The Ruckus

Amanda Palmer: Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead on Her Magical Ukulele

I'm a big fan of covers. I love to hear the art reimagined and restyled. It also doesn't hurt when I'm a fan of the artist doing the covers and the artist being covered. This is the case with Amanda Palmer's Radiohead project.

The combination of ukulele and piano is striking- it isn't exactly a common combination, but Amanda owns it. "High and Dry" is my favorite track, oddly as it was never a particular favorite of mine on The Bends. Amanda's voice is just so mournful and lovely. The vocals and the sparse sound of the ukulele just make it perfect for me. Also included are two live versions of "Creep" as well as an orchestrated take on "Exit Music (For A Film)" featuring Ruckus favorite, Zoe Keating.

The album is available here on Bandcamp for a minimum cost of of 84¢, 54¢ of which going directly back into Radiohead’s pockets for the legal use of their songs and the remaining 30¢ going to PayPal to cover the transaction fee. In the style of Radiohead's own In Rainbows, this is a pay what you want deal. If you're interested in more than a digital copy, there are a variety of packages available here.

Idioteque

These United States: What Lasts

I first encountered These United States when they opened for Thao and Mirah and was immediately drawn to their contagious energy and sometimes-quiet, sometimes-grand sound despite not knowing a single one of their songs. I made a mental note then and there to give them a proper listen because I was sure I'd love them. To my great luck, only a month later they've come out with a new album and just as I expected, it's wonderful. A brilliant mix of melancholy and vibrancy, What Lasts is a complex record about loss and survival.

What Lasts was largely provoked by songwriter Jesse Elliott's near-drowning last year, and the record certainly reflects the intensity of such an experience. It deals not only with Elliott's own brush with mortality, but also the loss of loved ones and general disillusionment. The result should be a pack of depressing, mellow tunes, but These United States manages to throw in an air of optimism and perseverance, producing a marriage of tenacious melodies and cautious lyrics that work in perfect harmony.

The opening track deals directly with Elliott's experience, describing the thoughts and emotions of someone struggling to survive. Elliott's rough, scratchy voice adds a layer of quiet desperation to the already heartbreaking intimate lyrics, while the band's varied musical influences clearly shine through in a mix of Americana, blues and rock. Elliott warns in the beginning of the song that this story is "nothing yet metaphoric, symbolic or cluttered, just my life on their one hand, my death on their other," but the song slowly morphs into an allegory of struggling to overcome any and all of life's obstacles as he sings, "I sunk and I swam and I laughed and I swam / I still swim."

"One You Believe" was an immediate favorite track. With a knee-bouncing rhythm and accompanying marching vocals, it encourages living life freely without concern to practicality. "You put the nails in your coffin when they penned all the laws, fine then, put the coffin on the ship you set fire to," he advises.

The rest of the album exhibits These United States' propensity for mixing genres and Elliott's addictive voice. It slowly winds down, with the last couple of songs before the closing track being extremely mellow and smooth. The title track, "What Lasts" is a study of nostalgia, loss, and moving on that matches its slow drum beat and barely-there twangs. But rather than leave the record on such a bittersweet note, "Water & Wheat" finishes with one last thrilling, uplifting rock number that leaves you invigorated for the future.

What Lasts is an honest evaluation of life, accepting the defeats and anticipating the triumphs. With a solid line-up of songs both mellow and energetic, it's certainly well worth a listen. It has definitely reserved a spot on my fall playlist.

What Lasts comes out today, July 20th, on United Interests.

Brandon Flowers - Crossfire

I got sent this solo track from The Killers' frontman, Brandon Flowers recently. Despire it having a slight U2-esque sound to it, it is reminiscent of The Killers with slight more pop undertones. It's a forthcoming track from Flowers' solo album, Flamingo, due to be released in September.

I like 'Crossfire', it will definitely please The Killers fans, I mean it's nothing shocking or different (see the disaster that Ryan Adams produced in Orion) but it's pleasantly Killers like (it was even recorded in The Killers' studio). I wonder if Flamingo will sound like Sam's Town mark 2, but as I've always liked The Killers, I'll probably be adding it to my iPod for a listen. Have a listen below and see what you think. 'Crossfire' is out on August 30th, Flamingo is out on Vertigo Records in the UK on September 6th and in the US on Sept 14th.

Listen here to Brandon Flowers - Crossfire

Pocket Satellite - Toy Train

I was sent Pocket Satellite's recent EP 'Toy Train' and was all 'HELLO GORGEOUS ARTWORK' as the CD cover is beautifully designed.
I'm a total visuals person so I stuck the CD on and was glad I trusted my visual instincts. What a truly delightful EP from a UK folk act who have supported a Ruckus US favourite, Jenny Owen Youngs.

The band have grit, at full band they have five members playing fifteen instruments and it shows in their music. From the subtle twinkling sounds of a glockenspiel in 'Windows' to epic sweeping piano in 'We Chased Soldiers' they prove that they are an incredibly polished and talented folk unit.

I love the honesty to their music, 'We Chased Soldiers' is a beauty of a track, 'This is your tune that I'm stealing/You wrote it when I was asleep'. It's a catchy folk pop number and I'm pretty much in love with it. Honest and simple lyrics like 'Will you escape with me in the morning/The windshield beats with pouring rain' make this a gorgeous love song that isn't too cheesy. The lead male and female vocals accompany each other to perfection alongside piano and a subtle military drum beat. Listen to 'We Chased Soldiers' below.

Play 'We Chased Soldiers'

'Rocks in Shoes' uses the folk weapon of choice, the banjo along with strings to produce a charming, uplifting track. It's not pretentious at all, like all of the EP, it's music that will make you smile. Which is one of the reasons that I am staff here, when I find a band that can uplift my day and produce fabulous live music it means I'm doing something I love. I'm just waiting to see the band live and they have several UK dates coming up. Including London at the Monto Water Rats on the 17th of July.
Buy the EP here and check out the MySpace for further info, pictures and beautiful graphic design.

Venice Is Sinking: Sand and Lines

I admit that I’ve been sitting on this album for awhile. Way too long, in fact. I just kept coming up empty when I searched for words to describe and do justice to what I was hearing. Venice Is Sinking released a very different sort of album in Sand and Lines, from the story to the music to what album sales are going to benefit. After a great deal of contemplation, I believe I’m finally ready to share the story with you. In early 2008, Venice Is Sinking was approached by Wilmot Greene, owner of Athens’ Georgia Theatre, with the idea of recording an album onstage with minimal production adornment. When the idea was finally realized, it was decided that the recording would be done similar to the Cowboy Junkies’ Trinity Sessions; recorded live with no overdubs and mixed directly to 1/4” tape with no post hoc editing, splicing, or manipulation other than mastering. Through much trial and error as well as blood, sweat, and tears, late nights, and take after take, Sand and Lines was born.

On June 19, 2009, Wilmot Greene and members of Venice Is Sinking watched helplessly as the Georgia Theatre was gutted by fire. The band quickly decided that all of the money should go back to Mr. Greene and the Theatre crew to help them recover and rebuild. Meanwhile, the Georgia Theatre has entered the rebuilding phase and hopes to be open by early 2011. Donations are being accepted at the Georgia Theatre’s website: http://www.georgiatheatre.com/.

The result of the Georgia Theater sessions is an album that fits somewhere in the space between a studio recording and a live recording; 10 songs recorded live with two mics, presented in the order of their recording, the document of the sound of a beautiful space that doesn’t exist anymore.

The sound is vulnerable and haunting; it has a live feel but there is a striking emptiness left by the lack of audience noise and the lo-fi recording system. The sailing melodies and essential harmonies of Venice Is Sinking are stunning. Each instrument is blooming with personality in the stark recording; Daniel and Karolyn’s voices seem to be made for this performance.

“The Grey Line” softly and sweetly meanders then reaches seemingly impossible heights. The simple tune of “Bardstown Road” is oddly endearing through layered vocals and well paired percussion. “Falls City” is like a mystery unfolding. Karolyn’s vocals voice slides through the notes while the dark instrumentation builds up the ominous tone. “Lucky Lady” feels like a well-worn sort of love, with a notable soaring viola part. “Pebble Trail” is a bright, urgent, track that will be quick to find a place in your heart.

Amongst the original works are a few time-tested covers that are well worth mentioning including Galaxie 500’s “Tugboat”, Waylon Jennings’s “The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don't Want To Get Over You)”, and an aching, whispered take on Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”.

Pick up a copy of Sand and Lines here. For more on Venice Is Sinking, visit VeniceIsSinking.net and make sure to follow the band on twitter.

Sidelights

Niall Connolly: Brother, the Fight Is Fixed

I didn't doubt that I would enjoy this album before I listened to it. I had the opportunity to see Niall Connolly play last year and speak with him a bit and enjoy his music very much. However, I had vastly underestimated just how much I would love Brother, the Fight Is Fixed. This album is gorgeous and passionate from start to finish. Connolly's unique story telling method making the record one of a kind.

"Away With the Birds" is quiet, rough, and full of heartache. "Jesus Is Coming (And I Can't Pay the Rent)" takes a totally different direction with a fast paced, angry piece.

"Sum of Our Parts" is another heart-breaker, teeming with nostalgia and classic electric riffs. The lyrics are incredibly touching and have made me swallow back a few tears:

"I told the world how I felt

with six inch letters

wrote the words in wet cement

then I weaved your name into my flag

I sailed the seven seas

and nailed it to my mast

breathe in your every need

your sad, sad songs

you can leave the singing to me"

"A Child Is A Child" takes the album by storm. Not a single word or not is wasted in this track. The production is beautiful and carries the political and social commentary. This song is a heavy hitter that I can't stop listening to.

Mr. Connolly has really hit his stride, musically and lyrically with this album. You can pick up Brother, the Fight is Fixed from CD Baby or from Niall on tour.

A Child is A Child

Steel Train - Steel Train

I admit that I had never heard Steel Train prior to seeing them open for Tegan & Sara earlier this year. However, I was quickly impressed (and my heart is a little bit broken that I'm not seeing them headline this week at The Bluebird Theater in Denver because these boys put on an amazing show). They remind me of so many bands that I love, from Tegan & Sara themselves to U2 to the ever present Bruce Springsteen of the New Jersey band set. With their self-titled release, Steel Train continue to make an impression.

Steel Train is the brilliant little pop record you’ve been looking for this year. It is a blast to listen to and it has heart to spare. Jack Antonoff’s vocals are irresistible. His voice overflows with passion, showing range with each song. The music flows beautifully; full of smooth effects.
“Bullet” launches the album. I can’t say enough good things about this song. Full of power chords and an infectious melody, you’ll find yourself singing and dancing along with the first listen. This track is bright and endearing:

”You and I both are nothing but thieves

we take what we want when we need

had a chance for a better life

when all that I’ve know is to

run run run from the devil in disguise

like a bullet into the night”

“Turnpike Ghost” is an eccentric and staccato. “You and I Undercover” is melodic and sweet. “S.O.G. Burning In Hell” is intense and driven. “Bloody Lips" is a bit Rubber Soul. “Touch Me Bad” is another inescapable piece, always pushing faster, with a chanted chorus:

”Because I feel bad for nothing anymore

I spent many years:

countin' darts,

kissin' walls,

sayin' prayers,

clickin' jaws,

eatin' colors,

nothing black,

wouldn't touch it,

touch me bad”

“Children of the ‘90’s (I’m Not the Same)” has an amazing draw that lies in a relatable, well written topic put to music that expresses the emotion. This track draws on reminiscing and recapturing the love and abandon of youth:

”We were born with a melody

we were children in the nineties

we’re gonna hear it again tonight

I want to hear it again tonight”

Along with the self-titled record comes an EP, Terrible Thrills Vol. 1, containing covers of Steel Train tracks by some of the band’s favorite female artists including Scarlett Johansson, Tegan and Sara, Holly Miranda, Deradoorian, Alia Shawkat, Nellie McKay, Amanda Palmer, Greta Salpeter, Rachael Cantu, Charlotte Caffey & Astrid McDonald, Anna Waronker, and Rachel Antonoff.

Both Steel Train and Terrible Thrills are currently streaming on the band’s MySpace right now. Steel Train will be released June 29th. Catch them on tour if you can!