After a long frigid weekend, I ventured downtown to Schubas to catch quite a trifecta of acts. While the other lineups at Schuba’s Tomorrow Never Knows series didn’t inspire me, it was quite convenient for them to line up the three bands I wanted to see on the same night – Tulsa, The Donkeys and Bishop Allen
First up was Tulsa led by Carter Tanton. Their last EP, I Was Submerged, has been in steady rotation for quite some time. They have been busy recording the debut LP in Chicago and I was hoping to hear some new tunes sprinkled with some of old favorites. Other than “Breathe Thin,” the rest of the set was all new stuff and it did nothing to defuse my anticipation for the upcoming release. Unfortunately it isn’t coming out until August, but we’re working on getting the band in for a session sometime soon.
Next up were San Diego’s The Donkeys. I picked up their Dead Oceans debut last year and that album has become quite the creeper. At first I thought it to be a good listen; solid but unspectacular. I’ve since found myself consistently reaching for it and it’ll be the perfect album for my trip to Cabo this week. In spite of having a drummer that sings (its an unfair prejudice, but I am up front about it), it was good set.
Finally, it was Bishop Allen who made barely made it after a 12 hour trek from Toronto. Due to the late arrival, the transition was a bit delayed and led to me leaving before the end of the set. I’m old. It was a school night. Before I split, they banged out “Castanets,” “Click and Monitor”and several new tunes that immediately shot their new LP high up on my ‘09 anticipated releases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Submergedhas 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.
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.
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).
