Monday, July 31, 2006

In House #1673: Tom Petty's Highway Companion; New Kelly Joe Phelps, Todd Snider

Despite making music in each of the last four decades, Tom Petty released just the third solo effort of his career last week. Highway Companion follows Full Moon Fever (1989) and Wildflowers (1994) in the Petty solo discography, although its sound has much more in common with the former than the latter.

Tom Petty

Petty is joined by fellow Traveling Wilbury Jeff Lynne (guitar, production) and longtime Heartbreaker Mike Campbell (guitar), but takes care of most of the responsibilities himself including rhythm and lead guitar, bass, drums, harmonica, piano, and (obviously) vocals. The result is the most consistently strong album from Petty in over ten years, an aptly-titled roadtrip release with songs pointing to open spaces and "getting away" like "Down South," "Turn This Car Around," "Night Driver," and "Big Weekend." The new release finds Petty on American Recordings, an easy fit for an artist who has always valued integrity in his artform. Tom Petty will be touring the U.S. in support of the new release through early October, and opening acts include Pearl Jam, Trey Anastasio, The Strokes, and Frank Black, among others, depending on where you're seeing him.

In House #1673.
Airdate: 7/31/06
Focus: New release from Tom Petty, Highway Companion, plus new music from Todd Snider, Kelly Joe Phelps, Johnny Cash and more.

BONUS MP3-
Tom Petty, from Highway Companion: "Down South" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #148

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Live: Magnolia Electric Co. with Ladyhawk
Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City 7/27/06

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Vancouver, B.C.'s Ladyhawk opened, touring in support of their recent self-titled debut.

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More Ladyhawk after the jump...


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Dig Jason Molina's color-coordinated guitar-bandanna set.

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Magnolia Electric Co. releases Fading Trails Sept. 12th.

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All photos: Melissa Cisneros for In House

Much more on the other side...



Friday, July 28, 2006

In House #1672: The Minders' It a Bright Guilty World; New Our Lady of the Highway, The Pipettes

Originally a mid-90's off-shoot of the Elephant 6 collective, The Minders have since done a more than serviceable job of establishing their own identity. Over the course of three full-lengths and a smattering of EPs the Portland, OR-based band have become well-honed craftsmen of 60's-infused indie-pop.

The Minders

Their fourth release, It's a Bright Guilty World, dropped last week on Future Farmer and does not disappoint, with the trio of Martyn Leaper, Rebecca Cole, and Joel Burrows now making up the band. There are vintage Minders moments, as on "Don't You Stop," and "Accidental Joy," as well as new, folkier flavors like "Saturday Morning," and "Remember, Remember." The Minders are currently touring in support of the new release and hit Salt Lake City's Kilby Court on August 26th.

In House #1672.
Airdate: 7/28/06
Focus: New release from the Minders, It's a Bright Guilty World, plus new music from Our Lady of the Highway, the Pipettes, the Long Winters and more.

BONUS MP3s-
The Minders, from It's a Bright Guilty World:
"Accidental Joy" (MP3)

The Pipettes, from We Are the Pipettes:
"Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me" (MP3) (courtesy of Rewritable Content)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #147

Thursday, July 27, 2006

In House #1671: Magnolia Electric Co., Ladyhawk in Salt Lake City Tonight

In case you haven't noticed, the musical landscape is suddenly littered with bowers at the country-rock throne. Bearded collectives eating Parsons & the Byrds, sleeping Neil Young & Crazy Horse, breathing Sticky Fingers Stones are, for better or worse, descending upon the beer-stained stages of America, almost single-handed explanations of the rising sales of PBR and Chevy vans. Yeah, so it's sort of the thing. The thing is, Jason Molina's band, once known as Songs:Ohia, now known as the Magnolia Electric Co., has been doing something along those lines better than most since long before now. They were country-rock when country-rock wasn't cool, to paraphrase Barbara Mandrell.

Magnolia Electric Co.

Prolific and underappreciated, the band has released nine studio albums under one moniker or the other, and their tenth, entitled Fading Trails, drops in September. Molina and Co. operate between poles of Crazy Horsey country-rock and deliberate, slo-core twang, occasionally crossing over into areas of old country and Springsteen. The band is in the middle of a set of pre-emptive tour dates, anticipating the September 12th release date of the new album on Secretly Canadian. Their passage through the area finds them at the Urban Lounge tonight in Salt Lake City before moving on to The Raven in Missoula, MT tomorrow night. Vancouver, BC-based Ladyhawk opens.

Ladyhawk

In House #1671.
Airdate: 7/27/06
Focus: Magnolia Electric Co. and Ladyhawk in Salt Lake City tonight, plus new music from Eric Bachmann, M. Ward, Golden Smog and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Songs:Ohia, from Magnolia Electric Co.: "Farewell Transmission" (MP3)

Magnolia Electric Co., from What Comes After the Blues: "Leave the City" (MP3)
...and the upcoming Fading Trails: "Lonesome Valley" (MP3)

Ladyhawk, from Ladyhawk: "Dugout" (MP3)

Lions In the Street, from the Cat Got Your Tongue EP: "Lady Blue" (MP3)



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #146

All releases from Songs:Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. are available at emusic.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

In House #1670: New Live Release From Robert Blake; New Greg Graffin, Eilen Jewell

Singer-songwriter Robert Blake, though playing anything but orthodox folk, is something of a modern-day troubador. Over the last nine years or so, the Bellingham, Washington-based artist has traveled far and wide bringing his unique verse and strumming to the people, while somehow still finding the time to release five solo studio albums, be a part of the High, Wide, and Handsome Band and the Tin Pan Caravan, and found the annual Subdued Stringband Jamboree held near Bellingham. Speaking of which, Blake's latest release is a live recording capturing his performance on the first night of the 2005 Subdued Stringband Jamboree, as well as that of Seattle-based The Crying Shame. Blake's set reveals him at his punk-folk best, plugged in and backing himself with sporadic strumming while telling tales of lost loves, travels, and grandmothers. The result is a vibe and energy few can create with just voice and guitar, reminding us why we go to see and hear live music in the first place.

Of note, Robert Blake will be returning to In House as our first guest-blogger, reporting from this year's 6th Annual Subdued Stringband Jamboree, taking place the weekend of August 11-13 near Bellingham, WA. This year's line-up includes Jesse Sykes, The Crying Shame, The Juanita Family, Casey Connor, and scores more. If you happen to be in the area, by all means: GO.

Robert Blake

In House #1670.
Airdate: 7/26/06
Focus: New live release from Robert Blake, The First Friday Show, documenting last year's perfromance at the annual Subdued Stringband Jamboree. Plus, new music from Greg Graffin, Eilen Jewell, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Robert Blake, from The First Friday Show:
"On a Monday Night (LIVE)" (MP3) and "Zoe's Been Drinking (LIVE)" (MP3)

Robert Blake Live In House:
"Head Over Heels (LIVE)" (MP3) (recorded 2/22/2002)
and "I Wanna Get Back Together With You (LIVE)" (MP3) (recorded 6/5/2003)

The Crying Shame, from an up-coming full-length:
"Waiting On a Train" (MP3)

Jesse Sykes (with Mount Analog), from Poor Boy: Songs of Nick Drake:
"River Man" (MP3)

Rachel Ries, from For You Only:
"You Only" (MP3)

Anais Mitchell, from Hymns For the Exiled:
"Cosmic American (MP3)



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #145

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

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M. Ward Spoon Tom Waits Yo La Tengo The Decemberists

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The Pixies Frank Black Charlie Parker Sufjan Stevens Belle & Sebastian

White Stripes The Kinks Josh Ritter Nine Inch Nails New Pornographers


Plus, emusic features "emusic only" releases (like the 2006 Pitchfork Music Festival Sampler), as well as advance releases ahead of the retail street dates for select titles. The downloads are regular mp3s and work on any mp3 player. Most importantly in this case is the fact that every trial membership agreed to supports In House Radio. That is, you get 25 free downloads with no strings attached, AND you support the music and podcasts you hopefully enjoy here everyday. A good deal, no? Think of it as your way of saying "thanks." Simply click the link below and you're on your way to free music.

In House #1669: Midlake's The Trials of Van Occupanther; New Kite Flying Society

Denton, Texas quintet Midlake are something of a strange animal. We'll call them "indie rock" just to make things easy, but their music draws comparisons to contemporaries like Radiohead and the Flaming Lips, as well as vintage acts like Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, and the Electric Light Orchestra-- not necessarily names hipsters are accustomed to bandying about. Despite the old influences, fewer releases this year have sounded fresher, and the buzz for The Trials of Van Occupanther has been spreading since the release of the lead single, "Roscoe," back in March. The album is littered with transporting tunes, with numbers like "Young Bride," "We Gathered in Spring," and the aforementioned "Roscoe," achieving a level at once timeless and eerie. Elsewhere, "It Covers the Hillside," and "Chasing After Deer," suggest an additional, pastoral element, evoking the likes of the Incredible String Band and even Fairport Convention. It all adds up to a startlingly gorgeous album likely to make a reappearance when the Best-of-2006 lists emerge at the end of the year. The Trials of Van Occupanther saw its U.S. release date today on Bella Union.

Midlake

In House #1669.
Airdate: 7/25/06
Focus: New release from Midlake, The Trials of Van Occupanther, plus new music from Kite Flying Society, Earlimart, Essex Green and more.


BONUS MP3s-
Midlake, from The Trials of Van Occupanther:
"Roscoe" (MP3) and "Young Bride (Cassettes Won't Listen Remix)" (MP3)

Last Town Chrous, from Wire Waltz:
"Modern Love" (MP3) (David Bowie cover)

BONUS Video-
Midlake's "Young Bride" (click arrow to view)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #144

Monday, July 24, 2006

In House #1668: The Long Winters' Putting the Days to Bed; New Sleepy Jackson, Yo La Tengo

John Roderick's Long Winters return tomorrow with their third full-length release, entitled Putting the Days to Bed. The album is another batch of soaring, spell-binding indie-pop from Roderick, who you might say has a way with a pop hook and is quickly becoming the West Coast's Joe Pernice. The new effort is the band's follow-up to 2003's When I Pretend to Fall, an album that some of you may recall was identified by this show as one of the best five releases of the year. Things have changed a bit for the new go-around, however, as the Winters are without the keyboards and soaring harmonies of Sean Nelson-- a major part of the last album's appeal. While Nelson is now doing his own thing with Harvey Danger, Roderick has soldiered on with solid tunes like "Hindsight," and "Fire Island, AK," while introducing a new flavor or two in songs like "Sky Is Open." His inner singer-songwriter also emerges with more stripped-down numbers like "Clouds." The release is the Long Winters' third on Seattle's Barsuk label.

Long Winters

In House #1668.
Airdate: 7/24/06
Focus: New release from the Long Winters, Putting the Days to Bed, out tomorrow, plus new music from the Sleepy Jackson, Yo La Tengo, Pernice Brothers and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Long Winters, from Putting the Days to Bed: "Pushover" (MP3)

The Spectacular Fantastic, from their new free ep:
"California" (MP3) and "Echo Mountain" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #143

Sunday, July 23, 2006

In House #1667: Live Music In the Region This Weekend


We base today's show on a rare premise as the playlist is made up entirely of acts hitting the region this weekend. The majority of these will be playing the Targhee Fest at the Grand Targhee Ski Area in Alta, WY. The impressive line-up at the second annual event includes the likes of Lyle Lovett, Sam Bush, Patty Griffin, Chris Smither, and Greg Brown, among others, and runs Friday through Sunday.


Elsewhere is the Music On the Rocks Festival in Idaho City, ID, also spanning three days. This year's inaugural event features the likes of Idaho folk icon Rosalie Sorrels, as well as Boston-based musician Eilen Jewell, who's lately been getting a lot of attention for her recent debut Boundary County. Other artists playing both festival gigs and seperate venue dates include Charlie Musselwhite, James McMurtry, and Hot Tuna Acoustic. Closer to home, Pocatello's Graybeard plays at Portneuf Valley Brewing tonight and the Snake Oil Stompers hit the First National Bar tomorrow night.






In House #1667.

Airdate: 7/21/06
Focus: Live music galore in the region this weekend, including the Targhee Fest and the Music On the Rocks Festival. Music from Chris Smither, Martin Sexton, Patty Griffin, Hot Tuna, James McMurtry, Greg Brown, Rosalie Sorrels, Eilen Jewel and more.



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #142

Thursday, July 20, 2006

In House #1666: TV On the Radio's Return to Cookie Mountain; White Whale's WWI

Though those of us in North America don't yet have the opportunity to get our hands on it (perhaps because it's too subversive), TV On the Radio recently unleashed their second album, Return to Cookie Mountain on the rest of the world. Early returns suggest an original and addictive, if also a bit challenging, batch of tunes. It's dense. It's meaty. And it's an album's album in an age of mp3 singles, begging to be listened to from front to back. The influences here are complex, too: vintage Prince soul rock meets Talking Heads eccentric New York stew meets additional seemingly disparate rock elements encompassing Richard Hell to My Bloody Valentine. In short, there's lot going on, but it's a fine mess by this one band that includes appearances by David Bowie, playing himself on the schizophrenic "Province," Blonde Redhead's Kazu Makino, and Celebration's Katrina Ford. Reviews have been glowing in from all around, implying that Return to Cookie Mountain may just be this year's Illinois. Word is that it will even eventually see a North American release, slated for Interscope.

TV On the Radio

Elsewhere today, we get to the the debut release from Lawrence, Kansas' White Whale, entitled WWI. Like Return to Cookie Mountain, this effort benefits greatly from repeated listens, revealing nooks and crannies lost on radio singles. The members of the band are no newcomers, featuring musicians late of the Get Up Kids and Thee Higher Burning Fire, as well as Matt Suggs. Also like RtCM, WWI picks its difficult places but is ultimately an at once original and accessible work. It drops next week on Merge.

White Whale

In House #1666.
Airdate: 7/20/06
Focus: New releases from TV On the Radio, Return to Cookie Mountain, and White Whale, WWI, plus new music from Portastatic, Cursive and more.



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #141

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

In House #1665: Golden Smog's Another Fine Day; New Catfish Haven, Tom Petty

As you may have noticed, supergroups rarely add up to equal, let alone surpass, the sum of their collective parts. More often than not, the results of such unions often feel like exactly what they generally are: one-off, weekend recording indulgences that border on local bar band territory. Nevertheless, some seem to have avoided such pitfalls-- the New Pornographers, for example, though they seem much less a supergroup than an actual band of musicians who happen to have other things going on at the same time. Another example is the Golden Smog who, to this listener at least, have always done an ample job of avoiding the cliches of the supergroup despite taking themselves less than seriously.

Golden Smog

The third album from the Golden Smog-- this go around featuring members of the Jayhawks, Wilco, Soul Asylum, and Run Westy Run-- dropped yesterday on Lost Highway. Another Fine Day is a far sonic cry from the country-rock of the band's 1995 debut Down By the Old Mainstream and songs like "Pecan Pie." Instead, the main flavor on the new album is decidedly less country and more rock, veering off into territory established by the likes of Big Star and The Replacements. It's a switch that mimics the shifting discographies of both the Jayhawks and Wilco, and while it may disappoint those hoping for rootsy fare, Another Fine Day still manages to defy supergroup trappings.

In House #1665.
Airdate: 7/19/06
Focus: New release from the Golden Smog, Another Fine Day, plus new music from Catfish Haven, Tom Petty, Bobby Bare Jr. and more.

BONUS MP3s from today's show-
Golden Smog, from Another Fine Day:
"Frying Pan Eyes" (MP3)

The Replacements, from Don't You Know Who I Think I Was?:
"Pool & Dive" (MP3)

Catfish Haven, from Tell Me (due 9/12 on Secretly Canadian):
"Crazy For Leaving" (MP3)

Bobby Bare Jr., from The Longest Meow (due 9/26 on Bloodshot):
"World Snuggling Championships" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

In House #1664: The French Kicks' Two Thousand; New Kite Flying Society, Long Winters

The Brooklyn-based French Kicks returned today with their third album and follow up to 2004's surprisingly wonderful The Trial of the Century. Two Thousand reunites the band with Century producer Doug Boehm, though it doesn't necessarily make for an exact replica. This time around the aim seems to be for an ever higher sheen, with electronic flavors placed in amongst the layers of synth and guitar. The result is a long way from the sound of their 2002 debut One Time Bells, though whether this is a good or bad thing is up for debate. The French Kicks begin an extensive U.S. summer tour later this month.

French Kicks

In House #1664.
Airdate: 7/18/06
Focus: New release from the French Kicks, Two Thousand, out today, plus new music from Kite Flying Society, the Long Winters, and more.


BONUS MP3-
French Kicks, from Two Thousand: "Also Ran" (MP3)



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #140

Monday, July 17, 2006

In House #1663: Greg Graffin's Cold As the Clay; New Grant-Lee Phillips, Magnolia Electric Co.

We'd be remiss to dismiss Greg Graffin as the usual punk cliche-- not that one would after watching him front one of the most cerebral and socially-conscious punk bands around for the last twenty-five years. The Bad Religion frontman holds a Master's degree in geology, a Ph.D. in biology, and grew up in the rural Midwest singing songs like "Talk About Suffering," and "Kickin' My Dog Around." Yeah, who knew? Graffin has gone back to the roots, both his own and those of American music, with the new solo album Cold As the Clay, on which he is joined by The Weakerthans and Jolie Holland for versions of eleven traditional tunes. The results are rather stunning, particularly if all you know of Graffin is Bad Religion. "I wanted to show how my work with Bad Religion was informed by other, seemingly disparate and unconventional genres of music that at first glance may appear to have nothing to do with punk," as Graffin tells it. Indeed, though there's not a "punk" song on the album, it may serve as fresh of a breath in that genre as any. Cold As the Clay was released last week on Anti.

Greg Graffin

In House #1663.
Airdate: 7/17/06
Focus: New release from Greg Graffin, Cold As the Clay, plus new music from Grant-Lee Phillips, Magnolia Electric Co., The Hiders and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Bad Religion: "Leave Mine to Me" (MP3)

Greg Graffin:
"Don't Be Afraid to Run" (MP3) and "Talk About Suffering" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #139

Friday, July 14, 2006

In House #1662: Ramblin' Jack Elliott's I Stand Alone; New Johnny Cash, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys

He's cavorted, caroused, and yes, rambled with everyone from Bob Dylan and Ralph Stanley to Jack Kerouac and Andy Warhol, so it's only fitting that Ramblin' Jack Elliott's new I Stand Alone features help from a diverse lineup of talent, Lucinda Williams and David Hidalgo on the one hand; Corin Tucker, Flea, and DJ Bonebrake on the other. Elliott, of course, has spent an entire career, hanging with and appealing to different types of crowds, evidence that a good storyteller can capture anyone. He keeps it simple and brief on his first new recording in seven years, with many of these new versions of old songs clocking in at under two minutes. Lucinda Williams' turn on "Careless Darling," in particular, is a standout number, their weathered and broken voices blending together in a version the only complaint for which is that it ends so quickly. The lone original, "Woody's Last Ride," closes out the album with a poignant portrait of an old friend, though one can't help but wonder if it's meant to be Elliott's last ride as well. If so, I Stand Alone is a proud final chapter.

Ramblin' Jack Elliott

In House #1662.
Airdate: 7/14/06
Focus: New release from Ramblin' Jack Elliott, I Stand Alone, plus new music from Johnny Cash, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Chatham County Line and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Ramblin' Jack Elliott from I Stand Alone:
"Rake & Ramblin' Boy" (MP3) and
"Careless Darling" (MP3) (with Lucinda Williams)



PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #138

Thursday, July 13, 2006

In House #1661: Built to Spill in Salt Lake City Tonight; New David Bazan, Mountain Goats

A couple of months later than originally had been planned, Built to Spill hits The Depot in Salt Lake City tonight in support of their recent triumphantish return, You In Reverse (no word on whether or not Doug Martsch will be dunking on Andrei Kirilenko). Nearly fifteen years after Martsch formed the band with modest expectations, BtS released their sixth album, but first in five years, in April. The results, both live and recorded, haven't disappointed. With much of Built to Spill's output borne from open jam practices, the fact that the core of the band (now officially including Jim Roth, though he's played with the band since the Keep It Like a Secret days) has been consistent for the last six years has no doubt helped matters. Tonight's performance is the last in the first wave of their U.S. tour, which reconvenes for another long series of dates in mid-September.

Built to Spill

Related content: here

In House #1661.
Airdate: 7/13/06
Focus: Built to Spill in Salt Lake City tonight, plus new music from David Bazan, the Figurines, Sonic Youth and more.

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


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #137

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

In House #1660: Sufjan Stevens' The Avalanche; New Bishop Allen, Long Winters

The uncontainable songwriting force that is Sufjan Stevens returned this week with The Avalanche, a second helping of songs culled from the sessions for last year's Illinois release. Aside from the fact that Stevens apparently writes songs like most of us breathe (or is it the Protestant work ethic?), the other remarkable thing to be found here is how solid the majority of the 21 "outtakes and extras" happen to be. Most songwriters wish they could have keepers like these, let alone throwaways. Once again, Stevens' songs are littered with historical references and figures, Illinois style: everyone from Adlai Stevenson, to Ann Landers, to Saul Bellow (where there were before Andrew Jackson, John Wayne Gacy, and Carl Sandburg) gets the treatment. Musically, nothing really diverts wildly from the lush, baroque indie-pop established with Illinois, though "Springfield" finds a welcome and dissonant blues guitar riff-- all the more dissonat given its surroundings. Is it too much of a good thing? Perhaps, and there are detractors lining up for the backlash, but The Avalanche is easily a step above anything that might be labeled "fans only."

Sufjan Stevens

In House #1660.
Airdate: 7/12/06
Focus: New release from Sufjan Stevens, The Avalanche, plus new music from Bishop Allen, the Long Winters, Hidden Cameras and more.

BONUS MP3 from today's show-
Bishop Allen, from the new June EP: "The Same Fire" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #136

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

In House #1659: Thom Yorke's The Eraser; Syd Barrett Remembered

In case you didn't already know, the solo debut from Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, The Eraser, drops today on XL recordings. While the album's flavor does not represent a stylistic leap from that of the later, more electronic-bending Radiohead (not surprising, since they've all been produced by Nigel Godrich), Yorke's singing, sans any filters, is perhaps as clear and soul-piercing as it's ever been. Musically, The Eraser is made up in large part by bits of Radiohead-borne clips of music Yorke had been storing on his laptop, some of it for years. It's to his and Godrich's credit, then, that they were able to create the spectacularly lush but minimal backdrops that make up the album with such a base. One might call it mood music, and while it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it will no doubt tide over legions of Radiohead fans already jonesing for new material.

Thom Yorke


In House #1659.
Airdate: 7/11/06
Focus: First solo release from Radiohead's Thom Yorke, The Eraser, out today, plus new music from Midlake, Asobi Seksu, the Futureheads, and more. Also, Syd Barrett remembered.

BONUS Vid:
Thom Yorke's "The Clock," performed acoustically on The Henry Rollins Show:


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #135

Syd Barrett, 1946-2006



Famous recluse and co-founding member of Pink Floyd Syd Barrett died this past Friday, July 7th, though the news just came today. More is here.

"Wouldn't You Miss Me (Dark Globe)"(MP3) from Opel

"Love You" (MP3) from The Madcap Laughs

Monday, July 10, 2006

In House #1658: Scott H. Biram's Graveyard Shift, New Meat Purveyors, Frank Black

Primal blues and rock & roll with a country heart beating underneath-- that's how Bloodshot records describes Scott H. Biram's second release, Graveyard Shift, due out tomorrow on the Chicago-based label. It's an apt enough description, as what's most impressive about Biram's new effort is the stylistic ground he covers without coming across as an inauthentic dabbler. In one instance he's a gospel-blues stomper outta the deep south, in another he's a maniacal hellbilly frontman equipped with a wildcat yowl, these all before lamenting the truck-driver's life in tunes like "18 Wheeler Fever," a solid addition to a long tradtition of truck-driving songs. It all adds up to an outstanding collection of songs, most of which seem to suggest that Biram serves as an outlet for decades of real-life characters before him.

Scott H. Biram

In House #1658.
Airdate: 7/10/06
Focus: New release from Scott H. Biram, Graveyard Shift, plus new music from the Meat Purveyors, Johnny Cash, Frank Black and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Scott H. Biram, from Graveyard Shift:
"Been Down to Long" (MP3) and "Now Way" (MP3)

Meat Purveyors, from Someday Soon Things Will Be Much Worse!:
"Hanged Man" (MP3)

James Low, from Mexiquita:
"Mexiquita" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #134

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Road Trip Post

I'll be on the road for the rest of the week, but the show goes on. Here are the rundowns for the July 5-7 shows, hot and fresh like you like them.


In House #1655.
Airdate: Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Focus: (R) New release from Bruce Springsteen, We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions, plus new music from Chris Volpe, Tom Brosseau, and selections from the upcoming Sail Away: The Songs of Randy Newman tribute.

PLAYLIST

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In House #1656.
Airdate: Thursday, July 6, 2006
Focus: Debut release from Beirut, Gulag Orkestar, plus new music from Sea Wolf, Black Heart Procession, Thao Nguyen and more.

BONUS MP3-
Beirut: "Postcards From Italy" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #132

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In House #1657.
Airdate: Friday, July 7, 2006
Focus: Ray Davies in Salt Lake City tonight, plus Richard Swift and Teddy Thompson play separate bills tomorrow night. Also, new music from Grant-Lee Phillips, Jim Noir and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #133

X With Your Fireworks

L.A. punk legends X are !Egads! reunited and touring this summer. John Doe, Exene Cervenka, Billy Zoom, and D.J. Bonebrake will, in fact, be hitting The Depot in Salt Lake City come August 4th. No show today, here's your holiday number.

X: "4th of July" (MP3)

Monday, July 03, 2006

In House #1654: Johnny Cash's American V: A Hundred Highways

So the story goes: just days after the death of his wife June Carter in May of 2003, Johnny Cash placed a call to producer Rick Rubin that bore the message, "I've got to get to work." Perhaps he knew his time was short, that he didn't have long to say everything he wanted to say, and he set to work laying down the bare bones tracks for what would become the fifth in the American recordings series. Representing work he was doing right up until his death in September of 2003, Cash's A Hundred Highways finally sees its release date tomorrow.

Dating back to the mid-90's, the idea for the American series began with producer Rick Rubin, who approached Cash with the idea of recording sparse, stripped down versions of essentially whatever he wanted to sing. Twelve years and five volumes later the collaborations, for that's what they really are, have produced versions of songs written by everyone from Nine Inch Nails to Neil Diamond to Cash himself.

This time around there's nothing as adventurous as, say, "Hurt," but selections like "Four Strong Winds," "Further On Up the Road," and "I'm Free From the Chain Gang Now," take on added depth given the weight of Cash's subsequent death. "Like the 309," one of two originals in the collection shows Cash was, indeed, a bit preoccupied with thoughts of his death, as it depicts a final train ride for him in a casket.

As usual, Rubin's production and instrumentation never step into the way of Cash's vocals, at some points here reduced to a growled whisper, instead working to present the man in black warts and all-- but still utterly compelling. Whether or not this is the final American recording (and Rubin has said there is enough new material for a sixth volume somewhere down the line), it serves as at least another legend-building chapter, powerful if hushed, in the career of a fascinating artist.




Also today, music from the always interesting musician and actor Lyle Lovett, who doesn't really care how you think he looks. Though his most recent relesae was 2003's My Baby Don't Tolerate, Lovett seems to be staying busy enough. In fact, fans in the region will have two opportunities to catch him live this month: July 21st at the Targhee Festival in Alta, Wyoming; and tonight at the Tamarack Amphitheatre in Donnelly, Idaho.


In House #1654.
Airdate: 7/03/06
Focus: New release from Johnny Cash, American V: A Hundred Highways, plus Lyle Lovett plays Donnelly, Idaho tonight, and new music from Tim O'Reagan and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Johnny Cash, from American V: A Hundred Highways:
"God's Gonna Cut You Down" (MP3) and "Four Strong Winds" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #131