For their final show before the group disbands, The Elms have sold out Radio Radio this Friday night (July 30). The group that broke out of Seymour as a Christian band and went on to make vibrant, heartfelt and truly midwestern rock and roll is calling it quits for reasons a bit ambiguous, and finish their run with this final Indianapolis show.
According to their Facebook page, the show will be filmed in HD, using multiple cameras. Singer Owen Thomas writes on his blog that “we’re kicking around several ideas for the footage, which range from a complete concert film to a documentary about the cumulative 10-year experience of The Elms.”
There is a terrific blog by Dan Ficker at inreview.net where Thomas addresses questions surrounding the group breaking up. In the interview, The Elms’ lead singer said it was just a feeling that things should stop.
The Elms
Indiana Music: The Elms call it quits
An abrupt end to one of the best bands in Indiana – The Seymour-based rock band The Elms announced on their website today that they are breaking up.
on theelms.net – from lead singer Owen Thomas
“It is with equal parts gratitude and humility with which I write you today to say that this July, after ten extraordinary years of life lived closely together, the members of The Elms will very amicably part ways and end our tenure as a rock and roll band. There are no salacious discrepancies between band members to report to you, and no dramatic elements to run through the rumor mill! Simply stated, the time has come to move on.”
Upcoming Indianapolis Roots Rock Shows
Some Indianapolis alt-country/roots rock gigs you should know about:
Nov. 13: The Elms w/ Special Guest Henry French and the Shameless, The Vogue 8 p.m.
Nov. 14: David England, Vulgar Boatmen, Old Flames, Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St., 9 p.m.
Nov. 18: The Fox Hunt, Joey Welch, The Complete Unknowns, The Vollrath, 118 E. Palmer St., 8 p.m.
Nov. 18: Carrie Rodriguez, Royal Theater, 59 S. Washington St. Danville, 8 p.m.
Nov. 21: Will Hoge, Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St., 9 p.m.
Nov. 21: Rusty Bladen, Louie’s, St. Rd 37, Fishers, 9:30 p.m.
Nov. 21: Vagabond Opera, Royal Theater, 59 S. Washington St., Danville, 8 p.m
Nov. 22: Alexa Woodward, Elam Abraham Blackman, Adam Kuhn, The Accordions, Earth House, 237 N. East St., 8 p.m.
Dec. 4: The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Jascha, Joey Welch, The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave., 9 p.m.
You guys know I think The Elms are the real deal, right? They work hard, tour around in a van, playing sweaty, greasy, soulful music for 10 or 100 or 1,000 people at a time. The Elms seem to think rock and roll matters. Gotta get behind that, because it’s the difference between music that means something and all the rest of the stuff out there. Here’ s the new video for the hook-laden “Back to Indiana”. (I think it’s golden when bands make MTV-ish videos today. The new retro…). Rock forward…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AkjV7k1RUE]
Twang Rock News: The Elms, KY Headhunters, Will Hoge, Springsteen tune, more…
The Elms (Indiana’s own, from Seymour) have a new album “The Great American Midrange” out, if you haven’t grabbed it yet…It’s loud, energetic rock and roll, informed by Petty/power-pop influences and has a solid Middle America vibe. The best record yet for the group. “Back to Indiana”, “County Fair” “Strut”, and “Unless God Appears First” are my favorites at the moment. Ordered on their website. (theelms.net) you can get the album and a companion acoustic version for 15 bucks, or 10 bucks on iTunes for the regular release. If you dig Petty, Springsteen, and Cheap Trick, it’s worth a listen. Or four. They play a show a show in Terre Haute on November 12 and headline in Indy at the Vogue on November 13, with supporting acts Green River Ordinance and one of our faves, Henry French and the Shameless.
NOVEMBER 12, 2009: The Verve. $5. 8pm. 21+
NOVEMBER 13, 2009: The Vogue. $10-$12. 8pm. 21+
HEAR “Back to Indiana”
There is a fabulous, honest, intelligent interview with Richard Young of the woefully underappreciated Kentucky Headhunters at 9513.com. The Headhunters had seven studio albums and four straight Top 30 hits in the early 90s – “Walk Softly On This Heart of Mine,” “Dumas Walker,” the not-so-big-hit“ Rock ‘n’ Roll Angel” and “Oh Lonesome Me.” They’ve won a Grammy, CMA and ACM award in their long history (not that awards make a band good, but it does show they were, at one time, a big deal in country music. ) They rocked, yet were a bit hard to categorize. I played the shit out of them at a radio station I was working for around 1990. But they were unique; oddness come by honestly. Read full article
FEATURED MUSIC ARTICLE: I love my Peter Cooper. The music writer for The Tennessean in Nashville, (and a guitar player of considerable talent – he’s been playing with Todd Snider recently) has written a great little piece that is called “70 is the New 30”, talking about some great new music from legendary artists. He riffs on Kris Kristofferson Bobby Bare, Loretta Lynn, Bill Anderson, Tom T. Hall, Willie and Merle too. Must read.
SHOW REMINDER: Nashville boy Will Hoge returns to Indianapolis for the first time in more than a year with a show at Radio Radio on November 21. He burns it up live – his gig at the Rathskeller last summer was outstanding. And he writes a nicely descriptive website blog too.
ROOTS ROCK TWANG NEWS:
Bruce Springsteen debuted a new song at Giants Stadium during his run of five shows at the soon-to-be-demolished facility. He has played there more than 60 times in his career…the song’s a testament to how unique Bruce is when it comes to capturing moments in time, making them a metaphor for life, and his strength at writing an anthem. And we have a pro-recorded version of the song…
HEAR “Wrecking Ball”
Pat Green parted ways with BNA Records after two albums – 2006’s Cannonball and 2009’s What I’m For. Maybe now Pat will get a little dirtier with his future efforts. I really like him and he is tremendous as a live act. Just would like to see some shine worn off the sound. Here the link to his site, as his career continues to roll on, label or not.
Not exactly R.E.M., but it was close. Drummer Bill Berry performed with R.E.M. bandmates Peter Buck and Mike Mills onstage recently in the Athens, Georgia, nightclub the 40 Watt, covering the Beatles “Ballad of John & Yoko” and the McCoys’ classic “Hang On Sloopy.” Berry, who last played with R.E.M. in 2007 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was also joined by frequent R.E.M. collaborator and Minus 5 main man Scott McCaughey on lead vocals.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-lUwR-C_7c]
On the new Rosanne Cash album, The List plays like a tribute to the durability of country songwriting . She argues songs such as Don Gibson’s “Sea of Heartbreak,”(a killer duet with Bruce Springsteen) Harlan Howard’s “I’m Movin’ On” and Merle Haggard’s “Silver Wings” are worth hearing again.– Read more
Twang Rock Report: Jason and the Scorchers reunite for album, New albums from Todd Snider and Low Anthem, plus WTF on the Gaslight Anthem dates?
A Nashville rock/punk/country band reuniting, a Hoosier going beyond back-to-basics, and one the hottest bands in the country avoiding Indy again. All that, and a whole pile more…
ROB’S TWANG NEWS
Reunited?
Late 80’s cowpunkers Jason and the Scorchers is in the process of getting a new album completed; they reunited for their first recording session since 1998. Jason Ringenberg has been playing a lot of solo gigs (including a cartoonish kids singer named “Farmer Jason”) over the years, and Warren Hodges has been ripping it up on guitar in Dan Baird’s (Georgia Satellites) band.
Have You Heard?
The Pawn Shop Lifters (from Virginia Beach, VA) – American Rock with a little Steve Earle, a hint of Georgia Satellites – you listen and decide a third influence.
Of the Indiana American rock and roll bands I’m diggin, check out what Henry French and the Shameless are doing. Here’s a sample of their goods, from Birdy’s late in 2008, performing a song off their “Swagger and Sway” album.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLwFyk3CYSc]
And speaking of Indiana roots rock – The Elms and the 2009 Indy 500 highlights have been paired for a new cool little video. Pretty well done.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2EfhqgudzM]
Quick Hit – Upcoming Shows To Know:
June 12 BoDeans – Vogue
June 20 Hoosier Springsteen featuring Tim Grimm, Jennie Devoe. Gordon Bonham and Jason Wilber – Danville Town Square
June 21 Matthew Sweet – Vogue
June 28: Jonathan Richman w/ Vic Chestnut – Radio Radio
July 2 – Yonder Mountain String Band – Vogue
July 2: Vigilantes of Love – Radio Radio
July 17: Shelby Kelley w/ The Common – Radio Radio
July 23 Old 97’s – Vogue
June 26 – Steve Earle- Buskirk Chumley Theatre – Bloomington
Out this week:
The Low Anthem – “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin”
Americana/folk/alt-country/old-timey all rolled into a sweet little album. Gorgeous. They will play at Locals Only on August 6.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIoFq42ccr8]
Todd Snider – “The Excitement Plan”
Less overtly political, more of the Todd that is a brilliant examiner of the human condition. Or stoner guy. Or both. – read Spin review
BTW: How the hell does Indianapolis not get a Gaslight Anthem show? And Cincinnati gets a show…? The band has announced a series of new tour dates and again Indianapolis is not on it. While the band continues to perform in support of 2008’s The ‘59 Sound, this tour is rumored to be the band’s last before heading back into the studio to record a follow-up to that record.
09.08 Pittsburgh, PA: Mr. Small’s
09.09 Cincinnati, OH: Bogart’s
09.10 St. Louis, MO: Pop’s
09.11 Omaha, NE: Sokol Auditorium
09.13 Denver, CO: Ogden Theater
09.16 San Diego, CA: House of Blues
09.17 Los Angeles, CA: Henry Fonda Theater
09.20 San Francisco, CA: Fillmore
09.22 Portland, OR: Berbati’s Pan
10.03 Minneapolis, MN: Epic
10.04 Milwaukee, WI: Turner Hall
10.06 Detroit, MI: St. Andrew’s Hall
10.12 Buffalo, NY: Town Ballroom
10.13 Toronto, ON: Kool Haus
10.18 Philadelphia, PA: Trocadero
10.21 Richmond, VA: The National
10.22 Washington, DC: 9:30 Club
10.26 Columbus, OH: Newport Music Hall
Spin ‘em at 33 1/3 everybody…
Since I have a working turntable for my vinyl after a 20 year hiatus, I pulled the albums out of my parent’s house. I have about four large cardboard boxes stored in a nicely ventilated upstairs attic – thanks Mom.
Not wanting to bring all four boxes home, I grabbed one and pulled some stuff to hear that I hadn’t played since about 1992. Keep in mind that two factors affect my choices: Available inventory (most everything will be 70’s and 80’s), and previous career opportunities. I was a radio jock for 10 years, meaning I bought some of my own stuff to play (I worked at places where I was either in charge and could do what I wanted, or was at a station that still let jocks make music choices – I know, it’s shocking…) Plus, I also kept some records the stations deemed no longer necessary for their success, or records that they weren’t hip enough to know was good shit when they heard it.
Here’s my scratch and pop vinyl love for this week….roll ’em boys.
The Knack – “Get the Knack”
…Because I haven’t listened to it in about 20 years and want to see if there was still some magic nearly 30 years after the release. And despite the misogyny implications, the sound of “Good Girls Don’t” is still damn infectious. And forget the chorus, “My Sharona” becomes great when the guitar solo and entire band get extra -rocking just after the middle of the song.
R.E.O. – “T.W.O.”
Kevin Cronin back on board for this one. Not a killer album, but is a piece of 70’s midwest melodic hard rock from a bar band that had not yet discovered the power ballad.
The Rave Ups- “The Book of Your Regrets”
Ultimately likable but forgettable 80’s alternative rock, from an LA band, redeemed only by their Pittsburgh roots. I hear a Rust Belt/Joe Grushecky influence in some of their phrasing. Obtuse reference? Probably. Look Joe up.
Steve Miller Band – “Number 5”
Guess what album this was for Miller? Not his fourth. This was more like the predecessors and their hard-and-spacey 60’s guitar sound than the radio rock that was to come from Miller. There are hints of his greatness, but the cleaner pop production of “Book of Dreams” and “Fly Like and Eagle” aren’t on here.
Joan Jett – “Bad Reputation”
Her debut record, full of Ramones speed, hints at a Stone-sy attitude. She was turned down by more than 20 record companies before deciding to launch her own label (Blackheart Records) with pal Kenny Laguna. They used his daughter’s college fund, so it’s good things worked out. Laguna and Jett are still friends and regular business partners. Not as powerful as her follow-up, which would make her famous via “I Love Rock and Roll”. (Interesting note – the video for “I Love Rock and Roll” was shot in color, but someone thought it lacked something, so they went down to black and white, so that was how it was released.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3T_xeoGES8]
Now watch color version!
Greg Kihn Band – “With the Naked Eye”
Man, I was into that power pop thing, wasn’t I? This one has the Springsteen-penned “Rendezvous” as track 1, side 1.
How about St. Louis this week?
One of the older, smaller alt-country festivals of the summer features a great lineup – and St. Louis is a great city.
Twangfest 2009
Wednesday, June 10 – The Pageant
Alejandro Escovedo
Hot Club Of Cowtown
Amy Lavere
Thursday, June 11 – Duck Room at Blueberry Hill
Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys
Bruce Robison
Eilen Jewell
Brothers Lazaroff
Friday, June 12 – Duck Room at Blueberry Hill
Asylum Street Spankers
Andre Williams
Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles
Jon Hardy & The Public
Saturday, June 13 – Duck Room at Blueberry Hill
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
Daddy (with Tommy Womack and Will Kimbrough)
The Deep Vibration
Theodore
Americana Awards Nominees; Ex-Wilco Guitarist Dies; New Fogerty and Snider Album News
Todd Snider’s next album The Excitement Plan, comes out June 9 and you can stream it now
listen here
I like Todd (and love-love-love the live show) but need a couple more listens to the album. Underwhelmed right now. But then, that has happened before to me some great albums (always on U2 records and R.E.M records, it seems).
Here’s Todd telling a great bar story about meeting Slash:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rijCrZOpj_Y]
Former Wilco band member Jay Bennett died at age 45 over the weekend. The multi-instrumentalist died in his Illinois home May 23. Things were pretty messed up for Jeffy Tweedy and him at the end for their time together, and Jay seemed to be searching for something. He wasn’t getting what he needed in the group, and left/was fired. His recent $50,000 lawsuit against the band for unpaid royalties was odd. This is just sad.
You can hear Wilco’s untitled new record (set for a late June release) streaming on their website site at wilcoworld.net.
John Fogerty has finished his next album, “John Fogerty: The Return of the Blue Ridge Rangers,” a sequel to his 1973 solo album. We don’t know when it’s coming out,” Fogerty tells Billboard.com. “We’re in talks. Stuff can change.”
OK. We can live with that, if that is your answer, Mr. Fogerty. T-Bone Burnett produced the record, which means it will be a bit of a departure in sound for Fogerty who has fully embraced his old CCR sound on the most recent records.
Here’s some Fogerty (with Kenny A. bangin’ on drums) from last year:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_wWxj4-5mM]
The Americana Music Association announced the nominees for its 8th Honors and Awards ceremony
The ceremony will be held September 17 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, during the Americana Festival and Conference. It’ll be hosted by Jim Lauderdale, featuring a band led by Buddy Miller.
NOMINEES
Album of the Year
Real Animal, Alejandro Escovedo
Written in Chalk, Buddy & Julie Miller
Jason Isbell & The 40 Unit, Jason Isbell & The 40 Unit
Midnight At The Movies, Justin Townes Earle
Artist of the Year
Alejandro Escovedo
Buddy Miller
Justin Townes Earle
Raul Malo
Instrumentalist of the Year
Buddy Miller
Gurf Morlix
Jerry Douglas
Sam Bush
New & Emerging Artist
Band of Heathens
The Belleville Outfit
Justin Townes Earle
Sarah Borges
Song of the Year
“Chalk”
Written by Julie Miller
Performed by Buddy Miller & Patty Griffin
“Country Love”
The Gourds
“Homeland Refugee”
Written by Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Butch Hancock
Performed by The Flatlanders
“Rattlin’ Bones”
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson
“Sex And Gasoline”
Rodney Crowell
Duo/Group of the Year
Buddy & Julie Miller
The Flatlanders
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson
Reckless Kelly