posted by Leigh on January 15, 2011
If you have been in and around the indie music circuit at some point during the last decade, it is likely that you have heard of Phosphorescent, as their popularity seemed to soar at a steady pace throughout and into the current. Whether you have or whether you haven’t, their 2010 release, Here’s To Taking It Easy, provides Southerners with pride knowing this music has ties to down below and provides non-Southerners with one of those I-Wish-I-Had-Some-Southern-Charm moments.
From Athens, Georgia, and now based in Brooklyn, New York, Phosphorescent is fronted by Matthew Houck, who is originally from Alabama. Relevant, yes, because the song included here is aptly titled “It’s Hard to Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama)”. Twangy and earthy, the track delves deep into Southern roots. Once there, it pulls out the ones that are the strongest, the ones that can be replanted elsewhere and thrive. And, for those partial to a little pedal steel . . . bingo.
I was able to check out their New York show at Bowery Ballroom back in December, and it was an indie alt country folk rock menagerie of talent and explosive moments. I would bet that even the dog that Houck brought on stage for a cameo is damn musical, if given the chance. “It’s Hard to Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama)” is only one face of Here’s to Taking It Easy (another notable face includes the slower, steadier, meltingly pretty variety), which is why I highly recommend giving the entire album a slow, steady, drawling listen.
Phosphorescent – Its Hard to Be Humble (Downloaded 337 times)
Phosphorescent “It’s Hard To Be Humble When You’re From Alabama” from Secretly Jag on Vimeo.
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» Meaningless labels: Alt-country • Big Sound • Catchy • Driven • Folk • Male vocal
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