Neil Young News: Canadian Tour Dates for Neil Young
Any word on the show to be rescheduled in Omaha?
sjl
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, October 31, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Production of Blood Is Suspended Indefinitely
SHAWNEE, KS / Jim Vranicar, the President of Elkhorn Valley Recordings announced tonight an indefinite suspension of his recording of BLOOD until all company demands are met. Vranicar made the announcement via a press release issued Sunday afternoon.
"I am calling into question the integrity of the Listening With Strangers organization. Several members of the group have been MIA for almost three months. I cannot in good conscience release BLOOD under these conditions," Vranicar said.
Vranicar indicated the decision was made after careful consideration. "Basically it comes down to this. For the last two or three months, only three members of the Listening With Strangers have published anything, those being myself, R Flair and Patera. Where have the others been? Who's holding them accountable? Well, as of today, I'm holding them accountable."
In the press release, Vranicar outlined Elkorn Valley Recording's specific demands.
"I am calling into question the integrity of the Listening With Strangers organization. Several members of the group have been MIA for almost three months. I cannot in good conscience release BLOOD under these conditions," Vranicar said.
Vranicar indicated the decision was made after careful consideration. "Basically it comes down to this. For the last two or three months, only three members of the Listening With Strangers have published anything, those being myself, R Flair and Patera. Where have the others been? Who's holding them accountable? Well, as of today, I'm holding them accountable."
In the press release, Vranicar outlined Elkorn Valley Recording's specific demands.
- That all outstanding reviews of GUNS and DUST be submitted by those who've failed to weigh in.
- That all songs from our joint compilation we started working on over three months ago be submitted to R. Flair for publication at a reasonable date.
- That Heenan submit his liner notes to Vranicar so Elkhorn Valley Recordings can truly weigh in on RELATIONSHIPS.
- That Listening With Strangers founding members Windham, Woodstock and Heenan issue a formal public apology for their lack of participation to our founder and leader R. Flair.
"Once the above demands are published on the blog, all will be forgiven. Until then, the suspension holds."
Vranicar hopes this decision will light a fire. "If it doesn't, I'll be very disappointed. We're better than this. But some in this group need to act like they give a rip."
####
Friday, September 12, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Gesundheit (Patera inhales DUST)
Outstanding play from cover to cover. My favorite of your works-to-date and a favorite among all comps-to-date. The tunes really fit and flow well. And shocked at the number of legit DUST-related tracks you own.
Dust 2:
Outstanding opener. I like most of what I hear from Costello, but admit to low rotation in my everyday mix. Is it just me or are his vocals among the most clear or up-front?
Federal Dust:
Got to appreciate the KC call-out. And a great back-story from you. Anyone else liken them to Modest Mouse?
(Well) Dusted (For The Millennium)- Giant Sand:
My first look at Giant Sand. Very cool, low-fi vibe. More study needed.
Lovedust:
My personal favorite. Romantica is the only Luna album I own. (I think this is the lead track). I remember when I got a burn of it from a guy I worked with when it first came out I thought the guitar sound was impeccably clean- like you could hear every string and note ring true. I also thought the music sounded like the album cover looked- it’s a sharp photograph of a lighter. Great hook-. Super cool stuff all the way around- thanks for digging it up. Hot bass player doesn’t hurt either.
Tell It to the Dust:
Nice. I know you’ve been keen on Parker for a while, and I hadn’t caught on yet. Consider that changed. Super catchy.
Devils &Dust:
The Boss offers 2 types of tunes- righteous anthems and poignant ballads, and I generally enjoy both. Another great one here, powerful lyrics and a little harp.
Dust Pile:
Red Dust: Exactly was I needed to hear. Got to see and hear Iron & Wine at Lollapalooza and I was shocked at the diversity of the band itself. Picture 6-7 people that don’t look like they would know each other, nor look like they’re in the music business- that’s Iron & Wine. This is one of my all-time favorite collaborations and I’ve worn out the modest EP. More. Please. Now.
Red Clay Halo: Big fan of Welch, I have not had a chance to see her yet. Don’t forget wicked guitarist David Rawlings.
Leroy’s Dustbowl Blues:
Earle with McCoury is another great collaboration and DUST is a natural topic for the roots music that they do so well. Bluegrass bliss.
Down That Dusty Trail:
My second-favorite track. I don’t own any Keen, but I’ve got a pile of Lovett. Sounds like I need to even things out. I really like this loose rocker. Texas singer-songwriters might be my favorite flavor. He’s been around a while, where do I start?
Dust My Broom:
Classic song by a classic duo. Ike (RIP), was an underrated guitarist and composer, though he had a hell of a backhand. Though I don’t recall much of his MIM performance I saw, I do remember seeing him strutting down the off-limits sidewalk with 4-5 fine young ladies. The man had some game.
Dust Radio:
I’m uncommitted on this one. At points, it’s Ian Moore-like, others it’s bad white soul, maybe even a poor man’s Chris Cornell? The vide is appropriate for a closer, but it didn’t knock my socks off like I had thought.
You really strung together some complimentary tracks- both true to the theme and sonically nice neighbors. It’s a very easy listen. Bonus points for including the American Dream in the jacket art.
KP
Dust 2:
Outstanding opener. I like most of what I hear from Costello, but admit to low rotation in my everyday mix. Is it just me or are his vocals among the most clear or up-front?
Federal Dust:
Got to appreciate the KC call-out. And a great back-story from you. Anyone else liken them to Modest Mouse?
(Well) Dusted (For The Millennium)- Giant Sand:
My first look at Giant Sand. Very cool, low-fi vibe. More study needed.
Lovedust:
My personal favorite. Romantica is the only Luna album I own. (I think this is the lead track). I remember when I got a burn of it from a guy I worked with when it first came out I thought the guitar sound was impeccably clean- like you could hear every string and note ring true. I also thought the music sounded like the album cover looked- it’s a sharp photograph of a lighter. Great hook-. Super cool stuff all the way around- thanks for digging it up. Hot bass player doesn’t hurt either.
Tell It to the Dust:
Nice. I know you’ve been keen on Parker for a while, and I hadn’t caught on yet. Consider that changed. Super catchy.
Devils &Dust:
The Boss offers 2 types of tunes- righteous anthems and poignant ballads, and I generally enjoy both. Another great one here, powerful lyrics and a little harp.
Dust Pile:
Red Dust: Exactly was I needed to hear. Got to see and hear Iron & Wine at Lollapalooza and I was shocked at the diversity of the band itself. Picture 6-7 people that don’t look like they would know each other, nor look like they’re in the music business- that’s Iron & Wine. This is one of my all-time favorite collaborations and I’ve worn out the modest EP. More. Please. Now.
Red Clay Halo: Big fan of Welch, I have not had a chance to see her yet. Don’t forget wicked guitarist David Rawlings.
Leroy’s Dustbowl Blues:
Earle with McCoury is another great collaboration and DUST is a natural topic for the roots music that they do so well. Bluegrass bliss.
Down That Dusty Trail:
My second-favorite track. I don’t own any Keen, but I’ve got a pile of Lovett. Sounds like I need to even things out. I really like this loose rocker. Texas singer-songwriters might be my favorite flavor. He’s been around a while, where do I start?
Dust My Broom:
Classic song by a classic duo. Ike (RIP), was an underrated guitarist and composer, though he had a hell of a backhand. Though I don’t recall much of his MIM performance I saw, I do remember seeing him strutting down the off-limits sidewalk with 4-5 fine young ladies. The man had some game.
Dust Radio:
I’m uncommitted on this one. At points, it’s Ian Moore-like, others it’s bad white soul, maybe even a poor man’s Chris Cornell? The vide is appropriate for a closer, but it didn’t knock my socks off like I had thought.
You really strung together some complimentary tracks- both true to the theme and sonically nice neighbors. It’s a very easy listen. Bonus points for including the American Dream in the jacket art.
KP
Time to Put Your Guns Down - A Review By Ref
It is embarrassing how long it has taken me to review GUNS. There's really no excuse for it. Be sure to pistol whip me the next time you see me.
I don't know if it was the summer heat, my busy schedule or what, but this one just didn't do a thing for me the first three or four times I listened to it.
That said, I have to admit that as I've re-acquainted myself with this CD over the last week in preparation for this review and I am liking it better now. Onto the review.
Shotgun - Hopkins: I used to be a bit of a blues aficionado. I was always more of a fan of the genre in a live setting than in a recorded setting. But as I've gotten older, the Blues just don't speak to me anymore. That's my problem, not yours. That said, this song provided an appropriate opener.
Frankie's Gun! - Felice Bros: You are correct, very Dlyan-esque. This is an example of a song that grew on me as I re-listened to this last week. Don't know that I need to own this but another appropriate pull.
The Mightiest of Guns - AA Bondy: This is a very interesting song. I would love to see this guy play an acoustic show at a small venue. Excellent acoustic guitar sound.
Stack Shot Billy - Black Keys: I like this song a lot. This one resonated with me even the first couple of listens when most of the other tracks on this cd did not. Very cool. I love your story of seeing them in Lawrence.
Big Iron - Johnny Cash: I just can't decide whether this is a great story or something that I should dismiss. Despite my in-decision, I have to admit the story this song painted in my head during a boring drive to Wichita last week was very entertaining.
Loaded Gun In The Closet: DBT: Actually, you'll be surprised to know that this is one of my favs from the compilation. This one also resonated deeply during that recent drive to Wichita. While I am getting tired of the DBT being included on almost every compilation, I really dig this sad, sad song. What a story. I'm sure this is the life that many people live in both the midwest and the south.
Johnny 99 - Springsteen: I understand its inclusion but as I've stated before, Springsteen just isn't quite my bag.
Devil's Right Hand - Earle: Great song for this topic. Don't love it but it is not bad at all.
Trigger - Calexico: I've heard better Calexico. But because of the topic, how could you not put this on here?
Point and Shoot - Yo La Tengo: I've been intrigued with this band since I first heard some of their stuff in about 2001. I own two or three of their albums. Some of it is totally hit for me and some of it isn't. Unfortunately, this one isn't.
Six Barrel Shotgun - BRMC: Another one that worked for me better as I re-listened to this disc. A definite keeper.
Faster Gun - The Wrens: Interesting tune and even more interesting Nirvana callout by you in the liner notes. Thanks for sharing. Where would one start with this band?
The Guns of Brixton - The Clash: A classic tune from a classic album. I hadn't heard this song for a long, long time. Thanks for bringing it back.
Hey, Hey Revolver - Felice Bros: Bold move to include two tunes from the same band. While I like the song, I'm not bought into you including two FB tracks.
In closing, again I apologize for being so late with this. We've all slacked off on this project lately and it is unfortunate that it happened in the midst of your two compilations. You already know my thoughts on Dust so this wasn't all because I wasn't into the music. Just busy I guess.
I don't know if it was the summer heat, my busy schedule or what, but this one just didn't do a thing for me the first three or four times I listened to it.
That said, I have to admit that as I've re-acquainted myself with this CD over the last week in preparation for this review and I am liking it better now. Onto the review.
Shotgun - Hopkins: I used to be a bit of a blues aficionado. I was always more of a fan of the genre in a live setting than in a recorded setting. But as I've gotten older, the Blues just don't speak to me anymore. That's my problem, not yours. That said, this song provided an appropriate opener.
Frankie's Gun! - Felice Bros: You are correct, very Dlyan-esque. This is an example of a song that grew on me as I re-listened to this last week. Don't know that I need to own this but another appropriate pull.
The Mightiest of Guns - AA Bondy: This is a very interesting song. I would love to see this guy play an acoustic show at a small venue. Excellent acoustic guitar sound.
Stack Shot Billy - Black Keys: I like this song a lot. This one resonated with me even the first couple of listens when most of the other tracks on this cd did not. Very cool. I love your story of seeing them in Lawrence.
Big Iron - Johnny Cash: I just can't decide whether this is a great story or something that I should dismiss. Despite my in-decision, I have to admit the story this song painted in my head during a boring drive to Wichita last week was very entertaining.
Loaded Gun In The Closet: DBT: Actually, you'll be surprised to know that this is one of my favs from the compilation. This one also resonated deeply during that recent drive to Wichita. While I am getting tired of the DBT being included on almost every compilation, I really dig this sad, sad song. What a story. I'm sure this is the life that many people live in both the midwest and the south.
Johnny 99 - Springsteen: I understand its inclusion but as I've stated before, Springsteen just isn't quite my bag.
Devil's Right Hand - Earle: Great song for this topic. Don't love it but it is not bad at all.
Trigger - Calexico: I've heard better Calexico. But because of the topic, how could you not put this on here?
Point and Shoot - Yo La Tengo: I've been intrigued with this band since I first heard some of their stuff in about 2001. I own two or three of their albums. Some of it is totally hit for me and some of it isn't. Unfortunately, this one isn't.
Six Barrel Shotgun - BRMC: Another one that worked for me better as I re-listened to this disc. A definite keeper.
Faster Gun - The Wrens: Interesting tune and even more interesting Nirvana callout by you in the liner notes. Thanks for sharing. Where would one start with this band?
The Guns of Brixton - The Clash: A classic tune from a classic album. I hadn't heard this song for a long, long time. Thanks for bringing it back.
Hey, Hey Revolver - Felice Bros: Bold move to include two tunes from the same band. While I like the song, I'm not bought into you including two FB tracks.
In closing, again I apologize for being so late with this. We've all slacked off on this project lately and it is unfortunate that it happened in the midst of your two compilations. You already know my thoughts on Dust so this wasn't all because I wasn't into the music. Just busy I guess.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Where We At?
Okay - I realize I still owe a review of Guns which will be coming shortly. Where are the rest of you? Who is holding up the release of the group compilation we've all been working on? Is our fearless leader R Flair so pissed that he refuses to move the ball forward on anything? Heenan - How am I to get liner notes for relationships?
God God Men - We must all put aside our differences and recommit to all that is good with "Listening To Strangers."
Signed,
One Worried Ref in KC
God God Men - We must all put aside our differences and recommit to all that is good with "Listening To Strangers."
Signed,
One Worried Ref in KC
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Color Me Impressed - Ref's Review of Dust
Flair,
You outdid yourself on this compilation. This may be your finest yet in my book. Onto the review.
1) Dust 2/Costello: I'm a casual Costello fan at best. But I really dig this tune. Nice lyrical canvas punctuated by a surprisingly funky guitar tone. Is he one cool mo-fo or what?
2) Federal; Dust/Silver Jews: God damn this is good. This may be my favorite which is probably no surprise since I consider Malkmus a guitar/song-writing genius. And this was a Pavement side project??? Unbelievable. Especially the simple solo at the 1:25 mark. Yummy.
3) Well Dusted... .../Giant Sand: Perfect fit here and another one of my favs. Sultry and quite desperate at the same time. Where do I go next?
4) Lovedust/Luna: You said we'd either love this or hate this. I vote for love it. Such a memorable chorus. I need to get some more of these guys.
5) Tell It To The Dust/Anders Parker: Check what I said above - THIS is actually my favorite track on Dust. Your mention of Varnaline reminds me that Bob Mould once produced that outfit, I saw them open for him one time. But that's just trivia. I like this for a variety of other reasons: 1) great lyrical canvas, 2) interesting and varying textures and 3) and an undeniable guitar outro from the 4:15 mark on. That gets me every time I listen to this. Thanks for sharing.
6) Devils & Dust/The "Alleged" Boss: More Springsteen - more BS yawns for me.
7) Dust Pile/Sounds Like Fall: This song started out promising for me but then it just droned and droned and droned. No real payoff. Not my bag.
8) Red Dust/I&W-Calexico: "On and on.... ...on and on." What a great vibe accompanied by some bitchin' guitar. My third favorite track on this compilation.
9) Red Clay Halo/Gillian Welch: A bit too folksy for me but it definitely has a place here.
10) Leroy's Dustbowl Blues: I like this. Wish I could have witnessed their set at the bluegrass festival. That would give an even greater appreciation for this song.
11) Down That Dusty Trail/Robert Earl Keen: Great fit for the compilation and a nice story.
12) Dust My Broom/Turners: Wow. When was this recorded? I don't know much about Tina's earlier work. I had no idea she could be so damn bluesy.
13) Dust Radio/Whitley: Your Whitley story (sans his untimely death) reminds me of the Ian Moore's story as does this song. Guitar prodigy goes his own route. You gotta respect guys who stand up for their sound more so than the fame or fortune. This sounds like something Moore would have written. In fact, I wonder if Ian ever covers this tune while out on the circuit? He sure as hell should.
In closing - I'm amazed you had enough songs with dust in the title to fill out such a fine compilation. I could not have pulled this off in a million years and am thankful I didn't pull this theme.
Again, great work.
You outdid yourself on this compilation. This may be your finest yet in my book. Onto the review.
1) Dust 2/Costello: I'm a casual Costello fan at best. But I really dig this tune. Nice lyrical canvas punctuated by a surprisingly funky guitar tone. Is he one cool mo-fo or what?
2) Federal; Dust/Silver Jews: God damn this is good. This may be my favorite which is probably no surprise since I consider Malkmus a guitar/song-writing genius. And this was a Pavement side project??? Unbelievable. Especially the simple solo at the 1:25 mark. Yummy.
3) Well Dusted... .../Giant Sand: Perfect fit here and another one of my favs. Sultry and quite desperate at the same time. Where do I go next?
4) Lovedust/Luna: You said we'd either love this or hate this. I vote for love it. Such a memorable chorus. I need to get some more of these guys.
5) Tell It To The Dust/Anders Parker: Check what I said above - THIS is actually my favorite track on Dust. Your mention of Varnaline reminds me that Bob Mould once produced that outfit, I saw them open for him one time. But that's just trivia. I like this for a variety of other reasons: 1) great lyrical canvas, 2) interesting and varying textures and 3) and an undeniable guitar outro from the 4:15 mark on. That gets me every time I listen to this. Thanks for sharing.
6) Devils & Dust/The "Alleged" Boss: More Springsteen - more BS yawns for me.
7) Dust Pile/Sounds Like Fall: This song started out promising for me but then it just droned and droned and droned. No real payoff. Not my bag.
8) Red Dust/I&W-Calexico: "On and on.... ...on and on." What a great vibe accompanied by some bitchin' guitar. My third favorite track on this compilation.
9) Red Clay Halo/Gillian Welch: A bit too folksy for me but it definitely has a place here.
10) Leroy's Dustbowl Blues: I like this. Wish I could have witnessed their set at the bluegrass festival. That would give an even greater appreciation for this song.
11) Down That Dusty Trail/Robert Earl Keen: Great fit for the compilation and a nice story.
12) Dust My Broom/Turners: Wow. When was this recorded? I don't know much about Tina's earlier work. I had no idea she could be so damn bluesy.
13) Dust Radio/Whitley: Your Whitley story (sans his untimely death) reminds me of the Ian Moore's story as does this song. Guitar prodigy goes his own route. You gotta respect guys who stand up for their sound more so than the fame or fortune. This sounds like something Moore would have written. In fact, I wonder if Ian ever covers this tune while out on the circuit? He sure as hell should.
In closing - I'm amazed you had enough songs with dust in the title to fill out such a fine compilation. I could not have pulled this off in a million years and am thankful I didn't pull this theme.
Again, great work.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Running with the Pack
I have been neglecting my duties lately as far as reviews go and the like, but I am going to try and settle up this week. That being said, I wanted to share my thoughts on a show I just saw. I caught Wolf Parade at Terminal 5 in NYC last Thursday and was pleasantly surprised. I have been skeptical of this band up til now. Upon seeing them live, I have become addicted. The drummer is a sight to behold as he holds the constant beat. Vocals were traded off between SPencer Krug and Dan Boeckner which was cool to see who sang what song. The band is really quite tight, and the sound in Terminal 5 was great. My only complaint was that the heaviness of the sound is not transferred on record. I had a great view of the whole performance, even though it was sold out and very crowded. Definitely a well spent evening.
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