Author: Lee Zimmerman (Page 14 of 20)

Bon Iver: Blood Bank

March 27, 2009 /

Thankfully, Justin Vernon’s international reputation wasn’t sullied by his deliberate mangling of the French words for “good winter” as his choice for his nom de plume Bon Iver. Indeed, with the release of his much-touted debut For Jessica, Forever Ago, his Gothic backwoods motif somehow struck a chord with Americana enthusiasts both here and abroad, winning unusually rave reviews for a rookie artist from so far a field in the heartland. This four-song set, a prequel of sorts, maintains the wistful gaze and low-lit aura that dominated that debut, but also draws the shades back to reveal a little more light. Opening track “Blood Bank” maintains his steady strum but ups the energy level to a more enthusiastic pace. The hollow-eyed desire of “Beach Baby” falls back to a plaintive pastiche, but “Babys” slowly builds towards a semi-psychedelic crescendo. The EP ends in much the same way, ethereal harmonies weaving in and out, as if Bon Iver had consulted Brian Wilson about how to affect a cosmic shift. Recommended for those who believe ambiance is everything. (Jagjaguwar)

Bon Iver MySpace page

Americana, CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Folk

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears: Tell ‘em What Your Name Is!

March 13, 2009 /

Okay, here’s a quick question for anyone who may still be left unawares: which recent event helped to significantly narrow the racial divide? That is, what event other than the election of America’s first Black president? Give up? How about the first release by an African American artist on that esteemed Americana label, Lost Highway? It may not seem so significant at first glance, but with first listen, this debut disc by Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears confirms the suspicions most folks knew along – that pure, unfettered, classic R&B is as much a part of American roots music as any other style borne from the heartland. And while prefacing his moniker with “Black” may seem like he’s expressing the obvious, Lewis’ ability to summon the spirit of classic R&B by invoking the power and passion of James Brown, Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding is awesome and impressive in itself. These ten tracks echo the sound of pure ‘60s soul, from the full-on funk of “Gunpower” and “I’m Broke” to the rock-steady shuffle underpinning “Master Sold My Baby” and the cool groove steering that “Sugarfoot.” With his band of twenty-somethings holding sway – think Booker T & the MGs and the sound of Stax Records – Lewis’ impassioned howl offers a sure sign he’s learned his lessons well. And if some of the songs reinforce certain stereotypes – “Big Booty Woman, “Get Yo Shit” and “Humpin’” being among them – suffice it to so that like his influences, Lewis isn’t timid when it comes to expressing raunchiness or wickedness. This Papa may not have a brand new bag, but he’s getting a lot of use out of it all the same. Lost Highway

Black Joe Lewis MySpace page

Blues, CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, R&B, Soul

Paul McCartney: Amoeba’s Secret

February 27, 2009 /

At age 66, Macca’s more prolific than ever, releasing new records on a regular basis, coming clean with his guise of the Fireman and still touring consistently. So it’s not enough that he should make the compulsory Grammy showing; he can also appear at a more intimate venue that’s generally reserved for up-and-comers. Consequently, this four song set, recorded live in 2007 at the Amoeba record store in L.A., reminds us he’s still a mere mortal, capable of rocking a small crowd with offerings both old and new. Vibrant versions of “That Was Me” and “Only Mama Knows” from his then-current album, Memory Almost Full, cast aside doubts about Paul’s present ability to deliver on a memorable melody. “I Saw Her Standing There” provides the inevitable nod to nostalgia with a rollicking rendition would have us believe that indeed, 45 years have passed in the blink of an eye. The sound quality, which veers towards bootleg variety, makes for a minor complaint, but the choice to include “C Moon,” one of McCartney’s lamer attempts, ought to cause greater ire. On the other hand, the fact that Ringo was in the house and wasn’t asked to join in seems the biggest bummer of all. (Hear Music)

Paul McCartney website

CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Concert CDs, Pop, Rock

Jackdawg: Jackdawg

February 11, 2009 /

One of those legendary lost albums, Jackdawg is the sole legacy of a one-time, second-string supergroup. Recorded in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s by a temporary trio consisting of John McFee and the late Keith Knudson – guitarist and drummer, respectively, for the Doobie Brothers – and ex-Creedence Clearwater Revival bassist Stu Cook, it makes for an intriguing footnote to the history of both bands. The obvious thread that united the participants was the penchant for insistent rhythms and a basic rock ‘n’ roll revelry. “Bayou Rebel” procures the swampy sound of CCR, while the pulse of “Lookin’ For Trouble” injects a dose of a Doobies-like panache. Still, it’s telling that the most noteworthy song is a faithful cover of Van Morrison’s “Wild Night,” to which McFee stakes a claim for having contributed to the original. Cook’s production duties on the original version of Roky Erikson’s “Cold Night for Alligators” give the band reason to reprise it as well. In the end, Jackdawg offers a fine example of a journeyman outfit doing what they do best. And that’s more than enough reason to give Jackdawg their due. (Sonic Past Music 2008)

Sonic Past Music website page

CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Rock

Various Artists: Blue Skies Daisy Days

January 30, 2009 /

Most compilations are derived from some conceptual design, designed either as a tribute to an iconic artist or outfit, or as a live set showcasing a particular venue. Then there’s wholly ordinary idea of the label sampler which spotlights a group of musicians whose only common bond lies in the fact they all represent the same record company. Sure, it’s self-serving, but when there’s a good cause involved, the added benefit of charitable support makes the opportunity to hear new music an added advantage. That’s the case with Blue Skies Daisy Days, a generous 21-track collection featuring the cream of the Planting Seeds Records roster (as well as notable outside guests) and the promise to donate part of its proceeds to the Keep a Breast Foundation. Granted, one has to look below the surface and do some exploration to uncover the more notable names – the International Jetsetters, for example, feature members of the Jesus and Mary Chain and Ride, while the Primary 5 and the Loose Salute represent expatriates from Teenage Fanclub and the Mojave 3, respectively – but even so, the music alone provides plenty of incentive. The tunes contained herein are as uniformly sunny as their banner implies. Blissful, sweetly ethereal, lush and melodic without exception, the quality is consistent throughout, ensuring any time spent listening is well worth the effort. (Planting Seed Records

Planting Seeds Records website

CD QuickTakes, CD Reviews, Pop, Rock

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