Mother Hips - Live at Belly Up 2006 (IA)

From the Internet Archive (IA) this is Mother Hips Live at Belly Up, Solana Beach, California, back on the 10th March, 2006. The band performed Neil Young's album 'Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere' in its entirety on the first set.

For those unfamiliar with Mother Hips, the following is part of their (Wiki) history - Tim Bluhm (vocals/guitar), Greg Loiacono (guitar/vocals), Isaac Parsons (bass) and Mike Wofchuck (drums) met in 1990 while attending California State University-Chico, living off campus in Bradley Hall. They jammed and played some original songs at a few parties (once billed as Pippi Longstocking and the Trunk-of-Funk), but soon Isaac and Mike were lured away by the prospect of playing Led Zeppelin and Jane's Addiction covers at big parties as the rhythm section of the Keystones. Meanwhile Tim and Greg played acoustic guitars and sang harmonies to songstress Ali Weiss in the mellow trio Ali and the Cats.

These bands played throughout 1990, but in early 1991, Tim, Greg, Isaac and Mike got back together and got serious about being a rock band. It didn't take long to step up from parties in Chico, CA to local bars and dance clubs like LaSalles and Juanita's. They began playing original songs rather than covers. The band released Back to the Grotto in February 1993. It was produced by the band with Bay Area-based musician/producer Paul Hoaglin (who would subsequently replace Parsons on bass upon his departure in 2002). The Hips were courted by major record labels and did sign a deal with MCA. A&R Exec. Rob Kasino signed them to Rick Rubin's American Recordings even though they were still students at Chico. The Hips then became labelmates with Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, and the Black Crowes (whose Chris Robinson helped the band to sign with American.) The band visited The Black Crowes at Conway while they were recording Amorica on their way to SXSW.

They did more recording and mixing on Back to the Grotto for its American re-release (March 1995) and set out to record a follow-up. Released in August 1995, Part-Timer Goes Full included new songs as well as tunes from their back catalog. American Recordings decided the song "Shut the Door" would be released as the first single, but this decision did not go over well with some fans, who thought the song was not representative of their sound. While the song didn't top any charts, the fanbase grew due to touring, including a concert at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds with 2,400 tickets sold. They were also headlining major venues like the Fillmore in San Francisco and appearing at festivals like Laguna Seca Daze and the Horde tour. Their third album Shootout was recorded in early 1996 and released in October of that year. American Records failed to promote the album and eventually dropped the band from their roster. Their music shifted direction around 1997, with shorter, radio-friendly songs, instead of longer multiple sectioned songs. They started to get into basic country-style songwriting, but it didn't fit with drummer Mike Wofchuck's style, so they replaced him with John Hofer, formerly of the Freewheelers. In 1996, the band members moved out of the Chestnut Street house in Chico, to the San Francisco Bay Area, where they are currently based.

They recorded the stripped-down Later Days album and self-released it in May 1998. They continued playing frequently, focusing mostly on California cities, with occasional jaunts to Utah or the Pacific Northwest. They self-recorded another album, the more pop-oriented Green Hills of Earth. Indie label Future Farmer liked the album and released it, but, again, the album did not promote the band to their desired popularity. Bassist Isaac Parsons left the band in March 2002, to spend more time with his son. He was replaced by Paul Hoaglin (co-producer of Back To The Grotto and Part Timer Goes Full). In September of 2002, Greg Loiacono, lead guitarist, decided he too needed a break, and the band went on indefinite hiatus after two shows at Slim's in San Francisco in February 2003.

Toward the end of 2004 the Mother Hips reunited and started playing shows again. They recorded an EP, Red Tandy, followed by a full-length album, Kiss the Crystal Flake, released in April 2007. The band released their seventh album, Pacific Dust, in October 2009 to great acclaim, including highlights "White Falcon Fuzz" and "Third Floor Story". The album was recorded at Mission Bells Studio in San Francisco with co-producer/engineer David Simon-Baker. The Mother Hips released an archival 4-CD set compilation celebrating 20 years of music together September 13, 2011 called Days of Sun and Grass. On May 14, 2013, the band announced that their new album, 'Behind Beyond' would be released on July 9, 2013. The album was produced by David Simon-Baker and recorded at the Mission Bells studio in San Francisco and will also include the songs, 'Isle Not of Man' and 'Jefferson Army'. - The band continue to perform, for details see the website link below.

Recording Details: Source SBD>Mac laptop. - Lineage CDR>EAC V0.95 beta 4>yamp>Flac Front end version 1.7.1 level 8.

Sound Quality: Superb - soundboard.

Set List:

Set 1.
01.Cinnamon Girl
02.Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
03.Round and Round (It Won't Be Long)
04.Down By the River
05.Losing End (When You're On)
06.Running Dry (Requiem for the Rockets)
07.Cowgirl In the Sand

Set 2.
01.Banter
02.Singing Seems to Ease Me
03.Colonized
04.Such a Thing
05.3rd Floor Story
06.Back to the Grotto
07.Del Mar Station***
08.Gold Plated
09.Song in a Can
10.Grizzly Bear
11.Life in the City
12.Chum
13.Blue Tomorrow
14.Red Tandy
15.Rich Little Girl
16.---waiting for encore
17.Encore: The Figure 11
*** with Court and Spark

Website: Official Here.

Comments: There are FLAC, Ogg Vorbis and mp3 download files, along with the streaming material over at the Internet Archive (here).

Stream Below:

Tuesday Rocks: Hound - Andrew Johnston

Hound - Driveway.

Background - Brisbane goth cricket enthusiasts Hound return with an infectious garage-door banger ‘Driveway’ following on from their album single ‘God is Calling’ - which turned up on a fair few radios and televisions across the great southern land.

Born out of a combined love for 80’s post punk and 90’s alt rock, ‘Driveway’ is equal parts fresh and throwback. Singer Chris Cox’s lyrics and vocal delivery evoke strong images of booze soaked balconies basking in the afternoon sun. Hungover thoughts of being caught in the same environment without a means of escape, sending ones ambitions into the indifferent vacuum of outer space echoing the lyric “I guess we’re back to the same old driveway”. Driveway’ is the first single taken from Hound’s forthcoming  EP to be released early 2016.

Whether it's post punk or goth rock is academic, 'Driveway' is a refreshing blast of high energy, fast paced, good old rock'n'roll music. Best served with plenty of iced beer.

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Andrew Johnston - Take The Highway.

Background words from Andrew Johnston - On the eve of my new tour I'd like to release my new single “Take the Highway”. It's the fruit of my earlier tour dates this year where I reconnected with the magic of art and travel.

I wanted to make something fun and spontaneous that would capture the creative energy I felt coming off a tour of Ontario last May.  Being on the road can feel magical because you connect with real people face-to-face in a really special way and if you are tuned-in just right there is some cosmic energy out there - for example, when we drove into Orillia, Ontario, Gord Lightfoot came on the radio (Orillia is Lightfoot’s home town), and taking exit 64 to Hamilton, the Beatles “When I’m 64” came on...explain that! Ah, regardless of if you believe in magic, “Take the Highway” explores that often living a fulfilling life requires taking chances, and getting outside of your comfort zone.

Meeting the road for me was that chance. For you it may be something different. Regardless, I wrote "Take The Highway" to encourage you to take those chances, go see those places, write a song or simply do what you need to do to expand your horizons. Take the Highway will by a digital only release for now, packaged with a bonus track: a cover of Cory Heart’s 1985 classic “Never Surrender.”

Tour Dates:

November 19th Ottawa -Raw Sugar Cafe with Nick Ferrio and Dynamite Motel
November 20th Stratford - Monforte with Two Minute Miracles
November 21 Kingston - Musiikki Cafe
November 22 Montreal - Cagibi with Nick Ferrio, Colin Moore, We Are We
November 26th London, Ontario - East Village Arts Collective with Cat Clyde
November 27th Peterborough - The Garnet with Nick Ferrio
November 28th Toronto - Saving Gigi with Part & Parcel, MJ Cyr (Presented by Lootbag)
November 29th Saint Catharines - Mahtay Cafe with Mat Monoogian and Edwin Conroy Jr.
Dec 3 – Fredericton – The Grimross.
Dec 4 -St. John, NB -Taco Pica w/Womb to Tomb.
Dec 7th – Charlottetown, P.E.I – Babs’s Lounge w/ David Woodside
Dec 8th – Moncton, NB – Igloo Beverage Room.

'Take The Highway' has that warm timeless rock vibe of a 'road' song. Story telling, unfolding lyrics and vocals that really can deliver this style, along with some tighter than tight music.

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Monday: Emmylou Harris with John Paul White - Twin Limb - Steve Mahabir

Emmylou Harris with John Paul White - Kyrie.

Background - Emmylou Harris & John Paul White have released "Kyrie," the second single from the upcoming Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest Of Us, Volume II compilation. "Kyrie" is available today as a single for purchase and streaming at all digital outlets. The full Mercyland compilation will be released on January 15, 2016 on Mercyland Records.

This is the second installment of the Mercyland compilation, bringing together some of the most prominent voices in Americana music. "I don’t know that the first Mercyland would have even happened without Emmylou’s involvement," says Phil Madeira. "When I started Volume II, she suggested we write together, which of course was an honor.  She brought lovely verse ideas to the table, but a chorus eluded us until the words 'Kyrie Eleison' appeared.  What better prayer can be prayed than to ask for mercy?"

Classic Emmylou Harris with sensitive accompaniment by John Paul White (John Paul White is an American singer-songwriter, and was a member of the Grammy Award-winning duo The Civil Wars). It's a charming tender song.

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Twin Limb - Don't Even Think.

Background - Twin Limb’s debut 'Anything Is Possible and Nothing Makes Sense' was relesed last Friday. Twin Limb are type of nouveau Americana, enlisting all the roots-y singing and strings their part of the world has been known for since its inception, but stacking all the types of production tricks we've learned over the decades, bringing us to 2015.

Twin Limb is proof that a band can be a powerful trio without being a "power trio". When friends, Lacey Guthrie and Maryliz Bender decided they were going to build a musical edifice together, they eventually enlisted the producing prowess of Kevin Ratterman, not knowing that his organic style would blend so well with their own; bringing post-punk guitar sprinklings to a yearning, but militaristic amalgam of soaring vocals, percussion, and slowly-kneaded accordion. Once Ratterman officially joined, the production of the long player interestingly ceased, and following what the three felt they should do to honor their output, they began work on a second release, the EP Anything Is Possible and Nothing Makes Sense. In an age of rushing full lengths, sometimes an outfit does not get the opportunity to suddenly pivot to follow what their music dictates, but in the new wild west of the music industry... well, anything is possible.

Oh I do like the featured track 'Don't Even Think'. Atmospheric music supports the superb vocals and emphasises the 'powerful trio' versus 'power trio' comments above. A beautiful distinct and memorable song.


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Steve Mahabir - Riding Cowboy.

Background and the story so far  - Steve Mahabir's family moved from Trinidad to Canada when he was seven, exchanging an idyllic island lifestyle for the gritty Toronto neighborhood of Parkdale.

The Caribbean rhythms and steel drums of childhood quickly morphed into a rock and roll adolescence for Mahabir as he turned to the electric guitar. He co-founded the seminal Canadian alt.rock band Groovy Religion and held down a residency at The Beverley Tavern's infamous “Elvis Mondays” ground zero for Toronto's explosive 1980s Queen Street music scene. Mahabir recorded three albums with the group, appeared on compilations and soundtracks, backed Jim Carroll for several Toronto shows and shared bills with the likes of the Beastie Boys, Hüsker Dü, Dream Syndicate, Barenaked Ladies and many others. He also played with Scott B. Sympathy, Parts Found in Sea and Ministry of Love before largely putting music on the back burner as he started a family and then a store front business in Parkdale. 

Music still coursed through Mahabir’s veins, however, and he’s now finally set to release his debut solo album, Angel in Parkdale, through Big Canoe/Bungalo/Universal. The 16-song, 50-minute record offers an eclectic mix of instrumentation and sounds that combine to create a concept album that pulls no punches in telling a gripping story of a one-time drug dealer and his girlfriend that’s based on real people and situations that Mahabir has dealt with over the past 16 years. Some songs were written in just 15 minutes while others took a few years to gestate, but they form a cohesive collection of driving rock, country-based roots, simmering ballads and haunting pop numbers.

The guitarist/singer invited friends to bring his vision to life, including: two Groovy Religion bandmates, bassist John Borra (Rattlesnake Choir, The Screwed) and drummer Glenn Milchem (Blue Rodeo, The Swallows); keyboardist Michael Boguski (Blue Rodeo); and steel guitarist Mickey Andrews (Stompin’ Tom Connors). The bed tracks were recorded in three days with Juno Award-nominated Grammy Award winning engineer/producer Peter J. Moore (Cowboy Junkies, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Hard Core Logo) at his renowned The E Room studio.

Angel in Parkdale was produced by Borra, Moore and Mahabir and was rounded out masterfully with the addition of trumpet, trombone, saxophone, violin, harp, tabla and backing vocals, with contributions from the likes of friends David Madden (Bob Marley, Zap Pow), Miranda Mulholland (Great Lake Swimmers, Belle Starr), William New (Groovy Religion) and former professional wrestler turned country singer Sweet Daddy Siki.

'Riding Cowboy' may only be a little over two minutes long, but it's one mighty tempting hook, to go out and purchase the rest of the album. It just oozes quality and with a 'CV' like the one above, you kind of expect that at the very least.

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Alternative Take: Rococode - Cayetano - Emancipator - Blade of Grass

Rococode - Panic Attack.

Background - Rococode is Laura Smith and Andrew Braun. They released their debut album 'Guns, Sex & Glory' to much critical acclaim in early 2012. The record was produced by Ryan Guldemond (Mother Mother, Hannah Georgas) and mixed by John Congleton (St.Vincent, Polyphonic Spree). Upon the release of their debut, the band took to the road and spent the better part of the next 18 months touring Canada and the US in various capacities.

When it came time to work on their follow-up, Rococode coaxed producers Caleb Shreve (Phantogram, Bear Hands) from New York and Ted Gowans (Tegan and Sara, Fences) from Los Angeles to set up a studio in a cabin, off the grid, in the isolated coastal forest of British Columbia. Between building fires, checking the solar panels, and failed fishing trips, the foursome set to work on music that shared none of the characteristics of their rustic surroundings. They arranged an army of synthesisers, guitar pedals and drum machines into tight, crisp Alternative gems that sparkle, shuffle and shake at every turn. The result of this incredible collaboration is the 'Panic Attack' EP (Released back on October 9th). It will be followed by the full length album due out in February 2016.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

November 17th - Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange — Regina, SK
November 18th - Starlite Room w/Dear Rouge — Edmonton, AB
November 19th - Broken City — Calgary, AB
November 20th - The Slice — Lethbridge, AB
November 21st - Spirit Bar — Nelson, BC.

Released last month the five track 'Panic Attack' EP is a taste of what to expect from next February's album. With thumping synths and percussion the title track is accompanied by some 'softer' songs and consistently fine vocals. The remix of 'Panic Attack' strips back the layers a little, giving it a more intricate feel. It's a hard one to call so we have added both versions.


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Cayetano - Talk To Me.

Background - It's been 3 years since Cayetano's "Once Sometime" album, which received great reviews from the Press as well as amazing feedback and support from artists such as Thievery Corporation, The Herbaliser, Mop Mop and Skeewiff to name a few.

Now, Cayetano is back with 11 different stories about everyday life, love and loneliness to be heard as one. It's the first album where he plays almost all instruments by himself, apart from the guitars, performed by Alex Papoulidis.

From the fusion feeling of "Talk To Me", or the deeply emotional "Something In You" and "Hold Me Tight", to the funky "Third World War" and the cinematic "Leningrad", from the jazzy "Fading Away", to the pop oriented "Treat You Right", "Where The Sun Shines" and "Never Said It's Easy", Cayetano creates another sonic kaleidoscope for your special moments.

'Talk To Me' is the first of eleven quite diverse songs, on this album. I just love the whole way this track flows, and was pleasantly surprised by the impressive quality of the rest of the material. As said, it ain't all the same, but it is a very good album.

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Emancipator - The Key (Live).

Background - In the wake of the release of his fourth studio album Seven Seas last month, hip hop/down tempo producer Doug Appling, aka Emancipator, has decided to release a live version of album track "The Key" for free download. This cut, which features live drums, bass, guitar, and violin, was recorded at the same show as his Live In Athens album, but was not included because the studio version was unreleased at the time.

Seven Seas debuted at #2 on the iTunes Electronic chart, and Doug and the Emancipator Ensemble are touring the west coast throughout November with openers Blockhead and Manatee Commune. Featuring bass and drums, along with a variety of string instruments played by Doug and close collaborator Ilya Goldberg, the Emancipator Ensemble brings his music to life at the crossroads between a DJ set and a live band.

Remaining Tour dates:

11/15 - Hi-Fi Music Hall - Eugene, OR
11/17 - Ashland Armory - Ashland, OR
11/18 - The Catalyst - Santa Cruz, CA
11/19 - Regency Ballroom - San Francisco, CA
11/20 - Regent Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
11/21 - Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA
11/22 - Glass House Concert Hall - Pomona, CA.

Well we have been known to share to odd live track or two on Beehive Candy. This is just superb, what else can I add, that hasn't been said in positive reviews by the likes of the New York Times and others.

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Blade of Grass - The Day Will Come.

Background Words - Blade of Grass is a two man organic electronic project based out of the seascape-y areas of the LA space. Back on October 20th they released their follow up EP to this year's two track EP She Was. From the onset, their latest release Skydream swiftly pulls the listener into a sonic landscape that dilates the senses and clears the stressful congested and racing mind.  

More so than this year's She Was, Skydream acts as a vehicle for Michael and Josh (Blade of Grass) to act as lackadaisical shamans of the secular world. In other words, all four tracks on Skydream are quintessential chill out music. Take a break from social media, anxiety, possessions, and let Blade of Grass' newest release be your convoy to momentary escapism.

Any outfit describing their music as 'West Coast Electronic Space Rock' deserves at least a listen. Vocals are good and strong, and nicely 'up in the mix' across all four tracks, each of which stamps it mark in a positive way. On reflection west coast electronic space rock is a fair description and you can add me as a fan.

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Saturday Sounds: Deep Sea Diver - L.U.V - Sugarmen - Postal Blue

Deep Sea Diver - Secrets.

Background and the story so far - "Wide awake, and I'm chasing after you" - exclaims a breathless Jessica Dobson, singer and multi-instrumentalist of Seattle's Deep Sea Diver. The lyric is one that best encapsulates the front woman's bravado and fearlessness which dominates Deep Sea Diver's forthcoming sophomore LP, Secrets out February 19th on their own High Beam records. In their desire to explore dualities, Deep Sea Diver urgently and deliberately move you from rock experimentation to dreamy soundscapes, Kraut-esque drum and bass grooves to angular danci-ness, and full fledged orchestration to bare bones simplicity. Dobson has the voice and authority to tie it all together, and turn it into a cohesive unit that soars yet remains beautifully delicate and intimate. Live, the band has received acclaim for their festival-ready power and presence, Jessica's larger than life guitar hooks, and their cascading layers that build upon each other until they reach their explosive peak.

In late 2013, Dobson put in her notice to former Shins boss, James Mercer, in order to give full attention to her own musical vision. Mercer agreed, saying "I'll miss you, but I give you my full support. You've gotta pursue Deep Sea Diver." While much was gleaned from the experiences in her many years spent playing with top tier musical outfits (Beck, the Shins, Spoon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs,) something was brewing that demanded a sort of dedication and alertness that couldn't be fully engaged while moonlighting as a side-woman for those greats.

Recorded with Darrell Thorpe (Radiohead, Beck) and Luke Vanderpol at the Bank in CA, Jessica and band (comprised of husband Peter Mansen on drums, Garrett Gue on bass, and Elliot Jackson on guitar and synth) have together created an album that is colorful, energetic, and varied-with an emotional depth and pulsating charge that demands the listeners full attention. As she and Mercer sing together on "Creatures of Comfort," "I'm in my own world", the listener is brought in, and very content that this is the world that she has chosen and invited others into. Secrets is an album you will not want to keep to yourself.

'Secrets' is the first single from next February's album of the same name. A potent and powerful song, both Jessica's vocals and the music, cut to the action, demanding your attention.

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L.U.V - I Can Be The Answer.

Background - Following their debut single 'Take Me to the Sea', Sunshine coast sister pop duo L.U.V are proud to present their new single 'I Can Be the Answer'.

Mixed by Brisbane’s Konstantin Kersting (Art of Sleeping, Moses Gunn Collective), the song’s dreamy karmic melody and harmonic overlapping vocals flirt playfully with psychedelia while demonstrating the young sisters innate ability to produce effortlessly gripping hooks. Think kaleidoscopic glimpses of bonfires by the lake on dark summer nights enveloped by the hypnotic voice of a young girl trying to seduce a lover with song. 'I Can Be the Answer'- beautiful, imploring and channelling the siren - is the second taste of a plethora of material forthcoming from L.U.V before impending live shows in 2016.

'I Can Be The Answer' is a catchy melodic pop song. Superbly performed and produced, that surely has to be enough, I think so.

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Sugarmen - Plastic Ocean.

Background - 2015 has been a huge year for Sugarmen. The band played two Hyde Park shows with The Who and Blur, as well as sharing stages with Sleaford Mods, The Bohicas, Hooton Tennis Club, Deer Hunter, Metronomy and British Sea Power. The four-piece have toured hard and reinforced their growing reputation for high octane live sets, driven by charismatic cool and electric chemistry.

Debut single 'Dirt', produced by Clash legend Mick Jones, was made XFM single of the week on its release in March and has racked up over 100,000 plays on Spotify. It’s easy to hear why: 'Dirt' is two-and-a-half glorious minutes of pure accelerating guitars matched with anthemic vocals.

Their new single 'Plastic Ocean', a galactic track that explodes into life with a collision of fractured rhythms and angular riffs, boasts clever lyrics, power-surged vocals, and spaghetti western guitars, all driven by an unrelenting rhythm section and infectious melody. 'Plastic Ocean' captures on record the on stage energy the band are renowned for, it's as sharp a statement of intent as you’ll ever hear.

Swaggering with attitude 'Plastic Ocean' is like a massive shot of adrenaline, delivered with a timeless 'Mod Rock' feel.

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Postal Blue - Bitterness Is Sweet.

Background promo - This is the second album from Brazil's Postal Blue, who have been around (though not very actively) for nearly 18 years now, with previous releases on indie pop royalty labels like Drive-In, Shelflife and Cloudberry Records. One listen and anyone could easily be convinced that this was a lost Sarah Records release, with its songs echoing the Orchids and Field Mice (in both their exuberant and melancholic moments) at some times, a less fragile Blueboy at others, and even Secret Shine at their dreamiest in a few spots. 

The production is crystal clear and shimmers brightly throughout the entire 35 minutes of this album, making it easy to see how it took so long to complete (you just can't rush perfection!). Overall, this is a very beautiful batch of songs that will make you wistful for the indiepop days of old and elated that the torch is still being carried on...

'Bitterness Is Sweet' is the first of ten songs on the album, all of which are at the very least, on a par with this featured track. If you were asked to describe 'indie pop', this could be as good a starting place as any.

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