Friday, April 28, 2006

In House #1609: Wanda Jackson & The Rubes in Pocatello Tonight


Wanda Jackson makes her first appearance ever in Pocatello tonight, playing the new Jensen Grand Concert Hall on the campus of Idaho St. University. With a career spanning over fifty years now, Jackson has seen and done it all. Beginning in the mid-1950's, she toured with the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Buddy Holly, and it was in fact Presley who encouraged her to move to a more rock & roll sound. Jackson became the first female to record a rock & roll song in 1956. Her career has included several interesting phases and sidebars, including #1 hits in Japan ("Fujiyama Mama"), Germany ("Santo Domingo", sung in German, no less), and Scandinavia. She's been inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and the International Hall of Fame, and is a recent recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship. In short, it's been a rather full career, yet her populartity has perhaps never been greater than in the resurgence she's enjoyed over the last ten years or so.


Her 2003 release, Heart Trouble, was the first U.S. release for Ms. Jackson in 20 years, and featured appearances by Dave Alvin, Rosie Flores, The Cramps, Elvis Costello and others. Her most recent album, I Remember Elvis, is a tribute of sorts to Elvis Presley, her one-time boyfriend and mentor. Her versions of songs like "Mystery Train," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," and "Heartbreak Hotel," among others, are marked by her still electric vocals, as well as a low gloss production that has led more than one review to comment on how "old" the recordings sound. Some would say that there could be no higher compliment.

Wanda with Danny Harvey, the producer and guitarist of her latest album, I Remember Elvis

Opening the show tonight, as well as serving as Wanda Jackson's backing band are The Rubes, who hail from Salt Lake City. Over the course of a handful of visits to Pocatello over the past year or so, the band has shown themselves to be a lively if unlikely concoction of punk, rockabilly, blues and more. They move adeptly between genres, as likely to whip out a rendition of Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill," as they are to turn the punk out from the top of the bar. This is the second stint backing Jackson for the band, folllowing a performance last month in Denver.

The Rubes


In House #1609.
Airdate: 4/28/06
Focus: Wanda Jackson with The Rubes at Idaho St. University in Pocatello tonight, plus new music from Neko Case, Willie Nelson and more.



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #97

Thursday, April 27, 2006

In House #1608: Wanda Jackson Live Guest DJ

The Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson, joins us for a live guest DJ set featuring the music of Hank Thompson, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley and more. Along the way, Wanda talks about her life and career, including the beginnings of her foray into what would become known as "rockabilly."




In House #1608.
Airdate: 4/27/06
Focus: Wanda Jackson Live In House, including a guest DJ set featuring selections from Elvis Presley, Hank Thompson, Jimmy Martin, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton and more.



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #96 (Guest DJ: Wanda Jackson)

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

In House #1607: New Releases From Elf Power, Starlight Mints



Elf Power


Starlight Mints

In House #1607.
Airdate: 4/26/06
Focus: New releases from Elf Power, Back to the Web, and the Starlight Mints, drowaton. Plus, new music from the Black Heart Procession, Aloha and more.



PLAYLIST

The Legendary Wanda Jackson Live In House

Just a brief reminder to the interested that Wanda Jackson, indeed the Queen of Rockabilly, will be making two In House appearances surrounding her performance in Pocatello Friday night. Tomorrow, she joins us for a guest DJ set, including music from Elvis Presley, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Dolly Parton, Jimmy Martin and more from an impressively diverse set of artists. Friday, she performs live in the studio with The Rubes out of Salt Lake City backing her up. There are a few ways to catch the broadcasts, including the good old-fashioned radio dial at 91.1 FM for those of you in range. You can also access a live stream here on the blog, beginning at 4pm (MST) each day. Alternately, you can catch the podcasts, generally posted here in the day or so following the shows.


One thing more: if you live within a travelable distance, take in the show! It's her only appearance in the region and a rare opportunity to catch a legend.

From the Wanda Jackson archives:
"Kansas City" (MP3)

"Funnel of Love" (MP3)

"Fujiyama Mama (MP3)

"Riot In Cell Block #9" (MP3)

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

In House #1606: New Collaboration From Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris

All the Roadrunning is the new collaboration between a couple of old and familiar names. Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris waited seven years for their schedules to become unconflicting enough to record the project, finally released today. From the sounds of things, the wait's been worth it.


Knopfler, of course, got his start as the frontman of Dire Straits, and has gone on to release a solid, if underappreciated, string of solo albums. Harris, meanwhile, is approaching national treasure status, and has added her unique voice to the music of a myriad of artists over the years-- Gram Parsons, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, and among them. The duo previously collaborated on a couple of contributions to the Timeless Hank Williams tribute album a few years back.


In House #1606.
Airdate: 4/25/06
Focus: New release from Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris, All the Roadrunning, plus new music from Bruce Springsteen, Josh Ritter and more.



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #95

Monday, April 24, 2006

In House #1605: Harmonica Red & the New Heard Tonight in Pocatello; New Black Keys

For over thirty years now, George Heard, better known as Harmonica Red, has been building a deserved reputation as a world-class blues harpist. Over the course of literally hundreds of recordings, Red has worked with an impressive list of artists, including names like Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Los Lobos, Dr. John, and War, among others. These days, Red's touring with his own band, the New Heard, in support of their recent full-length, Even Trolls Love Rock & Roll. The band hits Michele's City Lights in Pocatello tonight.

Harmonica Red

The unlikely Akron, OH blues duo the Black Keys release their first new music since 2004's Rubber Factory this May 2nd with Chulahoma: The Songs of Junior Kimbrough. The band covers six songs by the late blues great, who was just celebrated last year with another Fat Possum release, Sunday Nights: The Songs of Junior Kimbrough. The Keys seem to be finding new areas of finesse in their music over the last couple of efforts, but can still make a two-some racket when they feel like it.

Black Keys

In House #1605.
Airdate: 4/24/06
Focus: Harmonica Red & the New Heard in Pocatello tonight, as well as new music from the Black Keys' upcoming Chulahoma EP. Also, music from Dave Alvin, Black Joe Lewis and more.


BONUS MP3s from today's show-
Black Keys from Chulahoma: "Meet Me In the City" (MP3) (left click & save)

Black Joe Lewis & Cool Breeze: "I Don't Mind" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

Friday, April 21, 2006

In House #1604: Live This Weekend: Editors, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Posies



Editors



the Yeah Yeah Yeahs



the Posies


In House #1604.
Airdate: 4/21/06
Focus: Editors, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and the Posies all in the area this weekend, plus new music from Morrissey, Field Music, the Little Ones and more.



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #94

Friday Random Five (#18)

Yes, it's the return of the Random Five-- back from the dead like Fascism, but with better music. All new stuff this time around, too, including music from a couple of upcoming Matador releases, a live and covered classic, a Doug Martsch-fronted Boise side project, and something else that's uncategorizable.

1- From the first of the Matador releases, The Oblierati, the second installment since the reformation of the legendary Mission of Burma, drops on May 23rd. "2wice" (MP3) is from it.

2- The other upcoming Matador album comes from Alabama's Brightblack, who are apparently now known as Brightblack Morning Light. Conicidentally enough, the album's called the same thing, and is out June 20th. "Everybody Daylight" (MP3) is kind of spooky.

3- A live one here: Jill Sobule and Billy Bragg join forces here for a rendition of David Bowie's "All the Young Dudes" (MP3), recorded in London town, 2004.

4- In addition to recording and releasing a new album with Built to Spill and requiring surgery on an eye he injured playing pick-up basketball, Doug Martsch has also recently joined forces with some slightly lower profile Boise musicians to form the studio act Boise Cover Band. Martsch recorded the 7-track EP Unoriginal Artists with fellow Boiseans Ned Evett, John Mullin, and Ian Waters. Included are covers of David Bowie and Captain Beefheart, among others. Martsch plans to sell the EP at shows on Built to Spill's upcoming tour. "Strange" (MP3) is a Delusions song.

5- Finally, something uncategorizable. Danielson's Ships is due out May 9th on Secretly Canadian records. "Did I Step On Your Trumpet?" (MP3) is all-together weird, wild, and zany, not that that's a surprise.


enjoy. rinse. repeat.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

In House #1603: Bruce Springsteen's We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions

Bruce Springsteen returns next week with a new collection of songs wriiten and/ or made famous by folk music icon Pete Seeger. We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions features Springsteen and an ensemble cast performing what are in large part riotous versions of songs like "O Mary, Don't You Weep," "John Henry," and "Eyes On the Prize."

Springsteen & friends

Like Seeger's music, the songs here are mixed flavors of Americana and Irish folk, blues, country and gospel, resulting in a recording that truly celebrates Seeger's legacy as both a songwriter and activist. In places, it sounds like a good old-fashioned populist revival, which is as good of a reminder as any that many of these songs hold as much pertinence today as they did when they were written. Springsteen has planned a full 18-date tour with the Seeger Sessions Band beginning in late May.


Still fighting the good fight, Pete Seeger turns 87 in early May.




In House #1603.
Airdate: 4/20/06
Focus: New release from Bruce Springsteen, We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions, plus new music from Chris Volpe, Jolie Holland, and selections from the upcoming Sail Away: The Songs of Randy Newman tribute. Also, the Clumsy Lovers live tonight at Idaho St. University.

BONUS MP3s-
From Springsteen's We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions:
"O Mary, Don't You Weep" (MP3) and "Old Dan Tucker" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #93

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

In House #1602: The Eames Era in Boise & Salt Lake City; New Headlights, Fiery Furnaces




In House #1602.
Airdate: 4/19/06
Focus: The Eames Era in Boise tonight and Salt Lake City tomorrow night, plus new music from Headlights, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Fiery Furnaces and more.

BONUS MP3s-
The Eames Era:
"Year of the Waitress" (MP3) , from Double Dutch (2005, C Student)
"Could Be Anything" (MP3), from The Second EP (2004, C Student)



PLAYLIST

Monday, April 17, 2006

In House #1600: The Stills in Salt Lake City Tonight

Hailing from Montreal, The Stills have been part of that city's "it" status over the past three or four years, along with bands like The Dears, the Arcade Fire, and Wolf Parade, to name three others. Their 2003 debut Logic Will Break Your Heart seemed to take a lot of people by surprise and gained fans on the strength of dark, driving pop songs like "Still In Love Song," and "Changes Are No Good," and a style that drew comparisons to Joy Division and Echo & the Bunnymen. Three years later, a lot appears to have changed: the former drummer now does most of the singing and the sound is a bit more jangly and organic, which may or may not bode well for the band. Without Feathers is the new album, due out May 9th on Vice records, and early returns seem to indicate a 50/50 split on the new sound. The Stills hit Salt Lake City's Club Sound tonight in support of the new release.


In House #1600.
Airdate: 4/17/06
Focus: The Stills in Salt Lake City tonight, plus new music from Sam Roberts, the M's and more.

BONUS MP3s-
The Stills: "Still In Love Song" (MP3), from Logic Will Break Your Heart (Vice, 2003)

The Stills: "In the Beginning" (MP3), from Without Feathers (Due May 9th, Vice)

The Stills: "Oh Shoplifter" (MP3), from Without Feathers (Due May 9th, Vice)

Sam Roberts: "The Gate" (MP3), from Chemical City (Due May 16th, Universal)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #91

Coming Soon: Wanda Jackson

The undisputed Queen of Rockabilly herself, Wanda Jackson, plays the new Jensen Grand Concert Hall on the campus of Idaho St. University in Pocatello this Friday, April 28th. Wanda will be backed by a group In House listeners likely know well: The Rubes out of Salt Lake City. Tickets are available at (208)282-3595, or for more info call (208)282-3691 or visit www.kisu.org.

In addition, Ms. Jackson will be making two In House in-studio visits, including a guest DJ set on April 27th and a live performance with the Rubes on April 28th.

Watch the trailer from the upcoming Wanda Jackson documentary, Every Night Is Saturday Night: The Wanda Jackson Story here:


From Jackson's latest release, I Remember Elvis: "Blue Moon of Kentucky" (MP3)

Friday, April 14, 2006

In House #1599: Craig J. Green & the Bent Flow Trio Live

It's another localized version of the show today as renowned guitarist Craig J. Green stops by along with the Bent Flow Trio in anticipation of a performance tomorrow night at Portneuf Valley Brewing in Pocatello. The group specializes in what might be called jazz-world-fusion, and is one of many projects Green has been involved with in the area over the years. Their debut release is out on Green's own Non Fiction Status label.

Craig J. Green

In House #1599.
Airdate: 4/13/06
Focus: Craig J. Green & the Bent Flow Trio Live In House.



PLAYLIST

Thursday, April 13, 2006

In House #1598: Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs' Under the Covers, Vol. 1; New Josh Rouse, Richard Swift

Chances are good that you've across the previous work of both Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs in one place or another. If you've ever heard the strains of the Bangles' "Manic Monday," or "Walk Like an Egyptian," playing, yet again, over the speakers of the supermarket you happen to be strolling through, then you know Hoffs' velvet coo well. Though a bit less visible within the mainstream, Sweet rose to prominence first as a guitarist for Lloyd Cole, and then behind power-pop gems like "Girlfriend," and "Sick of Myself," cementing his place among guitar-driven, jangle-pop acts like Teenage Fanclub. That fairly interesting premise, then, is behind the collaboration between the two entitled Under the Covers, Vol. 1, due out next week on Shout! Factory. The duo tackles fifteen classic pop gems from the likes of the well-known (Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Beach Boys) and the less well-known (Fairport Convention, Stone Poneys), staying more or less true to the original forms. Sweet & Hoffs (or Sid n' Susie, as they call themselves) apparently became acquainted as members of the fictional band Ming Tea, whom you may or may not recall from the Austin Powers movies. The album began as a "for the fun of it" recording of songs by the likes of the Left Banke and Fairport Convention in Sweet's home studio before being expanded into a full-on project.


In House #1598.
Airdate: 4/13/06
Focus: New collaboration from Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs, Under the Covers, Vol. 1, plus new music from Josh Rouse, Ambulance Ltd. and more.

BONUS MP3-
Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs: "Sunday Morning" (MP3) (Velvet Underground cover)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #90

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

In House #1597: Built to Spill's You In Reverse; New Band of Horses, Quasi

In what most certainly seems like a blast from some of our long-gone innocent youths, Boise's Built to Spill returned this week with You In Reverse, their first release in five years. Not that this new effort has much in common with the pre-911, pre-indie-rock-soundtracked-tv-shows Ancient Melodies of the Future, but it has been a while. Doug Martsch and the boys have dusted off the guitars nicely, however, and many are calling the new music evidence of a rejuvenated Built to Spill. One big difference over their previous work has to do with space, as in that within the songs. They've done big and epic before, to be sure, but this seems to be a looser, more free-form kind of space, thus making good on all of those bearded jamband quips that have been uttered. The band begins a massive tour in Calgary on June 9th-- a tour that was recently pushed back two months because of an eye injury Martsch suffered playing pick-up basketball. That one gets bearded rockers every time.



In House #1597.
Airdate: 4/12/06
Focus: New release from Built to Spill, You In Reverse, plus new music from Band of Horses, Quasi and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Built to Spill, from You In Reverse: "Liar" (MP3) and "Traces" (MP3)

Also: test your one-on-one skills here against computer Doug Martsch, who is not above reprimands like, "Not in my house!"

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #89

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

In House #1596: Calexico's Garden Ruin; New Howe Gelb, Lambchop


Calexico, the dusty Tex-Mex collective that began as a side collaboration between Giant Sand members Joey Burns and John Convertino, releases their fifth album today, entitled Garden Ruin. Over the course of their run the Tucson-based band has successfully combined disparate musical elements, among them jazz, mariachi, Tex-Mex, and indie rock, to forge a sound that can only be said to be their own. On the new release, they deliver their most focused, cohesive batch of songs to date, resulting in what may be their best entire album to date (if a bit less varied in style).


In House #1596.
Airdate: 4/11/06
Focus: New releases from Calexico, Garden Ruin, and Lambchop, The Decline of Country & Western Civilization- Pt. II: The Woodwind Years. Plus, new music from Howe Gelb, Cordero and more.


BONUS Video:
Calexico's "Cruel" from Garden Ruin:



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #88

Live: John Vanderslice with the Crystal Skulls at Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, UT

Seattle's Crystal Skulls opened more than ably, performing dead-on renditions of songs from both last year's debut and their latest, Outgoing Behavior (brilliant and now available).






More Crystal Skulls behind the cut.


John Vanderslice and his now permanent band, consisting of David Broecker, Ian Bjornstad, Dave Douglas, and Dan Brennan, provided an innovative set, as always. One thing multiple visits to a JV show reveals is just how much the songs evolve and change over the course of performances. One is essentially assured a different sound every time out. The band played selections from across the Vanderslice catalog, dating back to the MK Ultra days, showing that they've gelled nicely after two tours together in the last few months.






More underneath the leaves.

Plus, a snippet performance of "Angela," from Pixel Revolt.

Monday, April 10, 2006

In House #1595: John Vanderslice & the Crystal Skulls in Salt Lake City Tonight

He's the busiest man in indie rock and, by all accounts, an all-around good guy. John Vanderslice hits Salt Lake City's Kilby Court tonight as part of the "Getting It On With the Hangman's Daughter" tour, which sounds like a delicate predicament to be sure. Vanderslice's most recent proper release, 2005's Pixel Revolt, was a slow seeper, one of those subtle albums that creeps into your bones like a rare and welcomed disease behind lines like, "...dressed like that/ you are the flag of a dangerous nation" and, "your dad didn't know the age of the sun/ but now we know the hour it was born/ how does that help us now?" On the current tour, he'll be selling a new live to 2-track version of Pixel Revolt, entitled Suddenly It All Went Dark, apparently recorded in a California chicken coop, presumably sans chickens.


One of many oustanding acts to be playing with Vanderslice on the current tour are Seattle's Crystal Skulls, easily one of the most intriguing bands to pop up over the past year or so. Their sophomore release (and second in about a year's time), Outgoing Behavior, is out tomorrow on Suicide Squeeze.

Crystal Skulls


In House #1595.
Airdate: 4/10/06
Focus: John Vanderslice in Salt Lake City tonight, plus a new release, Outgoing Behavior, from the Crystal Skulls, opening for Vanderslice tonight. Also, new music from Bishop Allen, Elf Power, Destroyer and more.

BONUS MP3s-
John Vanderslice, from Pixel Revolt (2005): "Trance Manual" (MP3)
...from Time Travel Is Lonely (2001): "Time Travel Is Lonely" (MP3)

Crystal Skulls, from Outgoing Behavior (2006): "The Cosmic Door" (MP3)
...from Blocked Numbers (2005): "No Room for Change" (MP3)

Plus, get the the version of "Angela" that appears on the new Suddenly It All Went Dark: Pixel Revolt Live to 2-Track at *Sixeyes.


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #87

Friday, April 07, 2006

In House #1594: Recent 3-CD Tribute to Peter Case, A Case for Case

Singer-songwriter Peter Case has been creating music, largely and unjustifiably under the radar of most, for nearly thirty years now. Both with the more power-pop oriented Plimsouls and as a solo artist in the twenty years since that band's end, Case has fostered an impressively consistent body of work that has not shied away from innovation while remaining firmly based in past masters like Woody Guthrie and Mississippi John Hurt.

Case has finally gotten some deserved appreciation with a massive new tribute album: A Case for Case: A Tribute to Peter Case collects 47 of his songs as done by the likes of Dave Alvin, Chris Smither, Victoria Williams, Todd Snider and Richard Buckner, to name a few of the more recognizable names included. The less familiar artists included here provide anything but filler, however-- indeed, aside from Case's songwriting one of the most enjoyable things about the collection is the chance to discover artists like Hayes Carll, Gurf Morlix and Ronny Elliott. It all adds up to a top-notch appreciation of a top-notch, but underappreciated, artist.

Peter Case

In House #1594.
Airdate: 4/7/06
Focus: Recent 3-CD tribute to Peter Case, A Case for Case, plus new music from the Songs for Sixty-Five Roses compilation, Josh Ritter and more.



PLAYLIST

Thursday, April 06, 2006

In House #1593: New Release from Irving; New Islands, Flaming Lips

San Francisco-based quintet Irving recently released their second full-length on eenie meenie, entitled Death In the Garden, Blood On the Flowers. In the past, the band has displayed a decided bent towards late-60's, Brit-inspired sounds ala the Kinks, but the new effort shows them branching out a bit to include elements of new wave in what is an impressively diverse collection of songs.


In House #1593.
Airdate: 4/6/06
Focus: New release from Irving, Death In the Garden, Blood On the Flowers, plus new music from Islands, Flaming Lips, Bishop Allen and more.

BONUS MP3s from today's show-
Irving: "Situation" (MP3) and "If You Say Jump, I Will Say No" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #86

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

In House #1592: Josh Ritter's The Animal Years; New Neko Case, Howe Gelb

Idaho-born singer-songwriter Josh Ritter returns next week with his fourth full-length, The Animal Years, out on V2 records. Over the course of his brief career, the 29 year-old Ritter has garnered high critical praise, generally involving the obligatory Bob Dylan and John Prine references. The difference may be that the comparisons appear deserved, and Ritter doesn't disappoint on the new album. Enlisting producer Brian Deck, who's in the past worked on the likes of Modest Mouse's The Moon & Antarctica and Iron & Wine's Our Endless Numbered Days, Ritter achieved a sound that is both traditional and envelope-pushing-- one need look no further than the epic "Thin Blue Flame" for evidence. Ritter begins a month-long tour of the eastern U.S. next week, just after the new album's official release date, before returning for some west coast dates beginning in June.


In House #1592.
Airdate: 4/5/06
Focus: New release from Josh Ritter, The Animal Years, plus new music from Neko Case, Howe Gelb and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Josh Ritter from The Animal Years:
"Girl In the War" (MP3) and "Thin Blue Flame" (MP3)

...from Hello Starling (2003): "Snow Is Gone (LIVE)" (MP3)

...from Golden Age of Radio (2002): "Me & Jiggs" (MP3)

Howe Gelb from 'Sno Angel Like You: "But I Did Not" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #85

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

In House #1591: Morrissey's Ringleader of the Tormentors; New Concretes, Camera Obscura


Love him or hate him, and chances are you most certainly fall into one camp or the other, Morrissey has to be given credit for his resiliency if nothing else. Just a few years after being left for dead following a seven year drought between releases, the former Smiths frontman has returned with his second strong album in as many years with Ringleader of the Tormentors, out today. Now living in (where else?) Rome, the one-time Pope of Mope enlisted the talents of, among others, the legendary Ennio Morricone for help with the production and recording, and the results appear to be solid (or better, if you believe Pitchfork). Ringleader marks Morrissey's eighth solo release since the dissolution of the Smiths in 1987.


In House #1591.
Airdate: 4/4/06
Focus: New releases from Morrissey, Ringleader of the Tormentors, and the Concretes, Concretes in Colour. Plus new music from Camera Obscura, Sparks and more.



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #84

Monday, April 03, 2006

In House #1590: Sondre Lerche's The Duper Sessions

Norwegian singer-songwriter and former wunderkind Sondre Lerche is back with his third release, The Duper Sessions, out recently on the AstralWerks label. Lerche was a mere teenager (19) when his debut, Faces Down, appeared in 2002 to the acclaim of many. His latest, however, is something of a departure stylistically from those first two albums-- recorded, not by coincidence, with the Faces Down Quartet, The Duper Sessions is a more or less straight ahead jazz affair, or at least Lerche's version of that.

The album collects jazz-tinged pop originals, as well as a few covers, as Lerche makes what seems to be an effortless transition to "crooner." Even the cover photo evokes memories of a late fifties Sinatra effort, Lerche apeing Frank with his collar open as the candids pop while he makes a suggestion or two to the orchestra. Of particular interest is his jazz reading of Elvis Costello's "Human Hands," orginally on the Attractions' Imperial Bedroom, as well as a spot-on version of "The More I See You," clearly modeled on the version made famous by Chet Baker. Lerche also has plans for a more conventional guitar pop release later in the year (lest the too-cool-for-school hipsters lose their patience, such as it is, with him).


In House #1590.
Airdate: 4/3/06

Focus: New release from Sondre Lerche & the Faces Down Quartet,
The Duper Sessions, plus the latest from Elvis Costello, Rhett Miller, Casey Dienel and more.

BONUS MP3-
Sondre Lerche & the Faces Down Quartet:
"Human Hands" (MP3) (Elvis Costello cover)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #83