Liz Kennedy, customer service for Rives Audio, has a BM in Music Performance from the University of Iowa. She has toured playing bass professionally and continues her skills with the Waterloo Symphony. Here are some recommendations for this month from Liz.
Indie-what?
Indie rock, denoting rock artists signed to independent (indie) record labels, is often equated with alternative rock. In recent years, however, the word "indie" has become something of a marketing term to refer to any artists of the alternative rock genre. Marketing term or not, the desire to further separate Indie rock from the all encompassing title of Rock n Roll, has in it of itself created a genre of artists creating open-sounding music with lyrics telling interesting stories. Here are my picks:
Wilco – Sky Blue Sky 2007, Nonesuch, www.wilcoworld.net
I got tingles on the first listen. The warm, often described as mellow, sound of this album compliments the intimate nature of many of the songs’ lyrics. Tweedy’s voice is clearer and much more musical than on previous releases in my opinion, (my 3 year old loves singing the song ‘What Light.”) It’s the band's first studio album with guitarist Nels Cline and multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone, and you’d assume they’ve been playing together since high-school.
South San Gabriel – The Carlton Chronicles: Not Until the Operation's Through, 2005, Misra Records, www.centro-matic.com/south-san-gabriel
Well, this record offers the ear some interesting sounds. Half concept album, half straight-forward alt-rock, the Carlton Chronicles wind a mysterious tale told from an escaped housecat’s perspective. Odd? Yes. But completely encompassing and a creative endeavor by the band Centromatic, who created an alter-ego in South San Gabriel.
Nicolai Dunger – Soul Rush 2001, 2002, Lakeshore Records, www.myspace.com/nicolaidunger
When a Swedish soccer star leaves the sports arena to create music, one would not expect to be chilled to the bone by his sensitive tone and vulnerable sound. This album is my favorite, but I highly recommend any effort by this artist. The track, “Dr. Zhivago's Train,” incorporates such lush sounds you’d think you were in the movie.
Gomez – How We Operate 2006, ATO Records, www.gomeztheband.com
Okay, this one is a bit of a stretch. It edges on the pop side of things, but I’d simply buy it for two singles on it, “Girl-shaped love drug,” and “See the world.” British-based Gomez, recently signed to Dave Matthew’s ATO records, have been making music since 1998, but this album somehow feels like a debut.
Neko Case – Fox Confessor Brings the Flood 2006, Anti, www.nekocase.com
You probably already have this one, but I don’t want you to think Indie Rock is a boy’s club! Neko Case, queen of reverb, marks her career with this giant release. Some say, but that’s “country music!” Phooey. Country music is highly distinguishable by its ‘made in Nashville’ stamp. Favorite track? “John saw that number,” but they’re all interesting songs. Check out the hilarious interview with Neko and the rock critics on “Sound Opinions”
A big thank you to Liz for these great selections. Hope you all enjoy them.
