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Written by Hunter
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Saturday, 10 May 2008 |
The Duke Spirit
The Crystal Ballroom
05/08/08
I've always
felt some deep vein of soul with The Duke Spirit's music. Their sound
is like that of Jefferson Airplane crossed with a very bluesy Sonic
Youth, yet the painful lament of catty vocalist Liela Moss and the dark
and brooding instrumental variety they hold quite high has created an
insatiable taste in my mouth, it truly sets them apart from their
influences. I was quite pleased indeed when informed they were playing
Portland within weeks of discovering them, what better way to solidify
my love for their music.
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Written by Hunter
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Thursday, 08 May 2008 |
"oh mama, ain't no time to fall to pieces," words of caution, hope for
strength. The first verse we're introduced to by a weathered voice, one
of two contributors throughout the album; Mark Lanegan and Greg Dulli. The running theme is quite
similar to squeezing a stone to death for some trace of blood; while we
can't possibly understand how there might be even a vestige of hope in
this search that defies some of the most basic common sense, we somehow
find promise in an inexplainable form. The search isn't a pretty one.
In fact, it's quite a dirty affair and these two gentleman don't shy
away from it in the least. What makes it a unique experience however is
that we aren't deprived the aspect of these strange, beautiful,
uplifting moments in between and it's quite welcome, for how can we
appreciate the good or bad if we don't shine equal light upon both?
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Written by Hunter
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Thursday, 08 May 2008 |
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Lee Miles
1,000 Lions
Music can be
like a temperamental flower waiting to blossom. It takes patience for
the beautiful payoff. Most cannot appreciate this necessity and dismiss
it. This is where Lee Miles comes. His gentle harmonies can be
dismissed quite readily but if one could simply take a moment out of
their busy life to listen and soak up the soulful rays that shine so
brightly in an album like 1,000 Lions it can enrich the seemingly
meaningless fleeting moments of our lives.
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Written by Hunter
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Thursday, 08 May 2008 |
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Thank God For Mental Illness
Many
are sick of this 60's revivalist movement that's infiltrated the
American music scene and with good reason. Most of it can only claim to
be a half-hearted regurgitation of a very influential sound that has
since evolved. Shouldn't this be considered a huge step backwards? In
some regards, yes, because few have convinced us that they're worth
their salt and done anything new with it. We wouldn't be so accepting
of a new man in black rewriting Johnny Cash songs and claiming to be
the 21st century jesus, would we? That said, we really can't neglect
some exceptions..
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Written by Hunter
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Thursday, 08 May 2008 |
Deer Tick - War Elephant
What ever happened to the songwriter?
Are they falling behind the curtain of the "band", a collective
unwillingness to speak too loudly for fear of who's nerves you might
scratch or an inflated ego taking over? Is it because we've lost the
willingness to write with our voices and chosen to speak universally
instead? Are we too concerned with leaving songs far and wide open so
that EVERYONE might find something to relate to? What is left to wonder
and marvel at when writing so commonly? I haven't an answer for any of
these questions, but I have found an anomaly. A band of musicians by
the name of Deer Tick. The voice behind the band laments in a brutally
honest manner over the complicated times, helpless desires and revenant
faults that make him all too human, but more than that, the band is a
living and breathing thing that excites the senses. Each musician seems
to play a lovingly creative hand, making it a detailed and pained but
celebratory look at things. I don't think anyone can feel as empowered
and alive as when listening to 'These Old Shoes' and placing our hearts
in the hands of this simple but high flying tale of beautiful
determination. Hailed as an other worldly return of country western
fare, I think I will go well out of my way to see these boys play when
the opportunity arises.
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