CUT THROUGH THE NOISE » Wilco

NOW PLAYING: Top 9 2009

Kate Bradley — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:59:33 +0000

You read that right, it’s the Top 9. Two qualifiers: 1) an album totally worth the price, your money will be well spent and 2) an album that’s stood up on replay, ad infintinum. Hence, there were only nine. Trying to squeeze in a 10th felt like a copout. And we can’t have that. So, just in time for your shopping lists, our faves around Outlandos HQ for the past year:

1. Michael Miller, I Made You Up

Awash in a melodic swath of near-psychedelic ether, Miller’s sound teeters between that delicate dream state of newborn refuge and Milky Way haze. But don’t let the SoCal singer-songwriter thing fool you: Miller’s unassuming yet gumptious approach places him squarely alongside the likes of troubadours Pete Droge/Steve Forbert but with flecks of Supertramp/Bowie-style transcendental grandeur. No kidding. Which is why it’s my top pick.

2. Chris Velan, Solidago

Solidago was on my tops last year because I had an early copy (the release was April 2009) but it’s so good I’m putting it on the list again. The scoop: cunningly disguised as jangly chill-lax pop, Solidago reveals whipsmart songcraft and no-bullshit guitar rockers juxtaposed amidst easy-going ditties. Think Paul Simon, Tom Petty, The Wallflowers, Bob Marley. The kind of political/romantic moxie that makes me think hell yes, I too am a Hard Way Learner.

3. Mike Gent, Mike Gent

A pop masterpiece. Seriously. It’s easy, it’s smart, it’s fun, AND it has balls. Like Wilco used to (think Box of Letters, Monday). Speaking of balls, Mike’s other band, the Figgs, has long been one of my favorite badass live outfits.

4. Glasvegas, Glasvegas

Timeless Glasgow glampop at its uber-finest. Echo and the Bunnymen-esque, bigger drums. Shit-hot.

5. Gidgets Ga Ga, The Big Bong Theory

Fountains of Wayne meets Cheap Trick meets Strawberry Alarm Clock. Lots of bouncy, chimey guitars, and an authentic garage sound. Plus the album has a million songs on it. Loads of bang for your buck.

6. Contramano, Contramano

Argentinian chamber-punk. Go figure. It’s spectacular. Seriously, you need to own this record IMMEDIATELY.

7. Roman Candle, Oh Tall Tree in the Ear

The Bees (US) are easily one of my fave bands ever. Unfortunately, for legal reasons, they had to change their name to The Silver Seas. They should have a new album out soon (yay!). In the meantime, Bees’ cofounder Jason Lehning has been keeping busy. Roman Candle is his latest project and everything you would expect from a Bee. Smart, fun, shades Steely Dan, Pretzel Logic-style.

8. Passion Pit, Manners

A dance record! Who knew. Fun fun fun. Very Jackson 5. Plus a lot of synth.

9. Gary Yerkins, Compass

Gotta have a touch of blues in your list. Gary has a sweet Robert Cray sort of thing going on. Produced by guitar great Pete Droge who plays all over it as well. Total gem.

NOW PLAYING: September 2009

Kate Bradley — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:38:46 +0000

No one’s a bigger fan of social media marketing than me. But lord, lord, lord… it is motherfucking exhausting. Imagine running 2 companies (including 21 people working for free, miracle of God, I am beyond thankful every day) and still finding time for newsletters, status updates, and of course, blog posts. Let’s just say, more often than not, the basics (eating, cleaning, dressing, exercising, brushing teeth) take a backseat. Oh, priorities.

But the truth is, I count on YOU to help me keep at it. Your feedback (your e-mails, your retweets, your comments, your fandom, your forwards); that’s the FUN part. And I can’t do it without you. Just plain can’t.

So, thank you.

Now on to what’s been playing around Outlandos HQ:

1. One eskimO, One eskimO

Wow. Wow. Wow. Smart, clever and remarkably (I hate this word but it’s true)… fresh. And it takes a little bit creep up on you, which is my favorite. Seal/FYC meets 70s Stones meets Tom McRae, translation: singer-songwriter-pop-dance-rock. What? Really. Buy it.

2. Led Zeppelin, How the West Was Won (DVD)

Need a reminder of what exactly melt-your-face-off rock ‘n roll used to be? Arm hairs, beware: you’ll be standing on end for hours. Own it.

3. 7 Worlds Collide, The Sun Came Out

This one’s our Bang-for-the-Buck of the Month. I mean holy crap, it’s a Finn Fest (Neil, Tim, Liam), Wilco, and most of the members of Radiohead. Plus a ton more. Double album. And it’s a benefit to boot. It’s not gonna blow your mind but definitely worth your dollar. Straight up the Starbucks’ alley (if Starbucks had a clue). Do some good and buy it.

RIP Jay Bennett

Kate Bradley — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:56:20 +0000

The Tribune has the story.

I knew Jay a bit (John was my boyfriend at the time) during his Wilco years, my favorite Wilco years; the Jay years.

Straight-ahead guitar-rock Wilco will always be my Wilco: Monday, I Got You (At the End of the Century), Outtasite (Outta Mind), I even loved Summerteeth, which almost no one did. And while Spiders (Kidsmoke) is definitely on my top 100 of all time, this new, accessible Wilco isn’t the one that’s in my heart.

Jay was an indescribable talent. I don’t know what else to say.