Dan Auerbach

Hacienda, the foursome from San Antonio, recently rolled into the studio sporting some serious Auerbachs. For those wondering, an Auerbach is a long bushy beard similar to the one worn by Black Keys lead singer, Dan Auerbach (patent pending). Hacienda’s 2008 release, Loud Is The Night (produced by Auerbach) has been a staple in my rotation since its release and I was anxious to hear the songs performed in a live setting.

The boys had family in town for their show later that night andthese pictures were graciously provided by Dante’s mom, Olinda. Hacienda worked through five tunes as a nice warm-up for their show at the Metro and, let me tell you, that show was unreal. With their family in attendance, Hacienda brought their 60’s garage rock style with 3 and 4 piece harmonies to a sold out Metro crowd. After their set, there was no rest because they were right back on stage backing Auerbach for a scintillating 90 minute set. Having seen them a couple of weeks later at SxSW, I am confident that this is only the beginning for Hacienda.

Exclusive: Hacienda – Sun

Exclusive: Hacienda – Shake Ya

Exclusive: Hacienda – Officer

Exclusive: Hacienda – Little Girl

Exclusive: Hacienda – Hear Me Crying

Download: The Hacienda Live Session as a zip file.

Video: Hacienda – Little Girl (Live at Shirk Music + Sound)

Hacienda – Little Girl – HearYa Live Session from HearYa.com on Vimeo.

What can I say about Dan Auerbach that isn’t already documented in the restraining order? After putting out one of the best albums of 2008 with Black Keys’ Danger Mouse-produced Attack and Release, Dan decided against taking a break and opted to put out a stellar solo album called Keep It Hid.

While Danger Mouse helped out on the Keys’ last album, Dan is a do-it-yourselfer by heart. He recorded two years of material that became Keep It Hid in his home studio in Akron, OH with mostly analog equipment. Although Auerbach played drums and percussion, sang harmonies, and even played glockenspiel, he also enlisted the help of some family and friends. His dad wrote “Whispered Words,” his uncle, James Quine (the guy that taught him to sing and play guitar), plays guitar and sings on “Trouble Weighs a Ton” while Jessica Lea Mayfield lends her vocals on “When The Night Comes.”

If you’re a fan of The Black Keys, you’ll be more than satisfied with Keep It Hid.  Along with Dan’s signature guitar riffs and big vocals are frayed edges and impurities that give the album character. It carries softer, more fragile elements like on “Trouble Weighs a Ton,” “When The Night Comes” and the album’s closer “Goin’ Home.” These down-tempo tracks are a bit unexpected, but it’s a refreshing change of pace from Auerbach – especially the album’s opener “Trouble Weighs A Ton.” As you’ll hear in the video below, the tone of his voice and the melancholy lyrics take centerstage. I’m now wondering what a solo acoustic show might be like…

But you didn’t come here for the softer side of the Keys, did ya?  “Heartbroken, In Disrepair,” “Mean Monsoon,” “The Prowl” and “My Last Mistake” bring the signature blues-rock sound you’d expect from a Black Keys side project. Keep It Hid is out today and it’s one of the best albums of 2009 so far.

Side note: The Black Keys deserved to be on stage at the Grammys. They’re just too damn good.  Not as good as a Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus duet, but a close second.

Live Video: Dan Auerbach – Trouble Weighs a Ton

Here are Dan Auerbach’s solo tour dates:

Feb 28 – 9:30 Club – Washington DC, Washington DC
Mar 1 – Paradise Club – Boston, Massachusetts
Mar 2 – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, New York
Mar 3 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, New York
Mar 5 – Beachland Ballroom     – Cleveland, Ohio
Mar 6 – Metro – Chicago, Illinois
Mar 7 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mar 10 – The Showbox – Seattle, Washington
Mar 11 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, Oregon
Mar 13 – Bimbo’s – San Francisco, California
Mar 14 – El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, California

Dan Auerbach’s solo debut Keep It Hid is coming out February 10th and Nonesuch Records is streaming a few tracks now. I’m especially loving the acoustic “Trouble Weighs a Ton.”

I bought my tickets for Dan’s upcoming show in San Francisco and it could get weird. My man-crush has progressed into something more. I long to touch his beard.

Dan Auerbach – Trouble Weighs a Ton

Dan Auerbach – I Want Some More

Dan Auerbach – The Prowl

Here are the tour dates:

February 28 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
March 1 – Boston, MA @ Paradise
March 2 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
March 3 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
March 5 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
March 6 – Chicago, IL @ Metro
March 7 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
March 10 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
March 11 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
March 13 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s
March 14 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre

The artwork above was found at Colorcubic, an ultra-hip design firm that handles multimedia, print, branding, etc. This poster will be made available in their online store.

We may say good riddance to 2008 as a nation, but as we posted our top 50 albums of 2008, it was easy to reflect on an amazing year in music. I have a feeling 2009 will be even better. Here are the albums we’re looking forward to in the new year.

1. The Deep Dark Woods – Winter Hours (February 2009)

The first single, “All The Money I Had Is Gone,” is now streaming on their MySpace page. If the album is as good as that track, we’re in for a special treat. Their last album, Hang Me Oh Hang Me, is one of my most listened to of the past two years.

From Hang Me Oh Hang Me:

The Deep Dark Woods – Hang Me Oh Hang Me

2. Andrew Bird – Noble Beast

The best whistler on the planet. Hands down.

Video: Andrew Bird – Oh No (from upcoming album Noble Beast)

2. Dan Auerbach – Keep It Hid (February 10th, 2009)

Ever wonder what The Black Keys might sound like acoustic? Dan Auerbach’s leadoff track on his upcoming album appears to be adding a bit more country and acoustic tastes on his upcoming solo album, along with the signature blues sounds. Look for Hacienda backing him on his upcoming tour.  Stream some tracks at Nonesuch Records.

3. M. Ward – Hold Time (February 2009)

This guy can do no wrong. Hold Time features guest performances by Lucinda Williams, Jason Lytle (ex-Grandaddy) and the ’she’ of She and Him, Zooey Deschanel.

4. Alela Diane – To Be Still (February 17th)

I really loved her debut, The Pirate’s Gospel.  She has a soulful voice and a knack for songwriting. Here’s the first track from the upcoming album.

Alela Diane – White As Diamonds

5. Justin Townes Earle – Midnight At The Movies (March 2009)

Early reports from inside Bloodshot Records indicate that Justin Towne’s Earle’s upcoming release is better than his debut. Check out our live session for some songs from his previous album, The Good Life.

6. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone (March 3)

I’m most excited about her cover art.

Video: Neko Case – Making of Middle Cyclone

7. The Decemberists – Hazards of Love (March 24th)

They get better with every album. See no reason why that trend shouldn’t continue.

8. Ox – Burn Out (Spring 2009)

The title track was released recently and it’s another alt-country peach of a tune.

Ox – Burn Out

9. The Thermals – Now We Can See (April 2009)

Found a new label (Kill Rock Stars) but still looking for a new drummer. Get ready for the follow up to The Body, The Blood, The Machine.

From The Body, The Blood, The Machine:

The Thermals – Pillar of Salt

The Thermals – Here’s Your Future

10. Lucero -TBD Title (Summer 2009)

The Tennessee lads signed to Universal Records and will be releasing their sixth studio LP in the summer. Until then, listen to Ben Nichols solo album, Last Pale Light In The West, inspired by Cormac McCarthy’s book Blood Meridian.

Ben Nichols – Toadvine

11. The Everybodyfields – TBD Title and Release Date

We were late to the game but now that we’ve found them, we’re obsessed. They are unreal. We were lucky to get an early taste of two of their new tracks during our live session with The Everybodyfields.

Exclusive: The Everybodyfields – Gun

Exclusive: The Everybodyfields – Mardi Gras

Exclusive: The Everybodyfields – City Noise

12. The Avett Brothers- TBD Title and Release Date

The boys left Ramseur Records for Rick Rubin’s label, American Imprint (under Columbia Records’ umbrella), and are recording a new full length album with Rubin at the controls.

13. Tulsa – TBD Title and Release Date

I Was Submerged has been a favorite for two years, but it just teases us. It’s time for a full length. The band is currently recording in Chicago as we speak.

From I Was Submerged:

Tulsa – #2

14. Ha Ha Tonka -TBD Title and Release Date

Bloodshot Records newbies killed their sets at SXSW 2008 and put out one of the best albums of 2007. We’ve got high hopes for their sophomore effort.  Check out our live session to hear some older tracks.

15. Wilco -TBD Title (Spring 2009)

Wilco – One Wing (Live at Lollapalooza via Stereogum)

Video: Wilco – One Wing (also Live at Lolla)

Other notable releases are also coming out from U2, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, The Gourds, Built To Spill, The New Pornographers, Handsome Furs, and The National (maybe).

Dan Auerbach, best known as the singer/songwriter/guitarist of The Black Keys, will be releasing a solo album called Keep It Hid on February 10, 2009 via Nonesuch Records. I guess he was cheating on his most recent album, Attack & Release; also writing songs that would become Keep It Hid. We can now add adulterer to the list of adjectives describing Dan Auerbach.

The backing band on the album is Hacienda (we showed them lots of love) and Auerback describes the sound as a mixture of music he listens to – psychedelia, soul music, country harmonies. Sounds like a recipe for greatness to me.

In February Auerbach will begin a national tour with performances in New York City, Boston, and Washington, DC. Opening acts for the tour will include Those Darlins and Hacienda.

Here’s some more background on the upcoming release:

Keep It Hid was produced and engineered by Auerbach at his studio, Akron Analog, and features him playing a variety of instruments, including drums, guitar, percussion, and keyboards. Many of Auerbach’s friends and family play on the album, including his uncle James Quine, who contributes vocal harmony and electric guitar on the track “Street Walkin.” Other musicians include fellow Ohioans Jessica Lea Mayfield, who sings on the track “When the Night Comes,” and Bob Cesare, who plays drums on “Whispered Words,” a song originally written by Auerbach’s father. Of the recording process Auerbach states, “I wanted a live, organic sound. Nothing was too plotted or planned, just a lot of spontaneity.” The record was mixed by Auerbach’s good friend Mark Neill at Neill’s Soil of the South studio.

We’ve been all over Dan’s jock lately, but have shown no love for Keys drummer, Patrick Carney. Here’s an entertaining backstage interview from Lolla 2008. The interviewer asks several questions about working with Danger Mouse, who produced the band’s last album, Attack and Release.

The best exchange:

Interviewer: What’s it like working with him? What does he bring to a recording session that kind of blew you guys away?

Patrick: Chick-fil-A. That’s what he brought.

The second best exchange:

Interviewer: I thought the crowd at the show last night was just electric. They were so into it. I had the pleasure of introducing you and it was thundering.

Patrick: Right after you introduced us, we put some PCP in the fog machine. Seriously. Just a couple drops. Driblets. People flip out on that stuff. They love it.

We got a Lee Corso-esque email from a reader named Chris saying “Not so fast my friends.” It actually said “You shouldn’t finish up with Dan without going back to his earlier band, The Barnburners.” I didn’t know that such a band existed, thus proving that I’m not a stalker.  Dan, you can hold off on filing the restraining order. Chris goes on to say:

The Barnburners were around in 2001 and 2002.  They sold The Rawboogie EP.  Six tracks of great covers.  I’ve included mp3s of Train I Ride and Back To Georgia.  The band consisted of Dan Auerbach (guitar/vocals), Jason Edwards (drums), Johnny Belvedere (bass).

Here’s a bio by the band: The Barnburners play music the way it’s supposed to be played – raw and with feeling. It’s not your stereotypical local blues band. These guys can play and they definitely know their shit – burning through songs by Hound Dog Taylor, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Hank Williams and Mississippi Fred McDowell. They play American roots music with fire and intensity, cutting their teeth in every run-down, hole-in-the-wall joint they can find. After playing together off and on for years, these three boys decided to get together and lay it down with conviction! Find them before they find you – you’ll be glad you did.

Chris Johnson also hosts the Deep Blues Festival up in Minnesota each year, so make friends on MySpace and stay in the loop. They’ve been struggling to break even on the festival, so if you are potential sponsor, you should reach out to him. The lineup has been great and they deserve a big audience.

The Barnburners – Train I Ride

The Barnburners – Back To Georgia

I received some horrible news last week. I saw a message on Facebook that a good middle school friend of mine died of a stroke in his apartment.  His body wasn’t discovered for days. I don’t know if it was the news of his death at the age of 30, that he died alone, that he left a child behind, or maybe that no one bothered to check on him for several days, but the news really shook me.

Johnny was a big guy. He was big in stature, big in personality, and he had a heart that was bigger than both. He always respected others, knew right from wrong, and sometimes actually did what was right. My contact with Johnny faded when I moved away from Oregon to Ohio, but I thought about him and heard through others that he had battled heavy drug addiction. Unfortunately his demons finally got the best of him. I didn’t know Johnny during his troubled years and in my mind I can only see the 8th grader, always with a wide grin and a joke at hand.

Why am I writing this? Partially because its cathartic, but mostly because on the same day I heard the news about Johnny, I also received Jessica Lea Mayfield’s debut album With Blasphemy, So Heartfelt in the mail. I put on the headphones and took a long bike ride around Shoreline Park while the sun was setting, listening to the stunning album and thinking about my old friend.

Jessica Lea Mayfield is only 18 years old and hails from Kent, Ohio. Although she’s young, she doesn’t lack experience. She’s performed with her family band One Way Rider since the age of eight and last year, she provided backing vocals on The Black Keys’ track “Things Ain’t Like They Used To Be” off of Attack and Release.

With Blasphemy, So Heartfelt was produced by (you guessed it) Dan Auerbach and recorded over two years in his Akron, OH studio and Dr. Dog’s Scott McMicken and Frank McElroy assisted on backing vocals. Oh, and she’s become a favorite of Scott Avett of The Avett Brothers. Her sound is meloncholy and paints a picture of the sky just before a big Ohio storm. It’s a combination of Mazzy Starr, Loretta Lynn, and Neko Case as it weaves folk, blues and country around her tales of failed romance that are oddly somewhat uplifting.

Not one of our typical album reviews. This was just one of those fucking days.

MySpace

Jessica Lea Mayfield – Kiss Me Again

Backstage video of “We’ve Never Lied”

[youtube]S3oNkQ2BzSA[/youtube]

As far as I know, there has never been a Dan Auerbach appreciation week outside of his house, but that’s about to change. Today is the beginning of Dan Auerback week at HearYa.com. Why you may ask? Well, I was going through our pending posts that are begging to be published and noticed that Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys produced at least three of them. I figured why not just make it officially unofficial and dedicate the whole week to the fellow-Ohio native?

If you don’t like The Black Keys, then we’re not friends. Not only do they consistently put out amazing records, but they go above and beyond to help other emerging artists get their music recorded and distributed. Pat Carney started Audio Eagle Records with the fantastic tag line, “Going Out of Business Since 2005.” Meanwhile, Dan has worked with several Alive Records bands and a select Ohio songstress to produce albums and even provide some backup on guitar and vocals.

Stay tuned for some great music certified with Dan’s seal of approval and, in the meantime, enjoy a few live tracks from The Black Keys Live EP.

The Black Keys – Girl Is On My Mind (Live)

The Black Keys – 10am Automatic (Live)

The Black Keys – Elevator (Live)