"Panda Bear" Sonically Astounding

"Person Pitch" is the third solo album by Panda Bear(of Animal Collective fame) released in 2007. Very catchy.

If Brian Wilson had grown up in Japan in the mid-80s listening to free-noise interpretations of western pop music, This is what he would be creating today. Sonic ambient soundscapes with lush, layered melodies. Highly recommended!

For a more recent number, by Mr. Bear check out the following link.

Love the Music Hate the Hypocrisy

I was wondering over the world wide web and came across a new post from one of my more well attended musical blogs (Aquarium Drunkard). One of the more recent posts from the aforementioned blog highlighted a great concept by an amazing artist by the name of Bobby Bare Jr.

I've always been a fan of Bobby's music ever since I picked up one of his works with the group Bare Jr. Since then he's been one of the hardest men in the biz rocking shows and putting out new material almost as fast as some men change lady friends.

With that said, Bobby Bare Jr. released his eigth solo album this week. "A STORM - A TREE - MY MOTHER'S HEAD" is some great songwriting and melody intertwined into some of Bobby Bare's best material. Tonight, Bobby Bare Jr. sings his soulful songs to the folks in the Los Angeles area and I'm sure they'll walk away with more than just a few fond memories, but also a kick'in album in hand.

I'd share more of the album, but don't want to ruin all the grandeur of what's inside for you. I'll just recommend you pick it up for yourself and let me know what you think.

Notable Numbers Currently in Play:

Magic Kids - Memphis
Carl Broemel (My Morning Jacket guitarist)- All Birds Say
The Kinks - Face to Face
The Zombies - This Old Heart of Mine

I Think I Just Heard That

I recently came across an artist by the name of Chris Gaffney and fellow collaborator by the name of Dave Alvin. Little did I know this would lead to a sizeable investment for anything I could get my hands on by either artist. I started this investment with Chris Gaffney's 1992 album "Mi Vida Loca" and the rest is consumer history. "Mi Vida Loca" is a great mix of several country elements, but very reminiscent of a enjoyable southwestern sound. This isn't to say Gaffney's work are all one sided. Much of his early solo works is very similar to Gram Parsons sound, post Burritos Brothers stuff. Other sites reference Gaffney's music as an infusion of hard country with elements of Tex-Mex and pure rock & roll, coming off like a cross between Merle Haggard and the Blasters. Regardless if you're a little bit country or a little bit rock Gaffney's music has a little bit of something for everyone.

After listening to some of Gaffney's albums I came across a name on the liner notes by a gentleman named Dave Alvin. Now I don't pretend to know everything about the tunes I listen to, but I had the pleasure of working with some great folks in Bowling Green, KY and a kick ass manager who lead me down the path of a group by the name of the Blasters. Who by the way had a band member by the name of Dave Alvin. Dave was also a member of some notable West Coast acts by the name of X and The Flesh Eaters. While I can't say I don't enjoy his later works, I can say his stuff with X and The Flesh Eaters really makes we wanna go back and learn more about the whole West Coast music scene during the late 70's to early 80's. For those of you who just want a taste of what The Flesh Eaters have to offer just check out this video for "The Wedding Dice".

It's been an interesting journey down the path of each artist and I've learned quite a bit along the way and would encourage anyone interested either the early country, southwest, Tex Mex styles to check out Chris Gaffney or for a more course edge give Dave Alvin's early works a whirl. Enjoy

Notable Numbers Currently in Play:

Josh Rouse - El Turista (stream for free by clicking here)
The City Champs - The Safecracker