So Far So Good

So Far So Good 2015

The midway point marks the start to summer and another installment of so far so good, the biannual list of my favorite albums. The records below have been released in this calendar year and have been getting serious airplay on the home stereo or in my headphones. I will follow-up later in the fall with another batch of choice selections. Thanks to the recording artists for making such a rich music scene, so far. So good...

Father John Misty | I Love You Honeybear

A great record that came out early on in 2015 (Feb.10). Back to back tracks, "When You're Smiling and Astride Me" and "Nothing Good Ever Happens at the Goddam Thirsty Crow," sound more like novel titles the song names. These two tracks are the midway point of the record, for me, the heart and soul. "Holy Shit" is another favorite of mine on Honeybear. The track below highlights his new-found diversion into modern pop sounds, different, needing the second chance.

"True Affection"


Matthew E. White | Fresh Blood

Spacebomb records' maestro, Matthew E. White, has again crafted a polished album—monitored to his liking, but not lacking soul. In my opinion, the most rocking track is, "Rock & Roll is Cold." The rhythm section keeps it cardiac quick, aided by sweet backing vocals. Following that number is the easy pulse of "Fruit Trees." The track below stirs the soft sounds calmly. Released on March 9th.

"Tranquility"


Tobias Jesso Jr. | Goon

Somber, striking, and more honest than the average effort. It really reminds me of the piercing words of early Randy Newman. Truth can be hard to share. On Goon there is plenty of that candid story telling, a lot of thought, and things that needed to be addressed. I like the entire album, start to finish. Give it a good listen.

"How Could You Babe"


Alabama Shakes | Sound & Color

The funkiest tracks make me want to dance (one of them is below). Sound & Color goes way beyond reflecting genres, they carve their own way. This record drips in diverse sounds, crafted and raw, making each song memorable. Thematically it's some kind of wondrous blend of Led Zeppelin and Motown. The recording is masterful, whether it be the warmth of the instruments, use of vintage equipment, or the maneuvering done in production. A+

"Future People"



Houndmouth | Little Neon Limelight

An Indiana band with an independent sound. I wrote about them in 2013... Little Neon Limelight doesn't ease off the American tales that sharpen the view through a greasy lens. Rocking from the start with the single, "Sedona," they never give the listener a chance to leave. I also get really hooked on the final cut, "Darlin'." Catch them live June 23rd at the Great American Music Hall. 

Lord Huron | Strange Trails

From Michigan, to France, New York, then LA—Strange Trails. The Lake from which they draw their name, also feeds into the influence it had over band founder Ben Schneider. This album is their second installment and has a melancholy undertone. Lyrically the songs feel right. Lord Huron seems capable of continued ascension. Songs of living and loving always feel right when the music matches the sentiment.

"Fool for Love"


Honorable Mention: My Morning Jacket, Sleater-Kinney, Built to Spill, The Lowest Pair, Moon Duo.

Enjoy summer. eighty choices.

Weekend Plans

It's the middle of May, whoa? If you're looking for something to get into this weekend there's a handful of diverse concerts making stops in The Bay area. Whether you enjoy virtuosic bluegrass, modern hip hop, or contemporary bands rooted in singer songwriter nostalgia, there's hopefully a   live show for you. View the list below.

May 14-17 | Rhiannon Giddens and the Carolina Chocolate Drops | SF Jazz Center
This North Carolina band is otherworldly. Rhiannon is easily one of the better fiddle/banjo players in modern music and her voice in angelic. Her band-mates can burn it down too. Tickets run between $25 and $45. They play traditional Afro-centric bluegrass that's rooted in real soul. Listen to their stories and please get out of your seat.

May 15 | Lord Huron | Fox Theater

Lord Huron has been gaining steam for a couple of years now. They're incredibly tight musically with  lyricism that is both familiar and worthy, as if smithing a story. Lonesome Dreams, their debut album, had a hold on me. Three years later they've released Strange Trails, which layers the listener in warmth like a handmade quilt. Other times their sonic tales haunt as the security blanket gets pulled away—sad and energetic are not mutually exclusive. This is going to be good.

May 15 | Timber Timbre | The Fillmore 

Call it what you will, mood music, freak folk, psyche-blues, what have you. Or call it nothing and just enjoy the unique qualities that allow Timber Timbre to create landscapes of energy. Their grooves bend between the world they are in and the one the audience thinks they know. They make me aware of conundrums. Confusion is a learning tool and they've taught themselves how to channel the periphery. Intrigued?

May 16 | Elvis Perkins | The Chapel 

Intimate venue, superb songwriting, hip neighborhood, must be Elvis Perkins in the Mission. His songs ebb with honest subtlety. Sounds and words mix like wind cooling your senses. His latest effort, I Aubade, soothes, almost lulling us away from the truth in each verse. Selfishly, I hope to hear a number or two from Elvis Perkins In Dearland, one of my favorite records. Enjoy the setting and  the sooth-saying.

May 16 | Ilovemakonnen | The Independent

"I'm a not so regular person in a not so regular world, and I'm just making the most of it and embracing myself." Sounds like someone who can recognize the moment. This young MC/beat-maker has something to say and finds humorous of ways of doing so. Fresh content and an eclectic scene are sure to unfold inside The Independent.  

May 17 | Wavy Gravy's 79th Birthday | Sonoma Mountain

Join Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Steve Kimock & Friends, The California Honeydrops and Hot Buttered Rum for a mini-festival in Rohnert Park. Wavy Gravy will be the host of this SEVA benefit event. Have fun this weekend, there are plenty of options.

eightychoices.

High Sierra 2K14

High Sierra Music Festival at Quincy

The Feather River and Quincy: both are amazing hosts when it comes time to make the pilgrimage to the High Sierra Music Festival. This year I blasted up for one day, perhaps the best day. Before the lineup was ever given a schedule, I had made a list of the bands I most wanted to see. When the daily grids were released, all but two of those band were slated for Thursday. This meant that I was barreling up north for the heat of the music as well as the sun. Highway 70 is a gorgeous path that bends and crosses the Feather River as it snakes away from its headwaters. As you peer over the shoulder of the road, swimming holes reveal themselves as the water cascades onward. I had left the cooler side of coastal California and was racing toward the parched highlands to the east in an attempt to catch the first act at the Vaudeville tent.


Hollow Wood | Vaudeville Tent | 1:30-2:45

Hollow Wood - Vaudeville Tent

This youthful 5-piece hailing from Boise was far more rocking than I had expected. But then again, what was I suppose to expect? This was their coming out party so-to-speak. Early on in the set they emitted a sort of 90's alt vibe with heavy guitars and plenty of reverb. The periphery notes of the third track opened up to reveal perhaps their most noticeable track - Little Bird. The next couple of tunes had an Irish-driven pulse. A rattling tambourine was followed by the cadence of their lyrics. This seemed to help the band morph into a more melodic mixture. Track 6 slithered with a slower, groovier tone until it unwound itself into a Teen Spirit sort of frenzy. On the next offering they built momentum with some cool key work and scratchy vocals. It felt more like a song fit for 3am. The frontman, Adam, has a gravely voice and at times it resembles a young, more friendly Tom Waits. Hollow Wood ended about 30 minutes early and after an on-stage huddle they came back and played a series of instrumental pieces with Adam on the keys. They cooled down their set as the crowd dispersed into the afternoon sun.

Thao and the Get Down Stay Down | Grandstand | 4:45-6:15

Thao & the Get Down Stay Down - Grandstand Stage

After linking up with a slough of friends, we were off to the grandstand to get down with Thao. I've been a bit spoiled as of late, having seen this outfit a few times in the last calendar year, which is why I wanted to see their mojo on display at High Sierra. The Get Down Stay Down played faster and with more purpose on the festival stage. Opening with the title track from their most recent album, We The Common, I was pleased with the increased paced with which it was played. Next they lunged into a New Orleans-tinged take on The Feeling Kind. This song felt properly aged from the first time I'd heard it. Thao's City reminded festival goers to, "rest and be strong, wash and be clean." Whether they chose to is another story. During Holy Roller she sang what we all want... "love in the aftermath." Five songs in, Thao decided to rock out on the peddle steel and she didn't disappoint. The song after was more subdued and allowed for some time to chill out. Once in a while I wonder why pop music is so generic. The Get Down showed us all what the radio should sound like. As a few of us started to make our way to the next overlapping artist, she dusted off another gem from her latest album. Thao and the Get Down Stay Down are a staple in my current audio diet. I trust she and her bandmates worked up an appetite for others in attendance.

Sturgill Simpson | Big Meadow | 5:45-7:00

Sturgill Simpson - Big Meadow Stage

Bouncing from Thao over to the Big Meadow stage, I was stoked to see Sturgill and his gang of outlaw-country sidekicks. He was definitely treating the people to some real county music. He's rocking, but with roots. His music does a tightrope walk between being slow enough to feel, yet quick enough to punch you in the mouth. These four men seem to embody both western and southern country—I guess it's called being gutsy. Real life is present in Simpson's offerings and observations. When something feels familiar, it feels good. Near the end of the set they unleashed a T-Rex type of country jam. It was filthy-good. This group of boot-wearing musicians was a surprise treat and a high point of the night. Thanks Sturgill for being the real deal.

Lord Huron | Grandstand | 7:00-8:30

Their intelligence and honesty are still on display, but they've figured it out. Something else has transformed within Lord Huron since their appearances at High Sierra last summer. The sound they create is warm - reminiscent of hearing your own echo. Strangers in the high country sun were being lyrically staggered by, "bones in the sand." Later, the singer's harmonica and the moon seemed linked. Huron has a way of making us all feel the same while their music remains different. When the line, "that girl" was being reeled in and out, we could all conjure our own images, though we'd been baited by the same lure. This time around they were playing to their advantage. Asking the right questions makes a big difference. The sound was full of change as their licks intensified. Crooning the lines, "gonna find me a place baby way out west" could not have been more fitting, considering our geographic location. I felt like we were on a string as they continued to catch and release the crowd. One of their song lines states, "doesn't mean I'm ready." Maybe we weren't ready, maybe they aren't ready, but one thing's for sure, Lord huron is already good.

Sound Tribe Sector 9 | Grandstand | 9:15-11:30

First off, I was totally stoked to see the new STS9. I hadn't yet caught the new ensemble but was intrigued to have their sound and energy either wash over me or mash straight through me. It turned out to be a collision of the two. Kicking it off with some amazing LED visuals set to the Musical Story voice-over, I was super hyped. The initiation began with 4 Year Puma as I was readying myself for battle. Click Lang Echo followed, introducing the Quincy faithful to a new song. One of the tracks that's been making the rounds since Rocklin joined the band has been Rent. This was the beginning of their grandeur. I'm pretty sure this was the point at which I began to dance freely as the new tweaks to a familiar song rang true. Equinox followed and was the catalyst for their return to Poseidon. This track was full of the jazzy roots that distinguish Sector from the rest of the EDM scene. Following the old-school grooves of the water king, they explored their way into 20-12. Following the lead of their own doing, Tribe launched into a ripping New Dawn, New Day. Another new track that was full of guitar licks, vocal samples, and thick beats. Needless to say I was in full-on dance master mode. What Is Love? came into view as the crowd pleaded for more. Sound Tribe was on stage to wage a war. They were prepared to battle for our attention. During March, Blu Mood, and Golden Gate, they built upon the present to bring us back to the previous. The onslaught that occurred next was probably the highlight of the whole festival (remember, I only attended one night). Frequencies Peace 2 & Frequencies Peace 3 brought this sonic storm to a head. As the high pressure continued to rise, so did the collective mindset of the Grandstand's attendees. If I could have, I would have stomped a hole in the earth where I was getting down. Dance moves and positive vibes were conquering all else. It was as if Sound Tribe had been architecting this blue-print from the onset, using the prior tracks as a foundation. Their pace was fervent, corrupting us because of what we thought we knew. Musically, their mission was unmistakeable—take no prisoners. The five of them were all fighting for our attention and it was wonderfully harmonious. Their power was full of detailed precision, pounding us with what they had. Rocklin and Velmer smashed the rhythm section. Chunky is an understatement. Totem held us hostage as they worked toward the closing. Another new track came next in the form of an upbeat World Goes Round. I personally really dig this fresh new tune. It lends itself to movement. Even though we could have all danced the night away, STS9 had to shut the door to this dance party and they used Circus as the vehicle to take us away. Sector showed us the way to something special and new without losing track of where they had been.

Rocklin & Velmer of STS9

STS9 setlist | High Sierra | Grandstand | 07.03.14

4 year Puma, Click Lang Echo, Rent, Equinox, Poseidon, 20-12, New Dawn New Day, What Is Love?, March, Blu Mood, Golden Gate, Frequencies Peace 2, Frequencies Peace 3, Totem, World Goes Round, Circus

Special shout out to Parker for gifting me into the Funk'n Jam House for a late-night treat in the form of Dopapod. They registered well and had a darkness to them. It was a reminder to me - why do the Biscuits and UMs of the world try to sing?

eightychoices.

Shredding High Sierra

The Parade that is High Sierra!

The 23rd annual High Sierra Music Festival took place over the July 4th weekend in scenic Quincy, California. It surpassed my expectations. Having a gang of your best friends in attendance never hurts either. With a slew of great artists who tap into the many genres of today's diverse musical landscape, I was thrilled to be returning to this annual right of passage. Readying ourselves for anything, my younger cousin and I set out for Plumas County. High Sierra is the secret gem within the crowded summer circuit. Here's a rundown of what I took in...

Thursday, July 4th

Reaching the camp site at 5:00pm I had missed a few opportunities, yet still managed to check out three great performances. White Denim hit the Grandstand stage around 7:15. My initial take is that they need to open up the lead guitarist. He may not sing but his tone is great. When they get fuzzy and psychedelic they're stellar, meandering toward a sound that resembles the Black Angels. I enjoyed their set and they rocked it pretty hard.

Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters unleashed some nasty good renditions of the Led Zeppelin tracks we were all fawning for. It was especially awesome to hear his voice sing the words. "Goin' to California with an achin' in my heart." The Shifters were impeccably tight and came across as true professionals. I personally liked the almost world beat-esque Namibian jams performed with a special guest. Mr. Plant still knows how to work an audience. He bantered throughout the night as if his wish came true, to perform for Yankees on the 4th of July. Often times he referenced Independence Day. An off the cuff comment regarding past Comanches of America sparked the crowd. Friends said that it was one of the best HSMF shows they'd experienced. Another pondered if it was a top 5. Whatever the F it was, I'm sure as hell glad I was there. The amazingly vibrant and enormous tapestry behind the band was mind blowing. Special shout out to the light tech and to whomever created that beast. The Grandstand had been set ablaze.

The North Mississippi Allstars threw down some dirty rock n roll. The Type that can only be spawned deep in the South. Music like theirs is real. Those white boys get down and dirty. Cheers to them for dropping bombs on the Vaudeville tent post Plant. 

Late night brought me into the High Sierra Music Hall for a killer set from Leftover Salmon. Much of the night was fire. With a start time of 1:45am anything is possible. That anything mutated into an early highlight. Near the end of their mega set they let loose a, Tangled Up In Blue, that would ultimately turn into a fierce cover from Exile on Main... As the morning continued to creep they let go of an unseasonal, however totally appreciated, Jack London. "Every time it snows I feel like Jack London, all I want to do is take a hike."

Friday, July 5th

A revolving door of musicians doesn't hinder the Pimps of Joytime from starting a party. Sure it was hot, sure it was too early for some, but it was still a chill upbeat vibe. They persevered despite the tough time slot on the Grandstand stage. On a side note, have I mentioned my love for the Big Meadow Stage? I love it's intimacy and central location. During day time hours the stage set up allows for additional shade, which is in short supply. Plus you're incredibly close to a cocktail station (more on that later) and a Lagunitas beer tent. Clutch.

Next up on my schedule was Houndmouth, who were more than stoked to see a large crowd getting down to their sound. It was a really warm set full of candidness. The front-woman can flat out sell it. She has the ability to tremble during, I Shall Be Released, agonizingly spewing"any day now, any day now... I shall be released." Songs like that deserve apprehension and uncertainty. The entire band makes sense of the poetry within a performance. Back to the front-woman. On a dime she's able to transform that same voice and cause it to ring. She has pipes.

While nearing the end of the set it became apparent, due to some honest on-stage dialogue, that they had more time than they knew what to do with. As the milling about and unneeded tuning persisted the other front-person asked the riled up crowd if we liked John Prine. Is that a trick question? His songs tend to be amazing. Their sound is what I want to hear spilling out of more garages in my neighborhood.

White Denim kept the non-Grandstand trend rolling. I wanted more from the Denim, getting just enough at times. This set had a cleaner feel, it was tidy. They repeated a few tracks but ultimately prevailed with their keen skills. If nothing else, White Denim is a band of musicians. But they're probably more. 

The guys from Lord Huron were on point and incredibly timely. Sounding clear and portraying themselves as a band that had obviously been touring, their youth is professional. Four of the first five songs were totally engaging. Track selections were predominantly from the Lonesome Dreams album. They brought a harnessed wrecking ball with them and smashed through the performance, while still maintaining a studio like quality. Songs from this LA outfit meld lyrics and melody, allowing the art to become accepted. I'm stoked to have caught them at High Sierra.

Saturday, July 6th

This was the day that just kept ascending, literally. Holy hot guano batman.

Tom Tom Club meets a young Bjork and the year is 2013. That's what came to mind after digging on Rubblebucket. The collection of young talent on stage was fresh like the hyphy neon ribbons that hung form the mic stands. Fun is the easiest way to describe their eclectic buzz. By no means is that all they are. Some say choices make all the difference. If that's the case, Rubblebucket made the right ones. Their style, all blended up and working hard, makes you notice how to enjoy the choices worth making. This journey lasted a little more than an hour and half. It was my first time catching them live. It probably won't be the last.

Hanging around at the Grandstand paid off, it was time for an uber jam with John Scofield's new project band. The Uberjam Band was laying down grooves. They're way too cool. The quartet knew exactly what to do with their gobs of intellect. The festival setting may have been the perfect outlet for what they needed to do. Often times the element of surprise becomes the vehicle for an entire experience. The trio that accompanies Scofield is ridiculous (Avi Bortnick on guitar/samples, bassist Andy Hess & Luis Cato on the drums). I preferred it when they were allowed to explore on their own. The three of them had more of an ability to go static and produce tones that are more modern, more in the moment. Don't get me wrong, there were obviously good grooves carving out space in the late day sun, no matter who was showcasing their skills. My hankering for the trio's mojo led me to feel their emotional exploration on a personal level. The newness of their layers were subject to different interpretations compared to the jazzy resonance familiar to Scofield. It was an afternoon shred party. Among friends is the best way to get after it. I was feeling tipsy after the hyper brilliance. These guys are top shelf musicians. Big ups to the band. Mad love to my friends who shared in the experience. 

Houndmouth had me rope-a-doped for a second round over in the Tent. They played the same set and yet I didn't mind. Once again they felt honest and raw. Their appreciation of the festival crowd was also well received. At one point a voice on stage blurted, "I try not to sing this one when my mom's around." Which segued into Halfway to Hardinsburg, off of the debut album, Houndmouth.

Bouncing to the Big Meadow stage I was eager to travel with the imagination of the Barr Brothers.  I wanted to see the skillful merger between their guitar and drums, with that of extraordinary harp player, Sarah Page. It was quite the presentation. I hadn't really felt anything like what they were emitting. It had an ethereal presence with the strength of rock and roll tethered to it. They're able to mine something from their songs that other bands are unaware of. Their set was impeccably tight, yet organic, allowing them to integrate the likes of Mike Dillon, the horn section from Rubblebucket and a howling harmonica into their very personal sound. Later on, a slide guitar was opened up, ripping through the blue lights of the night. Simply put, the Barr Brothers delivered. There was no note taking from here on out, I was simply awash in the energy and magic of live music.

With new life injected into me, a Barr Brothers serum, it was time for the dance party. Of course that translates into Thievery Corporation obliterating people their unique sound. A blend that has catapulted them into the mainstream consciousness. Whether they were pumping out their own jams or rocking covers of David Byrne and Chuck Brown, the Corp was demolishing shit. I'd like to thank them, for being themselves. This DC based outfit is a world blaster. They created an atmosphere that was intoxicating. Their unabashed galactic buzz resulted in a frenzied dance off. This was the best set I'd ever seen from them. Hot damn.



From the worldly haze of Thievery to the pure soul of Lee Fields, I was a garnish in the cocktail of High Sierra's Saturday night. Thank god for The Expressions and their preacher who was giving the good word to the vaudevillian congregation. Mr. Field's powerful voice and charisma enable him to channel the nostalgia of James Brown. When firing on all cylinders this clergyman produces a service's worth of soulful rhythm and blues. It was a hot show filled with a mixture of dancing and the sometimes frozen stares of those who fell victim to his faithful sermon. Saturday night was a match made in High Sierra heaven. 

Sunday, July 7th


The final countdown included an odyssey for the treasure that is a morning bloody Mary. A good friend and I went out into the early light in need of the alcoholic salad of champions. Our attempt to partake in the bloody Mary ball was thwarted by the out-of-control line that continued to grow. Bo and I were informed that, they might still be mixing at the Big Meadow cocktail stand. We trekked over and found ourselves with the last two bloody's anyone could muster. I guess it's better to be lucky than good. 

Mike Dillon & Carly Meyers

True luck made us stand pat as we were treated to the abrasive talents of Mike Dillon. His new configuration of musicians has the ability to punch an audience from the opening bell. They certainly are an electronic vibraphone go-go punk funk band, embracing the snare and snarl of rock. Anyone in attendance was doused in punk inspired energy. Special shout out to Carly on trombone. She was a whirling dervish of excitement and skill. I'm pretty sure those on stage were having just as much fun as those of us kicking up dust. Dillon and his cohorts  have more than enough in their tank to fuel a good time. Most of the songs played were from the album Urn. Dillon would later pop up all over as a special guest for many of the other artists.


Lee Fields and the Expressions had done enough the night before to Bogart me for their Grandstand set. No matter how many times you hear him or which tale he is telling, he remains faithful to his soulful story. History is in him.


Guitar-maggedon is an annual play shop with an array of guitarists from multiple bands. This year's theme was arena rock. The ax wielding music makers covered scores of songs that are familiar to classic rock fans. When the faux Mick Jagger showed up we were thrust into the restless ease of the Rolling Stones. The men on stage powered through standards from Neil, Frampton and Zeppelin.

Anders Osborne has been one of my favorite under-the-radar slayers since the late 90's. Early on his set had built momentum. He tackled two tracks from Living Room, an early record in his catalog. One of which was Greasy Money, personally I relished that selection. Moving into the special guest portion of the show he welcomed out Lukas Nelson for a take on Neil Young. Later he would bring out Mike Dillon as they marched through the song Jealous Love. Adding a saxophonist, the members of his band and Dillon would bring out some spirit with, Franklin's Tower. Needing to re-up on beverages and other amenities we left his set with the sound of rock and roll carrying in the baked air. So much to do, so little time to do it.



To the Grandstand for our reggae fix. Steel Pulse has been a pillar of the roots-rock-reggae scene for over 35 years. I'm not well enough versed to determine whether or not they're the best live reggae band, but I for one was swaying to their up-beat messages. Highlights of the set included the banger, Steppin' Out and Put Your Hoodies On (for Treyvon Martin). With an overarching message of love and justice, they do reggae right. 

Moe closed down the Grandstand with their jam inspired prog-rock. Saint Augustine flew out to get things started. They followed with Y.O.Y. and Skrunk before bringing out Carly Meyers and Mike Dillon to spice up Time Ed. Next the dueling percussionists set fire to the vibes. Pushing on they dropped, Wind It Up and Waiting for the Punchline. Then came Lukas Nelson to the stage for a take on Opium. They shut the proverbial door with Happy Hour Hero and Buster. 

It takes a lot to persevere through 4+ days of High Sierra. My friends and beloved lobsters took it to the max. Cheers to High Sierra and to all of the musicians who turned it up a notch. Of course props go out to everyone who attended. We need the music and the music needs us. Enjoy.

eightychoices.

Lord Huron

No time to rest. I'm going to find me a life, baby, way out west.     - time to run 

Lord Huron made an artistic leap on Lonesome Dreams (released in October '12). rarely does a band make it so painfully easy for the listener to cling to lyrics. they produce a sound resembling that which is precisely placed. whenever the process became clear, amidst the haze of the recording journey, it was duly noted and nurtured. the result for Lord Huron, was a neo-nostalgic album, a turning the corner moment (that should be duly noted). Lonesome Dreams is a warm classic that will be discovered wildly by future miners of music gold. California tour stops include Sacramento and Coachella.



What good is livin' a life you've been given - If all you do is stand in one place?     - ends of the earth 

enjoy, eightychoices