The Only Sons | Steel Hearts *FREE DOWNLOAD*

The Only Sons’ latest album Steel Hearts is like a punch in the face.  You kind of see it coming but it still hits you hard.  It’s predecessor, Young Lungs, showed flashes of things to come, and on Steel Hearts, the Only Sons deliver the knockout blow.  Who are the Only Sons?  You may remember the band Ribbonpigeon?  TDR has posted about them before (couple posts down).  Well, Ribbonpigeon is now known as The Only Sons.  They’ve just released their new album Steel Hearts and have posted it to their website for you to download for free.  Physical versions of the album will be available from Sophomore Lounge Records in June.

Steel Hearts is a collection of twelve songs which mines much the same Alt-Country/Americana territory as Young Lungs while remaining fresh and honest.   Lead singer Kent Goolsby explains it thusly: “It’s really meant to be a companion piece to Young Lungs – kinda like brothers.”  Like Young Lungs rowdy brother, Steel Hearts picks up right from where “Lowlands” fades out with the band in full country-rock/Americana mode with the opening track “Lay Back Down” and through out much of the album.  The guitars may be out in full force on tracks like “Been Gone,” “Drew Blood” and rousing closer “We Will Get By,” the Only Sons still can slow it down with the best of them on “Taking Your Time with My Love” and “Stranger Here Myself.”  On “Troubled One” the Only Sons are joined by fellow Murfreeboroian Joey Kniser of Glossary (see below for a tone.deaf.rambler exclusive acoustic version of “Troubled One”).

Goolsby’s raspy vocals are warm and welcoming as he sings lines like, “And I’ve been searching all day for a night like this/And I just don’t know when to call it quits” from “Been Gone” or “Took your troubles to the county seat/With half a mind to die and the other half to drink/And all the courage that you thought you had/You left at the bottom of the Budweiser can” from “Loneliness is on my Side”.  The dual electric guitar interplay throughout the album, played by Goolsby and Mike Burgess (guitarist/lap steel), combined with the sold backing of bass (Jonathan Merritt) and drum (Blake Loftis) lead to a more upbeat and rocking album then one familiar with the band might expect.  Don’t worry the cries of lap steel and fiddle (Andrew Mosiman) as still in there too.

On Steel Hearts the Only Sons play with the confidence of a tight-knit band.  They know they’re good.  They want you to know it too.

Standout Tracks: “Been Gone” & “We Will Get By”

+++HIGHLY RECOMMENDED+++

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DOWNLOAD Troubled One (Acoustic)

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Promo Video 1:

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Ribbonpigeon | Young Lungs

Jeff Tweedy once sang that great music, “You can’t hear it on the radio/You can’t hear it anywhere you go,” which one could take to mean that there is great music being made that most will never hear.  Whether it be due to record labels or corporate radio, many talented bands get passed over for what will sell to the masses.  tone.deaf.rambler is dedicated to trying to get the word out on those great bands that get overlooked (seriously it’s in the Mission Statement).

Ribbonpigeon is one such band.

Straight out of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, (also home to TDR favorite Glossary) Ribbonpigeon break on to the Alt-Country/Americana scene with Young Lungs, their debut album on Sophomore Lounge Records.  Ribbonpigeon, it’s an unusual name for a band, and there’s got to be a story behind that name right?  TDR asked front man Kent Goolsby where the band’s name came from.  “It’s kinda strange.” Goolsby replied, “I guess it was 3 years ago I had this dream that I was being held in a Nazi prison camp.  I got in some trouble for something and was hauled off to the head mistresses office. Did they even have head mistresses? I don’t think so.  Anyway – I got drug into the room and sat in a chair in front of her desk. Right in front of me on the desk was one of those small name plates people keep on their office desks.  It said “Ribbonpigeon” and in my mind (in the dream that is) I thought, ‘Oh yeah, of course, that’s the name of my band.’”

Throughout Young Lungs,  Goolsby’s worn, warm voice and acoustic guitar is backed by intertwined, sad cries of lap steel (Mike Burgess) and fiddle (Rebecca Ryan) all while the rhythm section (Blake Loftis, drums; Jonathan Merritt, bass) holds down a solid back beat.  This fusion of sounds produce familiar, yet vibrant Americana music with country undertones.  When Burgess moves from lap steel over to the electric guitar, such as on the closing track, “Lowlands,” the band takes on an almost Crazy Horse persona.  And while Ribbonpigeon can rock out, they can also slow it down just as effectively, such as on “Signal Fire” or “Slowdown Georgia.”  Perhaps the most striking song is the sparse and bare “Devil Wind”; just a guitar backs Goolsby’s heartfelt and haunting cries of “You better run for your life/’cause they’re coming for you, and me too.”   This mix of faster and slower paced songs create a coherent and effective flow for the album.

With “Young Lungs,” Ribbonpigeon have made what may be the Alt-Country/Americana album of the year.  The only thing is, you won’t hear it on the radio.

Standout Tracks: Devil Wind & Lowlands

+++Highly Recommended+++

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Modern Men

Lowlands (live)

Signal Fire (live)

Do You Wrong (live)

Jr. Juggernaut – Ghost Poison

Hailing from the City of Angels, Los Angeles, California, Jr. Juggernaut have put out an album of power pop, country, and punk infused rock that once it’s entered your brain, it refuses to get out. The band’s first full length album, Ghost Poison, is front to back, one hit song after another (sans the instrumental “Midnight Mass”, which provides an interesting break in the middle of the album). Oh, if only radio still played good bands, these guys would be huge. Jr. Juggernaut, featuring Mike Williamson on guitar and lead vocals, Wal Rashidi on drums, and Kevin Keller on bass, strike the fine balance of writing songs that have great hooks while maintaining a power trio sounds that makes you want to pump your fist and sing along. Williamson sings with a gruffness in his voice and his heart on his sleeve that grabs the listener in and doesn’t let go. He may be singing about typical rock ‘n’ roll themes, (lost love and life’s trials and tribulations) he does so in such an honest, relatable way that it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve heard someone sing about it, it still sounds fresh. Ghost Poison is an album that is perfect for summertime cruising with the windows down, wind in your hair, and the stereo up and Jr. Juggernaut have proven themselves to be a band to watch.

Standout Track: “Another Two Weeks”

+++HIGHLY RECOMMENDED+++

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Stream Ghost Poison

Interview w/ Mike Williamson

Another Two Weeks

Coming In Backwards (poor audio)

 

Drive-By Truckers | Dexateens – May 8, 2008

Seeing a great band in a small venue is always something special. Seeing a relatively unknown band open a show and totally win over a crowd unfamiliar with their material is something you don’t forget. Those who were the Dragonfly Club in Harrisburg, PA on Thursday, May 8th and lived to tell the tale, witnessed both.

The Dexateens hit the stage around 9pm that night determined to kick ass and take names. While I’m guessing that few at the show knew of the band prior to the show, (based on talking to others pre-show, must not be tone.deaf.rambler readers) they should have picked up quite a few new fans after their performance. Playing songs from their 4 albums with reckless abandon, intertwined guitars, and pounding drums and bass, one can’t help but wonder how long these guys will be opening shows. Credit must be given to the Drive-By Truckers for allowing such a good band open for them, personally, if the Truckers announced tomorrow that the Dexateens were their opening band for the indefinite future I for one would jump for joy.

After an hour of ass kicking by the Dexateens and a half hour equipment change, the crowd grew restless as lights darkened and the Truckers took the stage. From the opening note of “Where the Devil Don’t Stay” to the closer of the main set “Lookout Mountain” the band remained in high gear the entire show but not for slowing things down slightly for “The Opening Act”, a personal favorite, and “I’m Sorry Huston”, sung by bassist Shonna Tucker towards the second half of the set. Also notable was the Warren Zevon cover of “Play It All Night Long” sung with the vigor one has come to know and expect from Paterson Hood.

After a short encore break, which to those paying attention noticed additional amps and guitar being brought to the stage, the band came back and tore though “Shut Up and Get On The Plane” and “Let There Be Rock.” And then, as if that wasn’t good enough, the Dexateens joined the Truckers on stage, (we’re talking five (5) guitars here) for a raucous version of Buttholeville>State Trooper>Buttholeville that brought the house down.

Now I don’t know about you, but over the last couple years I’ve heard much talk of how rock and roll is dead and music these days ain’t was it was back in the day, whenever that was. I can’t comment how shows were back in the day as I wasn’t there but I can say that rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well based upon witnessing this show from the front row (really the only way to see a show). Don’t beleive me, go see these bands and then try to tell me different, you won’t be able to do it. I will say that the ride how was somewhat uncomfortable, with all the ass kicking I received.

Related Posts:

Dexateens

Drive-By Truckers

Dewey Cox vs. Guy Terrifico

The other week I had the opportunity to see the heavily promoted John C. Reilly flick, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. I had high expectations going in due to the “history of rock ‘n’ roll” subject matter and it’s parody of of the Johnny Cash bio-pic Walk the Line. Unfortunately, the movie was a let down. To many over-used jokes and bad cliches, not to mention the unnecessary male nudity (not that male nudity is ever necessary). The entire time I couldn’t help think about a similar movie is had seen months earlier, The Hard Life and Times of Guy Terrifico.

The Hard Life and Times of Guy Terrifico chronicles the life of a fictional country-rock singer wannabe from Canada. The movie is in a documentary style and features real life stars Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Levon Helm, and Ronny Hawkins. Guy Terrifico is played by Canadian rocker Matt Murphy who does an admirable job acting and really gets into the role. The music is good too, country-rock in the vein of Gram Parsons with comedic lyrics. The Parson’s connection is extended further as Terrifico was managed by Phil Kauffman, Grams real life manager, who is also through out the film telling the story of Guy.

While Guy Terrifico isn’t an Oscar worthy movie, it is worth watching and I found it to be much more enjoyable then Walk Hard.

++RECOMMENDED++

The Hard Life and Times of Guy Terrifico Trailer

Glossary – The Better Angels of Our Nature (REPOST) *FREE DOWNLOAD*

(tone.deaf.rambler: I’ve noticed that the most viewed post on my blog is the one on the Dexateen’s Lost & Found which is likely due to tags denoting the free download of the album. So I’m reposting my review of Glossary’s The Better Angels of Our Nature with hopes that with better tags (this was posted at my old blog and reposted here before I knew how to properly tag posts) more people might have the opportunity to hear this great album & get into the band. I’ve also added some youtube videos to the post.)

Glossary’s fifth album, The Better Angels of Our Nature, may not be much of a departure from their previous work but it may be their best. Following up on 2006’s For What I Don’t Become, Angels takes the heartfelt lyrics and the guitar rock Americana they do best and infuses it in 10 new tracks. Whether it be the rockin’ “Shout It From The Rooftop” to the lamentfull “Almsgiver” to the “we’re still standing” anthem of the set’s closer, “Blood On The Knobs.” This is American music, music of the heartland, full of tales of regret, lost love and rebel spirit. Music reminiscent of The Band and Anodyne era Uncle Tupelo.

Music this good needs to be heard. Glossary knows this, which is why it needs to be mentioned how the band distributed this album. A full three weeks prior to the album’s release Glossary offered it up for free download on their website, in fact it’s still available there (see link below). Yeah, yeah, you say Radiohead did that too, what’s the big deal? Well, first Glossary didn’t ask for anything in return for the download, they would like your email to keep you up to date on the band’s doings, but it isn’t necessary to download. Second, unlike Radiohead, Glossary offered a near cd quality rip of the album (up to 320kbps vs Radiohead’s 160kbps). For a band with no name recognition to give away an album, especially one of this quality, tells you one thing, they know they have something good that people will pay for even after hearing it for free. And for those that do pay for the album, they’ve hand printed the album art and are going to offer them in limited numbers. When the limited number of the art is up, they’ll print out another limited run of the album with different album art.

+++HIGHLY RECOMMENDED+++

Glossary’s homepage
Glossary’s MySpace
The Better Angels of Our Nature FREE Download

Shout It From the Rooftops – Live @ Exit/In 02.03.07

Almsgiver – Live @ Exit/In 02.03.07

Gasoline Soaked Heart

Blood On The Knobs (acoustic)

The Black Keys | Attack & Release

The boys from Akron, Ohio have returned with the help of Danger Mouse to release their latest work titled, Attack & Release (out April 1). For those of us who have been following the Black Keys from their beginnings with The Big Come Up, it will come as no surprise that with Attack & Release Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney present yet another shade of blue to the guitar and drum blues they’ve become known for. Some credit surely must also be given to producer Danger Mouse, no doubt responsible for much of the added textures to the Key’s known sound. Acoustic guitars, banjos, bass, background vocals, and samples are just some of the textures you’ll find here that haven’t been or previous albums. These textures, when added to Carney’s drums and Auerbach’s guitar and vocals, produce an added dimension and freshness to the band’s sound. Thats not to say that the band’s sound on previous albums were in anyway stale, it’s just refreshing to hear a band continually progress as their career moves forward.

From the opening acoustic guitar strums of “All You Ever Wanted” to the closing slow blues of “Things Ain’t Like They Used To Be” the Keys’ have complied 40 minutes of music that runs the gamut of blues and rock with shades of country and funk while still remaining the Black Keys.

++RECOMMENDED++

Track Listing:

1. All You Ever Wanted
2. I Got Mine
3. Strange Times
4. Psychotic Girl
5. Lies
6. Remember When (Side A)
7. Remember When (Side B)
8. Same Old Thing
9. So He Won’t Break
10. Oceans & Streams
11. Things Ain’t Like They Used To Be

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The Dexateens | Lost & Found *FREE DOWNLOAD*

With their trademark blazing guitars, concrete back beat, and Alabama tainted vocals, The Dexateens have made a very solid twenty-four minutes of southern rock tinged pop music. Whether it be songs like “Lost & Found” and “Mary,” with Stones-esque guitar licks or the more acoustic songs like “Slender Thread” or “Kid,” Lost and Found features pop-sensibilities reminiscent of those of found in the late ’60’s or early ’70’s. This a more mature and restrained Dexateen album than one maybe used to; but it’s definitely one worth spending the time to hear.

The Dexateens are offering Lost & Found as a free download for a limited time at the links at the top & bottom of the page and one would have to be a fool not to give them a chance. They just want your email address and they’ll take donations if one feels so compelled.

This won’t be the last time I’ll be posting about this band. They’re playing some dates in May with the Drive-By Truckers and lucky for me, one of them is local.  So look for a review of their live show (along with one of the DBT) sometime after May 8.  In the mean time, download Lost & Found while you can.

Tracklist:

Lost and Found
Out On Your Own
Mary
Enough of Nothing
Altar Blues
Slender Thread
Kid
You’re Gonna Love Me
Sweet Little Loser

Band’s Album Write-up

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Neil Armstrong

Review: Ha Ha Tonka – Buckle in the Bible Belt

Back in July I ventured out to my local live music venue (The Chameleon Club, Lancaster, PA) to see what I was led to believe was a show featuring The Drams and the Old 97’s. I was pretty excited to see The Drams as I’m a fan of Slobberbone and liked the songs on

Jubilee Drive (over-produced somewhat, but still good songs) and I liked some of what the Old 97’s do and had heard they put on a great live show. Well, to my disappointment and despite what the club’s website would have me to believe, The Drams we not on the bill. In their place was this band with the strange name, Ha Ha Tonka. These guys came out and kicked some ass playing for 30-45 minutes and throwing in a great cover of Ram Jam’s Black Betty. (They really made the headliner, the Old 97’s, look bad as their show was almost an exact copy of a show that I downloaded a couple years ago and it seemed like they were going through the motions. But that’s a story for another day.)

Hailing from Springfield, Mo and taking their name from a local state park, Ha Ha Tonka blends rock hooks, strong harmonies, and pop sense- abilities resulting in a strong and cohesive sophomore album. (While this is the first album released under the Ha Ha Tonka name, the band previously released an album under the name Amsterband.) What’s truly impressive is the depth the of subject matter in the lyrics ranging from lost love, racism, organized religion, and even health care. And yet the songs don’t drag the listener down with depressing melodies. It’s quite the juxtaposition, talking about what’s wrong with the world (at times bitterly) while remaining upbeat and rockin’. Mixed in with the band’s nine original songs is a cover of the traditional song, Hangman (think Led Zeppelin’s ‘”Gallows Pole”), sung in four part acappella harmony and provides an interesting break from the guitar/keys based songs in the middle of the album. The only complaint would be about the length of the album, it’s only about a half an hour long. Beginning with Buckle in the Bible Belt, Ha Ha Tonka is a band that hopefully will be etching name in the musical landscape for many year to come.

Standout Track: Bully in the Pulpit

++Recommended++

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St. Nick on the Fourth in a Fervor

Black Betty (cover)

Review: The Black Crowes – Warpaint

With news of The Black Crowes recording a new album, Warpaint (out March 4th), one knew that this album would either signal the end of the band or signal a new beginning. If Warpaint turned out to an an album of the Crowes trying to make more “Black Crowes songs” (much like By Your Side turned out to be) the band would likely lose what’s left of their devoted fan-base and fade in to rock and roll history. However, if the band could come together and make an honest, mature record reflecting on where they are today and not try to recreate their masterpieces of 10-15 years ago, Warpaint would signal the ushering in a new era of The Black Crowes.

With the release of Warpaint, today is the first day of a new era of The Black Crowes. Warpaint is an explosion of the blues, country, and the rock ‘n’ roll sounds the Crowes have forged their way into music history making. Diverse and dense, the tunes exude a confidence and attitude of a band who knows who they are and where they want to go, “It’s too late to play it safe/So let’s let it all ride” (Oh Josephine). Whether you’re along for the ride is up to you as the opening track (Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution) asks “… don’t you wanna see the ship go down with me?” Warpaint shines on tracks such as “Walk Beleiver Walk”, “Moving On Down the Line”, “Evergreen”, and cover of Reverend Charlie Jackson’s “God’s Got It” which will fit well with the Crowes’ live classics. While the album falters slightly with “Wounded Bird” and “There’s Gold In Them Hills”, songs which would be better suited for an album by Chris Robinson’s New Earth Mud, the album as a whole is the best thing the Black Crowes have done in ten years.

Only time will tell how Warpaint will stack up to the quintessential trio of Black Crowes’ albums (Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, Amorica, and Three Snakes and One Charm) but the fact that it’ll be in the conversation is a sign that the band is moving in the right direction.

Standout Track: Moving On Down the Line

++RECOMMENDED++

 

Chris & Rich in the AT&T Blue Room performing acoustic & talking about the new album.

Blue Room