posted by Patrick on February 19, 2012
Washington, D.C. was once a hotbed of indie music. Fugazi, Dismemberment Plan, Shudder To Think, and Jawbox are from the District. Henry Rollins and Dave Grohl grew up here, and Dischord Records is still chugging away. But as yuppification marched through D.C. like Sherman through Atlanta, the city started to price itself out of the indie scene. New bands sought cheaper rents and beer in Baltimore, while the old standard bearers got … old. So although I live here and love it, it’s been slim pickings for District-based music blogs.
Here’s hoping Pree is the start of something new. Formed by May Tabol, previously of D.C.’s Le Loup, Pree defies obvious labels. The band’s most recent E.P., “Folly,” includes lyrical, catchy folk like ‘Lemon Tree,’ and the more dischordant and psychedelic ‘Songs of Promise.’ A third track, ‘Fresh Paint’ is slowed-down bluegrass with a ghostly, warbling chorus in the background. Most of the band’s music combines high-register vocals with darker lyrics and weird sound effects. It’s an odd mix, but it works. Listen closely to the lyrics of ‘Lemon Tree’ and you’ll see how a band can subvert expectations, layering dark-dream ideas over sing-song sounds. Pree’s music is addictive and strangely fascinating, not unlike their hometown. As I said, here’s hoping for more of the same.
Pree – Lemon Tree (Downloaded 43 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Americana • Beautiful Lyrics • Catchy • Clever Lyrics • Female vocal • Folk • Psychedelic • Twee
(4 votes)
Loading ...posted by Susanna on January 16, 2012
I’m looking forward to a lot of things in 2012, but music-wise the new Morning Benders album has me the most excited. If you like the feel-good vibes that you get from the Kooks (review here) or Phoenix, you’ll feel right at home with the poppy harmonies of the Morning Benders. The band resides in Brooklyn, but they formed in Berkeley, California. You can definitely soak up the California sunshine in their music, listening to “Cold War’” and “Promises,” both from their most recent album, Big Echo. You might also find yourself swaying along to the undeniably catchy lyrics and folky guitar found in nearly every track. If you’re really craving a carefree mood (think driving down a country road on a sunny day with the breeze in your face and no particular place to be), check out the video below of “Excuses,” performed with a full hipster orchestra in a Yours Truly session. How can you deny the joy of that?
Morning Benders – Cold War (Downloaded 196 times)
Morning Benders – Promises (Downloaded 148 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Americana • Happy • Male vocal • Poppy • Upbeat
(17 votes) Loading ...posted by Jessica on January 9, 2012
In 2011, the best actually was saved for last. I couldn’t tell you how many shows I saw last year, because despite experiencing epic aural moments and multiple all-weekend festivals, all was forgotten in the wake of Alabama Shakes. This time last year the Athens, AL quartet was working day jobs, and by this time next year they’ll be sitting on top of the world, propelled by their exuberant blend of blues, soul, and rock and roll.
Alabama Shakes’ live show is a significant experience. Vigorous, soulful grooving based in Southern rock, their skillful performance is passionate, even yearning. You feel as though they’re leaving nothing behind, and the eruption of front woman Brittany Howard’s earnest and powerful vocals awaken a contemporary Janis Joplin or Otis Redding. The show kicked off with “Hold On,” and included “You Ain’t Alone,” both off of this year’s self-titled EP.
After their show at Chicago’s Hideout (see video below), I expressed my awestruck admiration to Ms. Howard and drummer, Steve Johnson. They reported that Alabama Shakes’ first full-length album is recorded and slated for release this spring, and that the band is excited to showcase a more rock-fueled edge to their sound. Conversation turned to touring, and I discovered that Johnson’s sister attended my alma mater some 10 miles from where he grew up. Familiarity is the thing about Alabama Shakes. There’s no artifice, slickness, or attempt at reinvention, but a genuineness and devotion to a resonant musical heritage we can all get down to.
Alabama Shakes – Hold On (Downloaded 407 times)
Alabama Shakes – You Aint Alone (Downloaded 254 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Americana • Big Sound • Rollicking
(7 votes) Loading ...[...] Read the rest of my review and get MP3s at Indieball.com. [...]
Great post. Couldn’t agree more. Looking forward to the full release in the spring. And the chance to experience them live once again
wow, i just was in nashville so do appreciate the southern vibe and rawness of this band. And the front woman kicks mega derrier too! Really brings back the classics.
posted by Tina on September 5, 2011
If my Indieball friends haven’t figured out by now what a HUGE Band of Horses fan I am…well…now you know. I’m always keeping my eye out for any side or solo project that comes from any of its five band members. Tyler Ramsey is no exception to that rule. You might recognize him as the extremely tall guitar player in Band of Horses but Tyler had his solo music out before he joined the band in 2007. I recently made a visit to Asheveille, NC where Ramsey calls home and I cannot say enough what an extremely great and musical town Asheville is. Seems where ever you go, no matter what bar or venue I was at, there was some sort of sign, book, or comment made about “Asheville’s own” Tyler Ramsey. And why wouldn’t they be proud of such a talented guitar player…occasionally referred to as “fingers”…
Ramsey’s first self titled release was put out in 2004 followed by A Long Dream About Swimming Across The Sea in 2008. I chose the tune “Ships” as the lyrics always catch me every time I hear it and the violins in the music are a soft subtle hint of sounds from his home. If you like what you hear, then good news follows. Tyler has a new release coming out this month called The Valley Wind. Recorded while on and off tour with Band of Horses this past year, Tyler found the time to make it to Alex The Great studio in Nashville, TN to record his third album release. Bandmate Bill Reynolds helped produce and contribute bass to create this heartwarming and comfortable music that is his own. You can check out a sample off the new release on Tyler’s facebook page. Tyler is also touring for the next few months. Should he make a stop in your hometown, be sure not to miss him. It’s those smaller quieter venues that singer songwriters choose to play at, that stick with you forever…
Tyler Ramsey – Ships (Downloaded 271 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Acoustic • Americana • Folk • Male vocal
(10 votes) Loading ...
February 21st, 2012 at 5:26 pm
Nice airlcte. Full of insight into web rating systems. I think they’re all ambiguous. Matt stated, how do you rate an airlcte about an F5 tornado ripping through and leveling a city? Ha! That’s interesting. Probably not a big deal, though. I think there is a fetishization of disaster and death in our society.