly doesn’t get in the way when it is time to write songs. Adding voice training for professional-level musical theater doesn’t hurt either.

Get a taste of Sarah at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, or in Los Angeles (late April, early May). She will even put you on the guest list for her birthday if you email with sincere intention.

Sarah on MySpace

Tags: indie music, music, independent music, indie, Sarah