YES! Independent artists, musicians, writers, bloggers, business owners, freelance workers…
What three Jason Molina songs should Ninebullets play on this Saturday’s radio show?
(Jason Molina of Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. died, for those who may not have heard.)
Let us know.
Songs: Ohia, “Farewell Transmission”
Jason Molina of Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. died. This makes me sad. R.I.P., Molina.
I’m going to go ahead and quote Ben Nichols here: Glossary is the best band in America.
If you don’t know who Glossary is, you should. They started up around the same time as Lucero, and if you’ve seen Lucero in the last few years and noticed that bearded guy in the Alabama hoodie sitting down in front of a pedal steel then you know Todd Beene. He’s been a member of Glossary far before he joined Lucero, playing guitar, steel, and even singing for the band from Murfreesboro. The two bands have toured together for years, one of Glossary’s records came out on Lucero’s ‘Liberty & Lament’ record label, and Ben plays Joey Kneiser cover “Bruised Ribs” all the time. It’s safe to say these two bands are intertwined.
It’s not always easy to find the similarity in the lyrical or musical content. Sure, there’s “Bruised Ribs” and rock and roll anthems like “Save Your Money for the Weekend” and “When We Were Wicked”, but Joey writes about drinking less than he mentions graveyards. He mentions graveyards a lot. Seething under the surface in his music is the knowledge of man’s mortality. If you haven’t listened to Glossary, you need to understand that this is not a ‘negative’ or ‘dark’ thing. Joey Kneiser has come to terms with death. He’s not trying to fight it, and it’s part of his music. Glossary isn’t a band united by death, it’s a band united by a love of life…it just happens to be his opinion that you can’t really have one without the other.
If you haven’t listened to “Long Live All of Us”, their most recent effort, you need to. Go do that, immediately. Groove along with the band, enjoy how fun the music is, get sucked in to the soft voices of both Kneisers. Listen to the album all the way through without trying too hard to figure out what he’s saying. Chances are your body understands it better than you do already.
That kind of emotion and energy is exactly what Glossary brings to their concerts. They play with the utmost sincerity, and no one more than Kneiser himself. Before I went to the show I was wondering if he was a writer in any other medium, thinking that his worldview and way with words would make him an excellent novelist. Finally getting to watch him perform live, it was clear that music is the best way for Joey Kneiser to tell a story. He puts everything into ir, riding the song’s highs and lows the same way that the crowd does. Eric Giles and Bingham Barnes, their drummer and bassist respectively, are so into what they’re playing that they seem to be in a different place than everyone else, keeping the heartbeat of the band thumping. Kelly Kneiser’s voice is ethereally beautiful, and Glossary’s songs just wouldn’t be the same without her tambourines or maracas.
Then, of course, we have Todd Beene. Some of you may not know this, but Todd was in Glossary for years before he ended up joining Lucero. He usally co-pens and sings a song or two per album with Joey, and if you’re a Lucero fan who hasn’t heard his stuff you’re really doing yourself a disservice. It’s fun to see Todd get to stand up, stretch his legs, and play a solo on a six-string guitar from time to time. He plays like that kid who’s spent years practicing his instruments, and I bet it’s because he has. His steel on Lucero songs is always fun and usually beautiful, but in my opinion he really shines in Glossary. Check out “Bend with the Breeze” and revel in Beene’s musicianship.
It’s hard for me to describe seeing Glossary perform. Everyone believes in what they’re playing and singing. Every person on that stage is enjoying themselves and having fun with each other. I saw them in a crowded restaurant, playing through folks eating their dinner, and everyone was pulled in. You can’t help but be. The tightness of the music took me by surprise- there were solos and breakdowns I knew were coming but still hit me square in the chest. Check out their website for their tour dates and some music downloads. Even if you don’t think you like their music, head out to a show. I guarantee this is one band that will win you over. After all, this is the favorite band of all your favorite bands.
Michelle here (again - hehe). If you’re a musician or traveler, let’s be friends on CouchSurfing. Let’s help one other by supporting touring musicians and traveling show-goers!
Michelle here. Seems appropriate for a gal who created a coupla fan sites based on the old-fashioned fan letter writing concept to pass this along:
Message me your address, if you like. Starts in February! :)
I have a simple challenge for you.
- In the month of February, mail at least one item through the post every day it runs. Write a postcard, a letter, send a picture, or a cutting from a newspaper, or a fabric swatch.
- Write back to everyone who writes to you. This can count as one of your mailed items.
All you are committing to is to mail 23 items. Why 23? There are four Sundays and one US holiday. In fact, you might send more than 23 items. You might develop a correspondence that extends beyond the month.
Write love letters, thank yous, or simply notes to say that you miss an old friend. Let yourself step away from the urgency of modern life and write for an audience of one. You might enjoy going to the mail box again.
Thank you, April Fecca at Now This Sound Is Brave (NTSIB), for bringing this awesome challenge to my attention!
(Source: fuckyeahaltcountryboys)
Happy birthday to one of my all-time favorite people and artists, Dolly Parton!
If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.
Anyone in North Carolina write about music?
Looking specifically for people who write about music who have their own online presence, like a Tumblr, Blogger, Blogspot, TypePad, Wordpress, etc., not an official music web site or anything.
Asking for a friend. Send me a message in the DBN Ask Box, Submissions link, or Fan Mail with link(s).
Seriously, though, it’s not for DBN, but I do have reasons.
Please re-blog. :)
I am re-blogging this from one of my other music blogs, because I can. ~ Michelle
I first heard about Matt Woods when I saw Austin Lucas perform at The Well in Knoxville, TN (Woods’ stompin’ grounds) last February. With nothing but a recommendation from Lucas (just do whatever he says, okay?), I picked up a copy of Woods’ latest album, Manifesto, while I was there. Being a huge fan of independent and alternate country, I fell in love at first listen. If you like solid songwriting and authentic country influence, I think you will, too.
I was able to talk to Woods before his last show of a three month national tour at the V Club in Huntington, WV, a venue in which he’s been performing for years. (Go there. They have an indoor and outdoor bar, a mini-arcade, friendly staff, reasonably priced drinks, and pool tables. Did I mention they have a mini-arcade?) I was stoked to not only witness his dynamic stage presence but also to learn about his love of vinyl, his upcoming studio time, and a new album in the works.
(Source: fuckyeahaltcountryboys)
Matt Woods, “Port St. Lucie”
I can’t stop listening to this song.
Happy 67th Birthday, Neil Young!
Born: Neil Percival Young
November 12, 1945
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
All the best to you, Neil. Love you!
Donate in help for residents of Staten Island!Hi everyone!
As you all know, many homes were lost in the area of New Jersey and New York due to the events of Sandy. On my free time, I have been meeting up with a good friend of mine in Staten Island and have gone to homes that were destroyed….
Donate or help if you can!
