Dear in drunk Head likes: *%Hic*

Sept. 23 saw the anticipated release (by at least this fan) of Arizona rocker's Dear & the Headlight's sophomore album Drunk Like Bible Times. First off, weird title. I don't support it. Anyways, of the 3 albums I got last week this one is my favorite. I only picked up their first album last October but even up until a few weeks ago I was catching lyrics I hadn't noticed before. Singer Ian Metzger has this way of rattling on and on in his what some-may-need-to-adjust-to vocal style but I dig it, I dig it very much. It climbs unexpectedly up and over and all around like he's trying to always grasp air at the same time he wants to emphasis something.

Really, this follow up album feels like an extension of their debut but if I picked it up having not heard 2007's Small Steps, Heavy Hooves I would still seek out the other album. Again because of his singing style, I'll need some time to really digest the album. Last time there were things about the Thundercats and NES and on and on. Good times.

Musically I'm entertained, from the start of "I'm Not Crying. You're Not Crying, Are You?" whatever studio magic or effects hocus pocus they roll with creates a nice sound between my ears. Especially further down the track list with the songs "Now It's Over", "Parallel Lines" "If Not For My Glasses".

At home on Equal Vision records (one of my favorite labels), Dear & the Headlights is fun. Give a listen here

8 of 10 for knowing I'm gonna keep coming back to listen for more just like last time.

Jeff Hanson

Once in awhile I'm caught off guard and don't realize a record is coming out til the day it's released. I'm pretty sure that's what happened the last time Jeff Hanson released an album. Back with a third record Madam Owl, Jeff Hanson expands a bit more beyond the sound he's crafted over the last 2 albums, Son and a self-titled.

At first, you may be confused...is that a guy? I can't tell? Is it? ya, no..yes I'm positive. His name is Jeff after all. If you can handle a falsetto, then you can handle him. Beyond the acoustic guitar driven tracks of cd 1 & 2, Madam Owl delves into the full band throughout most of the cd.

My favorite addition is the trumpet! I love a good song with trumpet. And this one's got two tracks with it. One reminds ya of the Legends of Brass playing at the Mercyhurst College, only more mellow. The other sounds like a low-fi soft hit's jazz trumpet, that make sense?

Sometimes Jeff breaks through the falsetto and a little Jeremy Enigk styling can be heard playing through the Enigk-esque arrangements.

So if you're looking for some nice rock, acoustic or otherwise, check him out. Here's some more songs on myspace. The following video comes from his second album.

Langhorne Slim: Diggin his way into the Rebel Side of Heaven

I'm a huge Rocky Votolato fan. So last year when I saw him at Hell's Kitchen in Tacoma, a fellow named Langhorne Slim was opening, that being the last night of their tour together. I had seen his name on Daytrotter but hadn't really paid attention.

My first impressions, as he twitched a nervous neck jerk and other stage gallivanting, I though to myself this guy could easily have buried a few people in his backyard one time. Just looked a bit creepy to me. Man those impressions just fled as he and the War Eagles played an amazing set.

I of course rushed him like an fanatic groupie afterwards, begging for him to sign my t-shirt..kidding, but I did go talk to him and he was the nicest fellow. That night I downloaded his session from Daytrotter and consequently became a rabid fan for weeks on end rotating through just 4 songs.

I've discussed it with another friend who too has become a fan and we agree, this man is meant to be experienced live. I haven't heard his latest album, but all his previous recordings just lack something, the production doesn't do justice to what you're gonna get face to face. That being said, check out his latest live session (2 available now-9 songs total) on Daytrotter that was posted just this week! These will give a much better feel to what you'd get live, and if you get the chance to catch a show...I recommend you rush out to it.

The video below is a bit quiet, but it's actually one of my favorite songs by him and it was recorded at the show I attended last July.



Then check out his tuba-fueled video for "Rebel Side of Heaven" off his latest self-titled album.

Summer Listening: The Little Ones

Today was such a great day to live in the Northwest! Mt. Rainier stood proud and tall in the distance, crystal clear from where I was, watching over those fortunate enough to steer clear from work and enjoy the weather. On a day like this, you have to have the perfect music to keep the foot tapping and the head boppin' as the breeze pours in through the car windows!

Cue the Little Ones! After taking a break for a few years, veterans of rock Edward Reyes & Ian Moreno joined together once more in 2006 after their previous band Sunday's Best disbanded. The summer of 2002 saw the release of Sunday's Best The Californian, the 2nd and last full length release and a great addition to their catalog of rockin' tunes. Both albums were released on Polyvinyl Records (Headlights, of Montreal).

Last summer, the Little Ones released Sing Song, a sweet ep full of energy and catchy guitar. This spring the Little Ones were back at it with a second ep Terry Tales & Fallen Gates, a six song soundtrack for summer. Together with a few other b-sides released here and there (the original Sing Song has since been re-released with an extra track), we've basically got an albums worth to enjoy!

If you're looking for something upbeat that'll keep ya shakin' and a movin', head to iTunes or eMusic and treat yourself to something great! Even more fun, Jesse LeDoux, the same artist who has done work for the Shins, Bear Colony, Limbeck & more, lends his talent to a few singles and concert posters that I just have to get for my collection. Don't let another summer day pass without the Little Ones!

Check out some more songs on MySpace.

Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes self-titled debut album Fleet Foxes was released last Thursday on SubPop records. Following quickly on the heels of their ep Sun Giant, Fleet Foxes is to me, a more solid and fluid album than the ep. Now don't get me wrong, you should be on your way to owning both as soon as possible, but the ep sounds like a pre-release set of b-sides that for the most part wouldn't make sense on the album.

I was already planning a trip to Victoria last weekend, and anticipating the drive along the edge of Olympic National Forest I wanted to get the album for the roadtrip. The mood of the album was fitting as the skies darkened and the rain fell along the 101, deep woods to the left, the frigid Puget Sound to the right, which Fleet Foxes call home. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect atmosphere and another passenger mentioned the same thing.

I'm not very good at being critical of a band in words. My endorsement to you comes in the mere fact that I am taking the time to tell you about them. I can tell you it's been the only cd I've been playing since I picked it up last Thursday.

Folksy? A touch of classic rock? New Hippies? Dunno. Get yourself over to their myspace for a sample. Both releases are on vinyl for those of you who collect, but I believe the ep is only available in vinyl when you buy the album (combo pack). Check it out on SubPop's store.

What say you? Anyone else heard the mellow sounds of Fleet Foxes?

ps. Here is me bragging: I swear I should be a talent scout for SubPop. Twice now I've raved to friends about a band that was eventually picked up by SubPop, the first being Band of Horses.

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