Archive for country

Album Review: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Country

Posted in Music Reviews, Reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

Wow, from the start of the new album Country by Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad I am amazed and I am astonished. I first heard of this band while attending a G-Love and the Special Sauce show at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Their live show was an unreal jam session filled with plenty of energy that got the crowd dancing. Country may get your foot tapping a bit while you are sipping a whiskey down at your local saloon.

Country is an album with an acoustic, slowed down blue grass sound with folk and reggae roots. They describe their music as folk and that the fans should know that there is just good music and there is just bad music. The band said they hear so many people when asked, “what kind of music they like?” reply with the answer, “everything but country.” GPGDS wanted to break the mold that all country music is not typical country and that folk is in all forms of music. It is funny because I am one who has said, “I am into everything but country.” I am also on the record saying that, “I like Johnny Cash but do not consider him to be country but more of a folk artist.” This means I understand fully what Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is talking about.

Now, saying all that I can appreciate this album even though at times I am not sure that I am listening to GPGDS. At other times I am reminded of the elements that made me fall in love with this band. In the track “Kids in the Square” they pick up the tempo a bit and make for a blue grass jam that could get you dancing. Next, the song “Healing” which has a reggae feel in a blue grass song reminds you of GPGDS of past. “New Speedway Boogie” has the softest sound with the loudest vocals on the album and again reminds you of classic Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad. This little section of their new album is my favorite especially after the slow start with the first four songs.

I suggest you head over to the website and give the new album a listen before forming an opinion. It will help you decide if you want to support this new project for the group from Rochester, NY or if you want to take a break so the music is more refreshing when the next album comes out. I know I am going to support GPGDS and can appreciate the new sound off of Country.

Album Release Date: January 31, 2012

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William Elliot Whitmore debuts on UK tv with Jools Holland appearance

Posted in Video with tags , , , , , , , , , on Monday, May 11, 2009 by Ryan Buege

The Mississippi river basins modern folk vagabond William Elliot Whitmore recently made a trip over the pond to show his literary and musical vocal talents to the British population, and the results that were captured on film are stunning. Whitmore’s powerful, old-time oration skills are truly a wonder in this day-and-age, and in this video performance for his “Old Devils” he sounds spectacular.

The last time I had the fortune to see Whitmore play live, he was sandwiched between the chaotic grind of local metal band Ambassador Gun and the expansive post-rock of Red Sparowes. Though the bill was quite an unlikely one for Whitmore, he handily won over any doubters with the passion of his exceptional performance and some sensibilities that could easily appeal to any fan of socially aware Midwestern music. It’s great that his career seems to be picking up steam on a global scale, because music this authentic, emotional, and beautiful needs to be honored the world over. Check out “Old Devils” live on Jools Holland below:

Neko Case’s “People Got a Lotta of Nerve” receives moving visual accompaniment

Posted in Video with tags , , , , , , , on Monday, March 23, 2009 by Ryan Buege

Usually when I watch a film, I like to play like a critic and try to really “interpret” what the director is trying to get across. Some people prefer to simply enjoy a movie for its visual pleasures, but understanding the intricate aspects of editing and directing tends to provide a much more fulfilling viewing experience to me. With the music video for Neko Case‘s “People Got A Lotta Nerve”, her lead single from the new Middle Cyclone album, it’s hard for me to even begin to come to any solid conclusions about what it’s about; but I do know that I don’t mind wondering. Girls are frollicking around and playing with every type of wild beast imaginable; everything from elephants and tigers, to dogs and monkeys, to cranes and (yes, you guessed it..) killer whales. The animation, though simple, is gorgeous, and the warm colors and cheery atmosphere make me forget why I even wonder why the red-head cartoon girl (Neko?) is trying to shoot the apes who just want to gander at pictures of Neko. It’s an adventurous piece of work, veiled in multiple meanings; a dream that has been dreamed awake.

Click ‘read more’ to watch “People Got A Lotta Nerve” after the jump… Continue reading

NPR listening session to Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone this week

Posted in Audio with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 by Ryan Buege

Neko Case, Middle Cyclone

Neko Case, Middle CycloneMany have been waiting and the moment is finally here! You can now listen to  what is sure to be (and deserves to be) the most prominent release from Neko Case yet, via NPR. Middle Cyclone will officially see a release on March 3rd, and this stream will be available until then!

Only a voice this seductive could’ve lured me to investigate more modern country music… I’ll have my review of Middle Cyclone coming next week!

LISTEN: Middle Cyclone (available in stores on March 3rd)