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June 10, 2012

“I will try and know whatever I try, I will be gone but not forever”

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Pickwick Cataldo
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Cumulus ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

The real truth about it is no one gets it right The real truth about it is we’re all supposed to try

- “Farewell Transmission”

For those who gathered on stage and off Tuesday night at The Barboza to honor the contributions that Jason Molina has made to all of our lives, the feeling in the room was distinctly different from nearly every benefit show I’ve attended. Those that I spoke with almost all had a personal story to relate about what Molina’s music meant to them, or having met the man himself in past years. He and his bands have provided inspiration for so many, and for many others at a critical time in our lives his songs were an indication that we were not alone in our deepest of miseries.

I walked in on Bellingham’s Keaton Collective tearing through a set of Magnolia Electric Company jams, the three electric guitars ably matching the density of the original songs. Someone remarked that the covers up to this point had been pretty straight. I responded that though that might be so, and as much as we’re drawn to his lyrical output, for over a decade Molina has been also cultivating a muscular guitar-driven aesthetic that at least to my mind wasn’t simply a retread of the previous three decades. That the Keaton Collective were reverently flexing their own muscles in this way felt right. As the night went on though, bands who weren’t equipped with all those axes began taking more liberties to customize their covers while still meeting the substance of the songs head on.

Prior to Cataldo’s set, benefit organizer Mark Baumgarten related that he’d received a call the day before, and that none other than Molina himself was on the end of the line wanting to send his appreciation for everyone’s concern and efforts. Then the reading of a message of assurance and thanks that Molina had later posted to Facebook marked a public acknowledgement of our concern that amounted to a strange moment of triumph and a lifting of the spirits in the room that I’ve never experienced at a benefit show like this. I think everyone just wanted to know Jason was okay, and now we do.

The generally acoustic Cataldo appropriately seized the energy of the moment, lead singer Eric Anderson at times bouncing around on stage and singing with more grit than we ever see from his mellow acoustic pop outfit. Their chosen four songs represented a batch of what I think are some of Molina’s most iconic in both sound and state of mind. The opening duo of “The Dark Don’t Hide It” into “Doing Something Wrong” are two of my all-time favorites, and when sung by Anderson it seemed like they could’ve been written by him and come from the same cycle of songs as his most recent record Prison Boxing (Sound on the Sound’s #4 Best Northwest Record of 2011). Closing with “Farewell Transmission” Cataldo delivered the song of the night, in that moment fully transforming from a subtle pop band into psych experimentalists.

Headliner Pickwick’s two songs were both deep cuts they’d reworked, and by their treatment you’d never know they were a soul band. Still present was the dark cloud, but they’d taken liberties and were going full on psych, a lot like they did for a Damien Jurado cover earlier this year. Their first song saw almost the entire band in a percussion role and getting weird, working on a throbbing rhythm with wood block and cowbell for the entire length. After telling a nice story about how Molina’s music brought this band closer together, the night’s closer of “Pyramid Electric Company” saw the six going on a full on acid trip (see the video of the story and the song below) channeling something like a Fear of Music era David Byrne and Co doing “Memories Can’t Wait.” They keep warning me that their new record won’t be quite like what anyone expects. Their approach to this song is the strongest indicator of that impending change yet.

A huge thanks goes to Mark Baumgarten for making this happen. It was a night for the ages. A full setlist of songs is below the fold.

 

 

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Cumulus ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

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Mark Baumgarten reads a message from Jason Molina himself ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

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Cataldo ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

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Jason Dodson ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

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Ben Fisher ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

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Cumulus and Ben Fisher ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

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Pickwick ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

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Pickwick ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

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June 4, 2012

In Tribute to Jason Molina this Tuesday at Barboza

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Pickwick Cataldo
molinabenefit

 

Under what I wish were better circumstances a group of Seattle musicians is doing what they can to help a fellow songwriter by singing his songs. Known as Songs:Ohia, Magnolia Electric Company, Pyramid Electric Company or simply as Jason Molina, since 1997 with the support of Secretly Canadian Molina’s been pursuing his own vision of American music, often working with Steve Albini and sometimes releasing multiple records in a year. A few years back his band Magnolia Electric Co. lost it’s bassist to a house fire, and following a tour in his honor this previously prolific figure essentially wasn’t heard from since. In the time that’s past folks have learned of Molina retreating from view to recover his own well-being.

As a close follower of his music, it’s certainly no surprise to me that Molina is no stranger to struggle. Songs:Ohia and his voice therein is a document of tortured soul, one searching for meaning among pain. As I explored my own internal turmoil along with him over the course of years, I learned many of these songs myself singing alone in my bedroom, and as a result to this day I probably know more Jason Molina songs on guitar than any other single artist. If I still feel his songs deeply in my bones, I rarely ever play those songs with the fervor I used to. Though that time of struggle is largely past for me, it’s not yet for Molina himself.

Hearing of Molina’s situation local music scholar and scribe Mark Baumgarten (seen his Song Show or his new K Records History?) gathered local musicians with a similar reverence and this Tuesday June 5th at Barboza are saluting Molina’s career and sending all proceeds to his medical fund. We’re pleased to see a bevy of familiar faces among the lineup including Pickwick and Cataldo.

Tickets are $8 ahead of time online, or $10 at the door.

May 16, 2011

Why We’ll Be in Ballard All Day on Friday: KEXP

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David Bazan Shabazz Palaces Zoe Muth KEXP

 

Country Dave Harmoson of the Lost High Rollers ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

 

 

KEXP is giving Seattle residents a mighty fine reason, lots of them actually, to set up camp in Ballard early Friday morning and stay all day and all night. During their last pledge drive it was Ballard who came through in the clutch, donating more than any other neighborhood and to celebrate, KEXP is throwing an all-day party that we can all enjoy, even if 98107 isn’t our zip code.

We’ll see you bright and early for Dave Bazan’s 7am at The Sunset … you’ll bring the coffee, right?

Live Broadcast from the Sunset Tavern (6:00am-9:00pm):

7:00am – David Bazan 9:00am – Yuni In Taxco 11:00am – Point Juncture, WA 1:00pm – Buffalo Tom 3:00pm – Joan As Police Woman 5:00pm – Shabazz Palaces 6:30pm – The Black Crabs 8:30pm – Marshall Scott Warner

With live DJ sets from John Richards, Cheryl Waters, Kevin Cole & Shake the Shack with Dr. Leon Berman. This event is free, open to the public and all-ages.

Afternoon Acoustic Performances at Cupcake Royale

2:30pm – Jason Dodson of The Maldives 4:00pm – Eric Elbogen of Say Hi 5:30pm – BOAT

Featured Evening Showcases at Various Ballard Venues

The Sunset Tavern – 9:30pm / 21+ / $8 Public /$6 KEXP Donors

Point Juncture, WA Joshua Morrisson Yuni In Taxco Hosted by KEXP’s DJ Tim

Tractor Tavern – 9:30pm / 21+ / $10 Public / $8 for KEXP Donors

The Cops STAG The Golden Blondes The Chasers

A Benefit for Keith Bartoloni of Hazelwood, hosted by KEXP’s Hannah Levin & Kurt Bloch

Conor Byrne – 9pm / 21+ / $8 Public / $6 KEXP Donors

Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers [Two Sets] Ghosts I’ve Met

Hosted by Kurt Reighley & Hans

KEXP DJ’s Spinning at Various Ballard Drinking Establishments

Hazelwood – DJ Mr. West: 8pm – 10pm (FREE)

BalMar – Bike to Work Day After Party with Wo’ Pop, Darek Mazzone and DJ Rhythma: 5pm – 8pm (FREE)

Ocho – Quilty 3000: 9pm – 11pm (FREE)

Portalis Wine Shop & Bar: Larry Rose, DJ Shani – 8pm – 11pm (FREE)

Hattie’s Hat: Greg Vandy (Guest Barender from 5 to 8pm), Don Slack & Marji Makers DJing 8-10pm (FREE)

January 27, 2011

The Best of BARE II: The Maldives – “Wildflowers” (Tom Petty Cover)

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I swear, Sound on the Sound is not turning into an All-Tom-Petty-All-The-Time blog. Just for today, apparently.

Perhaps inspired by their friend’s new Petty themed band, The Maldives chose “Wildflowers,” a 1994 Petty penned song for one of their performances at last weeks BARE. And since today is apparently all about Petty confessions, I have to admit “Wildflowers” is my favorite Tom Petty song. (Which considering I proved last night that I know all the words to his biggest hits, is saying something indeed.) With The Maldives’ core vocal trio of Jason Dodson, Seth Warren and Kevin Barrans performing Wildflowers acapella, I had a chance to see one of my favorite bands put a new spin on one of my favorite songs. That’s the epitome of the best a cover song can be, in my mind, so this performance was easily one of my favorites from the night.

September 1, 2010

Is The Maldives Newest Song Their Best?

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Last week we shared two new Maldives songs with you as part of the inaugural Doe Bay Session and today we’re happy to share another with you courtesy of KEXP at No Depression Fest.

We were treated to a similar acoustic solo rendition of the brand new song after filming The Maldives Doe Bay Session, but Jason asked us not to film it. We are so glad he changed his mind and let KEXP capture it. Around our picnic table at Doe Bay, a small audience sat silently stunned after he finished the delicate tune, before erupting in hoots, hollers and whistles. For a moment, we were dumbfounded by what we’d just heard … was it possible that The Maldives and Jason Dodson’s best songs are yet to come? All signs point to yes and “Muscle for the Wing” is a strong contender for the best thus far.

Take a listen for yourself and then see the band perform this Saturday at 3:00 on the Starbucks Stage (see: Mural Amphitheater) during Bumbershoot.

August 19, 2010

Start Your No Depression Fest Early

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prefesthoot

If you like a little beard with your banjo or just great American Roots music, you’ll be out at Marymoor Park this Saturday for the 2nd Annual No Depression Festival. Featuring sets by Lucinda Williams and The Swell Season, as well as local favorites like The Cave Singers, Sera Cahoone and The Maldives it’s going to be an afternoon of Americana delight.

So much so, there’s no reason to keep your celebrating and pickin’ down to one day. The No Depression Fest gets an early kick off tonight with a DJ set by No Depression community manager and contributor Kim Ruehl at what just so happens to be my favorite coffee shop and saloon: Watertown. Kim will start spinning records at 7pm on. The party continues tomorrow night with a Pre-Fest Hoot at The Sunset Tavern featuring solo sets by Mark Pickerel, Jason Dodson (of the Maldives), Zoe Muth, Kevin Large (Widower), Betsy Olson and many more. Take our advice and make No Depression a 3 night event, instead of just one, you won’t regret it.

You can prepare yourself for the weekend by downloading a free 26-Track Fest Sampler.

January 18, 2010

The Round 56

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The Maldives The Moondoggies Zoe Muth Fremont Abbey The Round

Kevin and Jason ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

Last Tuesday the 56th edition of The Round packed the Fremont Abbey to the gills, featuring some of Seattle’s foremost poets, a painter working throughout the night, and for this Round, three of the more notable names out of our area’s burgeoning Americana-slash-Country scene. The Moondoggies Kevin Murphy and the Maldives Jason Dodson guested on each others songs and after the intermission they jointly played medley of songs from a side-project they’ve been fronting called Cosmic Panther Land Band (see the video below). Zoe Muth brought along her mandolin player Ethan, who took the opportunity to guest on just about every song of the night.

Other than the Cosmic Panther Land Band material, my favorite group of the songs night from the night came from the Moondoggies Murphy. He played two new songs he said were just recorded for the next Moondoggies LP, including a stunning rendition of “Empress of the North” to start off the night. My favorite song of the night I don’t think I’d heard before and he intro’d it by saying “I don’t know if I’m ever going to doing anything with this song. But it exists.” It began “When you’re young, you think you’re better off…” Please do something with it Kevin. Afterward, Murphy who still get’s a bit wound up before performing in front of people (even after some time now fronting the Moondoggies), said that he was just finding his groove when it was time to end, and was ready to go for another couple hours. I was ready too. If only.

Watch a clip of the Cosmic Panther Land Band medley below the fold. And get thyself to a Round. The next one is a Valentines edition happening on February 13th at the Fremont Abbey, with Benjamin Verdoes of Mt. St. Helens Vietnam band and a string quartet, two painters, and a slam poet.

 

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December 28, 2009

A New Year’s Eve Round in Tacoma

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the new years round


Tacoma, here I come?