In House with Jeremy Petersen

2008-11-27T01:16:00.002-07:00

Looking for OPB's In House?

If you happen to have arrived here while in the midst of searching for some combo resembling "OPB" and "in house" then you've come to the right place-- well, almost. Fact is, what you see here is a relic, a never-to-be-updated-again dinosaur from the pre-OPB days (and given all of the now-dead links in the previous post, it seems some updating was in order).

So then, In House is the weekend radio arm of opbmusic, the online musical venture started by Oregon Public Broadcasting in June of 2007, with a 24/7 musical web presence that followed in November of 2007. This presence includes a continuous music stream, streaming archives of the most recently aired editions of In House, and on-demand streaming archives of scores of in-studio sessions, some of the most recent featuring John Vanderslice, Joan as Police Woman, Jolie Holland, Xavier Rudd, The Real Tuesday Weld, and more. In House, meanwhile, airs Saturday and Sunday nights from 8-11p. (PST) on the stations of OPB, including 91.5 in the Portland area. Got all of that so far? Good.

To sum up: In House is currently headquartered here, opbmusic's frontpage can be found here, and in-studio session archives are here. I hope that clears up any confusion there may have been.

That is all.
Site retired.
Signing off.
(Psst...come on! What are you waiting for?)

2007-09-02T21:45:00.000-06:00

A New Home for In House

Admittedly, it's been a while coming, but you can now hear In House on its new home, Oregon Public Broadcasting. OPB is one of the most successful and respected pubcasters in the country, and it's an affiliation of which I'm humbled to be a part. We'll air Saturday and Sunday nights from 9pm to midnight (pacific time) and will also be streaming live here. We're also now streaming Laura Veirs' in-studio performance from our June 30th debut, with plenty more of those to come. Additionally, the change brings with it a new blog location, OPB Music, which means that posts related to the show at this location will stop-- although there may still be some music related content here from time to time. I encourage you to stop by the new digs and join in the discussions we'll be having there, or just say "hey." Thanks for listening.

UPDATE: Live in-studio sessions with Rocky Votolato, the Avett Brothers, Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter, James Low, Bishop Allen, Langhorne Slim, Blitzen Trapper, The Shaky Hands, Gill Landry, The Veils, and Jonatha Brooke are now posted for your listening pleasure at the OPB Music blog. More to come!

2007-08-07T21:42:00.000-06:00

Live: Bishop Allen
Doug Fir, Portland, OR 8/3/07

More to see here.

2007-08-06T02:10:00.000-06:00

Lee Hazlewood, 1929-2007

The legendary singer-songwriter-composer-character died Saturday after an extended battle with terminal cancer. His most recent effort, Cake or Death, (out in the U.S. early this year) saw Hazlewood going out on his own terms, including appearances from Tommy Parsons, Bela B., and his grand-daughter, Phaedra. He was 78.

In House #1769 (Originally aired last December, featuring Hazlewood's Cake or Death)

2007-07-28T02:12:00.000-06:00

A Conversation with John Vanderslice

We spent some time recently with San Francisco-based musician, producer, and all-around nice guy John Va nderslice. He talks film, photography, and Emerald City, the new album out last week on Barsuk.

Stream: A Conversation with John Vanderslice

2007-06-29T13:54:00.000-06:00

Live: The National
Berbati's Pan, Portland, OR 6/28/07

Plenty more to see here.

2007-06-28T00:54:00.000-06:00

The In House Blog Goes On Hiatus

No posts for a while, kids, as we move our operations to (literally) greener pastures in the Great American Northwest. Live streaming is still available ~~here weekdays at 4pm mountain standard time~~. Thanks for listening.

PLAYLISTS

2007-06-28T00:47:00.001-06:00

New Blitzen Trapper Video: "Devil's a Go-Go"

From their recent Wild Mountain Nation onslaught.

2007-06-20T09:35:00.000-06:00

New Menomena Video: "Rotten Hell"

From this year's friend & foe release. This pretty much rules.

2007-05-24T16:14:00.000-06:00

Wilco Live From AOL: "You Are My Face"

Enjoy.

2007-05-24T14:59:00.000-06:00

In House #1877: The Hold Steady in Boise Tonight

The Hold Steady

In House #1877.
Airdate: 5/24/07
Focus: The Hold Steady with The Heartless Bastards in Boise tonight, plus Patti Smith covers The Decemberists, and new music from Buffalo Tom, Superdrag, and more.

PLAYLIST

2007-05-23T11:44:00.000-06:00

In House #1876: New Bloodshot Records Tribute to Larry Brown

More via Bloodshot.

In House #1876.
Airdate: 5/23/07
Focus: New Bloodshot Records tribute compilation, Just One More: A Musical Tribute to Larry Brown, A Great American Author, featuring cuts from Greg Brown, Alejandro Escovedo, Robert Earl Keen, Vic Chesnutt, and more. Plus, new music from Ryan Adams, The Avett Brothers, Robbie Fulks, Mark Olson, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
From Just One More: A Musical Tribute to Larry Brown:

Cary Hudson: "Song In C" (MP3)

Ben Weaver: "Here's to My Disgrace" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #314

2007-05-23T11:05:00.000-06:00

Harvey Danger's "Flagpole Sitta" Off Broadway

Oh my.

I want to work here:

2007-05-22T12:11:00.000-06:00

In House #1875: The National's Boxer; New Adult Swim Compilation

A couple of years ago, The National released what would prove to be a truly slow burn of an album with their third effort, entitled Alligator. Although it hit stores early in 2005, it received little more than a casual reception. By the time the end of the year lists were upon us, however, Alligator had worked its way into more than a handful of top fives. Others still wouldn't discover its brilliance until well into 2006. No chance of a similar scenario unfolding this time around, as The National's Boxer has been at the top of the "much anticipated" list for many for the last couple of months. A bit moodier and more reserved than its predecessor, the album is marked in its brooding dignity, as Matt Berninger's words and vocals once again cast a dark musical hue. Songs like "Fake Empire," "Mistaken For Strangers," and "Start a War," are moving even before one deciphers the cryptic lyrical snippets which comprise them, and the deliberate intensity is perhaps best coupled with the liquor of your choice. Measured, intelligent, and occasionally caustic, Boxer is music that requires listening. The rewards will follow. The National embarks on a North American tour beginning next week in New York.

The National

In House #1875.
Airdate: 5/22/07
Focus: New release from The National, Boxer, plus selections from a new compilation from Adult Swim, featuring music from Broken Social Scene, The Raveonettes, TV On the Radio, Sound Team, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
The National, from Boxer:

"Fake Empire" (MP3)

"Slow Show" (MP3)

Selections from Warm & Scratchy, presented by [adult swim]-

The Raveonettes: "Dead Sound" (MP3)

The Brother Kite: "Half Century" (MP3)

TV On the Radio: "Me-I" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #313

2007-05-21T14:28:00.001-06:00

In House #1874: The Meat Puppets Play Salt Lake City Tonight

Just ahead of their first studio release in seven years, The Meat Puppets play Salt Lake City's Urban Lounge tonight. The rather legendary trio, including the brothers Kirkwood, Curt and Cris, return in July with Rise to Your Knees, perhaps an apt description following a 25+ year career that has seen the band hit plenty of low points. Cris Kirkwood, in particular, has weathered his share of stormy events, including a well-publicized heroin addiction and the overdose death of his wife, and a bizarre run-in with a post office security guard that left him shot in the back and in prison. Following his release last year, the Kirkwood brothers announced plans for a regrouping of sorts and began work on the new album, their eleventh. The album finds them settling back in to the comfortable sound of much of their more polished, post-SST work, with songs like "On the Rise," and "Enemy Love Song," playing to the pop side of things before the psychedelic guitar noodling of "Disappear." Rise to Your Knees drops July 17th to be exact on the Anodyne label.

The Meat Puppets

In House #1874.
Airdate: 5/21/07
Focus: New music from The Meat Puppets, playing Salt Lake City tonight. Plus, new music from The Shaky Hands, Backyard Tire Fire, The Mendoza Line, and more.

BONUS MP3-
The Meat Puppets, from Rise to Your Knees:

"Rise to Your Knees" (MP3)

Two Gallants, from The Scenery of Farewell (due 6/19):

"Seems Like Home" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #312

2007-05-21T13:44:00.000-06:00

M. Ward (with Jim James & Neko Case) Plays Conan

Portland, Oregon troubadour M. Ward delivered a stellar version of "Chinese Translation," on Friday night's episode of Late Night with Conan O' Brien. Enjoy (until NBC has it removed).

2007-05-18T15:06:00.000-06:00

In House #1873: Julia Dawn Live; New Utah Carol

Today's in-studio guest is Fresno, CA-based singer-songwriter Julia Dawn, in Pocatello for a performance tonight at Portneuf Valley Brewing. The up and coming artist recently released the Falling EP, an effort that features a disparate mixing of sonic elements that led one reviewer to compare her sound to Bjork if she performed in the 1930's. Indeed, Dawn's music is easily described as genre-shifting, moving between pop, folk, americana and speak-easy jazz to create emotionally-charged numbers like "Darwin's Fall." Also included on her latest is a rare minor-key take on the classic "You Are On My Sunshine," slowed to a crawl and utterly changed in meaning. Julia Dawn's been out on the road for the past month, playing solo dates in California, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah before being joined by Joe Simpson on keys and trumpet for remaining dates in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Julia Dawn

In House #1873.
Airdate: 5/18/07
Focus: Fresno, CA-based singer-songwriter Julia Dawn live in the studio, plus new music from Vermillion Lies, Utah Carol, Kristy Kruger, Rocky Votolato, and more.

BONUS MP3s from today's live set-

"Thank God I'm Ugly" (MP3)

"Darwin's Fall" (MP3)

"Sweet Lord" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

2007-05-17T14:47:00.000-06:00

In House #1872: Page France's ...and the Family Telephone

Page France

In House #1872.
Airdate: 5/17/07
Focus: Recent release from Page France, ...and the Family Telephone, plus new music from Benni Hemm Hemm, Vandaveer, Sea Wolf, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #311

2007-05-16T13:41:00.000-06:00

In House #1871: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Plays Salt Lake City

A couple of years back, L.A.'s Black Rebel Motorcycle Club surprised everyone with the soulful and largely acoustic musical about-face that was Howl. Immersing their music in country, blues, and even gospel flavors, BRMC essentially recreated their sound, transforming themselves from a frantically-paced, multi guitar layered, Jesus & Mary Chain-compared rock & roll act to an old world, gospel-tinged trio with a bit more on their minds. Plenty of harmonica, slide guitar, and good old fashioned soul-searching propelled Howl to one of the best-sounding releases of the year. Two years later, and the band is back to their rock & roll ways, albeit tempered with a few of the new-found elements employed with such success for Howl. Baby 81 finds the guitars plugged back in but doesn't necessarily rock with wild abandon. Instead, bluesy moments like album opener "Took Out a Loan," come across like a louder, less classic blues driven version of The Black Keys, while other moments suggest the influence of past acts like The Stooges and The Rolling Stones. Despite all of the volume, which is generally (much) higher this go around, there are moments of comparatively delicate texture to be found within: Robert Turner's piano turn that drives the rather epic "Window," for example. For the most part though, it's a loud and loose return to form, which is fine, except that Howl suggests that their real strengths lie elsewhere. BRMC plays In the Venue in Salt Lake City tonight.

BRMC

In House #1871.
Airdate: 5/16/07
Focus: New release, Baby 81, from the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, also playing Salt Lake City tonight. Plus, new music from Spoon, Electrelane, The Ponys, The Arcade Fire, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #310

Coming soon: Our Filter Tourzine report from tonight's BRMC show

2007-05-15T14:38:00.000-06:00

In House #1870: New Releases From Feist, Rufus Wainwright

The music of Canadian singer Leslie Feist is a study in contrasts, much like the musical path she's taken since she was a teenager. The Reminder, her third release as simply Feist, jumps and mixes genres, wrapping her smooth vocals around pop, jazz, bossa nova, and indie forms, as well as hybrids thereof. With such versatility on display, it shouldn't necessarily surprise that she got her start fronting a Calgary punk band before going on to serve as one of the essential ingredients in the Toronto-based musical collective Broken Social Scene. New songs like "So Sorry," and "The Water," testify to her strength as a torch song singer, while she appropriates Nina Simone's own appropriation of "Sea Lion Woman," into something synth-tinged and glorious. For months prior to its release, the buzz was that The Reminder would be the effort that announced Feist to the world at large. It seems that it's succeeded in that capacity, and then some.

Also today, out this week is Rufus Wainwright's fifth studio full-length, entitled Release the Stars. The album once again finds Wainwright's recognizable voice skirting over lushly orchestrated, at times almost operatic, pop. As has been the case with recent efforts, he delves further into socio-political commentary in new songs like "Going to a Town," (with its refrain of "I'm so tired of America") and "Do I Disappoint You," both at least partially addressing a society that seems obsessed with topics like gay marriage, gay adoption, etc. Recorded in Berlin and London with Pet Shop Boy Neil Tennant, Release the Stars and its theatrics do nothing to diminish the reputation of an increasingly outspoken, if occasionally over-reaching, talent.

In House #1870.
Airdate: 5/15/07
Focus: New releases from Feist, The Reminder, and Rufus Wainwright, Release the Stars, plus new music from Ferraby Lionheart, Grant-Lee Phillips, The Sea & Cake, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Feist, from The Reminder:

"Sea Lion Woman" (MP3)

Rufus Wainwright, from Release the Stars:

"Between My Legs" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

2007-05-14T18:00:00.000-06:00

Elvis Costello & the Imposters Live Webcast

Watch it here this evening live from the Ed Sullivan Theater beginning at 8:25 EST.

Costello, who this year marks the 30th anniversary of the release of his groundbreaking debut album, My Aim Is True, will perform songs from his CDs, The Best of Elvis Costello: The First 10 Years and Rock and Roll Music, a collection of hits, key album tracks, B-sides and rare, previously unreleased cuts.

2007-05-14T14:58:00.000-06:00

In House #1869: Wilco's Sky Blue Sky; New Track a Tiger

Once upon a time, with efforts like A.M. and Being There under their belts, Wilco was considered at the forefront of the alt-country movement. That began to change a bit with 1999's Summerteeth, with nods to the lushly orchestrated pop of Brian Wilson in the mix, before the band excused themselves almost entirely from the genre on their two 21st-century releases, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born. It's ironic then that the tweak to Wilco's formula this time around, the flavor switch that differentiates their new Sky Blue Sky from their previously recent work, is at the very least a nod to the rootsy beginnings they strove so hard to get away from. The band's sixth studio album (or eighth is you count the Mermaid Ave. volumes they released with Billy Bragg) is a creation culled largely from the influence of folk-leaning material from the 1970's, The Band to The Dead to Neil Young. Which is not to say there aren't some gloriously experimental moments here: "Walken," "Impossible Germany," and "Hate It Here," all have their moments of enjoyable difficulty, though it's generally tempered with warmer tones than you'll find on most of A Ghost Is Born. Whether one takes this as a creative step backward, or more of a coming full circle, the results are once again consistently great, unpretentious pop. In short, more distinctly American music from this most American of bands, which, in the context of this discussion at least, is the ultimate compliment.

Wilco

In House #1869.
Airdate: 5/14/07
Focus: New release from Wilco, Sky Blue Sky, out tomorrow, plus new music from Track a Tiger, Ian Hunter, Nick Lowe, The Mother Hips, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #309

2007-05-11T15:09:00.000-06:00

In House #1868: Whitewater Ramble Live

Fort Collins, Colorado dancegrassers Whitewater Ramble return to our studio today for what's sure to be another burn-it-up live session in their third In House appearance in the past eight months. Not that we mind the regularity, their past visits have been filled with the kind of unhinged and irreverent performances for which they're quickly becoming known throughout the region. Today's occasion spotlights performances tonight in Roberts, ID and tomorrow night in Pocatello headlining Portneuf Valley Brewing's street party. The quintet is fresh off of the release of their first live DVD, entitled A, out earlier this spring.

Whitewater Ramble

In House #1868.
Airdate: 5/11/07
Focus: Whitewater Ramble live and in Pocatello this weekend, plus new music from John Prine and Mac Wiseman, Hayseed Dixie, and more.

PLAYLIST

2007-05-10T02:05:00.000-06:00

In House #1867: Elliott Smith's New Moon; New Jason Collett, Page France

It's been over three years since the mysterious and untimely death of Elliott Smith , and almost four years since his last public performance at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. It's easy to romanticize and martyr Smith-- the delicacy of his music and often dark intimacy of his words lend themselves to an Earthly afterlife reserved for the likes of Cobain and Drake, Morrison and Joplin. That's unfortunate because it's a largely contrived and easy myth that begins to inaccurately define Smith and his work, much like it does these artists before him. What tends to be lost in all of this storytelling about the musician, ironically, is the music itself.

Out this week on the label that released some of Smith's most revered work (kill rock stars), Ne w Moon features two discs and twenty-four tracks worth of material culled from outtakes, demos, and home recordings made during his most consistently brilliant period, 1994-1997. These were years spent in Portland near the end of his involvement with Heatmiser that saw him creating the DNA for what would later become his first two releases, Elliott Smith and either/or, each held in high regard but particularly so for fans of Smith's less polished, less produced material. There are early versions of songs here that would become well-known later on, including unadorned takes on "Miss Misery," and "Pretty Mary K," as well as some diamonds in the rough (ocasionally, very rough) like "High Times," "Whatever (Folk Song in C)," and the Americana-leaning "Georgia Georgia." Also included is a stunning version of Big Star's "Thirteen," previously made available on the soundtrack to the film Thumbsucker. New Moon is a welcome reminder, however bittersweet, of the rare and affecting quality of Smith's work, and another testament to the argument that he was the greatest songwriter of his generation. In as much as that matters.
Elliott Smith

In House #1867.
Airdate: 5/10/07
Focus: New posthumous two-disc collection from Elliott Smith, New Moon, plus a new EP from Jason Collett and new music from Page France, Shannon Wright, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #308

2007-05-09T14:44:00.000-06:00

In House #1866: The Avett Brothers' Emotionalism

The Avett Brothers

In House #1866.
Airdate: 5/9/07
Focus: Upcoming release from the Avett Brothers, Emotionalism, plus new music from Ray's Vast Basement, Bright Eyes, Bill Callahan, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #307

2007-05-09T01:12:00.000-06:00

Live: Richard Swift
Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, UT 4/28/07

All photos courtesy Levi Montana Keller

View more here

2007-05-08T15:11:00.000-06:00

In House #1865: The Clientele's God Save the Clientele; Morrissey in Salt Lake City

In House #1865.
Airdate: 5/8/07
Focus: New release out today from The Clientele, God Save the Clientele, plus Morrissey in Salt Lake City tonight and new music from Travis, Ladybug Transistor, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #306

2007-05-07T23:52:00.000-06:00

Live: Long Winters/ Broken West/ Stars of Track & Field
Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, UT 4/11/07

Stars of Track & Field

More from their set here

The Broken West

More to see here

The Long Winters

Plenty more here

2007-05-07T14:55:00.000-06:00

In House #1864: Dinosaur Jr.'s Beyond; New Comas

It's apparently the going thing right now, this whole "gettin' the band back together" bit. From The Police to the (Smashing) Pumpkins, James to the Jesus & Mary Chain, the old are new again, and only a small percentage of reunionees seem to be doing it for reasons other than the fact that their core audience is more upwardly mobile now than they were back in the heyday. Of course, it's one thing to tour and play the summer festivals with a catalog of old favorites and entirely another to actually record new material, the sheer act of which drives ridiculously meteoric expectations destined for a fiery crash in the used bin. This is what makes Dinosaur Jr.'s Beyond such a remarkable achievement. It's a recording reunion roughly nineteen years in the making, but somehow makes good on the promise of the band's original line-up (J. Mascis, Lou Barlow, and "Murph"). And then some. In fact, one who didn't know any better would be hard-pressed to claim that songs like "Crumble," and "Been There All the Time," aren't vintage Dinosaur Jr. recordings as they feature Mascis' trademark world-weary delivery amongst an amalgam of gloriously fuzzed-out pop. Undoubtedly, the trio-- in particular the traditionally warring Mascis and Barlow-- have benefited both from touring since originally reforming a couple of years ago, and world views that are undoubtedly more nuanced and relaxed than they were in 1989. Beyond dropped last week on the Fat Possum label, while the band begins an extensive North American tour later this week beginning on the west coast.

Dinosaur Jr.

In House #1864.
Airdate: 5/7/07
Focus: New release from Dinosaur Jr., Beyond, plus new music from The Comas, Menomena, Modest Mouse, Buffalo Tom, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Dinosaur Jr., from Beyond:

"Almost Ready" (MP3)

"We're Not Alone" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #305

2007-05-04T14:56:00.000-06:00

In House #1863: Cyril Barrett Live

The story of Cyril Barrett, at least as his subject relates to this radio show, goes back a while and calls for a bit of back story. Late in 1999, when KISU was still in its initial months of operation and carried no local programming, a CD mysteriously appeared in the studio. It was modest looking, an unflashy black silhouette on brown, and from a personal standpoint I expected little if anything from it. From the first strains of Larry Barrett's The Big Slowdown, however, it was clear there was something else entirely going on (note- Larry Barrett has since taken the name of his father, Cyril). In short, I was completely floored by the album, a simply-recorded, mostly introspective batch of tunes fleshed out by guitar, cello, harmonica, and mandolin as it featured Barrett aided by a group of friends that included Pam Barger (Pretty Mary Sunshine, Two Nice Girls, Frownland), Lori Goldston (Black Cat Orchestra), Emily Marsh (Black Cat Orchestra), and Tucker Martine (production credits for The Decemberists, Laura Veirs, et. al.), among others. Needless to say, the music's been a constant for me over the past seven years or so, and it's enjoyed a generous share of spins on the show during that time.

As for the man behind it, it turns out he was born and raised in Pocatello, though the last quarter century or so found him in Seattle, serving for part of that time at least as the manager of musical watering hole Hattie's Hat. Aside from The Big Slowdown, he's released three other full-lengths on Germany's renowned Glitterhouse label, all of them prior to 1999. A couple of years back, Barrett made the switch to Tucson, Arizona, and a creative scene that finds him rubbing elbows with Howe Gelb, Calexico, and Neko Case, among others. It's an absolute treat today, then, as we're joined by Cyril Barrett in the studio for a performance and interview that represents his only performance in the area this go around. We only had to wait seven years.

Cyril Barrett in Europe, 2003

In House #1863.
Airdate: 5/4/07
Focus: Cyril Barrett live in-studio, plus new music from the Avett Brothers, the Meat Puppets, John Doe, and more.

BONUS MP3s, from today's live set-

"The Ballad of the Sunset Hotel" (MP3)

"One Day in Texas" (MP3)

...and from The Big Slowdown:

"Hilltop Monks" (MP3)

In-studio photos of Cyril Barrett here

PLAYLIST

2007-05-03T13:01:00.000-06:00

In House #1862: An Interview with The Broken West's Ross Flournoy

Easily one of the most talked about debut releases of the year, The Broken West's I Can't Go On, I'll Go On came out on Merge in February to much praise. The L.A.-borne band's first full-length mixes the indie sound of peers like The Shins with influences straight from your parents' vinyl stash-- if you had cool parents (think Big Star, The Byrds, and Gram Parsons). The band has spent the better part of the year thus far on the road, including a super-pop trifecta bill with Stars of Track & Field and The Long Winters. We caught up with Broken West frontman Ross Flournoy following a performance last month at Salt Lake City's Kilby Court to discuss their expectations prior to the debut's release, their comparatively aged fanbase, and summer touring plans (including slots opening for the Fountains of Wayne and The National).

The Broken West last month in Salt Lake City

In House #1862.
Airdate: 5/3/07
Focus: An interview with Broken West frontman Ross Flournoy, plus new music from Bishop Allen, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Sea Wolf, and more.

An Interview with The Broken West's Ross Flournoy (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #304

2007-05-02T15:01:00.000-06:00

In House #1861: Robbie Fulks' Revenge!; New Dale Watson

Robbie Fulks

In House #1861.
Airdate: 5/2/07
Focus: New double-album from Robbie Fulks, Revenge!, plus new music from Dale Watson, Porter Hall Tennessee, Jon Rauhouse, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #303

2007-05-01T14:20:00.000-06:00

In House #1860: Portland's Bridging the Distance Covers Compilation

In House #1860.
Airdate: 5/1/07
Focus: 100% covers edition, featuring music from the new Bridging the Distance: A Portland Covers Compilation with selections from The Decemberists, Viva Voce, The Minders, Britt Daniel, and more. Plus, new covers from R.E.M., Golden Smog, and The Magic Numbers.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #302

2007-04-30T01:16:00.000-06:00

In House #1859: The Detroit Cobras' Tied & True

The first thing one notices when it comes to the music of the Detroit Cobras, and it'd be nearly impossible not to, is the belt-em-out vocal muscle of frontwoman Rachel Nagy. She remains the engine that drives the band on their recently released fourth album, Tied & True, out now on Bloodshot. While she remains at the top of her game when it comes to high-energy material, delivering songs like "As Long As I Have You," with an emotionally-charged swagger, the band turns it down a notch in places this go around and Nagy doubly shines as a voice that is smoky and sultry. The Detroit Cobras will be touring throughout the summer in support of the new release, including August dates in Boise and Salt Lake City.

In House #1859.
Airdate: 4/30/07
Focus: New release from the Detroit Cobras, Tied & True, plus new music from The Avett Brothers, Kings of Leon, Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #301

2007-04-27T15:04:00.000-06:00

In House #1858: Scott Von Duo Live; New Bob Dylan

It's a live in-studio visit today with Fort Collins, Colorado singer-songwriter Scott Von. He's been described as a "roots musician," for lack of a better term, and his songs get plenty of mileage out of that classification as they combine elements of Americana, folk, blues, jazz, and more. A relative newcomer, Von has quickly established himself throughout the region as a top-notch composer and performer, sharing stages with the likes of Chris Smither and Peter Mulvey while winning fans troubadour style, a handful at a time, and drawing comparisons to established masters like Greg Brown and John Hiatt. He's recently joined forces with guitarist Cary Morin to form the Scott Von Duo, which is how we'll hear his songs today. The duo is out for a brief trip to some new locations, including Vino Rosso tonight in Idaho Falls, and Portneuf Valley Brewing tomorrow night in Pocatello. Scott Von's latest full-length effort, and second overall, is last year's Moving Stones.

Scott Von

In House #1858.
Airdate: 4/27/07
Focus: Colorado-based singer-songwriter Scott Von live In House, plus new music from Bob Dylan, Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, John Prine & Mac Wiseman, and more.

BONUS MP3s from today's live set with the Scott Von Duo-

"Two Eyes" (MP3)

"Down By the Sea" (MP3)

Photos from today's in-studio right here.

PLAYLIST

2007-04-26T14:45:00.000-06:00

In House #1857: Laura Veirs' Saltbreakers; Richard Swift in Salt Lake City This Weekend

It's been a busy four years or so for Laura Veirs. The singer-songwriter has released three excellently-crafted and well-received albums, each more high profile than the last, toured exhaustively in their support, endured a failed relationship (which is well-documented in her new material), and made the move from Seattle to Portland. Of course, it's just such a schedule that has allowed her to go so far so quickly as she has organically grown her fan-base one at a time. Her latest effort, Saltbreakers, is also the third album with her current backing band (also called, you guessed it, The Saltbreakers), and a lineup that includes Tucker Martine, who also produced the album. Understandably, the band is close and it tends to come through in the music as they flesh out Veirs' whip-smart songs to great effect. Most impressive on the new release are the instances of new sonic exploration, sounding far more removed from 2005's Year of Meteors than a mere two years. "To the Country," features Veirs' ghostly call and response with the Cedar Hill Choir, with flourishes of solo fiddle further removing the song from Veirs' past repertoire. Elsewhere, "Phantom Mountain," rocks out like she never has before, adding garage-fuzz guitars and bombast. Following a string of European dates, Veirs begins a US tour May 8th in Chicago.

Also today, music from Richard Swift, who plays Kilby Court in Salt Lake City this Saturday night in what will be his final U.S. performance before he heads to the U.K. for a series of dates in early June. As his sound indicates, Swift is a true throwback, a pure pop songwriter that finds common ground amongst the likes of Paul McCartney (the good, 70's, songwriting version) and Tom Waits, among other artists of yesteryear. Maybe it's that circular taste thing working, but he somehow channels those retro leanings into a finished product that sounds entirely fresh and intriguing. Not one to be pigeon-holed into one decade, Swift broke ground on the 1980's earlier this year when his version of Prince's "Paisley Park," appeared as the B-side to his "Kisses For the Misses" single. His most recent full-length is this year's excellent Dressed Up For the Letdown.

In House #1857.
Airdate: 4/26/07
Focus: New release from Laura Veirs, Saltbreakers, plus Richard Swift plays Salt Lake City this weekend. Also, new music from Elliott Smith, Chrisopher Blue, Winterpills, Andrew Bird, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Laura Veirs, from Saltbreakers:

"Saltbreakers" (MP3)

Richard Swift, from The Novelist/Walking Without Effort:

"As I Go" (MP3)
...from the Kisses For the Misses 7":

"Paisley Park" (MP3) (Prince cover)

Elliott Smith, from New Moon (due 5/8):

"Pretty Mary K (Other Version)" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #300

2007-04-25T03:30:00.000-06:00

In House #1856: New Martin Sexton, Playing Salt Lake City Tonight

Over the past twenty years or so, singer-songwriter Martin Sexton has built a reputation as an artist with a consistently interesting and diverse output. One need only seek out a handful of selections from his catalog to find an artist that has rarely, if ever, conformed to anyone's expectations but his own, and he's excelled at several different genres because of it, often over the course of the same album. Seeds, his sixth studio full-length but first in seven years excluding 2005's holiday-themed Camp Holiday, is no different in this regard. Over the course of thirteen new songs and one version of a soul classic, Sexton ambles between pop, rock, folk, country, gospel, soul, and even a little jazz, showing off his trademark vocal range in the process. Whereas in the past such diversity has caused his efforts to sound pieced together, Seeds somehow keeps its overall focus amongst the genre-jumping. "Wild Angels," features Sexton backed by a choir of himself, foreshadowing the gospel inflection on the later "There Go I." "Will It Go 'Round In Circles," meanwhile, is Sexton's take on Billy Preston's classic, proving that an entire album's worth of such material from him would surely be of more use to the world than similarly-themed releases from the likes of Rod Stewart and Michael McDonald. Martin Sexton plays The Depot in Salt Lake City tonight, along with up and coming opener Jonah Smith.

Martin Sexton

In House #1856.
Airdate: 4/25/07
Focus: New release from Martin Sexton, Seeds, also playing Salt Lake City tonight. Plus, new music from Willy Mason, Mavis Staples, Wilco, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Martin Sexton, from Seeds:

"Goin' to the Country" (MP3)

Mavis Staples, from We'll Never Turn Back:

"On My Way" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #299

2007-04-24T13:35:00.000-06:00

In House #1855: Cloud Cult's Meaning of 8; New Britt Daniel

It's one thing to be prolific but another entirely to be prolific and brilliant. Our occasional tendencies to engage in hyperbole aside, Minneapolis' Cloud Cult has been something close to both for the better part of the decade now, while still somehow managing to be kept under wraps like a special secret. With the release of Meaning of 8, the band's fifth full-length in the past seven years, their underground darling days may soon be at an end. The nineteen-track collection is a sprawling, stuffed to the gills festival of pop, at times so lyrically and musically dense that it's impossible to believe that it doesn't fall right over on its face. But no, Craig Minowa and friends succeed where so many have failed, and their pop pastiche brings to mind the best (and long-lost) moments of the Flaming Lips, the tribal righteousness of the Arcade Fire, the nearly unhinged lunacy of Modest Mouse. Songs like "Chemicals Collide," perhaps the best example of a pure pop song in 2007 this side of Peter, Bjorn & John's "Young Folks," literally beam with...we'll call it hope (and that's OK); "Please Remain Calm," meanwhile, suggests a Beta Band heir in the land of Sinclair Lewis. Meaning of 8 is a lot to take in at once, but it's a varied and captivating lot-- what more can you ask than that? The band that passes out environmentally-minded fact sheets at their gigs and looks like your college drama troupe just might be the emerging face of American indie-pop, and it's about time. Cloud Cult play two Montana dates this week, tonight in Bozeman and tomorrow night in Missoula, before heading for the west coast.

Cloud Cult

In House #1855.
Airdate: 4/24/07
Focus: New release from Cloud Cult, Meaning of 8, playing Montana shows tonight and tomorrow night, plus new music from Britt Daniel, The National, Pela, Modest Mouse, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Cloud Cult, from Meaning of 8:

"Take Your Medicine" (MP3)

Spoon's Britt Daniel, from Bridging the Distance: A Portland Covers Compilation:

"Bring It On Home To Me" (MP3) (Sam Cooke cover)

BONUS Vid- Cloud Cult's "Chemicals Collide":

PLAYLIST

2007-04-23T14:34:00.000-06:00

In House #1854: New Patti Smith, Leonard Cohen Reissues

A busy show today features two legends of pop music, each of whom never really seems to get their full due. Fresh off of her induction this year into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Patti Smith returns with a covers album, entitled Twelve. Smith tackles a vast range of styles and artists, covering nearly forty years of musical output in the process. Versions of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter," and Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit," might almost be said to be expected, and Smith rather nails them accordingly. Also in the mix, though, are eyebrow-raising takes on Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," and Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," given a six-minute, banjo-backed treatment the reverence of which is the yin to the original's unruly yang. Interestingly, Smith almost exclusively chooses to cover songs sung originally by male leads, trying her hand at numbers by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, and Stevie Wonder, among others. Twelve is out tomorrow on Columbia.

Also today, music from the first three releases from the legendary French-Candian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, each of which gets a deluxe reissue treatment tomorrow courtesy of Sony Legacy. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the release of Cohen's debut, the label will issue remastered, deluxe versions of Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967), Songs From a Room (1969), and Songs of Love & Hate (1971), each including bonus tracks. A true giant amongst both musical and literary circles, Cohen's artistic influence has been incalculable on many of those that have come after him. This initial trio of releases shows him in top form as it includes such staples of his catalog as "Suzanne," "So Long, Marianne," "Bird On a Wire," and "Famous Blue Raincoat," among others. Still going strong at 72, Cohen's most recent release, his eleventh, was 2004's Dear Heather.

In House #1854.
Airdate: 4/23/07
Focus: New covers album from Patti Smith, Twelve, plus music from three new Leonard Cohen reissues out tomorrow, as well as from the new Nonesuch release, A Tribute to Joni Micthell.

BONUS MP3s-
Patti Smith, from Twelve:

"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" (MP3)

Leonard Cohen, from the reissued version of Songs of Leonard Cohen:

"Blessed Is the Memory" (MP3) (bonus track)
...and from Songs of Love & Hate:

"Famous Blue Raincoat" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #298

2007-04-20T11:46:00.000-06:00

In House #1853: Los Straitjackets' Rock En Espanol, Vol. 1

For over a decade, the Nashville-based quartet Los Straitjackets has taken to stages donning Mexican wrestling masks, concealing the faces behind the guitar-fueled instrumental powerhouse. Theirs has been the sound of Dick Dale, Link Wray, and Th e Ventures heard through a modern filter, a mysterious, slightly ironic blend of retro surf and twang. Rock En Espanol, Vol. 1, the band's latest out on Yep Roc, marks their first spanish language album and features guest vocal turns by Thee Midniters' Little Willie G., Big Sandy, and Los Lobos' Cesar Rosas, who also produced the album. Though the thirteen songs (+1 instrumental) are sung in Spanish, most of them are imminently recognizable '60's pop songs, some of which are directly modeled here after Spanish versions of the time recorded by the likes of Los Freddys, Los Rockin' Devils, Los Teen Tops, and Rebeleos de Rock, among others. The Kinks' "All Day and All of the Night," therefore, becomes "De Dia y de Noche," while Jackie Wilson's "Lonely Teardrops," (given an excellent turn here by Big Sandy) is "Lagrimas Salitarias." Others, meanwhile, are given less literal translations, including Larry Williams' "Dizzy Mizz Lizzie," known here as "El Microscopico Bikini," and The McCoys' "Hang On Sloopy," which is changed to "Hey Lupe." The collection also features songs made popular by The Troggs, The Coasters, and Marty Robbins, among others. It's a fresh take and a new perspective on a genre that has always been English-dominated. Los Straitjackets are currently touring along with Big Sandy.

Los Straitjackets with Big Sandy

In House #1853.
Airdate: 4/20/07
Focus: New release from Los Straitjackets, Rock En Espanol Vol. 1, plus music from The Tornados, Band of Bees, The Detroit Cobras, Jon Rauhouse, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Los Straitjackets, from Rock En Espanol, Vol. 1:

"El Microscopico Bikini" (MP3) (with Cesar Rosas)

"Lagrimas Solitarias" (MP3) (with Big Sandy)

The Tornados, from Vampires, Cowboys, Spacemen, & Spooks: The Very Best of Joe Meek's Instrumentals:

"Ridin' the Wind" (MP3)

The Detroit Cobras, from Tied & True (due 4/24):

"As Long As I Have You" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #297

2007-04-19T14:38:00.000-06:00

In House #1852: New Cowboy Junkies, Playing Boise Tonight

Twenty-one years ago, the Cowboy Junkies issued a fairly unassuming debut made up almost entirely of covers, featuring songs by the likes of John Lee Hooker, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Johnson, and others. Whites Off Earth Now!! was marked in its hazy, almost drugged-out take on classic country and blues, the beginnings of a signature sound from a band that has been called "country on valium." Low meets Neil Young might have been an apt descriptor if the band hadn't predated the former. The Junkies released their twelfth studio album earlier this week, entitled At the End of Paths Taken, and while they've certainly branched out and expanded their sound over the past two decades to include rock, pop, and folk, the deliberate pace remains in many cases, not to mention the cool coo of Margo Timmins. The album, however, also continues a recent trend with the band's music to eschew traditional song structure resulting in the kind of extended jams and meditations that are the anti-3-minute-pop songs. One need look no further than the 7-minute plus "Mountain," for proof, as it spreads an atmospheric soundscape over a recording of the Timmins' (Margo and Peter, who are both in the band) father reading from what sounds like it could a personal history piece. It's a long way from Robert Johnson, to be sure, but there are plenty of more traditional moments here, including the electric blues dirge "Cutting Board Blues," and the stunning "Spiral Down." The Cowboy Junkies play the Egyptian Theatre in Boise tonight.

Cowboy Junkies

In House #1852.
Airdate: 4/19/07
Focus: New release from the Cowboy Junkies, At the End of Paths Taken, also playing Boise tonight. Plus, new music from the Golden Smog, Ian Hunter, Grant-Lee Phillips, Patti Smith, and more.

BONUS MP3-
Cowboy Junkies, from At the End of Paths Taken:

"Spiral Down" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #296

2007-04-18T14:47:00.000-06:00

In House #1851: The Rosebuds' Night of the Furies; Elk City's New Believers

United in love and music, the married duo that make up North Carolina's Rosebuds returned last week with their third full-length for Merge records, entitled Night of the Furies. To hear it, though, you'd hardly know it was them. After two albums of sometimes blissful, sometimes wistful indie pop laden with hooks, Ivan Howard and Kelly Crisp perform a musical about-face with a collection of songs glossed over by synths, drum machines, and dance beats. They've traded in their Go-Betweens records for New Order and even the Pet Shop Boys, in other words, and once one gets over that shock it works quite well. Often dark and occasionally deliberately kitschy, anthemic choruses abound on Furies, notably on both the title track and the dancefloor leaning, "Get Up Get Out." Elsewhere, "Silja Line," rides the only naked guitar passage on the album to a slow burn and eventual choral climax with guest vocals from the Shout Out Louds. The Rosebuds begin an extensive U.S. tour in mid-May.

Also today, the first new release in five years from Elk City, New Believers, which came out yesterday on Friendly Fire. The band announced their arrival back in 2000 with the promising if uneven status, and returned a couple of years later on Touch & Go with Hold Tight the Ropes. A few line-up changes later, including the addition of Luna's Sean Eden, and Elk City sounds better than ever. Renee LoBue's siren vocals continue to lead the charge, as she makes more than good on the "female Bowie" comparisons she's enjoyed over the years. Look no further than one of this year's best singles, "Los Cruzados," for definitive proof of Elk City's rebirth.

In House #1851.
Airdate: 4/18/07
Focus: New releases from The Rosebuds, Night of the Furies, and Elk City, New Believers. Plus, new music from The Concretes, Feist, Blonde Redhead, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
The Rosebuds, from Night of the Furies:

"Get Up Get Out" (MP3)

Elk City, from New Believers:

"Los Cruzados" (MP3)

"Cherries In the Snow" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #295

2007-04-17T15:21:00.000-06:00

In House #1850: New Live Scott Miller; Ray Price in Idaho Falls

It's a common complaint: a band is a bring-down-the-house, whirling dervish of raw energy live, but for whatever reason can't sustain that mojo when committing their sound to a recorded product. Indeed, there have been more than a handful of post-gig impulse buys made by folks who are later disappointed when the same magic doesn't happen in their respective living rooms. Some bands are just better taken live, it seems. While similar complaints may, or may not, have been directed toward the Knoxville, Tennessee-based Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, they wear live well on the new Reconstruction, recorded over three nights last December at the Down Home in Johnson City, TN. While it's been difficult to quibble with the results of the first three studio releases from Miller and his band, they truly sound in their element here as they tear through their back catalog including stellar versions of "Amtrak Crescent," and "Eight Miles Per Gallon," as well as Neil Young's ever-pertinent "Hawks & Doves." The album is now out on Sugar Hill.

Also today, music from the legendary country singer Ray Price, who plays the Colonial Theatre in Idaho Falls tonight. As you may recall from our recent feature, Price, along with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, issued Last of the Breed last month on Lost Highway. After recording his first single in 1949, Price later single-handedly founded the 4/4 country shuffle on his 1956 version of "Crazy Arms," and the form would go on to dominate the country recordings of the late 1950's and early 1960's. Other hits included "Don't Let the Stars Get In Your Eyes," "Release Me," and "City Lights." Price will also play several dates in Montana later in the week, before joining forces with Nelson and Haggard for The Last of the Breed Tour later this year.

In House #1850.
Airdate: 4/17/07
Focus: New live album from Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, Reconstruction, plus the legendary Ray Price plays Idaho Falls tonight. Also, new music from Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard, Asleep At the Wheel, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, from Reconstruction:

"Amtrak Crescent (LIVE)" (MP3)

Ray Price, recorded in 1956:

"Crazy Arms" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #294

2007-04-16T13:14:00.000-06:00

In House #1849: Bill Callahan's Woke On a Whaleheart; New Clientele

Now the man formerly known as Smog (or, alternately, (Smog)), Bill Callahan releases the first effort under his own name, entitled Woke On a Whaleheart, tomorrow on Drag City (edit-Actually, that's only if you're in Texas. Everyone else has to wait until next week). A prolific, previously mysterious artist, Callahan has released no fewer than twelve previous full-lengths over the past seventeen years or so. His frayed-edge, lo-fi beginnings have gradually been polished up and expanded, though his work has remained consistently dark and interesting, much of it built on the foundation of his caustic sense of humor. The latest takes the general direction of his last few albums, the most recent being 2005's A River Ain't Too Much to Love, a step or two further with nods to gospel and Americana-based folk. "Diamond Dancer," meanwhile, lays a looped string chorus over a fat bass-line of the Stax variety and ends up light years away from the bedroom hiss of his early output. It's fitting that this is the album's standout track, as it sums up the evolution of an artist who has nevertheless managed to remain edgy and captivating through it all.

In House #1849.
Airdate: 4/16/07
Focus: New release from Bill Callahan, Woke On a Whaleheart, plus new music from The Clientele, Apostle of Hustle, Julie Doiron, and more.

BONUS MP3-
Bill Callahan, from Woke On a Whaleheart:

"Sycamore" (MP3)

The Clientele, from God Save the Clientele (due 5/8):

"Bookshop Casanova" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

2007-04-15T13:39:00.000-06:00

Live: John Vanderslice with St. Vincent
Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, UT 4/9/07

Singer, songwriter, producer, and all-around nice guy John Vanderslice made his annual return to Salt Lake City last week, among the first dates on a tour that sees him joined by Dallas-based one woman band St. Vincent through the second week in May.

Leaving most of the members of his now regular band at home, JV did bring along drummer and longtime co-conspirator Dave Douglas, who also managed to somehow play sound samples and a bit of Moog. The duo served up plenty from the back catalog, while also premiering a couple of songs from the upcoming full-length album, due out in August on Barsuk.

Among the high interest points from a show that also included a duet with St. Vincent and an unplugged rendition of "Me & My 424," (performed with, and from the middle of, the audience) Vanderslice also made good on his website offer to host a sort of Vanderslice Idol. This is "Jason" from Salt Lake City, who laid down a rather impressive vocal turn on "Radiant With Terror."

Plenty more photos from Vanderslice's set here.

Her live introduction to most in the area, St. Vincent took to the stage in striking red leggings and delivered a unique and varied set, moving between charming and intense. Most of the songs performed appear on her upcoming Beggar's Banquet debut Marry Me, due out in July, though she also delivered a stunning reading of Nico's "These Days." All stage-stomped beats, disarming vocals, and unexpected flourishes of distorted guitar, it's not difficult to see why the blogosphere has been in love with St. Vincent for a while now.

See a few more from St. Vincent's set here.

2007-04-13T14:36:00.000-06:00

In House #1848: Bright Eyes' Cassadaga; New Holly Golightly

For whatever reason, be it his past precocious earnestness or his premature crowning as New Musical Savior by journalists hungry for another Dylan, Conor Oberst has always been something of a polarizing figure. Add to the equation those instances where he has appeared to be trying too hard to be just that savior, and his detractors have had ammunition to use. Cassadaga, Oberst's sixth release as/with Bright Eyes, seems to find him turning lyrical and musical corners as he offers up a surprisingly straight-forward collection almost entirely devoid of the kind of self-indulgence that has weighed on his work in the past. M. Ward, Janet Weiss, Gillian Welch, and David Rawlings all appear in the mix in one capacity or another, helping Bright Eyes to what is at once their slickest-produced yet most traditionally-oriented work to date. Oberst and company appear to have benefited from finally moving the recording side of things outside of their Omaha-based studio, as the mix here is easily their most varied to date with plenty of strings, horns, pedal steel, and female backing vocals. Inevitably, the detractors will remain (some, no doubt, will even count themselves as former fans), but Oberst at 27 finally sounds like a guy at least somewhat worthy of that early Dylan hyperbole. Bright Eyes plays Salt Lake City's Kingsbury Hall on April 29th with opener Oakley Hall.

Bright Eyes

In House #1848.
Airdate: 4/13/07
Focus: New release from Bright Eyes, Cassadaga, plus new music from Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs, Kristy Kruger, Paul Duncan, Centro-Matic, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Bright Eyes, from Cassadaga:

"Four Winds" (MP3)

"No One Would Riot for Less" (MP3)

Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs, from You Can't Buy a Gun When You're Crying:

"Devil Do" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #293

2007-04-12T15:10:00.000-06:00

In House #1847: Ron Franklin's City Lights; Blues Traveler in Pocatello Tonight

There's not a wealth of information around about singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ron Franklin. He's been in a few bands, managed to play with some Memphis legends here and there, and self-released a handful of albums. Though some sources call him Memphis-based, others describe a permanent itinerant, spending time far and wide in whatever towns his fancy takes him. Franklin's general demeanor is little help. He's unforthcoming with personal details in interviews, from his early background to his exact age, in the process creating a bit of mystique around this guy that sings something like early Dylan and plays a mix of country, blues, gospel, boogie woogie, and R&B. City Lights, his first release with a proper label, distribution, and promotion, was released earlier this year on Memphis International. In addition to the songs themselves (nine originals, an arrangement of a traditional, and Chuck Berry's "Thirty Days"), the album is impressive in its production values, or decided lack thereof. The result is a true "oldness" to the sound, primal, sincere, almost as if recorded by accident. In the mix is none other than the legendary player and producer Jim Dickinson, lending his considerable talents to keys. Franklin, meanwhile, seems to be a man out of time, with one foot on Leadbelly's porch and the other in The White Stripes' garage.

Also today, music from Blues Traveler, playing tonight on the campus of Idaho St. University. First rising to fame in the mid-90's on the strength of songs like "Run Around," and "Hook," the band has maintained a loyal following of fans despite a diminished presence on commercial radio. The band is fronted by the heavily armed John Popper, who also knows his way around a gob iron. Showtime is at 7:30 in Holt Arena.

In House #1847.
Airdate: 4/12/07
Focus: Debut full-length from Ron Franklin, City Lights, plus Blues Traveler plays Idaho St. University in Pocatello tonight. Also, new music from The Mother Hips, Wilco, Tori Amos, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Ron Franklin, from City Lights:

"Little Suzie" (MP3)

The Detroit Cobras, from Tied & True (due 4/24):

"As Long As I Have You" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

2007-04-11T14:50:00.000-06:00

In House #1846: The Long Winters & The Broken West in Salt Lake City

It's a triumvirate of indie pop tonight at Salt Lake City's Kilby Court as The Long Winters, The Broken West, and Stars of Track & Field all take to the stage for one of the final shows on thier current tour together. By far the most established of the three, The Long Winters released thier third full-length album, Putting the Days to Bed, last year on Barsuk. The band serves as a showcase for the smartly-written, classic pop tunes of frontman John Roderick, who seems to contain no shortage of wit, in or out of his songs. Their When I Pretend to Fall was one of this show's top five album picks of 2003, and remains an utterly relistenable masterpiece of pop music.

The other two acts on the bill are both technically classifiable as "up-and-coming bands," though they have each managed to come a long way in a short period of time. The Los Angeles-based Broken West issued their debut album, I Can't Go On, I'll Go On earlier this year on Merge, and have not taken long to capture the attention of a diverse audience with power-pop leaning tunes that sound like that place where Big Star never met up with Gram Parsons. The Stars of Track & Field, meanwhile, hail from Portland, Oregon, where they must stand out easily among that city's generally more lo-fi musical element. Their's is a big sound full of swirling guitars, ethereal vocals, and electronic blips, making comparisons to the likes of Radiohead apt. They begin a tour opening for Joseph Arthur later this week in Montreal.

In House #1846.
Airdate: 4/11/07
Focus: The Long Winters, The Broken West, & Stars of Track & Field play Salt Lake City tonight, plus new music from Grand Archives, The Ponys, Sea Wolf, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
The Long Winters, from Putting the Days to Bed:

"Pushover" (MP3)
...and from When I Pretend to Fall:

"Stupid" (MP3)

The Broken West, from I Can't Go On, I'll Go On:

"Down In the Valley" (MP3)

"Brass Ring" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #292

2007-04-11T13:42:00.000-06:00

Video: John Vanderslice & St. Vincent Together, Unplugged

A live, un-amped version of Vanderslice's "Nikki Oh Nikki" from Monday night's performance at Kilby Court in Salt Lake City.

As you may recall from Monday's show, the pair are currently out on tour together. Plenty more to come from that night's festivities here, including photos ~~and a (hopefully) upgraded video of this song~~. Edit- So this version is a little better, but not much, thus beginning in earnest the Buy In House a New Camera Pledge Drive. Any little bit helps. Thanks in advance.

2007-04-10T14:17:00.000-06:00

In House #1845: The Asylum Street Spankers Play Boise Tonight

The irreverence of the Asylum Street Spankers makes a rare appearance in the region tonight, as they play The Neurolux in beautiful downtown Boise. The Austin, TX-based outfit has been bringing their unique and varied sound (marked by instances of political smart-aleckry, blue humor, and assorted strains of retro) to the people since 1994. Their seventh and latest studio full-length, Mommy Says No!, is a bit more "child-oriented," shall we say, than we've heard from The Spankers in the past, but still manages to come across like they might sound if Shel Silverstein joined the group. Still, for a band whose past catalog includes EPs with titles like Naughty Novelties and Dirty Ditties, not to mention the full-length ode to substance use Spanker Madness, the new release represents uncharted territory.

Asylum Street Spankers

In House #1845.
Airdate: 4/10/07
Focus: The Asylum Street Spankers in Boise tonight, plus new music from Asleep at the Wheel, Jon Rauhouse, John Doe, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Asylum Street Spankers, from Spanker Madness (2000):

"Winning the War On Drugs" (MP3)
...and recorded live in Rochester, NY (2004):

"Asylum Street Blues" (MP3)

John Doe, from A Year In the Wilderness (due 6/12):

"The Golden State" (MP3) (with Kathleen Edwards)

The Linemen, from Through Side One:

"Through Side One" (MP3)

BONUS Vid-
Asylum Street Spankers' "Stick Magnetic Ribbons On Your SUV":

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #291

2007-04-09T01:14:00.000-06:00

In House #1844: John Vanderslice & St. Vincent Tonight in Salt Lake City

We like to call him the busiest man in indie rock, and it's a case that can be well-argued. San Francisco's John Vanderslice has kept up a hectic schedule of producing, recording, and touring over the past decade or so, while still finding time to feed his passions for photography and cinema. He recently announced the release of a forthcoming album, his sixth, this August on Barsuk. Currently in the opening stages of a spring U.S. tour, Vanderslice and longtime collaborator Dave Douglas play Salt Lake City's Kilby Court tonight as part of a bill that will also feature the results of the duo's invitation to sing or play bass with them on stage (Vanderslice Idol, perhaps?).

Touring with Vanderslice this time out is the one-woman band St. Vincent, who is Dallas, TX's Annie Clark (erstwhile member of the Polyphonic Spree). She's parlayed a quirky, somewhat mysterious persona, a debut EP, and much blog-love over the past year or so into a debut full-length, Marry Me, out in July on Beggar's.

In House #1844.
Airdate: 4/9/07
Focus: John Vanderslice & St. Vincent play Salt Lake City's Kilby Court tonight. Plus, new music from Elk City, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, The National, Bill Callahan, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
John Vanderslice, live on Studio Brussel, Antwerp (Oct. 2006)

"Angela (LIVE)" (MP3)

"Trance Manual (LIVE)" (MP3)
...and from mass suicide occult figurines:

"Big Band Stars" (MP3)

St. Vincent, from Marry Me (due 7/10):

"Marry Me" (MP3)

"Now. Now." (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #290

2007-04-06T14:13:00.000-06:00

In House #1843: Guitarist Bill Mize Live; Iris Dement in Montana

In House #1843.
Airdate: 4/6/07
Focus: Guitarist Bill Mize live In House and in Pocatello tonight. Plus, Iris DeMent plays Montana this weekend, and new music from Lucinda Williams, Richard Thompson, and more.

PLAYLIST

2007-04-05T14:51:00.000-06:00

In House #1842: Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, & Ray Price Release Last of the Breed

The trio of musicians behind the new 2-CD release Last of the Breed hardly need introductions. Between the three of them, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Ray Price have amassed a century and a half's worth of recordings, many of which are unarguably some of the most important and influential in the history of country music. They're hardly relics, however-- Haggard and Nelson in particular have managed to stay busy and musically relevant with a number of new projects and recordings over the past few years (though you'd never know it if you listened to mainstream country radio). Prior to this release, Haggard issued last year's Kickin' Out the Footlights...Again with George Jones and 2005's Chicago Wind, while Nelson's two new releases in 2006 were part of a period that saw him offer four full-lengths in a span of three years. Price, meanwhile, has seemed more content with his legend status in recent years, playing the Branson circuit but hardly diminishing his standing as a true living legend. The new collaboration from the three (plus guest additions from Vince Gill and Kris Kristofferson) features new versions of a host of classic country tunes from the likes of Harlan Howard ("Pick Me Up On Your Way Down"), Cindy Walker ("Goin' Away Party," and "Night Watch"), and Lefty Frizzell ("Mom & Dad's Waltz"). Haggard and Nelson also contribute an original or two along the way. With tasteful, classic production from Fred Foster, the results are what one might expect: musically solid updates far removed from mere nostalgia. Last of the Breed is out on Lost Highway.

As long as we're hearing from country music legends, we also get to music from Charlie Louvin. Touring in support of his recent self-titled comeback, Louvin plays Boise's Neurolux this Saturday night following an in-store performance at the Record Exchange earlier in the day. Louvin originally made his name five decades or so back with his brother Ira, as the Louvin Brothers. Beginning in 1940, the duo set the standard for close harmony duet singing with classics like "The Christian Life," and "Cash On the Barrel Head." Louvin's inspired return this year on Tompkins Square features guest appearances from the hipster set (Lambchop's Kurt Wagner, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, Will Oldham), as well as long established and respected pop (Elvis Costello) and country artists (George Jones, Tom T. Hall, Bobby Bare Sr.). Louvin turns 80 in July.

In House #1842.
Airdate: 4/5/07
Focus: New release from Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, & Ray Price, Last of the Breed, plus Charlie Louvin plays Boise this weekend. Also, new music from Jon Rauhouse, Dale Watson, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, & Ray Price, from Last of the Breed:

"My Life's Been a Pleasure" (MP3)

"Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" (MP3)

Charlie Louvin, from Charlie Louvin:

"Why Must You Throw Dirt In My Face?" (with George Jones)

"My Long Journey Home" (MP3) (with Paul Burch)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #289

2007-04-04T15:00:00.000-06:00

In House #1841: Fountains of Wayne's Traffic & Weather

The Fountains of Wayne returned this week with their first album in four years, entitled Traffic & Weather. The release is once again the kind of schizophrenic but catchy pop pastiche the band has become known for over the years, in other words meaning you're in luck if hooks and harmonies are your thing, but don't come around here looking for an album that plays out well as a cohesive whole. That said, there's plenty to like here, even if the band will probably never equal the quality of their first couple of releases. Adam Schlesinger once again turns an observant, sometimes critical, often hilarious eye on the current cultural milieu of the middle class, peppering his songs with pop culture references and name-checking everything from Guns & Roses to The Gap to King of Queens. Such content has in the past helped the band nail one-liners like, "I saw you talkin'/ To Christopher Walken/ On my TV screen," and "The Buick's in the drive/ It's great to be alive," and it continues to set the band apart here, though it doesn't necessarily make for content that is relevant past next week. Still, despite a misstep here and there and an album that is four songs too long, it's hard to resist the countryish pop of "Fire In the Canyon," and the lovesong (with truckstop commentary) "I-95." The Fountains of Wayne still make pleasurably if slightly nerdy pop music, it just feels a little more guilty than it has in the past.

Fountains of Wayne

In House #1841.
Airdate: 4/4/07
Focus: New release from the Fountains of Wayne, Traffic & Weather, plus new music from Feist, TigerCity, Albert Hammond Jr., and more.

BONUS MP3-
Joseph Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts, from Let's Just Be (due 4/17):

"Diamond Ring" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #288

2007-04-03T15:08:00.000-06:00

In House #1840: New Releases from The Mother Hips and Kings of Leon

The first full-length in six years from Chico, California's Mother Hips drops today on the Camera label. Kiss the Crystal Flake is the sixth album overall from the band, but just the second of the decade, following 2001's excellent The Green Hills of Earth. The band took an extended hiatus following that release due in part to a shake-up in their lineup, finally reappearing with 2005's Red Tandy EP. The new effort continues the direction of the past two, eschewing the psychedelia and jam-band sounds of their 90's output for a more pop-oriented direction, built on hooks and harmonies. Taking this a step further is the oddly titled "Time Sick Son of a Grizzly Bear," a song that falls squarely in indie-rock territory as The Hips come across like an earthier version of Spoon. The band hits the road later this week, playing back to back nights in Salt Lake City on the 27th and 28th of April.

Also out today is the third album from the Kings of Leon, the southern fried quartet composed of three brothers and a cousin. New elements creep into the music on Because Of the Times, a fact that might be attributed to touring with the likes of U2, among others, over the past couple of years. Still, reviews are calling the sound equal parts Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and the White Stripes, giving southern rock an unlikely spot amongst the hipster-certified bands of the day.

In House #1840.
Airdate: 4/3/07
Focus: New releases out today from The Mother Hips, Kiss the Crystal Flake, and Kings of Leon, Because of the Times. Plus, new music from Ron Franklin, Bigsby Jones, the Avett Brothers, and more.

BONUS MP3-
The Mother Hips, from Kiss the Crystal Flake:

"Time Sick Son of a Grizzly Bear" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #287

2007-04-02T13:47:00.000-06:00

In House #1839: Jarvis Cocker's Jarvis Out In the U.S.; New BRMC

After months of state-side hand-wringing, the solo debut from former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker finally gets a proper U.S. release tomorrow thanks to World's Fair. Already made available to most of the rest of the world last November, Jarvis finds Cocker in classically wry form, with plenty of the kind of social commentary that made Pulp's 90's output stand out alongside their Brit-pop contemporaries. Most notable in this for its direct lyrical approach, "Running the World," included as an album-closing hidden track, calls the international powers that be on the carpet, scolding them with the only words most of them deserve. Elsewhere, Cocker's critical eye is more metaphorical, slicing up corporate culture and its residuals in the scathing "Fat Children." Other highlights here, and there are plenty, include "Heavy Weather," "Baby's Coming Back to Me," and "Black Magic," the latter of which samples Tommy James & the Shondells' "Crimson & Clover," to surprisingly great effect. It's not necessarily surprising to get such a fresh-sounding album from Cocker, though it's never clear what one might hear from an artist who's over a decade removed from his best work with his former band. Jarvis, however, shows Cocker to have aged at least as well as Blur's Damon Albarn, and certainly better than the likes of Oasis. Indeed, Jarvis has returned.

Jarvis Cocker

In House #1839.
Airdate: 4/2/07
Focus: New release from Jarvis Cocker, Jarvis, finally out in the U.S. tomorrow, plus new music from the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the Kaiser Chiefs, Band of Bees, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Jarvis Cocker, from Jarvis:

"Running the World" (MP3)

"Don't Let Him Waste Your Time" (MP3)

"Baby's Coming Back to Me" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #286

2007-03-30T14:47:00.000-06:00

In House #1838: Ted Leo's Living With the Living; Apples in Stereo in Boise, SLC

The fifth full-length from the consistently interesting, always passionate Ted Leo and his band The Pharmacists dropped last week on Touch & Go, marking the band's initial release for the label. Living With the Living once again puts Leo's fiery delivery and heart-on-his-sleeve politics on display, this go around with an unexpected element or two. "Bottle of Buckie," is pure pop jaunt, bouncing along to a vaguely Irish beat before breaking out the pennywhistle for a Lord of the Dance midsong solo that actually works well. Elsewhere the band mines the dub-tones of The Clash or The Jam on "The Unwanted Things," and even brings early Springsteen into the mix on "La Costa Brava." This being a Ted Leo album, there are politics to be had as well, and Leo's been given plenty of ammunition to work with over the past few years. "Bomb. Repeat. Bomb.," as the title might suggest, is an absolute in your face to the current American government and its war, while similar themes pop up amongst the tunes "Army Bound," (which also features a mean guitar solo) and "Annunciation Day/ Born On Christmas Day." In short, the album exudes everything Leo has become known for over the years. It's passionate and diverse. It's thoughtful and indignant. In the end, it's these qualities in the music that will reward upon repeated listens, and forgive Leo the occasional tendency to overreach. Touring in support of the new release, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists play The Venue in Boise on April 20th and Club Sound in Salt Lake City on the 21st.

Also today, music from the Apples in Stereo, currently touring in support of their recent triumphant return, New Magnetic Wonder. Robert Schneider and friends showed no signs of rust after five years between albums with their new work standing amongst some of the best from their late 90's hey day. The band plays with opening act Casper & the Cookies tonight at The Neurolux in Boise before moving on to The Depot in Salt Lake City tomorrow night.

In House #1838.
Airdate: 3/30/07
Focus: New release from Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Living With the Living, plus the Apples in Stereo play Boise and Salt Lake City this weekend, and new music from Cloud Cult, The Eames Era, Arcade Fire, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, from Living With the Living:

"A Bottle of Buckie" (MP3)

"The Sons of Cain" (MP3)

Apples in Stereo, from New Magnetic Wonder:

"Energy" (MP3)

Casper & the Cookies, from Oh!:

"Take It Away, Kathy" (MP3)

BONUS Vids-
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists' "Bomb.Repeat.Bomb.":

Apples in Stereo's "Same Old Drag":

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #285

2007-03-29T14:40:00.000-06:00

In House #1837: The Gourds Cover the Region; New Jorma Kaukonen

Self-described "music for the unwashed and well-read," The Gourds give plenty of their alternative country-jam rock-bluegrass (and whatever else they happen to feel like at the time) love to some of the more neglected corners of flyover country this week with six performances in Idaho and Montana. The Austin-based quintet is celebrating fifteen years together in 2007 following the release of their ninth full-length, Heavy Ornamentals (an In House pick for one of the Top Five Roots/Americana albums of 2006), in January of last year. After having already played Boise earlier in the week, The Gourds hit the uncharted waters (or prairies, anyway) of Livingston, Montana tonight before Friday and Sunday appearances in Missoula are split by a Saturday gig in exotic Whitefish (that's right good people of Whitefish, a band that does not perform Warrant covers while wearing matching vests is coming to your town!). The band finally completes the Lolo Loop next Monday at John's Alley in Moscow, ID.

The Gourds

In House #1837.
Airdate: 3/29/07
Focus: Music from The Gourds, playing numerous shows in the region this week, plus new music from Arthur Dodge, Jorma Kaukonen, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
The Gourds, from Heavy Ornamentals:

"Pick & Roll" (MP3)

"Burn the Honey Suckle" (MP3)

The Mother Hips, from Kiss the Crystal Flake (due 4/3):

"Time Sick Son of a Grizzly Bear" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #284

2007-03-28T10:49:00.000-06:00

In House #1836: Headlights, Page France Tour the Area

In House #1836.
Airdate: 3/28/07
Focus: Headlights & Page France play Boise tonight and Salt Lake City tomorrow night. Plus, new music from The National, Sufjan Stevens, Pela, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Headlights, from the Enemies EP:

"Tokyo" (MP3)
...and from Kill Them With Kindness:

"TV" (MP3)

Page France, from Hello, Dear Wind:

"Junkyard" (MP3)

"Bush" (MP3)
...and from ...and the Family Telephone (due 5/8):

"Hat & Rabbit" (MP3)

Sufjan Stevens, from A Tribute to Joni Mitchell (due 4/24):

"Free Man In Paris" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #283

2007-03-27T14:46:00.000-06:00

In House #1835: Grant-Lee Phillips' Strangelet; New Laura Veirs

Back in the halcyon 90' s, once could still occasionally catch an actual music video from an actual band worth hearing on MTV. This is not to say the popular music scene was much better than it is now-- one still had to wait 10 or 15 videos before coming across something that didn't sound like everything else. It wasn't difficult, then, for Grant Lee Buffalo's "Mockingbirds," (from their 1994 release Mighty Joe Moon) to stand out amongst the Candleboxes and Lives of the time, as it somehow garnered moderate play on the channel. It was, of course, Grant-Lee Phillips' unique croon that drove the vehicle, rising to falsetto on the despondent but strangely comforting chorus, "And I thought/ If I toed/ The right lines/ But these mockingbirds won't/ Let me shine..." These days Phillips is still at it but taking the troubadour route, and his television appearances tend more towards his recurring role on The Gilmore Girls or the odd late night show appearance than they do MTV. Strangelet, the singer-songwriter's fifth solo release in the past seven years, drops today on Zoe, and finds him splitting the difference between the pop shine of 2001's Mobilize and the sepia-toned roots of 2004's Virginia Creeper. It's another engaging and melodic set from Phillips, who engineered, produced, and performed the album almost entirely on his own, save a little help from his band and friends like R.E.M.'s Peter Buck. Aside from his regular Los Angeles gigs, Phillips will be playing major U.S. cities here and there throughout the spring before heading to Europe this summer.

Grant-Lee Phillips

In House #1835.
Airdate: 3/27/07
Focus: New release out today from Grant-Lee Phillips, Strangelet, plus new music from Andrew Bird, Laura Veirs, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Grant-Lee Phillips, from Strangelet:

"Hidden Hand" (MP3)

"Johnny Guitar" (MP3)

Chrisopher Blue, from room tones (due 4/17):

"Ghost In the Night" (MP3)

BONUS vid-
Grant Lee Phillips, from Strangelet: "Raise the Spirit"

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #282

2007-03-23T13:35:00.000-06:00

In House #1834: Great Lake Swimmers' Ongiara; Laura Gibson In the Area

Upcoming from the Great Lake Swimmers is Ongiara, the band's third album full of the kinds of beautifully stark and organic tunes that an Ontario winter might produce. Frontman Tony Dekker's songs easily recall Neil Young's early work, with nods to later artists like the Red House Painters and Iron & Wine included in the mix. He's at his best when he mixes imagery that is at once geographic and lovelorn romantic on the banjo-fueled "Your Rocky Spine," an ode to natural beauty found in disparate places. Ongiara, already available digitally, gets an official release next week in Canada, in April in Europe, and finally in the U.S. in May.

In House #1834.
Airdate: 3/23/07
Focus: Upcoming release from the Great Lake Swimmers, Ongiara, plus Laura Gibson and the Magnolia Electric Co. playing separately in the area this weekend, and new music from the Avett Brothers, Paul Duncan, Western States Motel, and more.

PLAYLIST

2007-03-22T12:25:00.000-06:00

In House #1833: Low's Drums & Guns; New Blonde Redhead

Duluth, Minnesota trio Low emerged from the annual thaw this week with a new creation, their eighth studio full-length, entitled Drums & Guns. For a band once content with a steady and consistent sound that made them known as a slo-core act back in the 90's, they've shown a restless streak over the past two or three albums now. The new one is no different, exhibiting an entirely stripped bare sound that can only be described as skeletal, and in the process making an about face from the uncharacteristically loud, crunchy tunes found on 2005's The Great Destroyer. In fact, perhaps the only thing Drums & Guns has in common with that album is producer Dave Fridmann-- whose work here is truly astonishing considering that he was the guy responsible for the layers and lushness found on albums like the Flaming Lips' Soft Bulletin and Mercury Rev's Deserter's Songs, among others. Despite the sparse tones, Low still manage to cover complex territory, with the world's current war serving as the centerpiece for songs with titles like "Hatchet," "Murderer," and "Violent Past." In other words, it plays out how an album that begins with the lines, "All the soldiers/ They're all gonna die/ All the babies/ They're all gonna die," might be expected to, somehow without battering the listener over the head with the heavy subject matter. By reinventing their sound once again, this go around employing loops and electronic blips like they never have before, the band simply takes a different route to a similar result: a creation that is at once dark AND beautiful-- and unmistakably Low.

Low

In House #1833.
Airdate: 3/22/07
Focus: New release from Low, Drums & Guns, plus new music from Blonde Redhead, Elk City, Archives (featuring Carissa's Wierd's Mat Brooke), and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Low, from Drums & Guns:

"Breaker" (MP3)

"Murderer" (MP3)

Archives, (new band feat. ex-Carissa's Wierd/Band of Horses' Mat Brooke):

"Sleepdriving" (MP3)

BONUS Vid-
Low's "Breaker":

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #281

2007-03-21T11:25:00.000-06:00

In House #1832: Andrew Bird's Armchair Apocrypha; New Beirut

Not to gush, but this is getting ridiculous. Fresh off of setting the world a'fire (ours, anyway, we named The Mysterious Production of Eggs one of our top five releases of 2005), Andrew Bird returned this week with Armchair Apocrypha, an album that expands Bird's scope to include the odd electronic texture (thanks to collaborator Martin Dosh) and legendary blues label Fat Possum. "Simple X," is a rather astounding number included here, taking on a second life after originally appearing as a Dosh instrumental. It's notable for its drum loop, almost certainly a first in Bird's catalog, later to be joined by a bit of Hammond organ, theremin, and Bird's prodigious whistling talents. It's not the album's lead track, or even its lead single, but its haunting and rather unlikely combinations provide a nice summary of the new ground Bird covers. One other number enjoying a second life, and living it to its fullest, is the infectious "Imitosis," a revitalized take on the song, "I," from Bird's 2003 release Weather Systems. One of the rare head-bobbers in the collection, the song is built upon the vaguely eastern European folk rhythms recognizable in much of Bird's previous work-- though its dark theme ("we're all basically alone") is more than at home with the unsettled and unsettling subjects on the rest of this album. Armchair Apocrypha represents the next step up for Bird, whose ascension from Squirrel Nut Zippers sideman to revered musical swashbuckler has been nothing short of astounding. To paraphrase the Bird himself, thank god it's (not) fatal.

Andrew Bird

In House #1832.
Airdate: 3/21/07
Focus: New release from Andrew Bird, Armchair Apocrypha, plus new music from Beirut, Winterpills, Bill Callahan, Arthur & Yu, and more.

BONUS MP3-
Andrew Bird, from Armchair Apocrypha:

"Heretics" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #280

2007-03-20T14:43:00.000-06:00

In House #1831: Patty Griffin in Boise Tonight; New Grant-Lee Phillips

In many ways, Children Running Through, the fifth and latest full-length from Patty Griffin, is an album that finally gets her completely right. It's certainly her most accomplished and confident sounding release, serving as a statement of absolute arrival just over a decade since her debut appeared. Not to discount her past work or suggest that it hasn't won her a dedicated following along the way, but there's something different, something more going on this time out. Immediately noticeable is the classic R&B vibe, as in Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke, that appears over the course of the album. "Stay On the Ride," is a horn-fortified slice of soul that sounds born of Washington, D.C. street marches, while "Heavenly Day," a song borrowed to R&B great Solomon Burke for last year's Nashville, sounds like a companion piece to Sam Cooke's endlessly moving "A Change Is Gonna Come." Elsewhere Griffin brings a gospel flair to "Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)," a gorgeous number based in part on Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. It's here that Griffin might be said to achieve a level that is spiritual, but not religious-- a line similar to the one that she walks in the rollicking "No Bad News," a song that clearly addresses a political situation without becoming polarizing. Another highlight finds Griffin joined by Emmylou Harris as she mines her Americana roots (also done on "I'm Getting Ready," but at a much faster speed) on "Trapeze," which sounds as good as one might expect given the duo joining forces. It all adds up to what can really only be summed up as a moment that is "career-defining" for Griffin, who clearly deserves to be mentioned in the same circles as contemporaries like Lucinda Williams, among others. In the latest in an impressive string of artists to grace its stage so far this year, Patty Griffin plays the Egyptian Theatre in Boise tonight.

Patty Griffin

In House #1831.
Airdate: 3/20/07
Focus: Patty Griffin in Boise tonight, plus new music from Arthur Dodge, Grant-Lee Phillips, Cowboy Junkies, and more.

BONUS MP3s from today's show-
Patty Griffin, from Children Running Through:

"Stay On the Ride" (MP3)

Grant-Lee Phillips, from Strangelet (due 3/27):

"Hidden Hand" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #279

2007-03-19T14:33:00.000-06:00

In House #1830: Jon Rauhouse's Steel Guitar Heart Attack

Guitarist extraordinaire Jon Rauhouse released his fourth full-length, Steel Guitar Heart Attack, last week on the Bloodshot label. The effort finds him once again serving up a wide-ranging, retro-leaning, guest-filled batch of tunes evoking Hawaiian sunsets, hoedowns, and happy hour. Longtime co-conspirator Tommy Connell, along with members of fellow Arizonans Calexico, back Rauhouse throughout the set, bringing their dusty flair with them, and a quartet of siren singers, Neko Case, Kelly Hogan, Sally Timms, and Visqueen's Rachel Flotard, take their individual turns fronting tunes like "Harbor Lights," and "I'll Be Seeing You," to predictably mesmerizing results. Elsewhere, Rauhouse himself takes a rare turn or two behind the mic, including a version of "The Fishin' Hole," heretofore best known as the theme to The Andy Griffith Show (the TV theme appears elsewhere, too, with an oddball take on the theme from Mannix). One might expect high levels of kitsch propelling the album along, but Rauhouse pulls it off with barely a wink, producing a work that feels fresh even while it's playing out as an homage to a by-gone era (whether that's his point or not). Steel Guitar Heart Attack looks to be a perfect companion to the laze of coming summer afternoons-- even as it's inspiring a longing for the tiki-lit twilights of 1958.

In House #1830.
Airdate: 3/19/07
Focus: New release from Jon Rauhouse, Steel Guitar Heart Attack, plus new music from Gill Landry, Elana James, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Jon Rauhouse, from Steel Guitar Heart Attack:

"Ballad of the Black Chihuahua" (M P3)

"East of the Sun (& West of the Moon)" (MP3) (with Neko Case)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #278

2007-03-16T15:16:00.000-06:00

In House #1829: St. Patrick's Day Special: The Gorgeous Hussies/ The Wailin' O'Sheas Live

We celebrate St. Patrick's Day one day early this year with two bands in one. Salt Lake City's Gorgeous Hussies miraculously transform themselves into Irish tunesmiths The Wailin' O'Sheas in the studio today, gracing us with material from both acts. In either case, the trio has been playing together for a mere eight months with an EP, last year's Oh! Hello, already to their credit. They're in the area for performances from each of their personas tomorrow night at Pocatello's First National Bar.

The Gorgeous Hussies AND The Wailin' O'Sheas

In House #1829.
Airdate: 3/16/07
Focus: St. Patrick's Day Special with a live in-studio visit from The Gorgeous Hussies and The Wailin' O'Sheas, plus music from The Pogues, The Waterboys, The Dubliners, and more.

BONUS MP3s from today's live in-studio set-
The Wailin' O'Sheas:

"The Kilborn Highroad" (MP3) (Flogging Molly cover)

"Whiskey In the Jar" (MP3)

"That Woman's Got Me Drinkin'" (MP3) (Shane McGowan & The Popes cover)

The Gorgeous Hussies:

"On the Phone" (MP3)

"Dangerously Similar" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #277

2007-03-15T14:58:00.000-06:00

In House #1828: Modest Mouse Plays Missoula Tomorrow; More SXSW

One of the few acts not playing in Austin, Texas this week, Modest Mouse instead gives some love to the hinterlands as they hit the University of Montana in Missoula tomorrow night before moving on to the Gallatin County Fairgrounds (no joke) in Bozeman, and finally the barren, unthawed landscapes of the Dakotas. The band is touring in anticipation of their fifth full-length release, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, out next week on Epic. One slight change (hardly) this go around is the presence on guitar of none other than Johnny Marr, the man in large part responsible for the musical brilliance of The Smiths and songs like "This Charming Man," and "How Soon is Now?" It's difficult to judge how much difference the addition really makes, aside from an atmospheric twist here and there, much like the cameo appearance of The Shins' James Mercer (intriguing but little more than a side note). What is clear from the album's beginning number, "March Into the Sea," is that Isaac Brock and company will not be content to turn in a batch of tunes hoping for another "Float On," though the insistent and infectious "Dashboard," complete with a surprising horn section, comes close. Still, new fans hoping to go unchallenged in their love may be disappointed-- in many instances here it seems that the point may be to challenge.

(Marr)dest Mouse

In House #1828.
Airdate: 3/15/07
Focus: Modest Mouse plays the University of Montana in Missoula tomorrow night, plus more dug up gems from the SXSW treasure trove, including music from The Twilight Sad, The Needles, Zykos, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Modest Mouse, from We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank:

"People As Places As People" (MP3)

(And a few more gems from the SXSW cornucopia)

Zykos: "Wipeout (Try Waking Up!)"

Death Ships: "Story Never Gets Old" (MP3)

Lionheart Brothers: "Hero Anthem" (MP3)

The Sterns: "Supreme Girl" (MP3)

The Needles: "Dianne" (MP3)

Black Tie Dynasty: "Tender" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #276

2007-03-14T02:19:00.000-06:00

In House #1827: SXSW: Diamonds In the Rough

Sure, you know that the likes of Spoon, Robyn Hitchcock, Clem Snide, and Midlake are playing this year's South By Southwest fest in Austin, TX. You know that it features returns from varying degrees of legendary artists, The Stooges to Charlie Louvin to the Meat Puppets (not to mention Public Enemy). But did you know that Brighton, MA is a) A b and, B) Not from anywhere near Massachussetts, and C) Also playing SXSW this year? N O? How about The Deaths, or perhaps Mr. Lewis & the Funeral 5? We've scoured the 1300 or so acts and come up with a few of the lesser knowns, those acts that are not household names by indie or any other means. Diamonds in the SXSW rough, if you will. A similar excursion last year led us to such before they were famous mentions of The Whigs, Jenny Owen Youngs, and Jim Noir, as well as some that should have been but weren't like The Sundresses and Black Joe Lewis.

In House #1827.
Airdate: 3/14/07
Focus: SXSW 2007 with an emphasis on lesser known acts playing the festival, including names like Brighton, MA, The Deaths, Illinois, Ruth Minnikin, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
(A few of the worthwhile lesser-known acts playing this year's SXSW that we managed to come across)

Brighton, MA: "Bet You Never Thought" (MP3)

Illinois: "Alone Again" (MP3)

The 1900s: "Bring the Good Boys Home" (MP3)

The Deaths: "Turn For the Worst" (MP3)

The Golden Boys: "If I Can't Hold You In My Arms" (MP3)

David & the Citizens: "The End" (MP3)

Ruth Minnikin: "Southern Misfortune" (MP3)

More to come tomorrow...

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #275

2007-03-13T13:14:00.000-06:00

In House #1826: Neil Young's Live at Massey Hall; New Graham Parker

Following last year's release of a 1970 recording with Crazy Horse at the Fillmore East, Neil Young issues the second in his new archives series with the release today of Live at Massey Hall. The 1971 recording captures Young solo and acoustic in his hometown at a point between the classic full-lengths After the Goldrush and Harvest, the latter of which would propel him into full-on star status. The perspective here is the important thing. This is Young at just 25, having already enjoyed much success with Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young, as well as Crazy Horse, and much of what would make his legend was still to come. Plenty of songs here make debut appearances, some with slight alterations. As he tells the audience at the outset, he plays mostly "new stuff," including Harvest heavyweights like "Old Man," and "A Man Needs a Maid," which is played as a medley with "Heart of Gold." One of the real revelations here is "Dance Dance Dance," a song that appears on Crazy Horse's 1971 self-titled release. In other words, it's not an oft-heard song, but Young's stage stomping version here, easily the most energetic number of the night, unearths a forgotten gem. Other songs from future recordings include "Love In Mind," and "See the Sky About to Rain,"; "Bad Fog of Loneliness" appears for the first time anywhere. Live at Massey Hall is a wonderfully-recorded, intimate portrait of the artist as a young man.

Neil Young, 1971

In House #1826.
Airdate: 3/13/07
Focus: Neil Young's newly released Live at Massey Hall, plus a new album from Graham Parker, Don't Tell Columbus, as well as new music from Son Volt, Wilco, Willy Mason, and more.

BONUS MP3-
Neil Young, froom Live at Massey Hall:

"Dance Dance Dance" (MP3)

Graham Parker, from Don't Tell Columbus:

"Stick to the Plan" (MP3)

BONUS Vid-
Official trailer for Live at Massey Hall:

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #274

2007-03-13T00:49:00.000-06:00

R.E.M., Patti Smith Enter Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Grandmaster Flash, The Ronettes, and, umm, Van Halen were also inducted in an evening that featured everyone from Keith Richards to Eddie Vedder to Zach de la Rocha. Oh, and Velvet Revolver.

On a related note, brand new from R.E.M. is a version of John Lennon's "#9 Dream," to be included on the upcoming benefit comp Instant Karma: The Campaign to Save Darfur.

...and Patti Smith with an updated take on an old tune:

2007-03-12T15:15:00.000-06:00

In House #1825: Bryan Ferry's Dylanesque; New Patti Smith

Aside from his beginnings fronting art-pop pioneers Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry has, over the years, also made a name for himself with his solo work. His cool, sophisticated delivery has almost always resulted in interesting and engaging work, a major part of which has been his ability as a song interpreter. From the beginning of his solo career, 1973's These Foolish Things, Ferry has shown a consistent flare for repackaging, rearranging, and reimagining compositions by everyone from The Beatles to Smokey Robinson & the Miracles to Great American Songbook standards by Cole Porter and Jerome Kern, among others. Indeed, a glance through his back catalog shows a body of work made up almost exclusively of covers, with the odd original thrown in here and there.

Dylanesque, Ferry's latest effort and first since 2002's excellent Frantic, should come as no surprise then, particularly since there has been no single artist he's sung more than Bob Dylan. Given the track record, it's also no surprise that the eleven versions here are anything but karaoke takes-- Ferry speeds up "Simple Twist of Fate," and slows down "Positively 4th Street," to gist-altering results. The selections span roughly thirty years of Dylan's output, 1964's The Times They Are A-Changin' to 1997's Time Out of Mind, with a surprising emphasis on well-known tunes like "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," and "All Along the Watchtower," the latter of which is as much a nod to Jimi Hendrix as it is Dylan with the impeccably cool Ferry rocking out like he rarely has. Underrated yet iconic at 61, Ferry turns in another collection that fulfills the intrigue it suggests on paper.

In House #1825.
Airdate: 3/12/07
Focus: New release from Bryan Ferry, Dylanesque, plus Richard Swift covers Prince, and Patti Smith and R.E.M. get inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tonight.

BONUS MP3s from today's show-
Bryan Ferry, from Dylanesque:

"Simple Twist of Fate" (MP3)

Patti Smith, from Twelve (due 4/24):

"Gimme Shelter" (MP3) (Rolling Stones cover)

Richard Swift, from the "Kisses For the Misses" 7" single:

"Paisley Park" (MP3) (Prince cover)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #273

2007-03-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

In House #1824: Rocky Votolato in Boise, Provo; Bigsby Jones in Pocatello

With a fifth solo full-length coming later in the year (the brag & cuss is due out June 19th on Barsuk), singer-songwriter Rocky Votolato plays venues in Boise and Provo this weekend. While fronting the emo-tinged Waxwing, Votolato released his self-titled debut in 1999, an album made up of quiet indie-folk tunes that revealed another side to his muse. Last year's makers, his first solo effort since the disbanding of the band in 2005, showed Votolato walking even further down the country road, with flourishes of harmonica and pedal steel backing up mostly voice and acoustic guitar arrangements. Songs like "White Daisy Passing," and "Uppers Aren't Necessary," displayed his skill for matching soft harmonies with contagious melodies, and the album skirted territory claimed by M. Ward and Bright Eyes while achieving a certain ragged charm of its own. The word on the new album is that it veers even further into classic country territory, fleshed out by a full band that includes Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter's Bill Herzog and Pedro the Lion's Casey Foubert (who also produced the album), among others.

Also today, music from the full-length debut by Bozeman, Montana's Bigsby Jones. The quartet released memories & dreams just this week, and make their Pocatello debut tomorrow night at the First National Bar. There are plenty of influences evident in the band's sound, due largely to the fact that they consist of four contributing songwriters. One hears the roots-leaning rock of Neil Young alongside the alt.country of Uncle Tupelo and jamband sounds of Leftover Salmon. Showtime is 9:30, downtown Old Town.

In House #1824.
Airdate: 3/9/07
Focus: Rocky Votolato in Boise tonight and Provo tomorrow night, plus Bozeman, Montana's Bigsby Jones in Pocatello tomorrow night. Also, new music from Willy Mason, Ferraby Lionheart, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #272

2007-03-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

In House #1823: Douglas Cameron Live

It's a live session today with Boise singer-songwriter Douglas Cameron, who returns to the show and to the area for performances tonight in Pocatello. Cameron dropped by twice in 2006, each with Seattle's Darren Smith, with whom he toured with extensively in the latter half of the year. This go-around, it's just Cameron and his dog as he makes a quick mini-tour to the area before heading off to Nashville for a festival one-off and returning for dates in the northwest before the month is out. His latest effort is last year's Remedies, an excellently recorded collection that, among other things, shows off Cameron's skill as a storyteller.

In House #1823.
Airdate: 3/8/07
Focus: Boise's Douglas Cameron live In House and in Pocatello tonight. Plus, new music from Lucinda Williams, Charlie Louvin, and more.

BONUS MP3's from today's in-studio set from Douglas Cameron-

Whiskey Ginger" (MP3)

"Let Me Show You How" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

2007-03-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

In House #1822: New Music From Too Slim & the Taildraggers, Playing Idaho Falls Tonight

Seattle based blues trio Too Slim & the Taildraggers return to southeast Idaho tonight with a performance at Karen's Park Avenue Club in Idaho Falls. The band is touring in support of the new release, The Fortune Teller, an album made up of songs that came to frontman Tim Langford in a series of epiphanies, as he tells it, following an unnerving run-in with a fortune teller while on tour in Oslo, Norway. The band's always eclectic, always high-energy brand of blues takes a stylistic shift away from the Americana-flavored leanings of recent efforts and lands squarely in electric rock n' blues territory. The Taildraggers were formed by Langford in Spokane back in 1986 and are celebrating over two decades of bringing blues to the great northwest and beyond.

In House #1822.
Airdate: 3/7/07
Focus: New release from Too Slim & the Taildraggers, The Fortune Teller, also playing Idaho Falls tonight. Plus, new music from John Hammond, Joe Ely, Hayward Williams, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #271

2007-03-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

In House #1821: The Arcade Fire's Neon Bible Out Today; New Page France

Just in case you're somehow not aware, Montreal's Arcade Fire return with their second full-length today, entitled Neon Bible. The effort is, of course, their follow-up to 2004's Funeral, the nearly universally-praised debut that came out of nowhere to propel the band to indie star status. Later came stage sharings with the likes of David Byrne and U2, among others. Where there might be discernible pressure, however, The Arcade Fire doesn't appear to be letting on. Neon Bible is, at the very least, a creation worthy of its predecessor; at best, it's a musically and lyrically complex epic that expands Funeral's scope while maintaining its sincerity and indignation. While the stepping stones can still be traced to the likes of the Talking Heads, early U2, and The Clash, at least one unlikely musical nod creeps into the new songs here and there, with the ghost of early Springsteen hovering over songs like "Keep the Car Running," and "Antichrist Television Blues." It adds up to a kind of bleak grandeur: assessing the current state of the world as darkness, followed by a righteous rejection of this fact as completely unacceptable. While this may not be entirely new territory for artists of any ilk, the Arcade Fire's methods are transcendent where they might have been cringe-worthy and naive. The release follows a recent string of dates that is perhaps most accurately referred to as a barnstorming, with packed to the gills shows on both sides of the Atlantic marked for their spontaneity and passion, beginning in the audience and ending in the foyer. Often, people can get swept up in the waves created by such spectacles for reasons that are anything but musical. In this case, the hype surrounding it all appears completely deserved.

The Arcade Fire

In House #1821.
Airdate: 3/6/07
Focus: New release out today from the Arcade Fire, Neon Bible, plus new music from VietNam, Page France, Apostle of Hustle, Elk City, and more.

BONUS MP3s from today's show-
The Arcade Fire, from Neon Bible:

"Black Mirror" (MP3)

David Vandervelde, from The Moonstation House Band:

"Murder in Michigan" (MP3)

Elk City, from New Believers (due 4/17):

"Los Cruzados" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #270

2007-03-06T00:43:00.001-07:00

The Attic #3 (Random Junk)

Greetings.

So it would appear that after much hand wringing and gnashing of teeth, Blogger has settled into a relative stasis following the switch In House made to its new version. Displays, podcasts, etc. should all be in proper working order now-- if not, drops us a quick note, won't you?

*In other news, see that "Public Radio Talent Quest" banner on the left sidebar? (It looks a lot like this:

only bigger). It is what it sounds like: beginning in April, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Public Radio Exchange will be accepting audio entries from all sorts of non-professional (read: non-established NPR types) radio hosts and potential radio hosts in looking for the next Ira Glass, Nic Harcourt, etc. Details and all are behind the button, but just an FYI in case you want to vote for, you know, anyone and their content when the time arrives. Just so you know, no pressure.

*Few things, we like to think, are better than a swell new t-shirt emboldened with witty images that declare to the passer-by, "I have intelligence AND a sense of humor," or "No, the irony is not lost on me," or "You will not understand this in the few seconds you have to upload it into your brain before I have walked by." That's just good stuff. The creative and charitable bunch at Threadless have just begun a $10 Spring Broke (get it?) T-Shirt Sale, meaning that nearly every single one of their bazillion stellar T's can be had for a Hamilton (+S&H). The best news is, buy it here and In House benefits, which is good. Among the shirts for your consumption: the newly crowned Decemberists contest winner, "The Soldier Returns," a shirt that perfectly captures the seagoing, war-fighting side of Colin Meloy and company. Or, if topical hilarity is more your bag, nothing says life during (21st century) wartime like, "MP(3)." Really now, can you lose with this? Buy a bunch here.

*Finally, looking for some way to attract musically-savvy, stunningly attractive people to your website so that you can tell them about your event/obsession/get rich quick scheme/plan to save the world/super extra-special product for sale/etc? Yes? Then why not go the In House route and advertise on the blog or, better, the podcast, or, best yet, both? Space is available for reasonable terms, and we'd be more than happy to subtly suggest to our reasonably large stable of consistent visitors that they head your way. Interested? Inquire within (no obligations, it's just an email: inhouseradio.blogspot.com).

Thanks for visiting, reading, listening.

2007-03-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

In House #1820: Son Volt's The Search Out Tomorrow; New Wilco

Marking two albums into Jay Farrar's resurrection of Son Volt, the band releases The Search tomorrow. As you may recall, it was just a few short months ago that we were talking about Farrar's collaboration with Anders Parker known as Gob Iron. On the heels of finishing off a tour supporting that act's Death Songs For the Living, the ever-prolific Farrar returns with another set of songs for the new Son Volt line-up that follow along the lines of 2005's rather electrified Okemah & the Melody of Riot at the same time that they occasionally hearken back to to early efforts like Trace. On the one hand, the band rocks out with its politics out on the brief but charged "Satellite." On the other, they're joined by songstress Shannon McNally on the outstanding "Highway & Cigarettes," a road-weary tune that brings to mind Farrar's mid '90's duets with Kelly Willis on Lowell George's "Truckstop Girl," and Townes Van Zandt's "Rex's Blues" (VIDEO). Most surprising, though, is the Memphis-riffing horn section on the album's most immediately enjoyable track, "The Picture," a piece that sounds wholly unlike anything Farrar has done before. Son Volt begins an extensive tour later this month with the Magnolia Electric Co., beginning March 26th in Bellingham, Washington.

Son Volt circa 2007

In House #1820.
Airdate: 3/5/07
Focus: New release out tomorrow from Son Volt, The Search, plus new music from Wilco, Bright Eyes, The Silos, and more.

BONUS MP3s from today's show-
Son Volt, from The Search:

"The Picture" (MP3)

Wilco, from Sky Blue Sky (due 5/15):

"What Light" (MP3)

Bright Eyes, from the Four Winds EP (due tomorrow):

"Four Winds" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #269

2007-03-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

In House #1819: Graybeard Live; Todd Snider in Boise This Weekend

It's a localized edition of the show today, as Pocatello's Graybeard stops by the studio for a performance and interview. The long-running quartet's new full-length, Trailer Trash American Dream, is full of the rhythm & blues-country-folk-rock mixing kinds of songs they've become known for in the region. The band celebrates the new album tonight at Portneuf Valley Brewing in Pocatello.

Also today, music from Todd Snider, who plays the Egyptian Theatre in Boise this weekend. He released his eighth studio album, The Devil You Know, last year on New Door recordings.

In House #1819.
Airdate: 3/2/07
Focus: Graybeard live In House, plus Kate MacLeod & The Pancakes tonight in Pocatello and Todd Snider tomorrow night in Boise.

BONUS MP3s-
Graybeard, from today's live in-studio set:

"Man In the Moon" (MP3)

Todd Snider, from East Nashville Skyline:

"Conservative Christian, Right-Wing Republican, Straight, White, American Males" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

2007-03-01T15:24:00.001-07:00

In House #1818: Dios (Malos), The Spinto Band, The Changes in Salt Lake City

It's a three for the price of one indie-pop bombardment tonight in Salt Lake City as Kilby Court hosts Dios (Malos), The Spinto Band, and The Changes, all of whom are heading towards the Noise Pop 2007 Fest this weekend in San Francisco.

After changing their name from "dios" after receiving a cease and desist from medieval butt-rocker Ronnie James Dio, Dios (Malos) released their second album late in 2005. As opposed to their first self-titled release (under the name dios), their second was a decidedly sunnier affair with head-nodders like "Feels Good Being Somebody," and "I Feel Fine All the Time." Dios (Malos) is based in southern California.

Delaware's Spinto Band released their debut full-length Nice & Nicely Done originally in 2005 before it was discovered by more or less everyone in 2006 and released on Virgin. One distinguishing characteristic of the band is their tender age, with many of them clocking in at under 19 at the time of the of the album's recording (and looking even younger).

Also on tonight's bill are Chicago's Changes, a band marked by a high-energy, slippery to define sound. Occasionally, an eighties vibe is discerned-- particularly in the places where their synthy keyboards are used to full effect. Other times, it's an almost Kinks-ish scent wafting from the band. Their second full-length Today Is Tonight was released last September.

In House #1818.
Airdate: 3/1/07
Focus: Dios Malos, The Spinto Band, and The Changes together tonight in Salt Lake City, plus new music from The Parson Redheads, The Papercuts, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #268

2007-02-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

In House #1817: The Silos' Come On Like the Fast Lane; New Son Volt

New York City's Silos released their thirteenth studio album last week, entitled Come On Like the Fast Lane. The band's debut for Bloodshot Records is full of the rock & twang ying & yang they've become known for over the last twenty years or so, evoking the likes of Alejandro Escovedo and The Replacements. It's hardly the sound one might expect from a band fronted by Walter Salas-Humara, the son of Cuban immigrants, and it doesn't exactly fit in amongst the Big Apple's current rock scene, but it may be just that kind of unexpected result that makes the band's music so enjoyable. They are, it seems, may things to many people-- as one review put it, they "suit east Texas every bit as much as the Lower East Side." The Silos begin a March tour in support of the new release this weekend along with Jon Dee Graham.

The Silos

In House #1817.
Airdate: 2/28/07
Focus: New release from The Silos, Come On Like the Fast Lane, plus new music from Son Volt, Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter, Southern Culture On the Skids, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
The Silos, from Come On Like the Fast Lane:

"Behind Me Now" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #267

2007-02-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

In House #1816: Rickie Lee Jones in Salt Lake City Tonight

In a career marked by idiosyncrasies and a flat refusal to resort to the formulaic, singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones' latest is at once a suitable addition to that tradition and a departure of sorts away from it. The Sermon On Exposition Boulevard is certainly no less fluid and occasionally challenging than that which has come before from Jones, but its origins are somewhere else entirely. It was Jesus that was the inspiration this time around-- but not in the way one usually sees. Jones based the collection on The Words, a translation of sorts of the words of Jesus Christ done by artist and writer Lee Cantelon. The result? The Beat chanteuse becomes a Beat mystic, spiritual but not dogmatic, riffing on a character that is rarely presented as Jones does here. It's a searching, passionate, and sincere collection, one many are calling her strongest output since the classic 1979 debut. Touring in the new album's support, Rickie Lee Jones plays The Depot tonight in Salt Lake City.

Rickie Lee Jones

In House #1816.
Airdate: 2/27/07
Focus: Rickie Lee Jones in Salt Lake City tonight, plus new music from Patty Griffin, John Hammond, Graham Parker, and more. Plus, a new live track from Grace Potter & the Nocturnals.

BONUS MP3s-
Rickie Lee Jones, from The Sermon On Exposition Boulevard:

"Elvis Cadillac" (MP3)

Graham Parker, from Don't Tell Columbus (due 3/13):

"Stick to the Plan" (MP3)

BONUS Video-
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals:
"Mystery Train" (Live at the 8x10, Baltimore, Sept. 2006)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #266

2007-02-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

In House #1815: Dean Wareham & Britta Phillips' Back Numbers; New Feist

Former Luna lovebirds Dean Wareham & Britta Phillips return tomorrow with their second full-length effort, and first since their old band packed it in. Wareham, of course, spent thirteen years as frontman of Luna following time as part of slowgazers Galaxie 500, while Phillips was, among other things, the voice of cartoon pop star Jem back in the '80's before hopping aboard the Luna ship for the band's final two releases. Back Numbers drops on Zoe, and features the duo adapting a kind of Lee Hazlewood & Nancy Sinatra for the 21st century guise, even going so far as to cover one of Hazlewood's tunes ("You Turned My Head Around"). Elsewhere are idiosyncratic versions of two Troggs tunes, "White Horses," and "Our Love Will Still Be There," as well as a Donovan B-side ("Teen Angel"). It's a decidedly languorous and romantic set, all cooed vocals and sunshine daze. We haven't heard what the rest of Luna is doing these days, but Dean & Britta seem more than content to waltz off into the sun.

Dean Wareham & Britta Phillips

In House #1815.
Airdate: 2/26/07
Focus: New release out tomorrow from Dean Wareham & Britta Phillips, Back Numbers, plus new music from Josh Rouse & Paz Suay, Feist, Jill Cunniff, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Dean & Britta, from Back Numbers:

"The Sun Is Still Sunny" (MP3)

Jill Cunniff, from City Beach:

"Lazy Girls" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #265

2007-02-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

In House #1814: The Autumn Defense, Gomez In the Area This Weekend

In House #1814.
Airdate: 2/23/07
Focus: The Autumn Defense with Ferraby Lionheart tonight in Provo, plus Gomez plays Park City. Also, new music from Paul Duncan, Winterpills, and more.

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #264

2007-02-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

In House #1813: Charlie Louvin's New Self-Titled Release

The latest in what has been a string of legends returning with new recordings in the past few years, Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin issued his first new studio recording in fifteen years this week with a new self-titled effort out on Tompkins Square. As part of The Louvin Brothers (along with Ira, who died in 1965), Charlie had a hand in one of the most influential acts in country music history, essentially defining the close harmony duet style popular in the 1940's and 50's. While Louvin's influence on country, bluegrass, alt-country, and gospel artists is important, the impressive cast of guests joining him on the new release is still somewhat staggering. Country legends like George Jones and Tom T. Hall appear on the tracklisting alongside pop giants like Elvis Costello and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. Even more unexpected are appearances from indie musicians like Will Oldham, Lambchop's Kurt Wagner, and Clem Snide's Eef Barzelay, all of whom more than hold their own on the classic material. While the lineup will likely appear to younger listeners than Louvin's had in years, this is anything but a hipster's take on classic country. On the contrary, the versions here (aside from a little Tweedy guitar feedback) are more than faithful to the originals, which range from Louvin Brothers classics like "Great Atomic Power," to songs first made popular by the likes of Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family. It adds up to a rather startling declaration of continued musical relevance for the soon-to-be octogenarian Louvin, who'll be touring this spring and summer including a performance at this year's SXSW Festival in Austin, TX.

In House #1813.
Airdate: 2/22/07
Focus: New self-titled release from Charlie Louvin, plus new music from Ry Cooder, Patty Griffin, Southern Culture On the Skids, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Charlie Louvin, from the new self-titled release:

"Why Must You Throw Dirt in My Face?" (MP3) (with George Jones)

"My Long Journey Home" (MP3) (with Paul Burch)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #263

2007-02-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

In House #1812: Elvis Perkins' Ash Wednesday; Erin McKeown Plays Missoula

On the actual Ash Wednesday, today we get to the debut album of the same title from singer-songwriter Elvis Perkins and his band, Elvis Perkins in Dearland. After a self-released version last year, Perkins' Ash Wednesday got a label issue yesterday on XL and for good reason. Perkins operates in the mode of greats like Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, occasionally coming across like a less melodramatic Jeff Buckley. Much of the material on the album comes directly from lived experience-- Perkins, as has been well documented at this point, is the son of actor Anthony Perkins (who died of AIDS in 1992) and photographer Berry Berenson (who was killed aboard one of the hijacked September 11th airliners). There's a lot of emotion to go around here, in other words, but Perkins plays it subtly on reflective, meditative pieces like the powerful title track. As tough as these experiences no doubt were for Perkins, they've certainly informed his ability as a songwriter, ensuring that he's known as something more than offspring of the famous. Perkins tours with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah this spring before playing Bonnaroo in June.

Also today, music from Erin McKeown, who plays the University of Montana in Missoula tonight. McKeown is currently touring in support of her most recent full-length Sing You Sinners, on which she covers Tin Pan Alley and golden age of pop tunes written by the likes of Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen and others. The album was issued to high acclaim in January on Nettwerk.

In House #1812.
Airdate: 2/21/07
Focus: Debut release from Elvis Perkins, Ash Wednesday, plus Erin McKeown plays the University of Montana in Missoula tonight, and we get to new music from Andrew Bird, Eleni Mandell, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Elvis Perkins, from Ash Wednesday:

"Ash Wednesday" (MP3)

"All the Night Without Love" (MP3)

Erin McKeown, from Sing You Sinners:

"Melody" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #262

2007-02-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

In House #1811: Dolorean's You Can't Win; New Bright Eyes

Portland, Oregon's Dolorean makes the kind of music that seems to suit their surroundings. Their latest effort, You Can't Win, is full of the kind of moss-covered laments one might expect from a band living through eight months of rainfall every year. Once a man vehicle for the songs of Alex James, Dolorean these days is a full-on quintet and that seems to come through in the new songs. The band employed a Neil Young & Crazy Horse-inspired philosophy for the recording sessions, with James introducing songs to the band for the very first time and allowing everyone to hash them out on the spot. The result is a meditative and hazy collection, that nonetheless sounds spontaneous. "Beachcomber Blues," all sea-spray gray and aimless, is also a gorgeous, somehow comforting wallower, for example. By no means the feel-good album of the year, You Can't Win still manages to console in its own way-- as James tells it, "giving up on the idea of winning." Dolorean's fourth album is out today on yep roc.

Dolorean

In House #1811.
Airdate: 2/20/07
Focus: New release from Dolorean, You Can't Win, plus new music from Bright Eyes, Western States Motel, Willy Mason, and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Dolorean, from You Can't Win:

"Heather Remind Me How This Ends" (MP3)

"Beachcomber Blues" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #261

2007-02-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

In House #1810: Richard Swift's Dressed Up For the Letdown; New Laura Veirs

The second full-length from singer-songwriter Richard Swift, entitled Dressed Up For the Letdown, drops tomorrow on Secretly Canadian. Swift charmed a couple of years back with the double release The Novelist/Walking Without Effort, which gathered his first two independently released efforts into one wonderfully-sounding package. This go around, he once again spins a flavor steeped heavily in retro pop influences, George Harrison to Tin Pan Alley. The thing is, it feels a bit disingenuous to slap a "retro" label on Swift-- there's no kitsch intended and none to be taken. Still, it's hard to shake the feeling that the music isn't coming from some long-lost, ahead of his time singer-songwriter, ala Nick Drake or, more recently, Karen Dalton. Songs like "Kisses For the Misses," and "The Songs of National Freedom," are instantly comfortable, inspiring false nostalgia even while sounding unique and based in the present. It's music that deserves to be lauded in its own time-- luckily Swift will be around to enjoy it. He tours the UK with labelmate David Vandervelde beginning in early March.

Richard Swift

In House #1810.
Airdate: 2/19/07
Focus: New release out tomorrow from Richard Swift, Dressed Up For the Letdown, plus new music from Laura Veirs, Bryan Ferry, Julie Doiron, and more.

BONUS MP3 and video-
Richard Swift, from Dressed Up For the Letdown:

"Kisses For the Misses" (MP3)

PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #260