Top 10 Songs of 2011

This has been a ridiculously difficult Top 10 to compile. I thought I would easily be able to piggyback off my Top 20 Albums of 2011 list. However, every one of those records has multiple cuts I loved. Narrowing them down felt like trying to pick a favorite child...

Then came the saga of my original "Top 25 Songs of 2011" post, which Blogger somehow ended up deleting right after I managed to find a YouTube video for each, create Amazon download links & write a short blurb for every entry.

After almost giving up, I went with a shortened list. There are many great songs you won't find here, and they all deserved a spot. Ultimately, I had to let my own personal preferences cast the deciding vote.

So here you have it: The GeoffFM Top 10 Songs of 2011.

10. Scarlet Tanager - "Tumbleweed"

This charming song from St. Louis group Scarlet Tanager's debut American Songbird gets stuck in your head and stays there. The self-produced video is also one of the best of the year.


9. The Head and the Heart - "Lost In My Mind"

This group's self-title debut album is full of simple folk pop that really hit home with my moodier moments. "Lost In My Mind" seems to be just that - losing one's self in thoughts and memories about roads traveled.

8. Middle Brother - "Blood and Guts"

"Blood and Guts" is by far the most emotionally-charged cut on Middle Brother, with Taylor Goldsmith's trademark tension-building songwriting. With contributions from Dawes' Goldsmith, Deer Tick's John McCauley and Delta Spirit's Matthew Vasquez, it's no wonder this record has almost universally been praised as one if 2011's best.

7. Jay-Z & Kanye West - "No Church In the Wild"

Watch the Throne is a great collaboration between two of rap's most prolific (if sometimes infamous) moguls of our generation. Cuts like "Otis" and "Niggas In Paris" have been getting a lot of buzz. However, I find "No Church in the Wild" ultimately more inciting for its dark mood and cynical commentary on living the high life.

6. Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi ft. Norah Jones - "Black"

The Rome concept album centered its moody vibes on the classic, often dark, soundtracks of Sergio Leone's mid-60's "spaghetti western" films. Contributions from Jack White and Norah Jones spiced up several of the cuts, including Jones taking a turn for the sultry in "Black."

5. Black Keys - "Little Black Submarines"

The Black Keys again slid onto the popular radar at the 11th hour of 2011, leaning heavily on the rock side with El Camino. "Little Black Submarines" begins in catchy acoustic before abruptly transitioning to White Stripes-style guitar grooves and loud drums for the second act.

4. Mutemath - "Walking Paranoia"

Mutemath fired a groove-laden shot across our collective bow with this year's Odd Soul. While keeping to their trademark jam-heavy sound, the band was not afraid to experiment with classic rock and Bitches Brew-style jazz leanings on cuts like "Walking Paranoia." Lyrically, the group seems to be searching for spiritual truth in a world of political and religious fear-mongering, something anyone in the "Quarter-Life Shipwreck" can probably identify with.

3. Foster the People - "Pumped Up Kicks"

Love it or hate it, Foster the People scored the unofficial song of the summer. So much has been said about the contrast between the dark lyrics and the upbeat tempo. I simply found it incredibly catchy.

2. Civil Wars - "Barton Hollow"

Part country, part folk, and completely enticing. Joy Williams and John Paul White, collectively the Civil Wars, were this year's indie Cinderella Story. Barton Hollow, their debut album, was completely self-produced and released without the input of a major label, topping charts and earning multiple Grammy nominations.

1. Dawes - "Little Bit of Everything"

"Little Bit of Everything" is a showcase of Taylor Goldsmith's storytelling through song. Each verse presents a distinct scene, while the ending leaves you wanting more. This track shines among among a collection of gems on 2011's Nothing Is Wrong.

Top 20 Albums of 2011

The Thanksgiving pumpkin pie leftovers are still fairly fresh in my fridge, the high temperature has fallen below 40, and Christmas trees are appearing at breakneck speed in my neighborhood. It's the Holiday Season, which also means it's the Best of the Year Season as well. Cliche, perhaps, but when has that ever stopped me?


20. Black Keys - El Camino

As of the time I write this, El Camino is still a week away from release. However, based on the 5 pre-released songs on the band's website, I feel very comfortable putting this on any top music list for the year.

Top Track (so far) - "Lonely Boy"


19. Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin'

Raphael Saadiq is known for throwback grooves and Motown/Staxx homages, a tradition he continues on Stone Rollin'. I really feel like this record deserved more attention than it received this year.

Top Track - "Stone Rollin"


18. Deathcab For Cutie - Codes & Keys

I love Deathcab's intelligent lyrics and well-placed hooks. The video for "You Are a Tourist" was especially noteworthy because it was shot in one continuous take. A great record from an incredibly creative group of musicians.

Top Track - "Codes and Keys"

17. Bon Iver - Bon Iver

Several music media sources have listed this in the Top 5 this year. I am not the world's biggest Bon Iver fan, but I can't ignore the splash this record made. The one word that comes to mind when I listen to this record is "subtlety."

Top Track - "Towers"

16. The Decemberists - The King Is Dead

The Decembrists took a turn away from their prog-rock leanings with The King Is Dead, and the result was a very catchy, stripped-down sound. Contributors like Gillian Welch were like frosting on a cake.

Top Track - "Down By the Water"

15. Blind Pilot - We Are the Tide

The introduction of Spotify late last summer was a miracle for my musical discovery, but I am still amazed by the great music that isn't included yet. This year's offering from Blind Pilot is one glaring omission. I love the acoustic moods on this record. I also love how they sometimes catch you off guard with some unexpectedly enticing grooves from the rhythm section.

Top Track - "Keep You Right"

14. The Damnwells - No One Listens to the Band Anymore

Rock's perpetual underdogs, spearheaded by singer/guitarist/consistent member Alex Dezen, put out a self-produced gem in March. Songs about the Mid-20's Shipwreck, dysfunctional relationships and lost love are delivered with Dezen's trademark clever lyrics and pretty production.

Top Track - "She Goes Round"

13. The Belle Brigade - The Belle Brigade

Part Fleetwood Mac, part CSNY, part countrified Beatles. I think that's the best way to describe the raw energy and tight harmonies of this brother/sister duo.

Top Track - "Losers"

12. Feist - Metals

Feist's followup to 2007's breakthrough album The Reminder is full of interesting instrumentation, eclectic styles and subtle beauty. I was lucky enough to catch her last-minute stop in Nashville in early November, and I was equally impressed with her live performance.

Top Track - "The Bad In Each Other"

11. Ari Hest - Sunset Over Hope Street

This record is also a contender for Best Album Nobody's Heard. Ari Hest has been putting out high-quality music for over a decade. Sunset Over Hope Street presents a subtle departure in sound for Hest, who teamed with producer Alex Wong to make a record that is at turns tastefully sparse and lush with wonderful string accents.

Top Track - (tie) "A Good Look Around," "Until Next Time"

10. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

When Oasis parted ways a little while ago, feuding brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher were quick to start side projects (Beady Eye & High Flying Birds, respectively). While Liam beat Noel to the chase earlier this year, Noel seems to have the upper hand in quality. This is really no surprise, since Noel was always the chief creative force in Oasis anyway.

Top Track - "The Death Of You and Me"

9. Danger Mouse & Daniel Luppi - Rome

Lets talk about dream teams. There's the '92 U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball Team with every major NBA player in attendance. There's the 1962 Yankees. In 2011, it was the Rome project, a Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western concept album spearheaded by DJ Danger Mouse and Italian composer Daniele Lupi, with vocal contributions by none other than Jack White and Norah Jones. White has some great cuts, but it's Jone's surprisingly sultry vocal delivery on songs like "Black" that stick with you.

Top Track - "Black"

8. Deer Tick - Divine Providence

I have a love/hate thing with singer John McCauley of Deer Tick. At times his voice is like rough-grain sandpaper on my ears. At other times, it takes on a sort of Tom Waits-ish slow-burner quality. Deer Tick's 2011 release manages to find the sweet spot between these two extremes, shining bright with both punk rock and Americana brilliance.

Top Track - "Miss K."

7. The Head and the Heart - The Head and the Heart

I will admit that my list is top-heavy with folk and Americana acts. They seem to be everywhere this year. The Head and the Heart were a great addition to the folk-rock catalog with their debut this year. Their record was full of acoustic musings and rich, 3-part harmony. Somehow, the band's three singers manage to take their own distinctive vocal timbre and blend them into a sum greater than its parts.

Top Track - "Rivers and Roads"

6. Adele - 21

Lets face it, one had to work very hard this year NOT to hear an Adele song. 2011 was Adele's big year, despite some vocal maladies and last-minute tour cancellations. Lets hope she can recover her voice and head back on tour next year.

Top Track ' "Rolling in the Deep"

5. Civil Wars - Barton Hollow

The Civil Wars are easily this year's Indie Cinderella Story. Joy Williams and John Paul White released their full-length record in January without a major label, managing to top U.S. record charts, dominate iTunes album rankings, and sneak their music onto every prime-time drama in the process. The songs are brimming with sultry harmonies and subtle instrumentation. Score one more for raw vocal talent.

Top Track - "20 Years"


4. Mute Math - Odd Soul

In the middle of the folk and Americana onslaught in 2011, Mutemath fired off a masterpiece of classic rock grooves, masterful musicianship and soul-searching lyrics with Odd Soul. Mutemath's sonic signature is on this record, but the band proves it is not afraid to take some new risks.

Top Track - (tie) "Walking Paranoia," "Cavalries"

3. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Robin Pecknold spent over two years struggling with his demanding sense of perfectionism to record Helplessness Blues. The result is arguably the sonically richest album of the year, boiling over with organically analog warmth. Definitely folksy, often poetic, and sometimes dark.

Top Track - "The Shrine/An Argument"

2. Middle Brother - Middle Brother

Middle Brother was 2011's other Dream Team. The voices behind indie groups Dawes, Delta Spirit and Deer Tick teamed up to record this gem of a record. While recorded in brief stint at a Nashville studio, the album shines like a diamond in the rough. There are definite hints of the three bands' distinctive styles, but Middle Brother still manages to create something entirely new.

Top Track - (tie) "Blue Eyes," "Blood and Guts"

1. Dawes - Nothing Is Wrong

I was already in love with Nothing Is Wrong when I reviewed the album in May. Somehow over the subsequent six months, this record has managed to keep a firm footing in my iPod's play rotation. In a time when synthesizers, auto-tune and dance beats dominate both pop and indie music, Dawes stays true to the classic rock lineage of Neil Young and Tom Petty while avoiding a dip toward the derivative. Taylor Goldsmith is arguably the brightest young songsmith in America, focusing his raw energy through clever lyrical content and tasteful guitar twang. His fellow band mates also step up to the plate with apt musical chops and vintage tone.

Top Track - (tie) "Time Spent In Los Angeles," "The Way You Laugh"

Song of the Day - "Keep You Right" by Blind Pilot

I'm a little biased. Blind Pilot's new record, We Are the Tide, was released on September 13, which also happens to be my birthday. That's one reason to love this music without even hearing it.

It also happens to be very good.

"Keep You Right" starts with a classic snare drum shuffle groove leading perfectly to Simon & Garfunkel-style harmonies and a catchy folk-rock melody. Lyrically, this is a fresh take on the classic been-away-too-long theme. Add this one to my Best of 2011 list.

Song of the Day: Blitzen Trapper - "Love the Way You Walk Away"

I love the shuffle feature on my iPod, especially when it pulls up music I downloaded then never listened to. It's fascinating how certain songs don't hit home at first but bubble back up to the surface at random times, taking your thoughts over by storm.

Today was the second dreary, Nashville-in-November morning in a row, rainy and gray. When the lazy slide guitar and Eric Early's back-country voice came through my speakers, it seemed to hit the perfect tone for my commute to work - glad it's Friday, but wishing it were about 8 hours later...

Song of the Day: "Lucky Now" by Ryan Adams

The song that seems to keep spinning through my head this morning is "Lucky Now," off Ryan Adams' recent release Ashes & Fire. This is a straight-forward, catchy, acoustic-driven piece with country echos. I especially love the last couple lines of the chorus, "The night will break your heart/But only if you're lucky now."

It's a classic Adams-esque philosophical musing about love, almost as if actually falling in love would be a worse fate than striking out. It reminds me of the line in Treasure Island when Long John Silver declares, "Thems that dies will be the lucky ones."

 A lot of the reviewers for Ashes & Fire have commented that it seems to be a "safe" Ryan Adams record, almost as if this makes it a disappointment. While it's not Easy Tiger or  Cardinology (my two personal favorites), Ashes & Fire has some strong songwriting and great piano contributions from Norah Jones. So far, I have found a lot to sink my teeth into.

Song of the day - "Lost In My Mind" by the Head and the Heart

I caught this video on VH1 this morning. I know - what a surprise to see the Head and the Heart between Demi Lovato's skyscraper wailing and Nikki Minaj's Lady Gaga-wannabe ridiculousness. Sometimes I wonder why I even put music videos on in the morning at all...

And then they throw in a gem like this. I love the simple thoughtfulness of the Head and the Heart, especially in lyrics like "Mama once told me/You're already home when you feel love." I really hope this group takes a swing through Nashville soon.

New single & video from the Black Keys!

The Black Keys have announced El Camino, a new record to be released in early December. The video for a new single "Lonely Boy" was recently launched on YouTube. Hopefully, what we're hearing from this song is a good sign for the rest of the record.

2011 has been quite a year in music, with strong releases from Fleet Foxes, Dawes,  MuteMath, Deer Tick and many others. Now, an 11th hour release from the Black Keys? What a year...

Free Movie Tickets - The Three Musketeers

  

Nashville has been getting a TON of free, limited-admittance movie preview screenings this year. Thanks to my friends at Fandango & GoFoBo.com, I've had the privilege of seeing Cedar Rapids, The Hangover 2, 50/50, The Dilemma, Crazy Stupid Love and several other movies absolutely free in 2011.

Tonight at the Regal Cinemas Green Hills theater at 7:30pm, there is a screening of the new Three Musketeers film starring Orlando Bloom, Milla Jovovich, Christolph Waltz and Ray Stevenson.

I am giving away 2 passes to tonight's screening. To enter, 1) "Follow" this blog and 2) Comment on this post with your email. The winner will be emailed pdf passes.

I will be choosing winner at 3pm today!

Dawes & Blitzen Trapper tonight!

Can't wait for tonight's show at Mercy Lounge. Dawes & Blitzen Trapper w/ the Smoke Fairies, 9 pm.

I see great live music in your future...

My year of music is not over yet! The momentum is showing no signs of slowing in October. Here are the three shows in Nashville that I am the most excited about:

1. Grouplove with the Belle Brigade - 10/11 at Mercy Lounge

Grouplove is great, but I am actually more excited about the Belle Brigade. This brother & sister duo throws down some great vocal harmonies that remind me a lot of Crosby Still Nash & Young mixed with Simon and Garfunkle. I'm especially looking forward to hearing "Losers," "Rusty Wheel" and "Belt of Orion" live.

2. Fitz & the Tantrums - 10/24 at Cannery Ballroom

  

Fitz and the Tantrums sold out their last Nashville show in July, and the place was PACKED. I have never seen a group that left everything on stage the way these guys did. Their debut record is great, but it just doesn't do justice to the energy and dap swagger of their live show. You can't miss this show, especially since they'll be at the Cannery Ballroom this time around. I promise that you will be dancing the entire time.

3. Dawes & Blitzen Trapper - 10/19 at Mercy Lounge

I talk a lot about Dawes. I've been listening to their recent release Nothing Is Wrong almost daily since it was released in May. I'm especially captivated by Taylor Goldsmith's songwriting. One thing the records don't show is Goldsmith's well-honed ability as a lead guitarist, particularly with the class country-style licks that are not usually at home with California-based groups. There must be something in the Neil Young/CSNY, James Taylor & Jackson Brown influences that run in the Laurel Canyon music community that Dawes grew from.

Dawes' reputation as a great live act has earned them spots supporting musicians like Robbie Robertson and M.Ward, simultaneously as an opening act and backing band in the same show. 

Dawes will be splitting headlining duties with alt-country/folk veterans Blitzen Trapper.

Album of the week: MuteMath's Odd Soul

If you aren't listening to MuteMath yet, you have been missing out. Their sonic craftsmanship, ingeniously precise grooves, and contemplative-bordering-spiritual lyrics mix to form a sum that is consistently greater than its parts.

Odd Soul, the band's third full-length album, was released today, and I highly recommend it. The overall vibe of the record builds upon MuteMath's trademark soaring, electric piano-driven sound, this time adding elements of late-1960's acid jazz & psychedelic rock.

I hear hints of Miles Davis' jazz/rock fusion classic Bitches Brew on tracks like "Walking Paranoia" and "Sun Ray," along with hints of the Doors and Edgar Winter. Thick, bass-filled guitar grooves and rich reverb headroom hint at the lo-fi influence of groups like the Black Keys. They permeate the entire record, especially on "Odd Soul" and "Walking Paranoia."

If Odd Soul does not become MuteMath's breakout to mainstream success, then ours is truly a mad, mad world.

Favorite cuts: "Blood Pressure," "Odd Soul," "Walking Paranoia," "Cavalries"

What you missed at Soundland '11

(Maybe you were actually there. I just thought that title sounded more attention-grabbing than "Soundland Highlights"...)

I love music festivals because of the variety they always provide. For my money, there is no better value in live music (free might be the one exception). Where else can you catch headliners like Robert Plant, Foo Fighters, the Black Keys, Paul Simon and Arcade Fire for one price?

Last weekend's Soundland Music Festival was especially great because it didn't focus on a few large headliners. Instead, it culled countless up-and-comers, indie darlings and soon-to-be game changers. I was not able to catch every act I wanted to see - a sad reality with multi-venue festivals - but I found plenty to love.

Wednesday

Soundland kicked off on Wednesday with a lineup that included M. Ward, Dawes and Johnny Corndawg. Dawes's latest record, Nothing Is Wrong, was the soundtrack to my summer, so their performance was especially exciting for me. I knew the songwriting was solid, but what really amazed me were the intense musical chops. Singer/guitarist Taylor Goldsmith was especially impressive with his repertoire of classic Nashville-style guitar licks, something I did not expect from a California-bred musician.

My favorite moment occurred when John McCauley from Deertick joined the band onstage for "Million Dollar Bill," which he recorded with Goldsmith through their Middle Brother project at the beginning of the year. Roadhouse country opener Johnny Corndawg also sang along.

It's easy to me to forget that M. Ward was the headliner. While I have not been his biggest follower, I was very impressed with his live performance. No one told me he was such a great acoustic guitar player. What did not impress me was his surprise no-photo policy, which I was rudely informed of by one of the house security staff. Although there was no announcement made about this last-minute request, the security guard had no problem berating loudly to the point that everyone around me in the crowded room knew I would be kicked out for taking any pictures.

All I can say is, "eat it, dude." I do what I want...

Thursday

 Because of my work schedule, I was only able to see a small part of Thursday's outdoor 12th Avenue Block Party setup. I arrived right as the Cults starting playing. I was pretty satisfied with their sound, which was very similar to Best Coast. There was not much interaction with the crowd, but the music was right there.

The real attraction Thursday night was Foster the People, whose extremely catchy song "Pumped Up Kicks" was most likely THE hit song of the summer. I loved how the mood of the crowd instantly turned from the Cult's indie/hipster melancholy to a dance party when FTP took the stage. FTP opened with "Houdini," and they were smart to wait until the close to pull out "Pumped Up Kicks." The light show behind them added a lot to the dance beats.

Friday

I started  Friday at Mercy Lounge, catching the last few songs from Keegan Dewitt. I wish I could have caught more. Quickly, we moved onto 12th and Porter to catch a short set from Nashville transplants the Bridges. This family band feature some great 3 and 4 part harmonies, along with great classic rock licks. I surprised to find out from some fellow audience members that they were really having an "off night."

My highly-anticipated show of the night was Justin Townes Earle at the Cannery Ballroom. His Harlem River Blues was listed on several Best of 2010 lists. I had already seem him a couple times already this year (Bonnaroo and Hangout Fest), so I pretty much knew what to expect.

While Earle's songwriting and acoustic blues/country guitar chops were solid, his lack of control over tempo was very noticeable. I was disappointed when personal medium/up-tempo favorites "One More Night in Brooklyn" and "I Ain't Waitin" started out noticeably slower than the record and proceeded to drag even slower (this also happened during his performance at Bonnaroo in June). In both cases, superb upright bass player Bryn Davies did her best to hold Earle to a tempo, but there was only so much she could do. I have the utmost respect for Justin Townes Earle. I am a big fan of his music, but  I was more than a little surprised at his lack of time-keeping.

Saturday

Saturday was off to an early start. At 2pm, the Royal Bangs kicked off what ended up being my favorite venue at Soundland: the Neuhoff Factory Party. From what I can gather, the Neuhoff Factory was originally a meat packing plant in the early 1900's. Now, it's part renovated condos, part HQ for the Nashville Jazz Workshop and part post-apocalyptic/rust belt wasteland.

The were several of the best Nashville food trucks stationed there (Grilled Cheeserie, Riff's and Yayo's OMG). Sadly, I had been to Monell's for lunch and had zero appetite for the rest of the day... There were also three inflatable playground piece, including a gladiator-style joust podium. Here's me putting the beat-down on my friend Jess.

I am invincible.

Knoxville's Royal Bangs took the stage around 12:30, followed by Jessica Lea Mayfield. Mayfield's songs were solid, but I couldn't help noticing her lack of interaction with the crowd. It might have been shyness on her behalf, but at times it came across with a strange sense of apathy. I wasn't able to catch much of her set at Bonnaroo, so maybe this is her standard MO?

The real power of the afternoon started with local favorites the Apache Relay. I'm constantly amazed by the talent beaming from this group of young guys. I was especially impressed by the many instruments the members brought to the table. Mandolin, fiddle and a variety of auxiliary percussion pieces were constantly being switched around.

I didn't catch must of Tristen's set. Instead I took the opportunity to check out some great posters from my favorite local printer, Boss Construction. If I could afford to buy more, they posters would be all over my house.

The Black Belles, one of Jack White's latest Third Man Records protegee bands, took the stage as the sun was setting. You might remember these girls as the backing band for Stephen Colbert's Jack White-produced record earlier this year. I was expecting a lot of fluff and hype. Instead, the Black Belles put on a pretty good performance. Imagine a Salem Witch Hunt version of the White Stripes, with a little bit of the Runaways thrown in.

 

Speaking of the Runaways, the next act, Those Darlings, brought the vibe even closer to that ill-fated group of girl punks, albeit with a distinctively country twist. This was my first time seeing the Murfreesboro-based band, and I was definitely not giving them the anticipation they deserved.

Each of the three Darlin "sisters" took turns in the spotlight. Main vocalist Jessi Darlin did wonders pulling most of the heavy lifting, but lead guitarist Nikki Darlin and bassist Kelley Darlin also has their moments. I was especially impressed with Kelley, who handed the bass to Nikki and proceeded to wow the crowd with her sexy, over-the-top vocal performance on the last few songs. She was complimented by Jessi (now playing lead guitar), who pulled out some of the best guitar licks of the night. Seriously, you need to catch them live.

Following on the heels of Those Darlin's was a tough position. The crowd was fired up, and the next group would have to crank the Marshall up to 11 to even have a hope of topping them. 

Enter JEFF the Brotherhood.

How can a 2-piece group sound like 5? How can a three-string guitar put out more sound than one with eight? I don't know, but it did. Not only that, but the two JEFF brothers managed to pull off the best rock show I've seen all year. Better than the Foo Fighters. Better than the Black Keys. Better than My Morning Jacket. Better than the Strokes.

I haven't dealt with crowd surfers in years, but I was watching my back the entire show. The was even a mosh pit, which lead singer/guitarist Jake Orrall partook of. Jake even stage-dived while still laying down pretty heavy guitar hooks. 

 

JEFF the Brotherhood has been receiving quite a bit of hype in the last year, releasing a Jack White-produced record with Third Man Records, landing mentions in Rolling Stone and signing to Warner Brothers Records. Because of the hype, I was skeptical.

Now I'm a believer.

I ended my night at Mercy Lounge with the final set from Paper Route and a tribute to Nirvana's game-changer album Nevermind courtesy of Nashville 90's cover band My So-Called Band. After hearing honest covers of "Smells Lile Teen Spirit," "In Bloom," "Lithium" and "Poly," I went home and fell asleep with a lot of good memories to mull over. Here's to next year.

Review: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals 09/11/11

This is the fourth time I have seen Grace Potter & the Nocturnals this year. Each experience has been unique, from the tightly packed crowd at the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville, the sandy beaches at Hangout Fest ’11 in Gulf Shores, AL, the sweltering heat and dirt-caked crowds at Bonnaroo X, and now the hallowed halls of the Ryman Auditorium.

I'm not sure if it's her soaring, classic rock vocals - a mix of Janice Joplin, Stevie Nix and Ann Wilson - her striking good looks, or her giddy personality, but one way or another I am in love with Grace Potter. I would gladly see her a fifth time before the year is up if the opportunity presented itself.

Grace opened the show by strutting out in high heels with her white Gibson Flying V guitar, offering up a solo version of  "Nothing But the Water." The Nocturnals soon joined her, launching into a rocking version of "Only Love" that set the pace for the rest of the night. Showmanship pieces, hot slow-burners, and incessantly-driving, up-tempo songs were evenly scattered throughout the 90-minute set.

Highlights included a cover of Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings' "Elvis Presley Blues," Kenny Chesney/Grace Potter duet "Tequila" (with guitarist Scott Tournet filling in  - thorns to Kenny for not making an appearance), and an encore filled with original favorites "Paris (Ooh La La)" and "Medicine."

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are truly one of the must-see live acts of our time. Their tireless musicianship, hot licks and sex appeal harken back to the days when rock was king, songwriting was at its peak, and overdriven guitar licks ruled the airwaves.

(Thanks to Faith Shealy for the photo).

Best Pickin' on the Patio Yet!

 

Shhhh.... Big & Rich will be performing a free - but fairly secret - show on the patio at Warner Brothers on Music Row this evening. The fact that this show has not been advertised outside Music Row circles tells me that it's probably intended to be kept on the down-low... a.k.a., you didn't hear about it from me...

It gets better. Drinks and refreshments will also be provided by several of the concert's sponsors. Last month, that included a keg from Lone Star Beer, some awesome frozen margaritas, and cupcakes from Gigi's. 

Believe me, it will be packed this time around. The doors open at 5:30, with John and Big Kenny taking the stage at 6. The event is 21+, so be sure you bring an ID.

... and did I mentioned it's FREE?!

You can't beat a free concert in Nashville, especially when it includes some bands that would be worth paying for. For my money, Delta Spirit and Surfer Blood are two can't-miss groups that don't swing by Nashville very often.

It will probably be extremely crowded, with hipsters in abundance. Be sure you RSVP though, since it looks like you have to present the printed pass to get in.

Say what you will about corporations co-opting indie music for the coolness factor, I won't complain when it results in a free concert. Thank you, Toyota!

Soundland Music Festival, or Finally Nashville Gets a CMJ...

My 2011 New Year's Resolution: see more live music. Naturally, I was quite overjoyed when Next Big Nashville announced the first year of the new Soundland Music Festival in September. Now I can cross several names off my wish list!

I have been envious of Austin and New York for years with their killer SXSW and CMJ Music Marathon music festivals. Now, it seems that the city I call home is finally realizing its place in the pantheon of great music cities. I could not be happier with the lineup, many of whom just happen to be occupying high-rotation slots on my iPod right now...

Foster the People

Dawes

Justin Townes Earle

Ghostland Observatory

Those Darlins

Royal Bangs
PUJOL

M. Ward

Chancellor Warhol

More keep being added, and the full festival pass is only $55 right now. I might be able to squeeze a little more out of the music budget, which has recently been ransacked by Hangout Fest, Bonnaroo and U2... Credit card debt, anyone?

Review: Mathien - The Night I Was An Alpha Male

The Night I Was an Alpha Male is the best-sounding release from the upstart Chicago band Mathien yet. My only complaint is that this production gloss seems to smooth down the sharp edges that make Mathien such an interesting and exciting live band. The songs are lyrically clever, the rhythm section grooves like a well-oiled machine and lead singer Chris Mathien is not afraid to go out of his comfort zone to discover new vocal chops. Still, I feel like these songs yearn for a little more analog warmth.

Mathien debuted in 2007 with Head Heart and Hands, with most tracks initially laid down in lead singer/songwriter Chris Mathien's college dorm room using whatever tools he could get his hands on. While the album was stylistically all over the board, charm and cleverness were in abundance. The 2010 followup Hello Again featured several of the same songs, this time recorded in a studio with what has become the band's signature lineup.

One of the best facets of Mathien is their willingness to experiment with a wide variety of genres, sometimes combing them in the same song. Rock swagger, hip-hop beats, funk grooves and hints of jazz are stamped all over their catchy, if sometimes odd, lyrical subject matter. The Night I Was An Alpha Male continues this multifaceted approach, but it steers more in the direction of funk than anything else - with a few notable exceptions. This funk formula works best on "Jamie's Son" (a take on the name of Jameson Irish Whiskey, perhaps?) and "You'll Never Learn."

The funk vibes are great, but this album shines the most when it steers away from funk's long-traveled trade routes and dares to venture into more uncharted waters. The opening track, the namesake "The Night I Was An Alpha Male," opens the album with a playful, almost Queen-like pop feel that will have you bouncing your head along in no time. "Lettuce Head" layers on rock guitars and riffs, while the slower "Cocaine Ballad" (a revised edition of the song from Head Heart and Hands) shows what quality studio time and good production can do for a track with slow-burning potential.

My personal favorite is "Rub It In," which adds some soulful longing to the vocals to craft a great pop song. It's easy to relate to the feeling of insecurity mixed with longing when an ex-lover twists the knife in deeper at every opportunity:  "I would love to change/Love to change your mind/But I ain't gonna waste my time/Especially when all you want to do/Is just rub it in."

Lyrically, Mathien is at its best. Topics range from party life in the big city to heavier matters like watching a friend affected by drug use and dealing with a lover's abusive ex-boyfriend, all delivered with a wonderfully quirky sense of humor. While the lyrics are as witty and clever as ever, I fear that the polish of digital production may be wearing down too much of the edge. Many tracks would be simply fantastic with less digital harshness and more vintage, organic Stax-style analog (a la Raphael Saadiq or the Black Keys).

I have a biting suspicion that less shine and more darkness would enhance Mathien's groove-laden sound in a big way.

Song picks:
"Rub It In"
"Jamie's Son"
"Games and Lies"
"The Cocaine Ballad"

U2 Highlights - 7/2/2011

It probably goes without me saying it, but U2's show last Saturday at Vanderbilt Stadium was great. My seats were definitely nosebleed (that's what you get when you pay $40 for a stadium show...), but my co-worker Justin Humbert managed to snag a close GA spot and capture some great shots. Thanks for letting me use some of your photos, Justin!

Florence and the Machine killed it as the opening act

The first of two fans Bono pulled onstage to perform with the band

Bono swinging from the microphone boom during the encore performance of "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me"

The concert's most touching moment came during one of the last songs of the night. Bono invited a blind man from the audience onstage and had a guitar brought out for him to play with on "All I Want Is You." As if playing guitar with U2 in front of a sold-out stadium was not thrill enough, Bono gave the man the man his guitar afterwards. Someone managed to capture the moment on YouTube (which CNN later posted to their main site). Watch the clip at about 3:10 to see the magic moment:

If you have the chance to get tickets for U2's 360 Tour, definitely check it out. You will see rock legends at one of the heights of their prowess.

Scratch another super group off my bucket list!

After shelling out close to $1,000 total for both Hangout Festival and Bonnaroo this year, not to mention the 10 club shows I've attended YTD, my 2011 concert budget is officially depleted. Still, fate must be calling when one finds someone selling her U2 tickets for face value two days before the sold-out show in Nashville.

One more down, four more to go.

1. Paul McCartney (in lieu of the Beatles)
2. Robert Plant (in lieu of Led Zeppelin)
3.Bruce Springsteen
4. U2
5. The Rolling Stones
6. The Who
7. KISS
8. Paul Simon
9. Stevie Wonder
10. Foo Fighters

Who's on your concert bucket list?

Shhhh... Free show at Warner Bros Nashville tonight!

(Shhh...) If you're in Nashville tonight, June 23rd, don't miss the second isntallment of this year's Pickin' on the Patio at the Warner Bros. Nashville offices located at 20 Music Square East. This show will feature Brett Eldredge, Hunter Hayes & Jason Jones. 

Doors open at 5:30pm, and the event is 21 and up (No RSVP required). You don't have to be in the music business to get in, but the fact that this hasn't been announced to the general public tells me this event was meant to be kept in the D/L...

The season’s first party last month featured Mandy Barnett performing selections from her new album Sweet Dreams. Pickin’ on the Patio will be held the fourth Thursday of every month through September on the WMN Patio.

Bonnaroo X Highlights

As expected, I needed a couple days to process my experiences at this year's Bonnaroo. I joked after my first Bonnaroo that the festival is a stressful experience you endure, and then later you realize how much fun you were having.  Four days of constantly walking, sweating and head-banging take their toll.

Plus, I think there' probably and FDA health advisory about having topical contact with that much sunscreen in 96-hour period...

Every performance was great, but some definitely shined.

Arcade Fire

I am admittedly a late-comer to the Arcade Fire camp, so I came into their performance with only a vague knowledge of their pre-The Suburbs catalog. I expected a good show, but it definitely beat my expectations. One thing I love about this band is the variety of instruments they pull out, especially Win Butler and Regine Chassagne. Hearing them close with "Sprawl II" was a personal favorite of the entire festival.


Mumford & Sons

 
In my pre-Bonnaroo post, I predicted that Old Crow Medicine Show would join them for an encore of the song "Rock Me Mamma." I was right, and I was wrong. While Old Crow did join them onstage for the encore (along with several Apache Relay members and Jerry Douglas from Union Station), sadly they chose a bluegrass rendition of "Amazing Grace" to close the show instead. Still, I will take it!

Waiting in the hot sun for an hour to get front row is never pleasant, but Mumford & Sons was worth it. They played several new songs that will be part of their next album (to be recorded later this summer, hopefully). Based on what I heard, it sounds like the new record will keep the spirit of Sigh No More while expanding  instrumentation and adding some electric elements.

The highlight of the performance was an audience of several thousand singing along to the chorus of "Little Lion Man." Oh, and seeing Ron Jeremy singing along backstage too...

The Head and the Heart

I wasn't quite sold on the Head and the Heart before Bonnaroo. Their album has been competing for airtime on GeoffFM with the latest offerings from Dawes, Augustana, Danger Mouse/Daniele Lupi and Fleet Foxes - a tough barrier to entry, to be sure. Hearing them live was the tipping point.

I am a sucker for folky roots-rock, and the Head and the Heart are strong contenders. Even though I was nowhere near front row, their closer "Rivers and Roads" was one of those magical concert experiences where the band commands the complete attention of everyone in the audience.

Robert Plant & the Band of Joy

My musical life is complete. I've seen Robert Plant perform 5 of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs from the front row. "Black Dog," "Houses of the Holy," "Misty Mountain Hop," "Gallows Pole" and "Ramble On" were featured prominently in his setlist, along with more recent solo pieces like "Angel Dance" and "Please Read the Letter" (sadly, sans-Allison Krauss).

I was very impressed with Plant's humility and gratefulness onstage. Despite being arguably the great vocalist in rock history, Plant nonetheless fell back to the role of background singer several times to let his Band of Joy members showcase their well-honed abilities. Songwriter-turned-backup singer Patty Griffin, country/rock guitar ace Buddy Miller and multi-instrumentalist Darrell Scott all had a chance to shine with Robert Plant humming harmonies behind them (both literally and figuratively).

I was left with the impression of one of rock's elder statesmen; still powerful in prowess, but sincerely thankful to his fans and collaborators for the privileges given him.

Other great memories from Bonnaroo X:

Lil Wayne

Jessica Lea Mayfield

Justin Townes Earle

Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses

The Decembrists

Sadly, I had to miss Loretta Lynn, the Strokes, Wiz Khalifa, Chancellor Warhol, Grace Potter, Buffalo Springfield, Apache Relay and Widespread Panic, among others. With so many overlapping performances, priorities have to be taken. Maybe next year?