It’s been a short spell since we’ve heard much new material from the Whiskeytown rebel, and his last efforts, Cardinology, the heavy metal experiment Orion, and the outtakes disc III/IV, left much to be desired. But from the sound of Ryan Adams’ latest leak, the first from Ashes and Fire, it seems he’s got his soft, sweet swagger back. The melody is akin to fine craftsmanship from Adams’ last great album, 2008’s Easy Tiger. The new disc – that’s the album art above, by the way – drops October 11th.
Kinda wished I lived in Australia right now. Sydney University’s Cellar Theatre is hosting a three-night production dedicated to the one and only Yeezy, or as they describe it on their Facebook page:
This is a story of a struggle against the man to become the man. It’s about a guy who took a shot at the throne and didn’t miss. This is the tale of Kanye.
The obviously tongue-in-cheek production takes you on a journey of the life of the divine spirit who gave us “Jesus Walks:” “From humble beginnings writing beats for Jay-Z to the top of the pops remixing Daft Punk.” Tickets range from $3-$6 (that’s dingo dollars, or whatever money is down there), and if I were an Aussie, I would be attending for sure. If the man himself hears about it and has a sense of humor, like he (kind of) did with South Park’s “Gay Fish” gag, maybe we could see this showing in more places. In the meantime, you guys bring your YouTube credentials for the rest of us!
Every Saturday, I post a 15-20 minute podcast featuring some tracks I’ve been jamming the previous week, as well as some commentary and random musings from yours truly. Enjoy!
Tracklist:
Jay-Z and Kanye West – Otis
Zammuto – Too Late to Tropologize
Jay-Z and Kanye West – Niggas in Paris
Tame Impala – Solitude Is Bliss (Time and Space Machine Remix)
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this recently, but I really love Fun Fun Fun Fest. This year’s lineup might be the best one I’ve ever seen, and they’ve now added some pretty big names to it, including Spoon, Black Lips, and a shit ton of more acts for the already-stacked yellow comedy stage. Peep the new lineup here and grab your damn tickets already!
I listen to a lot of music everyday, but there’s usually at least one song each day that either describes how I’m feeling, what I’m jamming to, or just something new I like. I’ve joined the Tumblr ranks to share these gems with you rather than clutter up this blog. I’ve avoided Tumblr long enough….if you can’t beat them. My first post is up, and it’s a gem from Reba McEntire….who else?!
“Like a good compost, we needed to ferment and turn the manure and garbage into fine, nitrogen rich dirt.” That’s how Les Claypool describes the hiatus since the late 90’s for Primus, who are back and apparently funkier than ever. At least that’s the vibe I get from the first leaked track from Green Naugahyde, their first new LP in twelve years, out September 13.
The song itself is reminiscent of Seas of Cheese-era Primus, with a more jammy, liquid-bass feel akin to recent solo Claypool outings. It also immediately reminds me of later Primus work, like Antipop‘s underrated “Ballad of Bodacious.” Original drummer Jay Lane keeps the groove throughout, Ler’s guitar playing is a signature, eery backdrop, and Les still packs a mean punch on his bass, not that anybody’s surprised.
In typical Claypool lyrical fashion, the track is an odd commentary on what a lot of people, or at least many loony fundamentalists, have been warning the rest of us about: the end of the world. As Les puts it to the fear-mongers, “who says lemmings can’t dance as they go over the cliff?” Listen to “Tragedy’s a Comin'” over at SPIN.COM.
