Podcast #9 Available Now

Whew! I squeaked it in just before New Years. Podcast #9 is the continuation of the last one, and essentially the audio version of yesterday's posting. My Top 10 Albums of 2006...Enjoy.

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Dark Stuff's Top 20 Albums of 2006 (Part Two)

Here is the second half of my Top 20 Albums of 2006 (part one). Check back soon for the second "best of" podcast.

10) BETTIE SERVEERT - bare stripped naked (Minty Fresh)
I cannot think of a single artist in the history of popular music that has re-recorded their own songs and made them better. It would seem that the first way is always the best way; and why would someone want to re-record their own songs unless they have dried up creatively? Well, an exception to the rule has emerged. Holland's Bettie Serveert has assembled a new collection called bare stripped naked that merges new, "stripped down" versions of some of their older songs with a few new ones thrown in for good measure. The song choices are not the ones you might expect. They didn't re-record their best known songs; instead, they brought new life to some lesser known album cuts. Carol Van Dyk's voice has never sounded better, and these new arrangements of the older songs are a real treat. The first time I ever heard this band back in 1993, I described them as "Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) singing with Crazy Horse (Neil Young's band)." Well, that sort of describes it, but I think Carol has a better voice than Ms. Hynde. The CD comes with a DVD which features an entire concert from Holland, and the standard backstage shenanigans that are always included in any music DVD. Stand Out Tracks: "Hell = Other People" "Roadmovies" and "What They Call Love"

Artist My Space Page: www.myspace.com/bettieserveert
Official Website: bettieserveert.com

9) THE BLACK KEYS - Magic Potion (Nonesuch)
When music historians look back on the early part of the 21st century, there will be no other blues band to discuss other than The Black Keys. This Ohio duo (just drums and guitar) has been making some of the most intense, raw, no-nonsense blues of the last decade or so, and with their new album, Magic Potion, they have perfected their craft. This band has more great riffs per song than any Zeppelin or AC/DC record, despite not being a hard rock band. While most of the The Black Keys audience are indie rock fans, and not traditional blues fans, those into old school blues should take a look at this band.

The Black Keys clearly understand both the rich history and traditions of the blues, but are not tied down by many of the genre's lyrical cliches. The band presents its stripped-down, thudding blues with an eye on the contemporary. On this record, guitarist Dan Auerbach's voice sounds as deep and hurting as any 80 year-old Delta bluesman. Hard to believe that it comes in the form of a barely 30 year-old guy from Ohio. It really is a magic potion. Stand Out Tracks: "You're The One" "The Flame" and "Your Touch."

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/theblackkeys
Official Website: theblackkeys.com

8) TV ON THE RADIO - Return To Cookie Mountain (Interscope)
I have absolutely no idea how to describe the music of Brooklyn's TV On the Radio. I really don't. So much of their sound is based on the mood or atmosphere that they create, that it is impossible to talk about this band's music in traditional terms. Pitchforkmedia opened its 9.1 out of 10 rated review of the record this way, "Often when we say a record has 'atmosphere,' we mean it as a put-down. From Sgt. Pepper's to the present, a record's sonic appeal-- the effects, the mood, the spaces between the notes-- is inextricable from how it hits us. But when an artist pushes atmosphere in place of songs, it's frequently thought of as a crutch. Most listeners don't trust a mood to grab their hearts the way they trust, say, a human voice; nobody counts on production to deliver the 'money note.'"

Return To Cookie Mountain is an almost wholly original take on pop music. Deep down, beneath all those layers of samples and noise, there are pop songs there. You just have to let the band take you there in a different way. This is the type of album that will likely be discussed 10 years from now as being the beginning of a whole new sound or movement. Check back with me in a decade so I can say "I told you so." David Bowie also makes a guest appearance on the album. Stand Out Tracks: "I Was A Lover" "Wolf Like Me" and "Let The Devil In"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/tvontr
Official Website: tvontheradio.com

7) NEKO CASE - Fox Confessor Brings The Flood (Anti)
Someone I know really well said a few months back that, if he could, he would merge Neko Case's voice with Jenny Lewis' (see #5) lyrics to make the perfect artist. I know exactly what he means. Not that there is anything wrong with Neko's songs or Jenny's voice (they are both quite excellent), but could you imagine how unbelievable it would be to merge the two together?! Setting that aside, the newest CD from Neko Case shows her continuing to progress by leaps and bounds. Her voice is already a thing of perfect beauty, so there is no need to mess with that. Her songs on Fox Confessor are deceptively simple sounding. It is very easy to say they sound like "classic" country music. Patsy Cline is often referenced when talking about Neko Case.

While that is a good reference point, it does not really touch her very literary lyrical style. This new album is almost like a collection of short stories. Each song has its own set of characters, and takes place in a different location. While that might leave the listener with a sense of detachment from the artist (since she is not clearly referencing her own experiences), Neko's voice is so great and her singing so intimate, that she makes the connection in a different way. I certainly cannot say that I always understand where she is coming from lyrically, but I can always "feel" what she means. Stand Out Tracks: "Maybe Sparrow" Hold On, Hold On" and "Margaret vs. Pauline"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/nekocase
Official Website: nekocase.com

6) WE ARE SCIENTISTS - With Love and Squalor (Virgin)
Is it a bad thing to call a band "new wave" in 2006? If it is, then I apologize to We Are Scientists, but I am at a loss as to how to describe this NYC band. Their songs are short, catchy, and full of sarcastic lyrics (think early XTC crossed with Buzzcocks). This band has attitude to spare. I have to give the band points for the album cover (I like the three cat design) and for their "unique" fashion sense. I'm sure these guys were part of the pocket protector crowd when they were younger. Regardless, this album breezes by very quickly (no time to get bored with the band), and you will find yourself singing along by the second listen. I don't know how long this band will last, or if this will be their one and only stab at the mainstream. Either way, We Are Scientists have crafted the best pop-punk record of 2006, without question. Stand Out Tracks: "This Scene Is Dead" "Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt" and "It's a Hit."

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/wearescientists
Official Website: wearescientists.com

5) JENNY LEWIS WITH THE WATSON TWINS - Rabbit Fur Coat (Team Love)
I have never considered myself much of a Rilo Kiley fan. Sure they have had a couple of good songs -- even a great one with "Portions For Foxes." But I never really connected with the band, nor its singer, Jenny Lewis, until now. Jenny has set aside the electric guitar and the indie pop that has been so successful for Rilo Kiley, and crafted a set of songs that crosses early 1960s country with gospel music. Though they sound, superficially, like they could pass for something on a Nashville radio station circa 1962, the lyrics to the songs on Rabbit Fur Coat would never have made it to the Grand Ole Opry. Lewis' songs are often confessional, first person narratives about her struggle to make it today's world despite all of the ugliness that can often be found by simply opening your eyes.

Jenny compliments the overall feel of the record with the addition of The Watson Twins -- gospel singing, identical twin sisters. The Twins add such an authentic gospel feel to the songs that it's almost comical when you realize they could be singing a song called "Born Secular." Though I would probably give a slight edge to Neko Case in a contest over who has the better voice, I defintely feel I can relate much more to the songs of Jenny Lewis. I really like her direct style, and sometimes I even get a little verklempt when listening to her sing them. Jenny also does a great cover of Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care" and has Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) sing Dylan's part on the song. Stand Out Tracks: "Rise Up With Fists!!" "The Charging Sky" and "You Are What You Love"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/lewiswithwatsons
Official Website: jennylewis.com

4) THE FAGS - Light 'Em Up (Idol)
This is a record that should have made the Best of 2005 list. However, due to the general shittyness of the current crop of executives at Sire Records, Light 'Em Up, the first full-length CD from Detroit rockers The Fags, was shelved. More than a year-and-a-half after its initial scheduled release, the CD is finally available via Idol Records. Better late than never is all I can say. This album picks up where their 2002 EP left off (in fact, most of that record has been re-recorded for the new album). The Fags have perfectly melded 70s hard rock with 80s Midwest college rock, and they have described their sound as "power pop with balls." Think of a cross between Cheap Trick and The Replacements. If that sounds good, then you will love this CD. This kind of music should be all over the radio. Sadly, that is not the case. Stand Out Tracks: "Rockstar" "Back of the Line" "Light 'Em Up."

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/thefagsmusic

3) THE LEMONHEADS - The Lemonheads (Vagrant)
Evan Dando's Lemonheads were only gone for ten years, but they are approaching their "comeback" in the right way (take note Pixies). Rather than simply doing an oldies tour that focuses on the band's past, Dando chose to give the ol' Lemonheads name a "present" first. The Lemonheads have been solely Dando's baby since 1990, and he had a revolving cast of players with him until the breakup (or retirement of the Lemonheads moniker) in 1996. For this version of the band, Dando brought in Karl Alvarez (Descendents, ALL) and Bill Stevenson (Descendents, ALL, Black Flag) for bass and drums, respectively. The trio rocks with serious conviction on every track on the new album. Bill Stevenson even wrote two songs on the album, and one of them is my favorite track ("Become The Enemy").

I think it was pretty bold for The Lemonheads to return with an album rather than go the nostalgia route, and that boldness has definitely paid off. The Lemonheads is a better album than some from the band's mid-90s heyday -- it is certainly more consistent than say, Car Button Cloth. Unfortunately, this record, and the entire return of The Lemonheads seems to have been largely overlooked by the music media. That is a real shame; because creatively, The Lemonheads have set the bar pretty high for any other bands of that era considering a reunion. I'd like to see who can do better. Stand Out Tracks: "Become the Enemy" "Let's Just Laugh" and "No Backbone"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/thelemonheads

2) SONIC YOUTH - Rather Ripped (Geffen)
Sonic Youth is easily the most consistent band in the history of rock. For a band that is often described as "experimental," that would seem like a contradiction in terms. Though Sonic Youth has experimented with noise and feedback throughout their career, after 25 years of making music together, they have honed their sound to such a degree that it is now instantly recognizable as theirs. Like Ramones or Motorhead, Sonic Youth's songs can "all sound the same" to the untrained ear. But for those that listen a little harder, the amount of subtle difference is mind-blowing.

Over the course of the last two or three albums, Sonic Youth have slowly been perfecting the pop elements of their sound. That perfection has now been achieved with Rather Ripped. For Thurston Moore, this album is especially strong. Thurston has always sung on the most "traditionally melodic" Sonic Youth songs, and on Rather Ripped's "Incinerate" and "Do You Believe In Rapture?" he has crafted the most radio ready songs of the band's career. That should not be seen as a dis. It isn't. You and I know that Sonic Youth will never be played on the radio. But radio no longer has any legitimate excuse for refusing to give this band airplay. This is a great album for longtime Sonic Youth fans, and it is also a great place to start for those unfamiliar with this legendary band. Stand Out Tracks: "Rats" "Do You Believe in Rapture?" and "Incinerate."

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/sonicyouth
Official Website: sonicyouth.com

1) SILVERSUN PICKUPS - Carnavas (Dangerbird)
So, here we are at #1. Finally. The band at the #1 spot was completely unknown to me at the beginning of 2006, yet they were able to leap past longtime favorites like Sonic Youth, Yo La Tengo, and Bettie Serveert with their stunning new album. Silversun Pickups have been plugging away in the Silverlake section of Hollywood for years, slowly refining their sound through constant trial and error. With Carnavas, they have been able to create a stunning collection of songs that perfectly blend the best elements of classic 90s bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead and My Bloody Valentine. Silversun Pickups are not merely mimicking those bands, they are picking up where those bands left off and running with it. These guys (and gal) create huge and epic rock music: the songs are long, the production is dense, and the playing is spectacular. Their only modern peers in this style are Autolux.

I am embarrassed to admit this, but when I first heard Silversun Pickups, I thought they had a female singer. Brian Aubert's voice is a little high, and somewhat processed, but I felt pretty stupid once I saw the band's video. I have a feeling that Silversun Pickups are going to explode in 2007-2008. There doesn't seem to be anything stopping them. The buzz is enormous at this point, and it is growing rapidly. Buy this album now so you can tell people how much cooler you are for having picked it up first. Stand Out Tracks: "Well Thought Out Twinkles" "Lazy Eye" and "Little Lover's So Polite"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/silversunpickups
Official Website: silversunpickups.com

Paul Westerberg F&*ked Up His Hand

Paul Westerberg, former leader of the legendary Replacements, has seriously injured his left hand, causing nerve damage. According to Minneapolis' City Pages, "A week or so ago he put a screwdriver through his left hand trying to get some wax out of a candle and cut some nerves and ripped some cartilage and hurt himself pretty bad. He's in a cast. He's seen a couple doctors who say he won't be able to play guitar for a year."

Podcast #8 Available Now

Sorry it took so long between podcasts, but shit has been a little hectic around here. I have finally had time to do it. So here is the audio version of my last posting. Here are songs from numbers 20-11 in my Best Albums of 2006.

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Dark Stuff's Top 20 Albums of 2006

I know you've been clamoring for it. What will he pick for best album of the year? Well, here are your answers, friends. For this posting, I give you 20-11. The Top 10 will come in another day or so. Just deal, OK. I have included links to the bands' MySpace page (if they have one) or official website. That way, you can actually listen to the band if one of these descriptions sounds appealing and you aren't already familiar with them. I will also be doing a podcast featuring the best of 2006, so make sure to keep checking back for that!

20) MATTHEW SWEET & SUSANNA HOFFS - Under the Covers Vol. 1 (Shout Factory)
Under the Covers Vol. 1 was a real surprise when I first got it. I am only a moderate Matthew Sweet fan (love the Girlfriend album, obviously), and it has been a long time since I've listened to Susanna Hoff's old band, The Bangles. But I always liked Susanna's voice, and I figure she could sing just about anything and it would sound pretty good. So when Sweet and Hoffs got together to make an album, I was interested, but not overly so. Thankfully, the record is fantastic. The duo recorded a number of sixties classics from the artists that obviously inspired them to become musicians themselves (i.e. The Byrds, The Beatles). Their voices blend together remarkably well. For a covers record, it doesn't get much better than this. Stand out tracks: "It's All Over Now Baby Blue" "Different Drum" (which also features Linda Ronstadt) and "Cinnamon Girl."

Artist MySpace page: www.myspace.com/sidnsusie

19) FILM SCHOOL - Film School (Beggars Banquet)
This new San Francisco guitar band impressed the hell out of me with their new self-titled album, Film School. These guys obviously are inspired by many of the classic 80s alternative bands like The Cure, Love and Rockets and The Cult (think Love-era), but they are by no means a throwback or retro band. Film School is able to add a new, 21st century twist to the sounds of those classic bands, and they also add a ton more guitar! Also, there are also some interesting lyrics in the songs which seems to be a rare commodity in today's "alternative" music world. Stand Out Tracks: "11:11" "Harmed" and "He's a Deep Deep Lake"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/filmschool

18) THE RAPTURE - Pieces of the People We Love (Universal)
I was never a huge fan of The Rapture's earlier CDs. I just didn't understand what the big deal was. As far as danceable punk rock goes, I consider myself a Faint guy. So I guess the reason I liked the new Rapture CD so much more than the others is that they are no longer really a "dance punk" band. Rather than sounding like a punk band playing dance music, The Rapture now sounds like a dance band playing punk. The songs are all insanely catchy, the lyrics often sarcastic attacks at scenesters who are afraid to dance, and the production values have been taken up a notch on this one. The band also scores big points with their roller skating themed video for "Get Myself Into It." Stand out tracks: "Get Myself Into It" "Whoo! Alright - Yeah...Uh Huh" and "Don Gon Do It"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/therapture

17) YO LA TENGO - I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass (Matador)
Yo La Tengo wins the award for strangest album of title of the year, no question. I tried to get more information about the provocative title from band leader Ira Kaplan when I interviewed him, but he would not budge. None of the songs reveal anything about it either, so I guess it will have to remain a mystery. Any Yo La Tengo record is a complex artistic statement, but I Am Not Afraid... might exceed any of their previous records in terms of eclecticism. The band is all over the place on this one: droning psychedelia, 60s pop, garage rock, low-fi noise, and even falsetto singing! It's pretty impressive that after more than 20 years, Yo La Tengo is still so inspired and so varied in their approach. A great addition to their already stellar legacy. Stand Out Tracks: "Mr. Tough" "Pass The Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind" and "The Room Got Heavy"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/yolatengo
Official Website: yolatengo.com

16) SECRET MACHINES - Ten Silver Drops (Reprise)
Calling Secret Machines a psychedelic blues band might be a touch misleading, but I really can't think of any other way to describe their sound. Perhaps that is why Secret Machines have not been able to crack the mainstream...no one knows how to describe their sound! In a perfect world, these songs would be all over the radio rather than Justin Timberlake or Hinder. But we don't live in that perfect world, so in order to hear one of the best bands (so far) of the 21st century, you will just have to pick up a Secret Machines CD. There is more of a melancholy vibe on Ten Silver Drops, so don't pop it on before going to a party. It is better for after the party when you have had a few. Stand Out Tracks: "Alone Jealous and Stoned" "Lightning Blue Eyes" and "All At Once (It's Not Important)"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/secretmachines
Official Website: thesecretmachines.com

15) CAT POWER - The Greatest (Matador)
Chan Marshall (aka Cat Power) is a difficult woman to figure out. If you listen to her all covers album (creatively titled The Covers Record), you get a decent idea of who has influenced her musically, but not really how that fits into her current sound. At least that was the case prior to The Greatest. Marshall has always confessed a fondness for classic 60s soul music, so this time around she decided to make her album in Memphis with some of the musicians who played on many of the classic records she grew up listening to. The result isn't exactly soul music, per se, but whatever it is, it is really good. Marshall utilizes more straightforward musical arrangements this time around, and her singing is more direct and less quirky than on previous albums. Again, I like this new "mature" sound from her, despite many longtime fans expressing disappointment with this record. If you have never heard Cat Power before, this might be a good place to start. You can always go backwards later. Stand Out Tracks: "Love and Communication" "Living Proof" and "Lived In Bars."

Artist MySpace page: www.myspace.com/catpower
Matador Records' Cat Power page: www.matadorrecords.com/cat_power/

14) THOM YORKE - The Eraser (XL)
If you are already a Radiohead fan, and you like the Amnesiac / Kid A period from the band, then you will have some idea what to expect on the first ever solo album from band leader Thom Yorke. Critics have been mixed about the album, but I think it is a great record and may be better than those two aforementioned albums. Yorke works with Radiohead's producer Nigel Goodrich on the record, and at times, it sounds like these songs are demos for a future Radiohead album. I have long since given up hoping Radiohead would return to their classic The Bends or OK Computer sound. It ain't gonna happen. So this is likely to be how Radiohead will sound in the future. Stand Out Tracks: "Black Swan" "Harrowdown Hill" and "Cymbal Rush"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/theeraser
Official Website: www.theeraser.net

13) SLAYER - Christ Illusion (American)
It has been over five years since the last Slayer album was released and the world has changed a lot since then. Slayer, however, remains the same. That is a good thing. As is the case with most Slayer albums, the band heavily targets religion (all religions) with their lyrics on Christ Illusion. The album is as brutal as ever. By this time, you already know if you are a fan of this band or not. They are not like Metallica who have mellowed over time. Slayer has actually gotten heavier. There is one song in particular that I am surprised has not generated more controversy. The song "Jihad" is written about 9/11 from the terrorists' perspective. I couldn't imagine trying to get inside the heads of those scumbags, but Slayer has managed to do it. Pretty scary stuff. Stand Out Tracks: "Cult" "Flesh Storm" and "Jihad"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/slayer

12) THE MARS VOLTA - Amputechture (Universal)
I think I finally "get it" with The Mars Volta. I borrowed the first two Mars Volta CDs from a friend a while back, and I could not stand it. It was all over the freakin' place! Just when the band would lock into something I liked (a cool riff, a great bass line etc), they would pull a 180 and start doing something completely different. This might have happened three or four times in the same song! There is still a little of that on the new album, but the songs are so solid, and the playing so spectacular, that the "busy-ness" of the arrangements is easy to overlook. The band still frequently sings in Spanish, still writes the occasional ten minute song, and still packs about 40 ideas into each tune, but this time it works. Stand out tracks: "Viscera Eyes" "Vermicide" and "Meccamputechture"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/themarsvolta
Official Website: The Mars Volta.com

11) EAGLES OF DEATH METAL - Death By Sexy (Downtown)
Usually a side project band would never make it this high in any Best Of list from me. But when the band is a side project of Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, I guess a new precedent can be set. While there are elements of QOTSA in the Eagles, EODM sound more like a garage rock version of classic ZZ Top. I'm talking the "Tush" era of ZZ Top, not the MTV version from the 80s. There are also elements of T. Rex and even New York Dolls in the sound. The lyrics are mostly comical, and cover typical 70s concepts like avoiding jailbait and keeping your buzz. This is a fun and rockin' album despite what Axl Rose thinks. Stand Out Tracks: "I Gotta Feeling (Just Nineteen)" "I Want You So Hard" and "Cherry Cola"

Artist MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/eaglesofdeathmetal

Did Poster Children Predict the Future

I recently got a DVD recorder and have been going through all of my old VHS tapes and converting them to DVD. I came across a video from Poster Children called "21st Century" that I had forgotten all about. Luckily, it is on YouTube. Watch the video, but more importantly, listen to the lyrics (most of them are flashed on the screen if you can't understand them). This song was written and released in 1997, but it sounds like they are talking about 2006. It is almost like they predicted all of the Orwellian activity of the Bush Administration. It's eerie.

Ambulette at Sokol Wrap-Up

Turnout was a little light at the Ambulette / Little Brazil show last night - real light. I was suprised more people didn't turn out for Little Brazil at least. I think it has something to do with the fact that Bright Eyes and The Faint are playing the next three nights.

Still, the small crowd did not keep me from enjoying every minute of the Ambulette show. I saw Maura Davis briefly before the show and chatted her up regarding the new album. She looked great dressed all in black -- black jeans, t-shirt, and a ball cap -- and seemed to be in a decent mood. When the band got on stage to play around 11:00, I rushed to the front so I could be as close to Maura as possible (without appearing like a stalker, of course).

The band was tight as always. They played a few tunes from The Lottery CD, but most of the set was brand new material that will appear on their next album. The show's closer was definitely the best song of the night. "If You Go Away" is a seven minute slow song that gradually builds into a loud, crashing rocker that brought to mind Led Zeppelin's "Since I've Been Loving You." It was nearly that intense. For a while there it seemed like Maura was singing right to me while she was belting out this all-consuming tale of a desperate love that may never be. I felt like we were sort of bonding in a way. But then the song ended and I snapped back into reality. What a harsh comedown. I'll get you next time Maura Davis!

Openers Little Brazil got going a bit late, but they played a good set. Lots of new songs from their forthcoming new album. Most of them sounded like mid-90s Superchunk, which is pretty much what the bands older material sounded like also. Still, I like mid-90s Superchunk, so I guess that's why I like Little Brazil.

I did not see any of the first band Artsy Golfer. I think that one would have to know the guys in the band to really care. I don't and I didn't.

Ambulette / Little Brazil TONIGHT at Sokol

Don't forget about the big show tonight! Ambulette and Little Brazil at Sokol Underground for only $8. Also on the bill is Artsy Golfer which features members of The Good Life.

This Week In Concerts

We have a pretty big week for concerts in Omaha coming up, so I wanted to make sure to at least mention all of the good ones. It's rare that I devote an entire weekend to seeing bands. I mean, I see a ton of bands, but I usually space them out a bit. I am hoping to avoid burnout by hitting Sokol three times in three days. Man, what a tough life. I know.

This Thursday, December 14, Ambulette will be returning to Omaha once again. They will be playing Sokol Underground with Little Brazil (who have a new song on their MySpace page, btw), and tickets are $8.

I have been praising Ambulette on this blog for almost two years. They started off with the name Bella Lea, but were forced to change their name a little over a year ago. When I first saw them, it was their seventh ever show. I could not believe that a band that tight had played fewer than 10 shows ever.

The band has come a long way in a very short amount of time. After touring for nearly a year straight, the band signed a contract with Astralwerks Records. Their debut CD, The Lottery, was released in the Spring of 2006.

I would be disingenious if I didn't point out that initially I had a crush on lead singer Maura Davis. I still say that she is the most attractive woman in rock today. But my interest in the band goes much farther. Davis has a truly amazing voice in a genre (alternative or indie rock) that does not exactly require it. Furthermore, her songs are very personal and introspective. In the band's bio, she stated, "Pop songs today seem to be about things that have never happened to the person actually singing them. I miss being able to relate to the person singing the song." She alternates between guitar and piano depending on the mood she is attempting to create, and the rest of band perfectly compliments her no matter where the music goes.

The Lottery CD is only five songs, and three of them were on the "Bella Lea" demo CD that the band sold at shows in 2005. I need more songs! Ambulette's next CD is scheduled for a Spring 2007 release. But they will, no doubt, be playing a ton of new material at the show on the 14th. Do not miss this one. Get there early and get a good spot right in front of Maura, too!

The very next night, Friday, December 15, the king of the Omaha music community returns home for a benefit concert. The show features Bright Eyes along with Simon Joyner & the Fallen Men, and The Bruces, and it is a benefit for the Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts. The show is at Sokol Auditorium, and it has just sold out.

It has been years since Bright Eyes played a venue as small as Sokol Auditorium (capacity 1500), so those who have only seen them at Memorial Park or The Orpheum will have a rare opportunity. The show is raising money for the Center's Artist in Residency program. Local legend Simon Joyner was in residence at The Bemis a few months ago, and he convinced Bright Eyes to take part in the benefit. The other participant is the one man band, The Bruces. The "one man" is Alex McManus, who also plays with Bright Eyes and Lambchop.

It should be a great show. I'm sure Bright Eyes will be playing a bunch of new material, as I hear recording has wrapped on their next album. Simon Joyner has a brand new CD out called Skeleton Blues. It's his tenth album. I interviewed Simon on my show last week, but due to technical problems, I wasn't able to air it. He did tell me that this new album is his first with The Fallen Men, and that he will have another record out soon that features the stuff he recorded while in residency. He recorded a series of duets with other artists that he was able to fly in thanks to the residency money from The Bemis.

The big weekend closes out with a two-night stand from The Faint at Sokol Auditorium. The Omaha band has been working on a new album in their new studio, and is supposedly looking for a new record deal. There was a rumor last year that the band had signed to American Recordings and was working with Rick Rubin as producer. That deal never fully materialzed -- at least The Faint and Saddle Creek deny it -- but the word is out there that The Faint is looking to leave the Saddle Creek label.

Regardless of what label The Faint records for, their local fans do not care. Both Faint shows for this weekend -- Saturday and Sunday night -- are Sold Out. That's better than last time they did two nights at Sokol where one night sold out, and the other didn't. I'll be at the Saturday show with openers Celebration and The Terminals. Sunday night I'll be doing my show, so I will have to miss the concert with openers Tilly & the Wall and 4th of July. But since I am not a Tilly fan, I think I get the better deal by seeing the Saturday show.

Ambulette's Midwest Tour

Ambulette is out on tour. I got these tour dates in an email sent to me today:

12/07/06 Indianapolis, IN Locals Only
12/08/06 Milwaukee, WI Cactus Club
12/09/06 Madison, WI Der Rathskellar
12/10/06 DeKalb, IL The House
12/11/06 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
12/12/06 Iowa City, IA The Picador
12/13/06 Minneaopolis, MN 7th Street Entry
12/14/06 Omaha, NE Sokol Underground
12/15/06 Lawrence, KS Replay Lounge
12/16/06 Columbus, MO Mojo

We will be out supporting our e.p. titled The Lottery (buy here). In other news, we have finished recording our full length record. We should be finishing up the mixing soon and hope for a release some time in the first half of next year. Please check in with us often to find out what we're up to and write us Myspace messages telling us what you're up to cause sometimes we get bored with ourselves. Anyway, thanks for listening.

The Omaha show is next week. I will definitely be posting more on this band as the date gets closer. In the meantime, buy a ticket. They are only $8.

Just found this cool video of them performing "I've Got More" from The Lottery CD.


Tag: Ambulette

You Ignored My Command To See The Lemonheads?

It seems that many of you out there ignored my command to see The Lemonheads last night. That's too bad, for you. You missed a fantastic show. The small crowd of about 100-120 seemed to really enjoy it, but I was pretty surprised that was all of the people who showed up.

I missed the very first band, The Hymns. I got to Sokol just in time to catch the set from VietNam. They were a pretty decent band. They all looked like they could be in the Grateful Dead or something. Their sound reminded me of a cross between My Morning Jacket and a slow, stoner rock band. I liked them, but it was hard to tell sometimes when one song ended and the next one began.

That was not a problem for The Lemonheads. The band hit the stage at exactly 11 pm. Evan Dando, who must be pushing 40 years old, did not look a minute older than he did when I last saw him 13 years ago! The guy has found some type of fountain of youth apparently. I know I don't look the same way I did back in 93.

The set was pulled from the new Lemonheads album, as well as all of their classic 90s records. "It's a Shame About Ray" "Hosptial" "Big Gay Heart" "My Drug Buddy" "Bit Part" and "Down About It" were all featured, and all got a great response from the small, but enthusiastic crowd. They played my personal, favorite Lemonheads song, "Ride With Me," which made the show as far as I was concerned.

After about 70 minutes or so, the band left the stage and Dando played an acoustic set. He played a few tunes (including at least one from his 2003 solo album) before abruptly ending "Into Your Arms" after only 30 seconds or so, and walking off the stage. I'm still not really sure what happened, but Dando must have been upset my something in the behavior of some of the meatheads in the front row. From my vantage point, it seemed like the group was just singing along (loudly and poorly, but that could not be helped I guess), but maybe they said something to Evan to make him mad. Regardless, the show was over without explanation.

All in all, I had a great time and enjoyed the show, despite the bizarre ending. The band, however, did not feature Bill Stevenson and Karl Alvarez from the Descendents. No idea who was in the band, I just know it wasn't them. I guess it could be chalked up to it being Monday night, but I was really disappointed by the turnout. Sokol is packed for crap like Tilly and the Wall, but barely 100 people show up for The Lemonheads? It's just not right.


Tag: Evan Dando

The Lemonheads TONIGHT at Sokol Underground

If you live in the Omaha area, I am commanding you to go to Sokol Underground tonight to see The Lemonheads. They are playing tonight at 9 pm along with Vietnam. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here or at the door.

As you no doubt know, this is the first Lemonheads tour in more than a decade. Besides head Lemonhead Evan Dando, the band features Bill Stevenson and Karl Alvarez from the legendary Descendents. The new album is amazing, and the show should be quite good.

Don't be a pussy just because it's Monday night. What else are you going to be doing? Go to this show!

Tag: The Lemonheads