Brian James's Blog, page 31

Americrisis

Today's stunning Op-Ed in the New York Times is troubling for so many reasons. First and foremost, it supports the claim that the sane majority has believed for two years, that we have a president completely unqualified and unable to perform the job. On a daily basis, we see an executive branch that continues to tear away at the foundations of our democracy and puts the person of the president before the good of the nation. 
But the article is troubling on another level, and that pertains to the potential of such an inside obstructionist agenda within the White House. This person is NOT helping, as he or she suggests. If he or she truly feel this way, then resign and speak out and speak loudly. Whether we like it or not, Donald Trump was elected president, not this unidentified person. The actions detailed in this Op-Ed are the kind that allow Trump to fuel his dictator rhetoric of a Deep State working against him and can be used as an excuse that the entirety of the government is corrupt and thwarting the will of the people and thereby gives him not other choice but to seize more power. This is how democracies become dictatorships. 

Weekend Music Roundup

Welcome to the long holiday weekend! This week I'm rounding up some new releases that I've recently got around to listening to, as well as some reissues and discoveries. I've been spending a lot of time recently listening to some of my vast CD collection that has been neglected of late, spinning some old gems that I'd forgotten about to some extent. I'm not going to bore you with reviews of old albums here, but needless to say, it pays to go back now and then to discover the things you've loved from the past. Enjoy.
Low - Double Negative: The first album in three years from the legendary slowcore band is more drone than some of their recent efforts. The bass is soooo heavy on this that levels need to be adjusted to prevent it from sounding like muddle. This weight, mixed with the fragile dream like beauty that they are known for, has a great effect. As usual, this is an album meant to be taken as a whole, but that said, a few standout tracks for me are "Fly," "Always Up," "Always Trying to Work It Out," and "Dancing and Fire."
The Mind Garage - The Mind Garage: The 1969 debut from the West Virginian psychedelic band is a great example of the genre from that time. It has the same feel as bands from the San Fran area of the time. With an ethereal garage quality to these tracks, it's sure to appeal to fans of other lesser known psychedelic bands from the late '60s and early '70s. It's one of those albums that serves as a soundtrack for lazy sunny days.
Oh Sees - Smote Reverser: The newest offering from the prolific San Fran psychedelic garage band (Thee Oh Sees) is one of their wilder ones, which is saying a lot. This is a bit heavier than their typical albums, which is nice to hear. It reminds me of a more garage rock version of Tame Impala. I prefer the more structure songs than the longer ramblings, but this is definitely one of their more complete works to date. "Enrique El Cobrador," "C," "Sentient Oona," and "Moon bag" are my personal favorites.  
The Remains - Live 1969: The Boston garage rock band released one album in 1966 and it is considered one of the nuggets of the psychedelic garage rock genre. This live album was just released and features many of the song from their album as well as a slew of cover songs, as was the tradition back then. The band is tight and full of energy on this almost proto-punk record featuring great covers of "All Day and All of the Night," "Like a Rolling Stone," and "La Bamba/Empty Heart" medley. The original "Why Do I Cry" is a true gem. Good stuff, this.
Mazzy Star - Still EP: The first release in four years from the L.A. based dream pop legends includes three new songs and reworking of a classic tune from their '93 album, So Tonight That I Might See. The band has never had a big range, focusing instead on what they do best, which is to create dreamscapes that are haunting and soothing at the same time. This completely felt like outtakes from their heyday, which definitely appeals to me. It doesn't explore any new territory, but fans in search of more material will be happy.

Fiction Friday (72)

So the long weekend is about to begin and I'm starting it off by beginning to read a new book thanks to having finished the most recent one I was working on. This was a book given to me, something I always a little nervous about, but the idea of little elephant was irresistible. I began it immediately, and was rewarded by a good story by an author I was unfamiliar with, which is always exciting. 

Elefant by Martin Suter
(4th Estate, 2018)

This is the story of a genetically engineered elephant and the people who seek to profit from her existence, as well as those seeking to protect her from them. It starts a little slow, but as the two timelines of the story converge, the story becomes engrossing as it examines the trappings of success and the pressure to succeed. Disguised as a semi-thriller, this is really a book that takes a look at bigger issues like the moral implications of genetic engineering, the role of God, and the way people deal with troubling events in their past. The common thread that weaves through these themes is the tiny miracle elephant that glows in the dark. 
Well written and excellently executed pacing. I felt the characters were a little flat, or not so much flat as they were pretty standard in their views and range. They didn't feel like new and interesting people. That said, I really enjoyed this book, just felt that the writing could have been more profound. However, given that for nearly two decades, I've been wishing for "a really little elephant", this was probably the perfect book for somebody to give me.

Weekend Music Roundup

After a weekend away due to a brief trip the sea shore, the Roundup is back. This week's list includes a few new releases that I'd been looking forward to, some that met expectations and others that were slightly disappointing for me. Most rock on here, old, new, and everything in between. Next week there will be more new releases that I've been making my way through, but in the meantime, find something to listen to and, as always, enjoy.
The Growlers - Casual Acquaintances: The sixth album from the psychedelic garage band out of L.A. comes out this September and, like their other work, it's pretty fantastic. I never noticed before the vocal similarities to Tom Petty, but they are there, though musically, this isn't Petty, it's a wonderful blend of garage rock and psychedelic rock, a sub-genre that seems to flourish out there on the left coast. 
nazz - nazz: The 1968 debut from the Philadelphia pysch garage band is one of those albums that bridges the sound of '60s and the harder sound that would follow in the '70s. It holds some resemblance to The Stooges debut, except where the Stooges sound would lead to punk, this leads to harder rock. This is a band I've been really getting into lately and happily picked up a near mint copy of this on vinyl a little while back. Absolutely fantastic stuff, this.
The Jayhawks - Back Roads and Abandoned Motels: Two years after their glorious return, the legendary Americana indie band returns with this album, which doesn't stray far from the sound they've established over the course of 20+ years, yet doesn't reach the heights of the last album. This album felt a little to 70's soft rock influenced for my taste, though I admit to enjoying that sound at times. This was an enjoyable album, just one that didn't leave a lasting impression.
Melody's Echo Chamber - Bon Voyage: The second album from the neo-psychedelic art pop artist is one that has been great buzz on the places I follow, so I took a chance. This is one of those crazy genre bending kind of albums that throws everything in the way a lot remix or trip-hop albums would. I definitely enjoy the many different influences and the way they all come together. It certainly explains the love it's getting, because there is something here for everyone. It's less of an album of individual songs, more of a art piece. Worth checking out.

Ulver - Childhood's End: This 2012 double album from the diverse and prolific Norwegian band is a covers album that sees the experimental psych band take on lost psych songs from the late 60's. It doesn't attempt to completely re-invent these tracks into something new, but translates them enough to make them unique. Being quite familiar with the genre, there were still some unknown tracks for me to discover, and some old favorites to re-enjoy.

Hammer - Hammer: The one and only album from this San Fran heavy prog band was released in '71 and I found it the other weekend on vinyl. Being from the Bay area, there's a definite hippy vibe to their brand of hard rock, and vocally there is a kinship with Joe Cocker that is nice to hear. There is a pleasant lightness to this record, despite what the title might suggest. "Hot and Cold," "Sad Song, Happy Song" and "Pains and Tears" are my favorites on an album with a solid groove.

The Art of Letting Go

Mowgli Rockefeller BoJangles, Major Tom Hotpants  (aka. Sir Captain Hopscotch)

You came to us,
           a few short weeks after we lost our other cat.

You came to us from out of the woods
          and we called you Mowgli.

You wanted nothing from us but our affection,
         which you returned tenfold.

You came to us, skinny . . lost . . all ears and paws.

You came to us, our handsome cat-man.

For nine years, you followed me around,
     screaming at me until I sat down
          because a lap was the only home you ever wanted.

You slept under the covers, or at the foot of the bed.
You slept with my arm wrapped around you,
           your head on my pillow.
You woke me early in the morning when you wanted fed.

You showed us your big paw when you were happy,
       with a regal purr and clip-clop claws.
   The looks you gave . . melted all pain away.

Your sickness came quick,
                   caught us unprepared.

Your energy dwindled and your hunger left,
                  but your love remained until the end.

Our hearts have a place for you that will never be filled,
     but we are forever grateful for the time with us that you spent.

Weekend Music Roundup

The first weekend in the last month of the summer! Thank goodness, because I'm melting in this heat. But that's always a good time to find some relief in music. This week is mostly new-ish releases with two older albums that I picked up in the last several weeks. Wide range of music as well, so hopefully there's something here that you might find worthwhile. Enjoy.
The Vines - In Miracle Land: The Australian band's first album in four years is their seventh since they splashed onto the garage rock revival scene 16 years ago. I've dutifully followed each new release in that time span and over the years they've evolved from the Nirvana-esque band of by-gone days into a kind of hybrid of Nirvana and Oasis, which, any regular readers of the Roundup will know, are two of my favorite bands. So what does that combination sound like? Much like their wonderful last album, a kind of throwback 60's psychedelic pop mixed with aggressive garage rock. The result works wonderfully on this album.
John Lennon - The Lost Lennon Tapes Volume Two: I've had this extensive bootleg series digitally for some time and finally came across one of the vinyl pressings recently. It happened to be of one of the better volumes and I snatched it up. These demos span most of Lennon's career, including some from the Beatles era. It was a radio broadcast series done between '88 and '92. Now I just need to find the other thirty or so, and the vinyl collection will be complete.  
Morcheeba - Blaze Away: The first album in five years from the London trip-hop outfit is the band's ninth album in a career that spans over 20 years. Not much has changed as these songs continue to focus on a mellow soulful groove that, as the title might suggest, are the perfect soundtrack for a certain state of mind. "It's Summertime," "Sweet L.A.," "Find Another Way," and the title track are my favorites.
Count Basie - Basie Land: Released in the productive height of his career, this 1964 album from the New Jersey native is text book Big Band at it's best. This was a recent $1 bin find at the local shop, and I rarely turn away jazz records in great condition from the $1 bin. I'm not a jazz snob in the way that I'm a snob in other genres. Perhaps it because I'm not a musician and don't hear the tiny differences that drive others nuts. Or perhaps I simply can get into any jazz groove when I'm in a jazz mood. Another dynamite find for my increasingly swelling jazz section.

Jonathan Davis - Black Labyrinth: The first solo album from Korn singer Jonathan Davis doesn't stray too far from the band's identifiable sound. In many ways, this feels like a Korn album, but it's less ambitious in many ways, and less intricate. The thing that I've always enjoyed about Korn is the dynamic song structure and the fury that seethes under the surface. That seems to be missing on these songs, and Davis' voice is subtle enough to portray the kind of emotion that these songs seem to demand. Not unworthy of a listen or two, but not essential. "Everyone," "Basic Needs," "What It Is," and "What You Believe" are standout tracks.

The Fragility of Time

We got some tough news this past week...Mr. Mowgli Rockefeller BoJangles Major Tom Hotpants (aka Sir Captain Hopscotch), our loving catman, hasn't been quite himself of late. He's an older cat, and he had grown less active and less hungry over the summer. After being diagnosed with a thyroid condition and given medication, he improved slightly. But last week, things got more dramatic. He started eating less and less, and was getting thinner and thinner. He was sleeping in a closet, or under a chair where he's never slept before, and wasn't seeking our affection. 
When we took him to the vet, they ran some tests, which all came back negative. Then they did a chest x-ray...and that's when we got the bad news. A tumor occupies a good portion of his one lung, and it has been taking most of his energy to breathe, which is why he wasn't eating. There is nothing they can really do. They gave him a steroid shot...which has brought him back to his old self, or at least as close to it as he's been all summer. But it's just a matter of time at this point. 
After a lot of crying came the acceptance that this is the long goodbye. With the time we have left, I'm going to do my best to give him all the attention I can and shower him with the same intense love he's always showed us. In some ways the long goodbye is better, but in some ways it's harder. 

Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend has arrived! My music ramblings this week span quite a few genres. Most of what is listed here are new releases, though there are two albums from the past represented as they were new listens/ acquisitions to the collection. There's some folk, some garage rock, Americana, dream pop, and hard rock to check out. A couple of nice surprises here that I just stumbled across. Hopefully you'll have some time in these dog days of summer to find new music too. Enjoy.
Jim James - Uniform Distortion: The newest solo album from My Morning Jacket singer is his third and follows 2016's fantastic Eternally Even. Having loved his previous solo records, I was eagerly looking forward to this album. I had hoped for another neo-psych voyage as unforgettable as his last record, but this one is different. Certainly more in-line with My Morning Jacket's link to Americana roots, this has more of blues inspired country feel. Once I got over it not being what I'd hoped for, this album really grew on me. "Throwback," "Yes to Everything," and "Over and Over" are standouts for me. 
Dead Moon - Trash and Burn: Throughout the '90s, this Oregon garage rock band was steadily releasing albums, all of which unnoticed by me and those in the circles I ran with. Over the past eight months, I've become a huge fan and am still astounded as to how this band never crossed my path. This is one of the band's last albums, there was one released after, and being from 2000, takes on more a garage rock feel, a sound which would dominate the indie scene in the coming years. It once again shows this band was a good 5-10 years ahead of the trend. I can't recommend this band enough. They are one that certainly deserved and deserves a larger audience. 
Suburban Dirts - I Want Blood: The third album from the UK Americana band is one that really grew on me during the course of the album. The opening tracks were pretty standard alt-country, though well-done, but as the album progresses, it continues to get deeper and more unique. There is a great mix of strings and guitar, and some wonderfully darker tunes like "The Hunt." Other great tracks of "This Ain't No Place Like Home," "The Sadness," and "Where There's a Will." There are two great children's choir tracks that really add to the album. 
Rain Devil - The Joyful Apocalypse: The debut album from the Washington state heavy rock band is a solid effort. Taking influence from other bands of the north west like Soundgarden and Alice in Chains, this is post-grunge stoner rock that hits all the right notes. This is angry heavy metal that is based in blues. A great debut and I can't wait to hear more from them. "Caravan of the Dead," "Drag Me Away," "My Own Hell" and the title track are standouts.
Grouper - Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill: Released in 2008, this is my first taste of the ambient dream pop artist from Oregon. It borrows heavily from the sound that developed a decade before, blending ambient with shoegaze to create a dreamscape atmosphere that is ethereal yet engaging. All of the songs kind of blend together, which isn't surprising given that this genre has always been about mood and not about individual songs. This is the kind of eerie album that I think makes a great soundtrack for a grey autumn day. "Heavy Water/ I'd Rather Be Sleeping," and "A Cover Over" are my personal favorites. 

Fiction Friday (71)

Having a week long vacation two weeks ago, gave me some time to do some recreational reading and I took advantage of the time to read Colin Meloy's newest novel, which I've been wanting to read for several months. I was expecting another fantasy themed story like he Wildwood trilogy, but was treated with a realistic, if somewhat magical, tale of a boy trying to find his place in the world.
The Whiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid by Colin Meloy
(Balzer + Bray, 2017)

After the display of brilliant imagination that is the Wildwood Chronicles, I couldn't wait to read Colin Meloy's newest novel. Shockingly, I had a hard time tracking this one down. I hate buying books online, and would much rather support a small store...though I also had ordering. I like discovering it. Finally I couldn't wait any longer and had to borrow it from the library (on Inter-Library Loan, since my library didn't have it either...I know, I checked).

This is a very different type of book than Wildwood. It's realistic and not fantasy, though wondrous at times. It's set in a distinct time period, 1960's France. It follows a likable, budding young writer, named Charlie who has had trouble finding his place in the world, being left by his eccentric mother only to be moved around often with his diplomat father. It isn't until he meets a bang of child pickpockets that he begins to discover himself. But is his discovery simply another illusion of  the Whiz Mob?

A fast pace story that meanders a bit in the first half and middle. It didn't truly grab me until just past the half way point, and from there on, it is incredibly rewarding. There's enough intrigue and plot twists to keep this from being predictable or formulaic. The last 30 pages or so are remarkable, and to be honest, I which the story had spent more time at the School of the Seven Bells, and less on the coast of France.

Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend has arrived! This week I put together a selection of new releases, but included an older album that I recently discovered. I've been in an exploratory period of late, trying to rediscover some things that I've loved in the past, and seeing what direction those sounds have taken recently. There's some quality stuff on here, but keep in mind that it was an exploration and sometimes you find treasure, and sometimes less so. Hope you find some treasure on here. Enjoy.

The Charlatans - Totally Eclipsing: The new EP from the 90s Britpop band continues their comeback which dates of the previous two years. These four songs come closer to capturing their hey day, with jangle guitars and sugary vocals that come together to create a sound that is retro, but not boring. The title track is fantastic, and one of their best songs. It's always nice to hear a band being able to keep their sound and style going strong so long after the world has seemed to stop caring. Fans should collect this one, it's a keeper.
Bang - Mother/ Bow to the King: The second album from the Philadelphia heavy psych band was released in 1972 and is a powerhouse of the genre. The emergence of metal can be heard on this album, which falls somewhere between Zeppelin and Sabbath, with Gilmour-esqe guitar work. "Humble," "Keep On," "Tomorrow," and "Bow to the King" are standout tracks on this great lost album. Definitely worth checking out for fans of the genre. If you ever come across it, you won't be disappointed if you chose to pick it up. 
Woodwolf - Golden Road: The debut album from the Quebec rock duo is straight blues based hard rock. On their Bandcamp site, they list Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors as influences, and you can certainly hear all three of those bands on this record. It's a respectable tribute to those bands, though I must say it lacks the kind of magic those three bands had, but there are glimpses of greatness on tracks like "Desperate Way," "Flower of Life," and "Coldest Days." 
Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs - Clippety Clop: It's been 10 years since this alt country outfits debut, so it's fitting that their 10th album comes near that anniversary. I've followed Holly's work ever since her duet on the The White Stripes "Elephant" album 15 years ago. This is another fine release of country inspired indie rock. Nothing earth shattering on this album of horse themed songs, but certainly capable for the genre. "Mule Skinner," "Horses in the Mines," "Pinto Pony," and "Kill Grey Mule" are standouts. 

Nas - Nasir: The Queensbridge legend returns with his first album in six years. As has always been the case, Nas doesn't shy away from telling things as he sees them. Sure, he's full of bravado, but somewhat rightfully so given his accomplishments and skills. But despite a level of arrogance, there exists a level of humility on these verses that is absent from other rappers like Kayne. Like a lot of hip-hop I've been hearing these days, there seems to be a return to the 90's east coast sound, which suits me just find. "Everything," "Cops," "Not for Radio" and "Adam and Eve" are standouts on a fine album. 
Vandoliers - The Native: This debut from the Texas alt country band was just released and it is similar to other alt country bands like Lucero and a little bit of early Melloncamp. There's definitely a blue grass influence to their uptempo country music and a nice scratchy drawl to the vocals that I enjoy. It has the innocence of a debut record that I always enjoy. "Rain Dance," "Bluebonnet Highway," and the title track are my personal favorites.