Thursday, September 18, 2008

Thursday It List and New Year Album Review

The New Year/A Weather/Transona Five (Granada Theater): Let me start off by saying that the Kadane Brothers are the best songwriters that the Dallas rock scene has ever produced. Period. How they have managed to make so many records and never make fools of themselves for a single moment is unfathomable. Though I have enjoyed many local bands in the past fourteen years, and especially the last five, the chances of another one coming along that will have the timelessness, longevity, and impact of the Kadane Brothers is something I'm not exactly counting on.

See, it's all about standards with The Kadanes. Recording in studios that don't suck with people that aren't stupid. I know, I know. Hard to imagine in today's musical landscape, where every decision is made at light-speed and the results are worried about later. No violated design principles on their minimalist cover art. One of them (Bubba) has even spent a lot of time poring over details in the only local yet nationally reputable cd manufacturer that I know of, to prevent you, bands and artists, from cutting corners and making mistakes. They have never employed the lowest common denominator tactics of so many lesser artists, which is a rare thing indeed. I'm a huge proponent of spontaneity and intentional amateurism, but there is something to be said for such a flawless discipline and work ethic.

What I'm getting at is that the Kadane Brothers are just giving us more of the same on their new New Year record, "The New Year," and when you consider that the two have spent so many years displaying such intelligence and excellence in so many variations on a theme, this is not at all a bad thing. I've heard so much hype about this being "the piano record" or something to that effect, and if that hadn't been mentioned so many times I probably wouldn't have even noticed. They have employed piano before, most famously on "The End Is Near," and have been using keyboards for at least a decade. So what's the big deal? I was actually expecting to hear ALL piano songs, with layered pianos for the big buildups, which is something I don't think I'd mind hearing them try.

But on just about every song you can point to other similar moments in their catalog, or at least a vague precedent that has already been established. If anything, the lone surprise here might be that there are more similarities to Bedhead than on the previous two New Year records, which isn't really much of a statement. It's like being surprised that Lou Reed solo records sometimes sounded like VU. For instance, album opener "Folios" possesses the same tense and repetitive snare hits used to close out "The Rest Of The Day," with chord changes and keyboard sounds very close to the track "The Present," a fan-favorite from Bedhead's triumphant career-closer "Transaction De Novo." Upon noticing the similarities, I had a good feeling this was going to be a winner from hearing the first track alone.

Elsewhere we find The New Year showing off their ability to do slow, almost country-like balladry far better than the legions that struggle to mine gold, or at least tolerable records out of that largely bankrupt territory. But they have done this at least as far back as "Any Life" from the "Dark Ages EP." The anti-rock found on "Wages Of Sleep" in the form of interwoven guitars and lack of back-beat is another facet of the Kadane sound, a reminder of the old art-world saying "Style is everything you do wrong."

There is, of course, a difference between the Kadanes' two projects, and this is largely attributed to The New Year's extended family of celebrated musicians, especially the recent announcement of Centromatic's Will Johnson joining the touring lineup. The fact that I'm not particularly a fan of Will Johnson, or even Peter Schmidt for that matter, but STILL probably won't mind hearing them tonight is just further testament to the Kadane's ability to improve everything around them. The New Year has often been compared to label-mates Silkworm for their more straightforward rock tendencies, and there is room for that comparison on the final track, "The Idea Of You," with its crunching guitar and keyboard combo. This is a logical and almost obvious comparison since Matt Kadane played some fairly raunchy organ parts on the last couple of Silkworm records, so it's safe to say it's a mutual influence. The Kadanes have also written shorter, up-tempo songs for most of their career, and it's hard to pin them down sonically, other than they seem to excel at whatever they choose to do. This record is proof of all these various abilities in one concise statement, and it could very well be my favorite of The New Year records so far.

When discussing the new album the other day, I realized that I've heard people complain about the "sameness" of The Kadane Brothers' output for over ten years now. Viewed from this perspective, the overall cohesiveness of their life's work is really something to marvel at, or as Wildcat said to me recently (paraphrasing), "their entire career is a concept." Despite the fact that they are still tragically underrated in their hometown, we should all hope that Dallas will eventually have another band that we can be equally proud of, at least in our lifetimes. (DL)

80's Night With DJG (Hailey's)

Ian Bangs/Summer Salt (Rubber Gloves)

57 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

stop crushing the other ones

5:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Damn insightful and accurate piece of writing, SR.

Can't wait for the show. Should be incredible...

5:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hear hear

5:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

defensive listening wrote that I believe.. it says (dl) in parenthesis..

5:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes, I can't take credit for it... DL is the author.

6:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks, Liles.

6:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

PINBACK and KYLESA tonight

6:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

someone cleaned that up and it wasn't me

7:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well written, DL.

7:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

damn, fuck..

it's true then. you guys could'nt give a fuck about tunes....

o.k. then, well, we'll see when the next motherfucker comes out then, i'm thinking december. as opposed to wanz, who apparently has a new release every other fuckin' day.........................

8:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i went to elementary school with ian bangs.

9:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

stonedranger should be murdered colin haha

9:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

☭☭☭☭☭

10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

rock

10:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i missed the last silkworm show in dallas cus i was getting stoned or something. weak.

10:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

gee wiz!

i forgot a space on the headline between 'list' and 'new'.

11:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

interesting...

if i type in defensive listening into the name box it pops up "i am really lame"

am i so lame?

i wonder what happen when i type stoned ranger...

11:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

same apparently...

...you're not the only one!

11:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

same apparently...

...you're not the only one!

11:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

its true!

11:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

its true!

11:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

1. You are not on the VIP list for breaking news

Were you the last to learn about this person's job promotion or newborn niece or nephew? Once things are serious, you should be among the first to know about exciting news, or bad news.


2. They avoid meeting your family or friends

If they are shying away from meeting your friends/family consistently, then there are problems. Even if they are very shy, they should want to meet those who are important to you.


3. They don't make any sacrifices

Healthy relationships don't require bending over backwards all the time, but a certain amount of sacrifice is necessary in a selfless union. When two of my friends first started dating one another, she demanded that he go to Farm Aid for her birthday, which was also the opening NFL football Sunday. While all the guys gathered to watch the games, he was sweltering on some field attending Farm Aid -- an event he never would have gone to if she hadn't have invited him. Now that's sacrifice.

4. They can't fit in your future

I admit it. When I meet girls, I envision future moments I may some day share with them. Most of my scenarios are her with me and my family at a Thanksgiving holiday or at a summer crabfeast. If I'm really into her, I usually relish the thought. If not, I kinda cringe.

5. They are too controlling

It's scary but I've seen many relationships where guys forbid girls to hang out with certain friends, or wear certain clothes. Major problem if someone is controlling you and not allowing you to be who you want to be within a relationship.

6. The "what are we" conversation fails miserably

Almost every relationship hits that crossroads where you both decide if it's worth taking the plunge into being exclusive and calling each other boyfriend/girlfriend. If they are confused and surprised that you're ready to get serious, the timing is not right, and you should try to figure out how long you want to wait around until they are ready.

Photo credit: University of Pittsburgh

Photo credit: University of Pittsburgh

7. They talk about plans that don't involve you

My sister has major wanderlust. She's always talking about heading off to Chicago or living in London for a year. She often talks about these things with no regard for the fact that she has a boyfriend at the time. If you find that someone is making plans or talking about far off places without inviting you along for the ride, don't let yourself get too into this person.

8. Your friends or family don't like them

Remember that your friends and family know you best. Don't take their thoughts with a grain of salt. It's one thing if a person or two don't get along with your significant other, but if a lot of them are saying you should reconsider, then do it. Unfortunately, we often find out about how much our friends hated that person after this person is gone.


9. They violated your trust

Whether it's cheating or a little lie that they got caught in, it will be hard to regain trust. Trust is something we don't give away easily, and once it's gone it's hard to get it back. We'll always be wondering about that lie, and doubt will creep in more and more as our minds fixate on that lie. Too often, people take trust for granted and once they lose it they never get it back.

10. You practice "unbalanced dating"

Are you always seeing his friends or doing things that he wants to do? Do you just let him pick the restaurants and events? Or is it the other way around? Relationships are fun when you are both able to contribute. If you're not taking turns creating fun times together, it will most likely fizzle out.

What would you add to the list? Ever been a victim of any of these red flags?


Posted by Rich

1:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I went to the New Year show last night, and I feel a little weird about it.

I've been a fan of the Kadanes since the first Bedhead album and maybe I've changed (or maybe I'm tired of hearing that they have changed) or maybe I was a little spoiled by the life-affirming Slow Burners show I watched at the DoubleWide right before heading to the Granada but the NY show was, well...kinda boring.

Nothing but respect for those cats but I just seem to enjoy "slo-core" and other Mopey favorites in the privacy of my own home rather than a live setting. Alone, preferably.

8:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

stonedranger should be murdered colin haha

9:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Slow Burners are lame. horrible and lame.

10:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://premium1.uploadit.org/carrioncart//NDsmall.jpg

This sculpture will be unveiled on the Denton square on OCT. 2.

Its pretty tacky isn't it? DRC folks of course love it because they suck each others cocks.

10:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There's nothing wrong with that statue. And I'm not "DRC Folk." Geez. Go easy.

10:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Who said you were? haha

10:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

1. When a post about relationships is the most insightful, useful, and interesting thing you've read on there for days.

2. nuff said.

10:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

1. Fuck you

2. Fuck "aesthetically safe" statues.

3. Fuck secretary paulson

10:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I meant the comments not the initial subject writing, by the way. I think it's about time to just not click the commments link anymore. Thanks for the information and opinions WSJR!

10:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

what's this statue all about now?

10:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Was that supposed to go in Dan's Silverleaf but they didn't have room for it? Looks like an office decoration. That pedestal it stands on is hidious!

10:56 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

lol @ 8:56 comment. Is there some narrative going on behind the scenes between that sculpture and cconfederate statue already there at the denton suare? Maybe they are telling us folks how "white" and outdated their preferences are?

11:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Not my fault your shittily-programmed comment field can't line-break itself. Suck it. Or go back to blogger.

11:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

that confederate soldier rules. stfu.

11:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rules like elementary cafeteria food being thrown at only black people right?

11:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THE SOUTHS GONNA DO IT AGAIN

1:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Fat Daddy’s Sound Shack is CLOSED indefinitely.


Today, Friday September 19, 2008 Fat Daddy’s Sound Shack is CLOSED indefinitely. The reason is “The Pond Depot”, Fat Daddy’s next door neighbor, complained to the owner of the property, Catherine, that we brought very bad kids and Parents “YOU” to the center. The Pond Depot said that our kids and Parents “YOU” were rowdy and were out of control.


So, here we are. We were kick out of our new venue because of “The Pond Depot” and “Catherine”.


It really pissed me off when the owners of “The Pond Depot” were snickering as we were loading the moving truck last night. They stayed late just to watch and laugh at us as we loaded the truck.


I spoke to the owner of the Convenient Store “Shell” they like “YOU”. They enjoyed having you around. They were the only ones open when we were open. So I guess “The Pond Depot” has a lot of power with Catherine.


As of now we are closed. If and when we find a new location we will let everyone know.


This situation makes Sarah and I very sad. Fat Daddy’s Sound Shack has been in business for over 5 years. And now, someone who is not even open when we have shows has killed us.
How can they say “YOU” are a problem?

Take care everyone, remember to SUPPORT THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE, go see as many local shows as you can at the other venues. Thank you to everyone that has come to Fad Daddy’s Sound Shack in the last 5 years. You will always be in our hearts.


Very sad and pissed,
Kenny and Sarah Brattain ☹

P.S. If anyone knows of a vacant restaurant, bar or venue that we can move in to. Please send me an email.
My email address is fatdaddys@mac. com

2:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just popping by to say that "A WEATHER" is a really horrible band name. Thanks.

2:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

............... @ 9:41

2:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

nicely written, dl

3:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

12:46pm is a racist.

3:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

9:04 we handle line
breaks
fine

or do we not?

3:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

✔ seems to work

4:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

4:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

ian bangs went to elementary school with him

4:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

New Year's temporary drummer is weak.

4:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

5:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

thank god someone finally said he is not a fan of will johnson. i'm so tired of hearing how fantastic he is and feeling like a dick for being the only one that seems to not see it. centromatic rocks, though. it has a lot to do with his band mates covering his ass.

6:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I couldn't even hear what Will was playing last night. Either they had him turned way down or he was just playing really, really quiet. Either way, he was standing so far off to the left I couldn't tell if he was a band member or a member of the crew.

And what was that stupid strobe light that kept flickering all night during each of the band's performances? Sweet Satan. I almost had a seizure. Surely that wasn't meant to be part of the show.

9:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

oh you will.. yes you will. actually, you already have one.

11:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

december

11:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

sup

4:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

sup

4:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

getting higher than a motherfucker

4:25 PM  
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7:41 PM  

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