Tonight’s Monday night bill at Tractor is unmissable for local alt-country fans, and maybe country fans too. Justin Townes Earle (yes, son of Steve) is just leaning into the beginning of a nationwide tour in support of his new record Midnight at the Movies, and with emerging Chicagoan Joe Pug in support, tonight should be glorious for fans of classic country. That being said, nothing about these two gentlemen’s music sounds aged.

Though his father’s musical legacy is inescapable, Justin Townes Earle is most certainly making his own name on the strength of his modern cowboy outlook and his uncanny synthesis of modern and traditional country music. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have an unconditional love for Bob Wills and his kin, and Midnight at the Movies has me thinking back to that music, music I haven’t turned on in probably a decade, and yet still immensely appreciate. Along side that are cuts like “Halfway to Jackson” and title cut “Midnight at the Movies”, showing his mastery of both traditional blues and modern country pop at the same time.

MP3: “What I Mean to You” by Justin Townes Earle from Midnight at the Movies courtesy of Bloodshot Records

Almost in contradiction of his representation of the freedom of being unencumbered cowboy, Justin Townes Earle was recently named one of GQ’s most fashionable men of 2010, among names like Jay-Z, Robert Pattinson, David Beckham, and Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki. Even a free-wheeling guy who can’t be caged has gotta look good right?

Joe PUG (@joepug) is also supporting a new record, titled Messengerwhich comes out tomorrow. He’s more of a singer-songwriter with folk leanings, but an accomplished songwriter, and one who doesn’t need to rely on anything but his own ability. His songs aren’t diddies, they’re developed idea’s, and his writing and singing style frequently reminds me of veteran songwriter John Hiatt.

In anticipation of his new record, Joe Pug is offering a free track for download called “The Sharpest Crown” from Messenger and also streaming two other tracks, which you can listen to below.

If you like what you hear, you can also download Joe Pug’s free In the Meantime EP, and then stop by one of the rest of the Justin Townes Earle U.S. tour dates, which you can find below the fold.
Read the rest of this entry »

Katelyn & Thomas at CHBP 2009 ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

[Editor's Note: As a local hip-hop aficionado, Katelyn Hackett has been the one introducing us to much of the best emerging talent in Seattle's hip-hop scene. Recognizing her passion, we've been dropping hints hardcore that she needed to write for Sound on the Sound for about as long as we've known her. Until we bribe her on board, we're happy to present her List for 2009. -josh]

2009 was a fantastic year for local music across the board. Instead of naming which releases I think were the best, I’d rather tell you about some of the (mostly local) new tracks, albums, and performances that I’ve held especially close to my heart this year. I’ve had all of these on repeat at one time or another, and my family and close friends all have links to this music from me scattered through their ‘09 email archives. To them I apologize for repeating myself, and to the rest of you, I’m thrilled to present my list! I hope you find something in here that resonates with you.

Performances

Kevin Murphy of The Moondoggies playing “Empress of the North” in the KEXP Lounge at the Capitol Hill Block Party

I’ve been a Moondoggies fan since Abbey (of Sound on the Sound)  introduced me to “Make It Easy,” which was one of my most-listened-to tracks of 2008. This year’s Moondoggies highlight was an acoustic set from Kevin Murphy in Caffe Vita’s Bean Room stage at the Capitol Hill Block Party. Nursing a gin & tonic, my face red and radiating heat from sunburn, surrounded by some of my very best friends, I sat on a wooden bench and listened to Kevin’s beautiful voice and sad guitar. By the time he’d finished his set, I knew I’d be writing about those minutes as a festival highlight. Thank God KEXP caught “Empress Of The North” on video.

Watch it at Youtube!

John Van Deusen of the Lonely Forest, singing “We Sing In Time” at the Song Show
This year I was proud to support Mark Baumgarten as he presided over SoundNW Magazine and started what I hope will be a long-standing event called the Song Show. During each monthly Song Show, Mark interviews a few artists and asks them to do an acoustic set; all of these interviews and performances are captured on tape, edited, and put online. One of my most beloved performances over the months was from the very talented John Van Deusen of the Lonely Forest. I didn’t get to see the interview live, but his rendition of “We Sing In Time” is stunning.

Watch it at Vimeo!

Kevin Murphy at the Block Party ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Tracks

“Go Easy On Me” - Goldfinch, Goldfinch
This contemplative, heart-wrenching, somewhat angsty song from Tacoma rootsy singer-songwriter duo Goldfinch has been on repeat on numerous occasions this fall, especially since I undertook a big out-of-state move and dealt with the emotional turmoil of leaving my home, family, and friends. “Go easy on me, go easy… I can’t undo what I’ve done wrong.” Simple, beautiful harmonies and evocative lyrics crowned by a pleading, sincere chorus have me returning to this track often.

Listen: Via Artist Home Booking.

“Stillness Is The Move” - Dirty Projectors, Bitte Orca

The Dirty Projectors aren’t, of course, local. But I learned about them through Larry Mizell Jr. of The Stranger & KEXP and Andrew Matson of the SeattleTimes, and listened to the album Bitte Orca probably forty times, mostly while commuting between Capitol Hill and Pioneer Square for work at the magazine. “The question is a truth… The stillness is the move.” I might not know where I’m going or why, I might not feel like I’m making much progress at all, but sometimes disorientation and stagnation are exactly what I need to experience in order to grow as a person. This track’s been really important to me on a personal level, and plus it’s just a damn good song, complex rhythms and interesting structure. Love it.

Listen: via Domino Records.

“Mama’s Eyes” - Justin Townes Earle, Midnight At The Movies
I fell for the suit-clad, string-bean roots musician Justin Townes Earle out of Tennessee at the No Depression Festival over in Marymoor Park last spring when he performed “Mama’s Eyes.” This song about his identity and his relationship with his parents is simple, heartfelt, and brought tears to my eyes as I watched him sing. “Sure it hurts, but it should hurt sometimes.” One of the few non-local tracks I had on repeat this year.

Download “Mama’s Eyes” courtesy of Bloodshot Records.

“Jesus Christ Pose” - Pat Staten & Total Experience Gospel Choir, Kearney Barton, Wheedle’s Groove
The second Wheedle’s Groove album, Kearney Barton, features the lovely Seattle soul & gospel legend Patrinell Staten (now the Rev. Pat Wright) with the Total Experience Gospel Choir putting their own holy twist on Soundgarden’s “Jesus Christ Pose.” Daaayum, it’s full of righteous fire! “You looking at me like I’m the one who drove the nails in your hands.” I knew the good reverend had an interesting story, but this track convinced me to stop sleeping and start unearthing Patrinell Staten recordings from the 60s. What I found led me to more research on the rest of the Wheedle’s Groove roster, through which I learned just enough about Seattle’s rich soul, funk, jazz and gospel heritage to permanently whet my curiosity.

Buy: via Light in the Attic Records.

“Curse Your Branches” - David Bazan, Curse Your Branches
“All fallen leaves should curse their branches for not letting them decide when to fall, or not letting them refuse to fall at all.” As do so many others, I closely identify with singer-songwriter Bazan’s documented crisis of faith. This beautiful track of his in particular captures some of the anger, grief, and disorientation I’ve experienced over the course of my own journey away from the religion of my childhood, and for my own sake, I’m grateful that Bazan is willing enough to brave the darkness and talented enough to express it so well in song.

Watch: a live performance of “Curse Your Branches” at Youtube via Undertow.

“My Volvo” - Grynch, Chemistry [EP]

Grynch, the proclaimed rap King of Ballard, hit his stride with this endearing, funny, absurdly catchy track off his Chemistry EP (released for free at www.getgrynch.com this summer). I cranked the volume every time I heard “My Volvo” on KEXP, emailed it to my friends, sang along at several live performances; the song is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect fit for Grynch’s voice and flow. Grynch is still developing as a lyricist, but he hit gold with this track. Production by Ill Pill.

Watch: Grynch’s rendition in “My Volvo” complete with Katelyn shout-out from this year’s KEXP Lounge at the Capitol Hill Block Party via KEXP

Grynch at the Block Party ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

Albums

D. Black - Ali’yah
It’s rare that I can listen to an unapologetically religious modern album without breaking out in hives, given an allergy I developed while recovering from my adolescence spent listening to painfully simplistic alt-contemporary Christian music. But D. Black manages to talk about his deepening faith in an admirably uninfuriating, compelling manner without compromising his sometimes controversial message in the least. “Closer To Yah,” “Yesterday,” and “Let It Go” are some of my favorite tracks on the album. A memorable line from Fatal Lucciauno in his verse on “Close To Yah” has been echoing through my mind these days: “Through your son it was told I can do all things // So why can’t I get a job?” Damned good point.

Khingz - From Slaveships To Spaceships
This incredibly emotional, brave but vulnerable album from emcee Khingz sat on my coffee table for weeks after I listened to it once and set it aside. It took me a few more listens to fully grasp what I was hearing, but when I did fall for From Slaveships To Spaceships, I fell hard. “Bladed Poems,” “Electric Tantra,” the hella nerdy “Blaq Han Solo,” and the title track were my favorite tracks; the album as a whole is a ferocious celebration of creativity and freedom against all odds. Khingz’ live performances are serious business, too, so catch him while he’s in town this winter if you can (he recently relocated to British Columbia).

Shabazz Palaces - S_T, Scimitar
I’m still somewhat wordless on the subject of Digable Planets alum Ish Butler’s brilliant new project, Shabazz Palaces. Suffice it to say that I’ve listened to both albums countless times, perhaps leaning a little more heavily on Scimitar, over the past four months or so. This music is untamed and yet considered; grown-up, complex, organic, philosophical, primal. I’m entranced. I hear something new every time, and my admiration only grows stronger with the weeks passing; this is one of the very best local releases of the year, regardless of genre. Yes, I’m gushing. You will be too, once you’ve heard it a few times.

Iron & Wine ::: Photo by Brandrew Dice Clay

[ Editors Note: A local musician offered to write up his trip the No Depression festival on Saturday, and we accepted his offer. For now he and his photographer are using nom de plumes. -josh ]

By Sebastian Rootwell

It was a sunny and sticky Saturday afternoon at Marymoor Park for the brand-spanking debut of the No Depression Festival. Named after a current blog online music community and recently defunct magazine, the festival seems like a genius plan to spark some life into the now fourteen year old enterprise, what with the blossoming alt-country scene in Seattle. The crowd tends to be thirty-something and composed, a plastic cup of micro-brew affixed firmly in hand. We step over babies, blankets, and beers on our way to a spot front and center of the stage, where we would spend a majority of the next seven hours.

I arrive at 2PM with my partner in crime Brandrew Dice Clay. We missed out on Zee Avi’s set but arrive just in time for the No Depression All Star Revue, which is like a fantasy country rock team, put together by coach Don Slack. Mr. Slack is music director at KEXP, host of Swingin’ Doors, and an ubiquitous feature on the local music scene; a man whose tastes are bedded in a exhaustively deep knowledge of anything country and honky-tonk. Each song featured a different vocalist, ranging from the wounded, stark warble of Zoe Muth to the high-octane jug-thumping twang of the Maldives. The star of the set had to be Star Anna, pride of Ellensburg, Washington, and her rendition of “Joy” by Lucinda Williams. Note to whoever took the joy away from Star Anna: please, please give it back. She is quite incensed over the whole matter, and I fear for your life, and in fact, everyone’s life.

Jessica Lea Mayfield from Kent, Ohio was next to take the stage. I had heard her described as a hybrid between the alt-country and hipster scenes, and judging from their look and sound, I wouldn‘t disagree. She starts strong with the single “Kiss Me Again,” a song with lovely and detached ‘ahh ahh ahh ahhs’ in the chorus and outstanding guitar work by Jessica’s brother David, who gets both bass and guitars sounds as well as a formidable, mood-setting wash of reverb and feedback. But overall, her relentless apathy and clichéd lyrics suck the life from the stage. This is especially apparent when she plays a couple of songs alone, exposing some uncomplicated little ditties delivered with no particular charisma. We retreat to the shade.

Coming to the rescue was Nashville’s Justin Townes Earle, who’s got the kind of pedigree you can hardly shake a stick at. A no.2 pencil wrapped in a stone gray suit, a greaser’s hair and sunglasses, JTE’s swagger and style was pervasive from the moment he sauntered to the middle of the stage. Smiles abound as he absolutely rips through the set of honky-tonk tunes, keeping the energy piqued with his finger-picking, sing-along choruses and sly banter. Here is a born performer, an entertainer, a seducer, a story-teller. He is joined on stage by Cory Younts, mouth-harper extraordinaire, and their chemistry is unforced and fun, a beautiful thing to watch. A high point comes near the end of the set, when JTE remarks that his thumbnail is being held on by super glue. He recalls a phone-call with festival staff, where they asked whether he needed anything for the show. “Guitar strings, and, uh….super glue,” he says, grinning. And to us, winking, “That’s a good one, eh?”

Read the rest of this entry »

Jesse Sykes ::: Photo by Josh

Just announced today is the details and lineup for the 1st ever No Depression Festival to happen over what will likely be a beautiful July day, if last year’s Sub Pop Festival which happened over the same weekend is any indication. While they have forgone the paper edition, the now online-only and locally based Americana focused publication is certainly trying to keep it’s profile high around Seattle at least, and I’m glad to see they’ve been able to put together such a large event over the summer with some quality performers. The complete lineup looks like this:

Gillian Welch
Iron & Wine
Patterson Hood & the Screwtopians
Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter
Justin Townes Earle
Jessica Lea Mayfield
a Seattle roots-music all-star revue
Zee Avi.

That all-star review you might be asking? Yep. Pretty all-star:

An all-star revue of Seattle roots musicians will play songs oft-associated with the genres that No Depression has covered over the past 14 years. The participants include Star Anna, Sera Cahoone, Ian Moore, Zoe Muth, Mark Pickerel, Kristen Ward, and members of the Maldives and North Twin, backed by a core band featuring Ty Ballie, Jeff Fielder, Erik Eagle and Rebecca Young.

Advance tickets are $45 at Ticketmaster. A pre-sale for the tickets happens this Thursday.