Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears – Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is!
August 23rd, 2010 | by Kelly Scott | published in blues, soul | 1 comment
What we have with Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is! is a core rattling, quick and dirty infection. Echoing seminal artists Otis Redding and James Brown, Lewis and his band survive comparisons by coughing up the grit and raw glamour that set the classics on fire.
June 15th, 2010 | by b aiken | published in alternative, blues, jazz, pop | 1 comment
A metro area local, Alex Vans is a guitarist/singer/songwriter who, according to lore, has attempted and failed at engaging in deviant liaisons with at least 7 different members of Congress. A bungle in sexual policymaking, perhaps, but what Vans lacks in “Hill Climbing” skill, he more than makes up for with his musical chops.
The Booze – Rebirth of the Cool
June 14th, 2010 | by b aiken | published in blues, garage, rock | 2 comments
Its not a big band, big sound, nor does it leave a big impression. But, and thats a big but, I’m recommending it. It just sounds right.
The Dead Weather – Sea of Cowards
June 9th, 2010 | by Taylor Fife | published in blues | 2 comments
The entire album continues on in a flurry of distortion, guitar virtuosity, and songwriting craftsmanship. Every song is a fist-pumping anthem that will get your body involuntarily moving (in a good way). While not as musically groundbreaking as other Jack White projects, or even the previous Dead Weather release, this album is serious fun and about as perfect for rocking out as it can get.
Preview: The Black Keys – Brothers
April 25th, 2010 | by el gringo rico | published in blues, indie rock, psychedelic | 17 comments
I suspect Keys enthusiasts like myself will have one of two reactions to the album: 1) (akin to my reaction) “But I was expecting more classic Keys!!! All I want to hear are ripping guitar solos and drums until my ears bleed.” or 2) “They had to make this album. They had to move on. They didn’t want to fall into the classic trap that musicians all too often fall into.
Justin Jones – The Little Fox EP
April 11th, 2010 | by el gringo rico | published in americana, blues, folk, indie rock, washington, dc | 4 comments
If you (like I) find yourself too often bogged down with an over-saturation of abstract indie-electro-synth-hop-pop, Justin Jones just might be your remedy. Especially on a rainy day. His relentless screams for satisfaction will leave you relating to him just enough to want to hear more. Keep it up Justin.
Citizen Cope – The Rainwater LP
March 14th, 2010 | by el gringo rico | published in blues, folk-rock, funk | 3 comments
Citizen Cope (or Clarence Greenwood and co.) isn’t exactly indie music. If anything, the band’s second album “The Clarence Greenwood Recordings” launched them into relative mainstream pop success. Songs like “Sun’s gonna rise” and “Bullet and a Target” remain anthems for many a bar, night club, or sorority girl IPOD. Nonetheless, I admit I always enjoyed the hell out of Citizen Cope and was particularly surprised when I found out that for The Rainwater LP, they passed up a major record label and decided to launch independently. He passed up the big bucks for an independent release, something we at IndieShuffle commend, right? Therefore, by definition, “Rainwater” is an indie album, and not too shabby of one either.
South Memphis String Band – Home Sweet Home
March 13th, 2010 | by Taylor Fife | published in bluegrass, blues, folk | 2 comments
This supergroup, comprised of Alvin Youngblood Hart (Grammy Winning Bluesman), Jimbo Mathus (Squirrel Nut Zippers), and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars, The Black Crowes), masterfully channel jug bands of the past with expertise, passion, and giant helping of jamming soul. There doesn’t seem to be a jug player, but like any good skiffle or string group, the band features mandolin, banjo, and guitar, with touches of kazoo, fife, harmonica, washboard, and other simple percussion.
Left Lane Cruiser – All You Can Eat!
February 4th, 2010 | by el gringo rico | published in blues, garage, punk | 1 comment
Grab your whiskey and get ready to rage. I’ve never heard a more powerful and gritty blues rock duo than these guys. Left Lane Cruiser is a two man outfit out of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. They’re a couple of thrashers that can play the hell out of some punkesque garage blues. Think along the lines of a possessed Black Keys, Jack White without his cute peppermint outfits, or even ole’ R.L. Burnside fresh off divorcing his sixth wife and a four day bender. These guys don’t F around.
The Black Belles – What Can I Do?
January 29th, 2010 | by b aiken | published in blues, female vocalists, garage | 2 comments
This might sound a little too much like the Stripes for some, but I for one can’t get enough of the simple kick drum smashing backed by some textured electro-organ, crunchy guitar, and female vocals. I can’t say too much more regarding this sound or album, because a) its just a two-track single, and b) this damn band is an enigma.
