Something Like Sound

I have often expressed my appreciation for music-session-blog Daytrotter. They’ve done what I could only imagine doing: recording the best up-and-coming artists from a wide swath of the modern independent music using old-fashioned full-band recording techniques.

Yesterday’s session features 6 songs (available for free download, just click on the photo above) from former Hot Water Music singer Chuck Ragan. Earlier this summer we had the chance to see Chuck open for Lucero at the Bluebird, and as I remember Chuck gave one of the most intense folk performances I’ve ever seen.

I thought I’d also take the time to share some of my other favorite Daytrotter sessions here too. Click on the images to go the respective sessions.

Andy Hull

Andrew Bird

Annuals

Bon Iver

Cryptacize

Death Cab For Cutie

Dinosaur Jr.

John Ralston

Kevin Devine

Langhorne Slim

Michael Zapruder

Minus The Bear

Limbeck

The Mountain Goats

The New Frontiers

The National

Pepi Ginsberg

Ra Ra Riot

The Silent Years

The Snake The Cross The Crown

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

These United States

Vampire Weekend

Young Coyotes

Things around the blog have been going a bit slower for the past week, as I’ve been busy getting prepped for the new school year. This week we won’t be running a bit on upcoming shows (just look at last week’s, it’s still good). That said, enjoy the few things I found particularly interesting that weren’t long enough for full posts.

Photo by Tim Weilert

Everything Absent Or Distorted announced their final show ever. It’s going down on October 24, 2009 at the Bluebird (the venue where bands go to die, RIP Vaux & Hot IQs). The show will also be the release for their upcoming EP, The Lucky One. For more info, and to buy tickets, click here.

The Silent Years have a new remix up for their song “Vampires Bite The Hands That Feed Them” done by Deastro. It’s a frenzy of bleeps, bloops, and beats (quite enjoyable). A full stream of the song is available here, and the track may be purchased on iTunes.

3Oh!3 shot a new video, and it’s definitely… interesting? The Boulder-based boys got back to their Colorado ranching roots with footage of Sean Foreman mowing grass and riding a horse, watch below.

So here it finally is! Our interview with Detroit’s The Silent Years. Sorry about the wait on getting this up, we filmed it right in the middle of finals week, but finally got around to it today. These guys went on to put on a solid set, playing mostly from their Let Go EP (for our review of that release check the archives, or click the tags).

Introduction: Motown has died. Perhaps it was the dipping economy, or the fact that the only people listening to The Supremes work as elevator operators or retail salesmen. However, music in Detroit is far from dead. While some Detroit bands, such as Electric Six or the White Stripes, have taken an obscure approach to music, indie rockers The Silent Years are breaking out with classic sound and lyrics.

Memorable Song: “Forest Fire” definitely sticks out as one of my personal favorites from the record. With it’s understandable and and relate-able lyrics, this track does a good job of describing life in a dry land. The organic warmth of the track, with its whistling, clapping, and broad range of dynamics and instrumentation makes for an intriguing listen that keeps the listener wholly occupied throughout the length of the song.

Forgettable Tune: “Claw Marks,” the closing track, is definitely the slow-burner of the EP. The track does have decent lyrics, but it lacks the fullness that the rest of this release has to offer. There are no crescendos leading into big choruses, and furthermore, this track is far more stripped down than the other tracks. This song features no upbeat bells, whistles or any other distinguishing marks.

Final Thoughts: With an often-orchestral delivery that is reminiscent of the greats (such as Arcade Fire, or even Annuals), The Silent Years have put together a solid 6 songs for this EP. My only complaint: the thing is too short. While I could bide my time listening to their older self-titled release (available for free on their MySpace page), I do prefer the quality level of production on Let Go.

Listen to “Madame Shocking” here!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Let Go is available on iTunes & Amazon MP3. Also, we’ve got an interview coming up with these guys in conjunction with their show at the Hi-Dive on Saturday night. So if you want to see them live head down to Broadway this weekend.

Earlier we posted about some great upcoming shows, here’s the second installment. Also note that none of these concerts cost more than $20.

The Photo Atlas & 1090 Club – April 26, Hi-Dive, $8: Denver’s own Photo Atlas recently recorded a new EP as a followup to their 2006 full length No, Not Me, Never. 1090 Club also recently released Natural Selection, an album that we got the chance to review. Both bands are excellent live. Also playing: The Forecast

Manchester Orchestra – May 12, Marquis, $12: We already covered this one, but it deserves another highlight. MO’s new album Mean Everything To Nothing is excellent and they put on a great show.

Adrian Orange, Young Coyotes & Bad Weather California – May 13, Rhinoceropolis, $5 suggested donation: Adrian Orange, a Seattle based singer-songwriter will be on tour and stopping by Denver in May. Young Coyotes and Bad Weather California will also be there to represent the best in local DIY.

Kevin Devine – May 24, Marquis, $12: Kevin Devine is one of those singers whose songs have substance. He’s toured with Brand New, Manchester Orchestra, and a plethora of some of the hottest acts out there. His new album Brother’s Blood comes out at the end of April.

Lucero – May 29, Bluebird, $17: Part country, part punk, Lucero has been writing markedly beautiful and provoking music about life in the American west for the better part of the last decade. With songs that will break your heart and give you something to drink to, Lucero will certainly put on a great show.

Hot IQs – June 19, Bluebird, $10: Another Denver based group, Hot IQs recently released a single titled Houndstooth. They’ve been working hard on new material for their next full length, and will likely be playing new tunes when they play the Bluebird in June.

In other music news, SideCho Records has signed The Silent Years, a DIY band from Detriot. They’ve got a new EP, titled Let Go, coming out July 14. They also have an album already out called The Globe, which received positive reviews from The Onion and NPR. Keep an eye out for these guys and remember where you heard about them first.