Instrumental Analysis

For those of you that will be in or around Baltimore tonight, there is a show worth checking out at Ottobar. The flyer pretty much says it all. There will be 5 regional bands playing, drink specials and they will be giving away 20 passes to every show in 2007. If you go, prepare to hear some great music from some of the region’s finest.

The Payola Reserve – Lay In Wait
The Seldon Plan – Making Circles
These Unites States – So High So Low So Wide So Long
Private Eleanor – Richmond
Vandaveer – However Many Takes It Takes

Editor’s Note: Most of you should remember Baltimore’s Faster Faster Harder Harder. For our newer readers, they were our first Midweek Mutiny back in early October. They asked me if they could share their New Year’s Resolutions and a live show. This is what they came up with. Enjoy!

FFHH’S New Year’s Resolutions
Brian (guitar/vocals), Matt (bass/vocals), Mike (guitar), and Sam (drums)

Below are our band’s New Year’s resolutions for 2007. Also, please check out the live tracks from our recent show at Talking Head. Come see us at 98 Rock’s Noise In the Basement show at Fletcher’s in Baltimore on January 22, 2007 with Two If By Sea, The Perfects, and Polyester. Happy New Year!

Any New Year’s Resolutions for 2007?

Matt: Not to drink too much alcohol and either
A) Break down and cry into the arms of a friend
B) Punch a person I once went to high school with that I hadn’t seen in 6 years
C) Get all my stuff stolen out of my trunk outside of Sonar
D) Not really remember what happened
E) Some combination of A through D.

Brian: So many, but here’s the shortlist: Find a new apartment in the summer, get into grad school, play shows outside of Baltimore, and record an album!

Mike: I want to graduate and get a sweet job. I want to get that new FFHH album done and possibly take it on the road, as long as we can all make time for touring.

Sam: Most of my friends know that I make resolutions all the time irrespective of the calendar. As it stands, I don’t have any new ones on the docket. On second thought, I would like to make more time for practicing on my own since I spend so much time in school and group rehearsals.

What are the chances you’ll succeed?

Matt: Probably pretty much a given as I quit drinking.

Brian: Looking pretty good on all fronts, though grad school is up in the air right now.

Mike: We can do it if we put our minds to it. =)

Sam: Que sera sera, but I really enjoy playing so the odds are stacked in my favor.

Did you make any resolutions last year (or year’s past)? If so, what were they? Did you keep them?

Matt: I don’t really do resolutions. Just like I don’t really do favorites. Right now I kind of don’t really do much of anything outside of blank stares and the occasional drip of drool. One year, I think that I made a resolution to slaughter a family of five. I don’t think I succeeded.

Brian: Always trying to quit some bad habit (unsuccessfully).

Mike: Ummm. I don’t really make super-serious resolutions. Last year I believe that my resolution was to work out some more and buy lots of new clothes. I worked out more, but then I kinda stopped cuz I got busy. And I didn’t buy enough cool clothes, which is probably like the most important thing in the world.

What do you think of the New Year’s Resolution idea in general?

Matt: I just think its funny to see drunk people get all dramatic. Well not funny, but it enables me to ride my high horse and all.

Brian: I think it’s way unrealistic, but hey you gotta have a dream.

Mike: It doesn’t hurt to set positive goals. But try not to forget what they were, cuz that would be dumb.

Sam: In general it is a very positive experience whenever people can reflect on the current direction of their lives and enumerate the changes they want to make to improve themselves.

Any resolutions you would make related to the band?

Matt: This year I resolve to magically have people attend our shows other than our friends.

Brian: Play many shows outside of our Baltimore comfort zone, record our first proper album, and get some decent pictures taken!

Mike: Yes as previously stated, make our debut record and tour with it. Also come up with some sick guitar solos.

Sam: Write some great new songs. Record an album. Tour the region. Meet some other great local bands, musicians, and music fans.

What are your plans for the new year (musically and in general)?

Matt: Ummm. Get married, move to Puerto Rico, have 3 children by years end, and open up a taco stand. I will also change my name to Rodriguez Consicolo Felipe Grande. My children’s names will be Robbie Consicolo Felipe Grande, Bobbie Consicolo Felipe Grande, and Chip Consicolo Felipe Grande. I will then lead a socialist revolution from my taco stand in Puerto Rico on a rowboat. From there we will land in the impoverished streets of Baltimore, MD via the Patapsco River and organize the population into an armed uprising. Of course we will have to overcome the obsession with material wealth, individualistic greed, and the concept of shooting someone over $5 that exists within mainstream hip-hop culture. We will ride dirt bikes to victory.

Brian: I think I’ve pretty much summed it all up, but most importantly, hitting the road and playing lots of fun shows. Also, securing a place for us to practice once I move to a new apartment. Otherwise, I’m looking forward to new albums from Bloc Party, Arcade Fire, and Radiohead (hopefully!).

Mike: I really want to record a solo acoustic EP by February. In general, I just want to have more time to enjoy life and the company of good friends. Don’t we all?

Sam: My plans for the year include publishing a few papers in my research field, being very busy with my school work and musical endeavors, and turning one year older.

Novermber 18, 2006 @ The Talking Head in Baltimore, MD

Calm Down
Way It Ought To Be
Quick Like Bombs
The Body
Count Down
From The Shadows

For this week’s Throwback, I decided to go with one of those 80’s bands that pretty much everbody has heard of, but few people are actually familiar with. The Replacements were a band from Minneapolis, MN that fromed in 1979 and saw their demise in 1991. They were mainstays on 80’s college radio and many of their songs and lyrics have been fixtures in pop culture ever since. If you are familar with them, enjoy this trip down memory lane. If you aren’t, this is your chance to become acquainted.

Hootenanny (1983)
Within Your Reach

Let It Be (1984)
I Will Dare
Unsatisfied

Tim (1985)
Kiss Me On The Bus
Bastards of Young

Pleased To Meet Me (1987)
Alex Chilton
Can’t Hardly Wait

Don’t Tell A Soul (1989)
I’ll Be You

Past Throwbacks:
12/14/07: Talking Heads
12/07/06: Peter Gabriel
11/30/06: The Pixies
11/16/06: Prince
11/09/06: Ben Folds Five
11/02/06: Beastie Boys
10/26/06: Joy Division
10/19/06: They Might Be Giants
10/12/06: The Psychedelic Furs
10/05/06: The Clash
09/28/06: The Smiths
09/21/06: A Tribe Called Quest
09/14/06: R.E.M.
09/07/06: The Cure
08/31/06: Morphine
08/24/06: The Lemonheads
08/17/06: Depeche Mode
08/10/06: New Order

Josh Rouse has a new side project. She’s Spanish, I’m American is his duet project with Paz Suay. Their self titled debut EP (buy) just saw it’s digital release yesterday. The physical release will be January 30. I am a fan of most of Josh’s solo work, so I definitely wanted to check this out. After a couple of spins, I’m not completely sold. I do feel that “Answers” is the track that probably works the best. Take a listen and let me know what you think.

Answers

Due to his death yesterday, I decided to use James Brown for this week’s Not So New Release Tuesday. There really isn’t anything that I can say about the Godfather of Soul, that has not been said before. The man made some great music and his influence will last long after his passing. Enjoy some of his best tracks and remember the man for his wonderful music.

I Got You (I Feel Good)
Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine, Pt. 1
Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag, Pt. 1

I wanted to share the holiday mix that I will be listening to with my family. I was raised by old-fashioned Italians, so my holiday music taste very much reflects that.

Happy Holidays from Chris and myself. We hope that you have a few wonderful days with your families.

Gene Autry – Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer
Johnny Mathis – Sleigh Ride
Eartha Kitt – Santa Baby
Dean Martin – Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Frank Sinatra – Jingle Bells
Bing Crosby – It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Burl Ives – A Holly Jolly Christmas
Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
Bobby Helms – Jingle Bell Rock
Andy Williams – It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Alvin & The Chipmunks – The Christmas Song
Bing Crosby – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Perry Como – Winter Wonderland
Dean Martin – Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song
Frank Sinatra & Bing Crosby – White Christmas
Bing Crosby – I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Vince Guaraldi Trio – Christmas Time is Here (vocal)
Frank Sinatra – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Andy Williams – Silent Nite

Chris might write for this site, but he also plays guitar for a really good band. Soft Complex is a five-piece from Washington, DC. If you like 80’s Brit pop, melodramatic vocals, chimy guitars, new wave synth, cello… this is the band for you. They recently released their debut and they have big things planned for 2007, so this is the time to become acquainted with them.

Band:
Soft Complex
Location:
Washington DC
Formed:
Current lineup solidified in February of 2005
Members:
Shane German – Vocals
Chris Connelly – Guitar, Keys
Rich Dejong – Drums
Mike Harbin – Bass, Keys
Alexia Kauffman – Cello, Keys
Label:
Silverthree Sound Recordings
Recordings:
Barcelona+ – 2006
Upcoming Live Dates:
January 6 @ Gullifty’s in Harrisburg, PA
January 12 @ Starr Hill in Charlottesville, VA
January 19 @ V-Club in Huntington, WV
January 20 @ The Empty Glass in Charleston, WV
January 26 @ Alley Katz in Richmond, VA
January 27 @ Rock and Roll Hotel in Washington DC

How did the band form?
Shane formed the original band in 2002, down in Richmond. After some lineup changes, Shane moved up to Washington DC to reform the group with Mike Harbin. Mike and Shane had worked together in Richmond at Tower, and had always joked about starting a band together – but Harbin was always out touring with other bands. Shane basically brought him out of retirement; Harbin had intended to leave music behind after Burning Airlines split. Shane and Alexia were friends, and he knew about her experiences playing cello with Engine Down and some other Richmond bands, so he invited her to join. Rich was looking for a new group after leaving Phaser, and answered an ad Shane had placed in the Washington City Paper. Greg Svitil from the Antiques joined the band on guitar and helped them get started in writing material, but Greg wanted to leave to focus on Antiques material. I had moved to DC in 2004 and had been playing in a different group, but was looking for something new. I joined the band in February 2005, after leaving my first band in DC and answering Shane’s ad for a new guitar player.

How was ‘06 for you?
2006 was great; our first record came out, we were able to play some fantastic shows with some truly great bands, and we developed some great friends in the Washington DC music scene.

Highlight of the year?
The release of our first EP in October; it is great to finally have material out formally. It was a long time in the works, and we’re enormously proud to finally have it out there.

Oh, and for me personally (Chris), it was horribly cool to have James Iha in attendance at our show at Pianos in New York…I’m a diehard Smashing Pumpkins fan, and I could hardly contain myself.

What do you have in store for ‘07?
We plan to get back into the studio early in the year and record a full-length album to come out sometime later on in 2007. We’ll keep doing weekend shows, but we’re going to be focusing heavily on writing new material and recording.

Goal for ‘07 and beyond?
To keep writing the best songs that we can, and to keep having fun while we do it.

Barcelona+ (2006)
Barcelona
Beat the Chill (ACE Remix Featuring Raw Poetic)

CHRIS:
3 favorite songs of ‘06?
Crazy by Gnarls Barkley
That’s a Lie by Middle Distance Runner
Blood by Editors (but this was technically released in the UK in 2005…so I’m picking a fourth)
Cheap Champagne by Georgie James

Favorite album of the year?
Plane in Flames – Middle Distance Runner

Best live show you saw this year?
Justin Timberlake at the 9:30 Club. Seriously.

Favorite holiday song and artist?
Christmas Time is Here (vocal) by the Vince Guaraldi Trio

Best present you ever received?
My first electric guitar was a Christmas present.

Worst present you ever received?
My family and friends have always been great to me.

SHANE:
Favorite songs of ‘06?
1) Minimal by Pet Shop Boys
PSB are back in top form with this melancholic but insanely catchy dance cut from the Fundamental album. Spelling out a song title hasn’t been this clever since O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A.
2) Crazy by Gnarls Barkley
The most soulful thing I’ve enjoyed since Al Green or Marvin Gaye.
3) Count Souvenirs by Junior Boys
A vocalist more melodramatic than me. Misery loves company. It’s a great thing.
4) Zombie by The Trucks
Keep dancing, but watch your back.

Favorite album of the year?
I’m still not finished with my favorites from 2005, so I’m a little behind.

Best live shows you saw this year?
Morrissey w/ Goldfrapp
Sinead O’Connor w/ Sly and Robbie

Essential holiday songs?
December will be Magic Again by Kate Bush
Fairytale of New York by The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl
2000 Miles by The Pretenders
River by Joni Mitchell

Best present you ever received?
Something Nice.

Worst present you ever received?
Something Naughty.

ALEXIA
3 favorite songs of ‘06?
We share our mother’s health by The Knife
Reena by Sonic Youth
Dead Meat by Sean Lennon

Favorite album of the year?
Silent Shout – The Knife

Best live show you saw this year?
Morrissey/Goldfrapp @ SXSW
Runner up: Kraftwerk @ 930 club

Favorite holiday song and artist?
As far as holiday songs go, I like traditional- Hark the Herald Angel Sing.
I also love Chrismas Time Is Here (instrumental) by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, from Charlie Brown’s Christmas.

Best present you ever received?
Um…I don’t have the best memory.

Worst present you ever received?
No answer.

The Twelve Bands of Christmas
Introduction
Day 1: Telograph
Day 2: AVEC
Day 3: The Hard Tomorrows
Day 4: Middle Distance Runner
Day 5: Thrushes
Day 6: Georgie James
Day 7: Exit Clov
Day 8: Jette-Ives
Day 9: These United States
Day 10: Cedars
Day 11: Two if by Sea
Day 12: Soft Complex

This is for all of the people who have to travel (see Chris), go holiday shopping (see me) or work today. It’s a nightmare out there, so I had to come up with something to help keep the sanity. Sit back and listen to these funk grooves. It just might make the day slightly more bearable. If you like what you hear, you can find all of these songs and much more here. Smile, it will be over soon.

The Poets of Rhythm – More Mess On My Thing
The Mighty Imperials – Joseph’s Popcorn (featuring Joseph Henry)
Sugarman Three – Take It As It Come (featuring Charles Bradley)
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings – Pick It Up, Lay It In the Cut

I wrote earlier about the opportunities still available at Tower while in its last days. While stocks thinned as the week wore on, prices declined to the point where one, if so willing, could just buy anything that looked interesting. Willing, I was. For less than $2 per CD, it was a chance to find something I would have never otherwise heard.

Hence, how I found Loney, dear – my favorite band of the moment. In fact, it definitely deserves a spot on my best of 2006 list. I found it abandoned in the L section of Tower Tyson’s Corner around 3:00 on its last day of business, somewhere among the remaining stock and with an IMPORT sticker on the sleeve. Marked $23.00, I paid somewhere around $1.80 for it – which seems nothing short of criminal at this point. I don’t know why I picked it up, but the cover art looked promising and the name (which I misread as “Lonely, dear”) and title were intriguing.

Loney, dear is really a one man band – the concept of Swede Emil Svanangen and done on a sparse do-it-yourself budget. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard something as remarkable as his debut, Sologne. Just…wow.

At times, the songs pulse and move with danceable beats adorned with full horn arrangements. Harps spring up in stereo, with synths interlaced effortlessly to create pads to flesh out Svanangen’s higher end tone. Svanangen weaves his pieces together flawlessly, turning his bedroom guitar tunes into fully realized, near-symphonic arrangements. As a balladeer on “A Band,” he pleads as he croons, leading like an actor on parade. That voice sits at the helm; his raw, emotive delivery ensure the success of songs like “The City, The Airport.” Like few others I’ve ever heard, it is not only a masterful DIY recording but also a truly phenomenal piece of songwriting. Simultaneously sad and hopeful, but delivered with such an intensity that you can’t help but to nod your head along, you’re left wondering whether to smile or to cry. Proving his versatility, “Take it Back” is a charmingly forward thinking take on a simple love song, uplifting with its bold melodies and vocal style.

I am totally blown away by this record.

If what I’ve read about it is true, and Svanangen did this by himself with largely limited studio resources, then this is one of the best things I’ve ever heard. Imagine what might happen if you crossed the Bee Gees with the Arcade Fire…and added in some Radiohead-esque melancholy and the Decemberists’ sense for theatricality. If that makes any sense. BUT HE MADE THIS IN HIS STUDENT APARTMENT! BY HIMSELF! I just can’t even fathom…

A headphones album if there ever was one, Sologne is a true achievement. It will be dropped in the States on Sub Pop. We should be so lucky.

Now forgive me for leaving, but I have to go and listen to it again. And again. And again.

Addendum: I just came to learn that the album that will be released by Sub Pop will drop in February of 2007. From what I can tell, it is a new album titled Loney, Noir, and features a more full realized studio effort. “I Am John” is the single they’re pushing off of that…and well…this is going to be the huge indie band of 2007. No question about it. Justifiably so. Unbelievable. Hopefully Sologne will see a release date in the States as well.

Sologne
The City, The Airport
A Band
Take it Back

Loney, Noir
I Am John

Okay, so it is Christmas week and everybody else has been doing Christmas mixes. And as cute as the new indie stuff may be, I still think that nothing holds a candle to the old classics. I dare somebody to tell me that Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are less cool than the Knife. Anybody? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Here we present to you some things that will make your grandparents happy as you flood your stereos this Christmas. Enjoy, and happy holidays everybody.

Andy Williams – O Holy Night

Andy Williams – White Christmas

Bing Crosby – I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Bing Crosby – Its Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Bing Crosby – White Christmas

Dean Martin – Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Dean Martin – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Ella Fitzgerald – What Are You Doing New Years Eve?

Frank Sinatra – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Frank Sinatra – White Christmas

Louis Armstrong – Zat You Santa Claus?

Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song

Sammy Davis, Jr – Jingle Bells

Check out the 12 Bands of Christmas

Past Throwbacks:
12/14/07: Talking Heads
12/07/06: Peter Gabriel
11/30/06: The Pixies
11/16/06: Prince
11/09/06: Ben Folds Five
11/02/06: Beastie Boys
10/26/06: Joy Division
10/19/06: They Might Be Giants
10/12/06: The Psychedelic Furs
10/05/06: The Clash
09/28/06: The Smiths
09/21/06: A Tribe Called Quest
09/14/06: R.E.M.
09/07/06: The Cure
08/31/06: Morphine
08/24/06: The Lemonheads
08/17/06: Depeche Mode
08/10/06: New Order