Lately, my musical obsession has been with a song off of the new album by Shannon and the Clams, a band which has been on my radar for a couple of years. The band has this great 'neo-retro' vibe, their songs sound like something the oldies stations of a cooler parallel universe would play. I'd describe it as the Shangri-Las and Dick Dale collaborating with the Cramps, with John Waters acting as style consultant. Here's a live performance of How Long, my current earworm:
The sound is a little raw, which only highlights the sweet notes... and how amazing is Shannon Shaw's voice? It's rich and lush, with the sweetness tempered by a great punk growl. If Ronnie Spector had channeled John Lydon, she would have sounded a lot like this. It's not my fault for following the pathways of my heart (or my ears) and falling in love with this tune.
Poking around the t00bz, I found a couple of nice interviews with Ms. Shaw. It's nice to see someone escape a staid, square upbringing and reinvent themselves as a rock-and-roll powerhouse.
Personally, I have been grooving to the collage between sarcastic net-country Robbie Fulks and the Mekons, Jura. As was foretold in the prophecy.
ReplyDeleteBut also, there's a new Chills album out that consistently knocks me out whenever it comes up on the random. Also, the new Drive-By Truckers live album i fun. And the latest Yo La Tengo includes a cover of "Friday I'm In Love", not A THING WRONG WITH THAT.
ALSO JUST IN: a new Wacos Brothers album of mostly covers, including "Interstellar Overdrive" and I am excited to see what a bunch of punk-country iconoclasts do with that. Also, a timely song called "Merry Christmas To Me". No listening yet. Had a spousal unit birthday arrangements to make. Also, needed to get Springsteen ticket for the River tour.
Two milwaukee bands of note: The Scarring Party which is like if the Cure's Robert Smith had been born in the 30's. Also, Testa Rossa, female led power pop wise third album sees them really coming into their own.
Finally (I know, right?) comedian Ron Funches has his debut album out, which was recorded in Denver and we were there for it. See if you can hear a zombie!
Very nice. My musical listenin' (and much else) has been in the crapper lately, too busy with stuff.
ReplyDeleteStill taking nature pics, at least.
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..that is the second time in five minutes I've made that comment.
ReplyDeleteThat's a big deal, gotta get on it.
Very nice. My musical listenin' (and much else) has been in the crapper lately, too busy with stuff.
One of the good things about being the only human on the job for most of the time is being able to blast whatever music you want.