Brian James's Blog, page 26

Weekend Music Roundup!

The weekend has arrived and like clockwork, here are some more of my ramblings on recent albums that I've listened to. There is a new releases on here that I was very eager to hear, as well as some older albums that I just discovered. There's also an album that I've owned for over 20 years without even really knowing I owned it or that it existed. Hopefully there's something for you to discover. Enjoy.
The Claypool Lennon Delirium - South of Reality: The second album from the pairing of Les Claypool and Sean Lennon was released last month, three years after their first effort. I was really looking forward to this album. I absolutely love the first single, "Blood and Rockets." That song is a masterpiece of psychedelic art/prog rock. But as with the first album, I found that I loved all the songs Sean provides vocals, and was less attracted to the Les tunes. All in all, this is a really decent record that I can see why others will absolutely love. 
White Light - White Light: The one and only record from the psychedelic blues rock band was released in 1969. Heavily influenced by other bands of the time, including Velvet Underground, this reminds me of other obscure albums in the genre, such as The Deviants. This is guitar heavy psych rock that is mostly quite good. There are some weaker moments on the record, but they are few and far between. Some standouts for me are "Baby What You Want Me to Do," "Cold Shot," "I Couldn't Get High," "Always, Always," and their cover of "I'm Waiting for the Man."
Wes Montgomery - A Day in the Life: Released in '67, one year before he died, this is the jazz guitarist's interpretation of some popular tracks of the time, as well as some original compositions. Traditionally a Hard Bop artist, this is more of a smooth jazz record, and it's pretty much perfect smooth jazz. This has become on of my favorite Sunday morning albums. As I mentioned in a review a few weeks back, anything can be jazz and Wes, along with his talented band which included Herbie Hancock on piano, do a great job reinventing tracks like "Elanor Rigby" and the title track. Worth a listen, especially for people who think they don't like jazz. 
A Flock of Seagulls - A Flock of Seagulls: The 1982 debut from the Liverpool band is best known for the classic New Wave hit "I Ran" and Mike Score's legendary hair. I picked this up in the cheap bin because I read someone discussing how well it held up and because I love "I Ran". This is a quality New Wave record with lots of good songs, like "Messages" and "Modern Love is Automatic." It has an early Cure feel, but also feels like a precursor to the jangle pop that would dominate that area of the UK in the coming years.  
Elliot Maginot - Comrades: The second album from the Montreal singer songwriter is on the folky side of dream pop. There's an element in his work that reminds me of what I enjoyed about James Blunt's first album. I enjoyed this record as well, but as readers of the Roundup probably know by now, too many pop elements are not really my thing. All in all, a decent album and one that others will certainly enjoy more than me, simply do to taste. 
Pearl Jam - Merkinball: Released in '95 as a companion piece to the Mirrorball album they did with Neil Young, this is only two songs, yet categorized as an EP. It's also a CD that I've owned for nearly 25 years and was completely unaware that I owned it. I took this off the shelf, thinking it was Mirrorball and when I put it on, I was like "What is this?" The amazing thing is that these are two of the best songs I've ever heard from Pearl Jam. "I Got Id" may be their best song in my opinion. Now I'm more excited to listen to Mirrorball, which I also have owned for 25 years and probably have not listened to in 20.

The Start of Something....

As frequent readers of this blog know, I'd been in grad school for the past three years and recently graduated in the Fall with a Masters degree in Library Science. Since then, I'd been searching for a job in the field, but was having some difficulty landing one was that nearby, and desirable. Part of the problem was my lack of experience in the field, though I have a lot of translatable experience.
This week, I'm happy to share with you all that I've accepted a position at the library in the town neighboring mine. It's a part time job, and not specifically in the children's field, but it does include many aspects of working with teens. It's a wonderful introductory position and I can't wait to share all that I've learned with the people of that community. It will also give a lot more time to fully invest in my writing career once again. 
Here's to the start of a new journey on the road of life...

Weekend Music Roundup!

The first weekend of March has arrived, and brings with it the threat of the biggest snow event of the year. Yay! As is usual, this week I'm talking about a mixture of new releases and some recent discoveries. The new releases were mostly unexpected and came to me without any foreknowledge. They were bonuses and very nice surprises. The older albums are ones that I picked up over the past few months. There's a mix of blues, rock, hip hop and folk. As always, enjoy!
Robert Ellis - Texas Piano Man: In 2014, Robert Ellis released his second album (The Lights From the Chemical Plant) and I've been following his career ever since. This is his fourth solo record and it's the gem that I've been waiting for. He has a 70's singer songwriter vibe that reminds me of early Cat Stevens and even some more bluesy numbers by Elton John. This album is fantastic, with tons of great tracks including "When You're Away," "Nobody Smokes Anymore," and "Fucking Crazy." 
Fleetwood Mac - English Rose: The third album from the iconic band, released in 1969, is a British Blues masterpiece. Peter Green is in great form as he helps to define the genre with this album. I'm not sure why I bypassed this one several years ago when I first got into Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac because this is probably the best of the albums he made with the band. This is British Blues at it's absolute best. 
Kyle Falconer - Almost Pleasant: The covers EP follows The View frontman's debut solo album released last year and shows him in nearly perfect form. I've been a huge fan of his work since the debut album came out 12 years ago. He picks great songs that showcase his talents, and manages to reinvent well known pop songs like "What's Love Got To Do With It," and "Go Your Own Way" into touching indie love songs.
Mad Season - Above: This supergroup recorded only one album in 1995 and it's definitely Layne Staley's masterpiece. I think he felt a little boxed in with Alice in Chains at the time, as Jerry Cantrell started to dominate the band, so he formed this side-project with members of Pearl Jam and Screaming Trees. The result is a stunning album that is the peak of grunge rock. I recently found a reasonably priced copy of the vinyl re-issue with bonus tracks and couldn't turn it down. Every song on here is a gem. 
DJ Krush - Hip Hop Generation: For more than 25 years, the Japanese artist has been creating some of the best instrumental hip-hop around. The fact that he's Japanese has been able to distinguish his sound from the hip-hop flavors of the two coasts here in the states. His work has a darkness to it, but a kind of anime darkness that always intriguing to me. This is a great moody record that is perfect for night drives. 
The Mammals - Sunshiner: This is a local folk band that throws a great festival every year, which we have attended the past two years. It features the married couple of Ruth Unger and Mike Merenda and their brand of roots folk, with hints of bluegrass. Released this year, this is their sixth album of songs that carry an obvious social agenda, which is what folk music used to be all about. Everyone who plays on here is extremely talented and there are some dynamite tracks. Like all socially conscious folk, there are moments that are a touch corny, but that's probably just my own artistic snobnishness.

Saying Goodbye....

One week ago, my grandfather passed away at the age of 92. He was the last of my grandparents, and the last of my daughter's great grandparents. It was the loss of a great man, and the loss of a generation that influenced our lives. 
My grandfather was the kind of person that taught by example. He was the type of person that I strive to emulate. He was a man who showed how a man was supposed to be by living his life the right way. His family was everything to him (as it was to my grandmother who passed away nearly 27 years ago). They instilled that spirit in my father (who passed away nearly 7 years ago), and he passed that on to me. 
Saying goodbye is always difficult, but the ceremonies were as he would have wanted. The past few days felt more like a celebration of a good life lived well. There was sadness, but there was just as much laughter as tears as the entire family (and it is a HUGE family) came together, something that becomes harder and harder as time and distance continue to get in the way. Together we said goodbye the way he would have wanted...with a party and lots of great food.
We miss you, Pop Pop!

Weekend Music Roundup!

The weekend has arrived! This week I'm listening to some new releases that I've been been looking forward, and some new discoveries of bands that I'm surprised that I didn't know about. There's also some new additions of bands that I've loved for a long time, as well as a review of an album that has been a favorite of mine for 25 years and I recently upgraded from CD to vinyl. The genres span a the spectrum, from chamber folk, noise garage, blues and jazz. Hopefully there's something here that you'll want to check out. Enjoy.
Beirut - Gallipoli: The fifth album from the Brooklyn based indie folk / chamber pop outfit was released this month. It's been four years since their last release, a typical span for them, and the album is worth the wait. It doesn't deviate from the sound they've mastered over the years, but it's a such a unique and complex sound that four years seems about right for constructing an album. This is another wonderful experience, weaving horns and other non-traditional folk instruments into the tapestry of their music. Simply beautiful.
Traffic - The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys: I've been a Traffic fan since college, and though this 1971 album is one of their most loved albums, I always avoided anything post Dave Mason until recently. I found this in a $1 bin recently and the wax was in great shape, so there was no way I was going to turn that away. Without Mason, Steve Winwood is able to embrace a more jazz fusion style of psychedelic rock and it's quite lovely. The title track is 12+ minutes of some of the best music that style has to offer. "Light Up or Leave Me Alone" and "Rock n' Roll Stew" are classic Traffic blues rock. "Rainmaker" is another psychedelic fusion gem. 
Le Butcherettes - bi/Mental: The fourth album from the L.A. was released earlier in the year. Though their debut came out eight years ago, this is my first encounter, which surprises me, given my interest in all L.A. based garage / noise rock outfits. This is exactly what I would expect from this kind of band from that particularly city, so in other words, it rocks. There is something of a Courtney Love attitude to the songs that is refreshing in this day and age, though it definitely takes on a more horror punk feel at times that reminds me of L.A. Witch. The singer of this band made an album with Omar Rodriguez Lopez (Mars Volta, At the Drive In) a few years back, called Kimono Kult, which was a little disappointing, but I'm going to have to go back and give it another listen after enjoying this album. 

Hawkwind - Hawkwind: The 1970 debut has been one of my favorites since I first got it on CD when I was 16. I cam across an original vinyl copy recently and simply needed to add it to the collection. I remember listening to this, along with Pink Floyd "Meddle", so often that winter and I credit both albums with my development as a writer. This album takes me to a place in my imagination with stories are blow through the landscape. If you've heard Hawkwind before, but haven't heard this album, you're in for a surprise.
White Denim - Performance:  The eighth album from the Austin indie psych band showcases their continuing development as they move farther away from the psych garage sound of their early days into a more evolved blues rock inspired sound. This is another one of those albums that grew on me the more I listened to it. It's very up-tempo and feel good, laced in a psychedelic buzz that manages to color the record just right. Quality indie-rock and worthwhile checking out.

Fats Waller - Ain't Misbehavin': I picked up this compilation of in the cheap bin a few weeks back, it needed some cleaning up, but once that was done, it sounded great. This is one of the true early legends of jazz from the 30's and one of the most dynamic ragtime jazz personalities. In some ways, his use of vocals were proto-R&B and certainly influenced the likes of Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. Over the past couple of years, I've been on a bit of quest to broaden my jazz collection and this is certainly a nice addition.

Change of Perspective

About two weeks ago, I began a new project that I'm pretty excited about. Over the past few years, I've had some trouble keeping momentum on a writing project. This was largely due to scholarly obligations, which ended this past September. Over the course of the fall, I tried to pick up manuscripts I'd begun while working on my Master's degree, but I've always found it hard to get back into something that was an idea once upon a time. 
I had a new idea recently, and it excited me. I started working on it, and it was going well, but it was still a struggle. I found myself writing the same character I'd written before, and that was dampening my momentum. Then I had the idea to try it over in third person rather than first person. (Cue light bulb over my head)
Instantly I found writing to be FUN again. I think because I haven't written a ton in third person, there was something new in it. New ways of expression. New perspectives. New momentum!

Weekend Music Roundup!

The weekend has arrived and with it, as always, comes my ramblings about music that potentially I am the only one who cares about. Yet, it's the age of social media and we must pretend that others care about our thoughts and reckonings, so I'm going to go along with the facade and share with you all my thoughts and reckonings about some albums I've been listening to lately. This is mostly some old stuff, but there are two new releases thrown in. Some folk, some psych, some new wave, and some metal. Hopefully you can find something to explore. Enjoy.
Unicorn - Too Many Crooks: Released in '76, this is the third album from the UK folk rock band. There are obvious nods to the Grateful Dead on this record and they are playing a similar country folk rock sound that the Dead were playing at that time. Luckily they are talented enough musicians and while imitative, it's not unworthy of a listen. There are some really solid tracks on this record, including "Bullseye Bill," "Disco Dancer" and "No Way Out of Here" which would later be covered by David Gilmour on his first solo record. 
Green River - Dry as a Bone: This is the second EP from Mark Arm's pre-Mudhoney and Stone Gossard's pre-Pearl Jam Seattle band. This was released in '87, shortly before the band broke up and was recently released in a deluxe expanded double LP edition. I've always enjoyed Mudhoney early work and figured this deserved a listen. It definitely sounds exactly like early Mudhoney! This is the garage punk sound that started the entire Seattle music movement of the '90s, in it's absolutely rawest form. This feels heavily influenced by Iggy and The Stooges with lots of great heavy riffs and lots of attitude. "One More Stitch," "This Town," "Unwind," "Bleeding Sheep," and "Bazaar" are my personal favorites.
Mitski - Be the Cowboy: The fifth album from the Brooklyn indie artist was released late last summer. It's my first encounter with her work. This album is indie pop with lots of electronic overtones, and in that way reminds me of artists from twenty years ago, though this definitely doesn't sound like music from that time. It's very moody, but also catchy, much like Aurora or Tina Dico, but with more indie rock instrumentation. "Why Didn't You Stop Me," "A Pearl," "Lonesome Love," "Remember My Name," and "Blue Light" are my personal favorites. 
Squeeze - Cool for Cats: The second album from the London New Wave band was released in 1979 and features perhaps their most iconic song, "Up the Junction." And being the earliest days of the genre, there is a lot clear punk influences on this record that remind me of early Adam Ant and even early The Cure.  This is a very enjoyable album that still sounds fresh and catchy. "The Knack," "Up the Junction," the rockabilly "Hop, Skip, and Jump," and "Goodbye Girl" are standouts for me on this essential album in the genre.  
Spidergawd - V: Released in January, this is the fifth album from the Norwegian hard rock band, but my first encounter with them. This is pretty much by the numbers stoner rock played by capable musicians, but it certainly isn't anything that blows you away. There are some great heavy riffs spread throughout the record and moments where it feels like it might explode into greatness, but never truly does. It reminds me of Monster Magnet in that way. "Whirlwind Rodeo" is the one song that really stood out for me. 
Jackie Washington - Jackie Washington at Club 47: There was no shortage of folk singers in the early '60s, but there were few African American ones. Jackie is from Boston and is certainly in that Dylan, Frank, Van Ronk mold of acoustic guitar and social consciousness lyrics, but there's a level of soul in his voice that makes this Vanguard folk artist. "It Isn't Nice," "Man of Constant Sorrow," "Loving Hannah," "Yaravi," and "Freedom Songs" are my personal favorites on this quality live folk album.

Fiction Friday (76)

It's time for another Fiction Friday and my thoughts on the book I've most recently finished reading. I've been working on a Middle Grade story and therefore have been finding myself drawn to Middle Grade fiction. I'm not entirely sure why it took seven years from the time I read the first Billy Bones until I picked this one up off the shelf, but it did...yet I'm glad to say it didn't take anything away from my enjoyment.
Billy Bones: The Road to Nevermore by Christopher Lincoln
(Little Brown, 2009)

While the first installment of Billy Bones read like a tight little mystery surrounding the secrets of the Afterlife and how they blend into the real world, this story reads like a quick adventure tale, steeped in the spookily entertaining setting of the Afterlife. The corruption of the bureaucratic Afterlife that was exposed in the first story comes back to haunt young Billy (now-human once again) and his cousin, the resourceful and brave Millicent. The children unexpectedly get caught up in a dastardly plot hatched by high ranking officials from the Lightside and Darkside. When Millicent is whisked away and held prisoner in the hidden shadow world of Nevermore, Billy must recruit the help of a few outlaw skeletons and take on the menacing Shadewick Gloom and his legion of evil creations before time on Earth unfreezes, leaving Millicent trapped forever.

There is a quirkiness to these books that I find really appealing, and unlike the mass number of books out there for younger middle grade boy readers (though it should be noted that this is certainly not a boy only book). It's imaginative, has plenty of thought provoking moments, and moves quickly from beginning to conclusion. It's a perfect primer for children not quite ready for slightly older dark fantasy and the vast worlds and casts of characters they bring.

Weekend Music Roundup!

The weekend has arrived, and after a week of being sick, I'm certainly ready to just lay back and listen to music. I caught a stomach virus this week that knocked me out of commission, but I still managed to get some drive time music listening in. Luckily, I have a bunch of albums waiting in the queue for their turn on the roundup, so there's still something to share with you all. It's mostly old stuff that I recently acquired and discovered, as well as one new release of old material. There's psych rock, jazz, folk and fusion on here. Enjoy.

Baby Grandmothers - Merkurius: Last year, the Swedish acid rock band which had been together only one year (from '67 to '68) reformed to record this album of songs from that time. A band reforming 51 years after originally disbanding, and having only archival releases in their catalog, is definitely something interesting, and perhaps something to be weary of. However, the band that rocked then, rocks just as hard today. The music sounds as tight as ever and this is definitely something that fans have been waiting for, and by that I mean a high quality recording of their legendary heavy pscyh songs. 
John Abercrombie - Timeless: The '75 debut album from technical jazz musician John Abercrombie is the sound of jazz evolving. Jazz fusion often gets a bad rep, but those people haven't heard this masterpiece that blends core jazz elements with elements of space rock and prog rock to create a record that moves from mellow to exciting and brings you back again. This has been a wonderful addition to the Sunday morning jazz rotation, and perfectly fits the bleakness of winter mornings.

Babe Ruth - Stealin' Home: The fourth album from the UK hard rock band was their second album released in 1975. Their '72 debut is one of those lost classics that is a must, this one is close to that, and far better than the other two that came between. It opens with the killer track "It'll Happen in Time" that captures their Zep style, but with a female vocalist, they resemble early Heart, which we know is also very Zep inspired. Lots of great heavy blues rock on here, including  "Fascination," "Say No More," and "Tomorrow (Joining the Day)".


Woody Guthrie - Woody Guthrie (Archive of Folk Music): Another pick up from the cheap bin was this 1965 archival release from one of America's greatest folk singers and storytellers. In the 40's, Guthrie was to music what Steinbeck was to the literary world, capturing the stories of the forgotten in America with his Dust Bowl ballads. His music would go on to influence the course of American folk music for decades, with Bob Dylan being his master student.

Thelonious Monk - Monk's Music: This iconic album from the iconic figure was released in '57 at the height of jazz cool in America. This album features Coleman Hawkins, Art Blakey, and John Coletrane, all favorite players of mine, making this a supergroup type of record. Everything comes together on these recordings, capturing what jazz does best...anticipation of the unexpected.

Minnesoda - Minnesoda: Released in '72, this is only official release by the band from Minneapolis. This is sort of fusion record that falls between psychedelic rock, prog, and jazz fusion. This record has solid groove that runs throughout. More upbeat and engaging then say, Caravan, or other early proggish bands. Not quite essential, but interesting. I found a copy in the 4 for $10 bin, and it was a good buy at that price. "Where's My Season," "Child's Play," and "Maggie" are my personal favorites.

War of Words

It's been a minute since I've written about politics, but given the State of Union speech having happened this week, and the looming threat of another shutdown, it seemed like a good time to ramble on about some of my recent thoughts regarding the political climate around here. I think it prudent that I point out that I am an unapologetic liberal, and that's because I think the role of government is to create a fair and even playing field for all, to hold accountable those who seek to exploit others, and to help those who need assistance. A government is the body that makes the rules, and I believe those rules should be designed to protect the needs of the many and the greater good.
In that pursuit, there are certainly differences in policy as to how best achieve those results. And there are arguments that can be made for each approach. For example, you could argue that free markets, less regulation, and lower taxes benefit the greater good by providing more jobs and prosperity and you'd be able to find a wealth of data to both support and contradict that position. However, the problem with that approach is that it must come with ways to safeguard other interests. You can't have that position without putting into play other policies that ensure that those moves steer you to the desired results, instead of steering you toward runaway corporate greed, environmental disaster, and outsourcing. These are the kinds of debates that an open diplomatic system would have. But our current discourse has become so divided that any debate instantly becomes an attack, attacks become insults, and meanwhile, the men (and sadly, it is mostly men) behind the curtain continue to manipulate everything for their own benefit...with our money.
A good example of this was Trump's attempted appeal to compromise. He told us that our Congress needed to compromise, but only if it still gives him exactly what he wants...a wall, and no investigations in potential crimes. Yeah, that's not how compromise works. The result is that both sides dig in even deeper.  
Every day, we're seeing a new Democrat announce his or her intent of becoming president. Most seem to be embracing the positions that are widely popular among the party...even if they have held other views in the past. Now, I'm not saying that people can't change their opinion on a subject. I know that I have many times in my life. But I see way too many politicians adopting positions that are politically convenient. These are not the people who are going to be able to change things. Things get changed not by those who seek what is convenient, but by those who are passionate. And I think this is exactly why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez both excites those who agree with her and terrifies those who disagree. 
I'm going to use her to bring the discussion back around to discourse. She has been making sensible, reasoned arguments for things like money in politics, tax reform, and climate policy. And rather than discuss the policies, or attempt to refute her positions, those who oppose have taken simply to insulting her, insinuating that she isn't intelligent, or that she's too young doesn't know what she's talking about. 
It is up to all of us to examine issues, research them, consider them...not just listen to what the pundits want us to believe. Just because they keep saying there is a crisis on the border, just because they send troops there, doesn't mean it exists. And even it did, it doesn't mean a wall is a solution. There are no easy solutions to problems. Don't be fooled by them. Engage with open minds and open hearts and solutions are possible.