ha ha tonka

Ha Ha Tonka’s Buckle In The Bible Belt is one of the best albums I’ve come across in quite some time. I’ve spun that disc and seen the boys live countless times and have been looking forward to their sophomore follow up like very few before. When I finally got my hands on Novel Sounds of the Nouveau South, I was half expecting it to fix our economy and cure cancer just by pressing play.

Obviously Ha Ha Tonka didn’t consult me when writing the album, so its sound didn’t match my preconceptions. I gave it a few more spins before heading to Austin for SXSW, where I ran into Ha Ha bass guitarist Luke Long at The Bloodshot Records BBQ. We started talking about the new album and I gave him my honest opinion – it was growing on me and I wished they rocked a few of the songs longer (most songs never pass the three minute mark). Luke said that on Novel Sounds Ha Ha had set out to make a challenging record and wanted keep moving their sound forward. As artists, they didn’t want to rehash Buckle again. It would be boring.

Well I don’t know if it was that talk with Luke or seeing Ha Ha Tonka jam out their new tunes at SXSW, but something clicked that day in Austin. Since my return, I’ve had Novel Sounds of the Noveau South on repeat, enjoying the 3 and 4 piece harmonies that made Buckle one of my favorites. While our economy still remains in turmoil, the album has turned out to be every bit the worthy successor to their debut that I’d hoped and I now fully appreciate the band’s direction. Is it better than Buckle In The Bible Belt? Not quite yet. But the lines are about to cross.

“Close Every Valve To Your Bleeding Heart” is my current favorite. Lead Singer, Brian Roberts’ voice is so true and genuine that it stops you in your tracks. Other standouts are “Walkin on the Devil’s Backbone” and the closer, “Thoreau In The Woods.”

Novel Sounds of the Nouveau South will be released on June 16th and the band is on tour.

Website | MySpace | Bloodshot Records

Ha Ha Tonka – Walking On The Devil’s Backbone

Ha Ha Tonka – Close Every Valve To Your Bleeding Heart

HearYa favs and friends, Ha Ha Tonka, will be releasing their sophomore album, Novel Sounds of the Nouveau South on July 16th via Bloodshot Records. The gentleman from the Ozarks were nice enough to offer up a couple new tracks in advance of the release.

Side note: I’ll be at Lake of the Ozarks over 4th of July. Ha Ha, if you’re reading, how about a little impromptu gig in the party cove? I’m just saying.

Ha Ha Tonka – Walking On The Devil’s Backbone

Ha Ha Tonka – Close Every Valve To Your Bleeding Heart

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).

We’re finally ready to give away a few pairs of tickets to the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival at the Congress Theater on November 22nd featuring Ha Ha Tonka, David Grisman and The Avett Brothers (each pair is a $67.50 value). It’s real easy to get ‘em.  All you have to do is submit a run-on sentence about a song or album of your choosing.

One sentence.  No grammar. No punctuation.

Email me at hearyablog@yahoo.com and make sure to include your full name and mailing address.

Ha Ha Tonka – Caney Mountain music video

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwDbvIUZrV8&feature=related[/youtube]

You may have noticed the little banner ad on our site featuring the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival taking place in Chicago in late November. Wait a second. A music festival in winter? In Chicago? Yes and yes, but the format will be a bit different than most festivals. It’s taking place indoors at the Congress Theater, an official Chicago landmark.  There will be two stages, 16 bands, all for just $31 and in support of The Saving Tiny Hearts Society (that means tax deduction for you).

“Newgrass” legend and longtime Jerry Garcia collaborator David Grisman and his David Grisman Quintet will be sharing the headlining duties with surging festival sensations The Avett Brothers. The main stage will also feature several artists from both Alligator Records and Bloodshot Records in a lineup that includes Ha Ha Tonka, Chicago Blues giant Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Chicago alt-country mainstays Dollar Store and Majors Junction, and country’s Next Big Star Competition winner Billy Childers. The entire HearYa crew will also be there, but we weren’t invited to perform on the main stage or second stage. Apparently chugging beers and high-fiving isn’t good enough for the festival organizers.

Tickets are available now and we’ll be posting some tidbits and free giveaways (including tickets) in the days and weeks to come. Here are some mp3’s for sampling pleasure.

CBGB Festival Website

The Avett Brothers – Murder In The City

The Avett Brothers – Will You Return?

The Avett Brothers – If It’s The Beaches

The Avett Brothers – Matrimony

The Avett Brothers – Swept Away

Jerry Garcia and David Grisman – Sitting Here In Limbo

Jerry Garcia and David Grisman – Sweet Sunny South

Ha Ha Tonka – Caney Mountain

Ha Ha Tonka – St. Nick On The Fourth In a Fervor

Dollar Store – Money Music

Dollar Store – Scrap Truck

About the Saving Tiny Hearts Society:

The Saving tiny Hearts Society is the only organization in the country that was formed for the sole purpose of raising funds for congenital heart defect research with 100% of general donations going directly to funding this research. There are no paid employees and we are run entirely by dedicated volunteers. Furthermore, the organization’s overhead costs are fully funded by our Board of Directors and directed donations.

If you’re in Chicago tonight, do yourself a favor and get to the Metro. Three HearYa live session alums are going to share the stage for an incredible night of music. Ha Ha Tonka, Joe Pug and Backyard Tire Fire (in the studio today) will all be in attendance.

Here’s what the night will sound like:

Exclusive: Joe Pug – Hymn 101 (from the Joe Pug live session)

Exclusive: Ha Ha Tonka – Caney Mountain (from the Ha Ha Tonka live session)

Backyard Tire Fire – The Places We Lived (from their just released album The Places We Lived)

And while I’m at it, let me say a few words about Backyard Tire Fire’s new release, The Places We Lived. I’ve read BYTF’s praises on other blogs for the past year or two and I’m admitedly late to the party. Their prior album, Vagabonds and Hooligans found the guys square in the alt-country genre. The Places We Lived, however, has a grown up pop sound with more varied country, blues and jazz influences.

The band mates still aren’t taking themselves too seriously, but they’ve undergone a spit-polish, kind of like when Wilco migrated from A.M. and Being There on up to Summer Teeth. I’m really excited to hear the output after today’s session and I’ll be wallowing in some self-pity since I no longer live in Chi to enjoy the show.