A New Column From Music Editor Adam Lawrence
As the maiden voyage of my new weekly music column commences, it has become clear to me that the purpose of said column will be purely selfish. As Nada’s Music Editor, I have an obligation to point you, the reader, to the best and brightest of what’s out there, music-wise, in both CD and live performance form.
Intermittent Rock Report
A New Column From Music Editor Adam Lawrence
As the maiden voyage of my new weekly music column commences, it has become clear to me that the purpose of said column will be purely selfish. As Nada’s Music Editor, I have an obligation to point you, the reader, to the best and brightest of what’s out there, music-wise, in both CD and live performance form. Since my love of pleasing as many people as possible overrides most of my self-serving interests, much to the chagrin of my therapist, I begin our musical journey together by
pledging to deliver timely and quality musical advice. I don’t mind saying that I’m a little drunk with power, specifically the possibility that I may tell you what to listen to and you may actually do it. In other words, I’m going to tell you what to buy (or not to buy) and who to go see live, as well as which CD’s refuse to leave my stereo without a professional exorcism from the Pope himself.
New Releases for the week of 7/14 – 7/20:
Here’s another reason to hate the Yankees. All-Star Centerfielder Bernie Williams releases his debut CD this week. The Journey Within is chock full of Latin-themed soft jazz that one would expect from a career .307 hitter. A must-buy for anyone who owns any of former NBA star Wayman Tisdale’s 4(!) albums.
For those of you who are frustrated because Will & Grace is in reruns for the summer, Harry Connick Jr. releases Other Hours: Connick on Piano Vol. 1 on Tuesday. Listen to it while watching W & G repeats with the sound off.
Our friends at Alternative Tentacles Records grace us with Deadweight’s Stroking The Moon. They’ve been compared to Frank Zappa with strings. Proceed with caution.
Local boy, and current Thorn, Pete Droge releases his latest album, Skywatching, on Aimee Mann’s United Musicians label. UM is apparently founded on the radical idea that artists should be able to hold the copyrights on their own work. A few years back, Droge was the Next Big Thing to come out of Seattle. Remember that?
Sympathy For The Record Industry artists The Fondas come out with their debut album, Coming Now The Fondas. I know nothing about this album, but Sympathy’s always been good to us. Check it out.
Live Performances 7/14 – 7/20
I remember when I was a young lad, the only reason I attended the very first Lollapalooza was the prospect of seeing Ice-T and Body Count. How foolish was I that I had no idea who Violent Femmes, Butthole Surfers, or Nine Inch Nails, were? If you missed that cultural touchstone, feel free to check out the current b-movie actor and his speed metal band on Monday the 14th at Studio Seven.
Another national act with local roots plays the Paramount on Tuesday the 15th when Foo Fighters bring their own brand of power pop to the people. It’s my opinion that Dave Grohl may be the best mainstream pop songwriter and rock star we’ve had for quite some time. Pete Yorn, opens. Recommended.
Also on my list of A-Law’s Picks this week are the Jayhawks, and The Thorns, Friday the 18th at the Showbox. The only reason I didn’t catch the Jayhawks when they were last in town was because I was in the hospital, so you can bet that I’ll be there. Their new album, Rainy Day Music, should please anyone who believed Rolling Stone when they proclaimed them the Best American Band back in the early 90’s. Lead singer Gary Louris is the undisputed leader of the band since Mark Olson left to form the Creekdippers, with his wife Victoria Williams, but that takes nothing away from the current incarnation. Super group (of sorts) The Thorns, featuring Matthew Sweet, Pete Droge, and Shawn Mullins opens.
ATTENTION ALL LESBIANS: Perennial Do-It-Yourselfer Ani DiFranco rocks the Pier on the 18th. Get your dander up and try to forget that all her songs sound the same. I personally don’t get it, but that’s probably the testosterone talking.
Live Shorts:
The Afro Celts 7/15 show has been moved to the Showbox. Tickets for Northgate Theater will be honored. Ravonettes and the Warlocks play to all the smart people at the Crocodile on 7/18…The Doors Of The 21st Century will fuck Jim Morrison’s corpse live onstage on 7/19. If you must go, throw something at the stage for me, preferably something sharp. If you’re like my girlfriend, you love Kristin Hersh. She plays the Tractor on Sunday 7/20.
What A-Law Is Listening To:
It’s been a good week for musical discoveries. Since I’m not working this summer, I have plenty of time to listen to all the music. My pick for this week, however, is not just a CD from the stacks, but a front-runner for my personal Album of the Year choice. Drive By Truckers have followed up 2001’s Skynyrd-themed masterpiece, Southern Rock Opera with an album of equal or better quality. Decoration Day is not just a follow up record, it sets the bar just a little higher. Check it out.