PurrView #17 - Coastwest Unrest

Coastwest Unrest at The Bunkhouse Saloon - Las Vegas

( http://www.myspace.com/395976019 )

Coastwest Unrest is a three-piece Las Vegas indie band whose innovative, yet classic sound is hard to pinpoint, but it has deservingly earned them a spot at this year's Vans Warped Tour Las Vegas stop.  Their music is the most familiar sound you've never heard, as it encompasses elements of folk music, bluegrass, punk, southern gospel, and rockabilly. And the trio even achieves all this without a bass player! Some fans and followers have fittingly dubbed their sound as "Whiskey Rock." 

Their first album Songs from the Desert (2009) is succeeded by their most current LP, Old Weird America (2010), and the band is currently working on a third album due out by the end of the year, under their own independent label, Reclaim Records. Each song-- typically characterized by precisely accented percussion and high-gear violin-infused progressions, suddenly halted by dramatic breakdowns that kick into neutral, only to swoop you back up with a swift, musical kick to the seat of your pants-- seems to be a number that's part of a larger production about pain, redemption and ghosts of times good and bad. Beyond the light, acoustic sound that one initially hears in Coastwest Unrest, lays a dark, spooky, intriguing context. The band consists of Alex Barnes on violin/backup vocals, Josh Dickie on drums and his brother, Noah Dickie on acoustic guitar/lead vocals/harmonica (and several other outfits such as mandolin and upright bass). Drummer, Josh, stated that he and his brother have been playing music together since he was 10-years-old, and that their parents have always been extremely supportive of their musical endeavors.

I caught up with Coastwest as they played The Bunkhouse Saloon on June 18th with The Devil Whale and Shiny Boots of Leather. I asked the basic question of how the band name came about. The "Coastwest" element was explained as it literally entails the west coast, L.A. and the Las Vegas area.  Frontman Noah explained, "There's just something about the West… It's where a lot of our inspiration comes from." He went on to explain that the "Unrest" element refers to "…the restlessness of this environment." Noah, a seasoned writer and lyricist responsible for all of the band's lyrics, also extolled classic literary heroes such as John Steinbeck and William Faulkner as sources of inspiration.

I first heard Coastwest Unrest's notable track, "The Lonesome Tale of Bacchus Lee (My Friend)" on 107.9's weekly locals spotlight with Local Show Joe. With murky lyrics like "If there's a God, won't you descend?" and hypnotizing violin, the mysterious and alluring song caught my attention. Since that moment, I was hooked on Coastwest. I began the parking lot interview by probing to find out what the song was about; who Bacchus Lee is. Noah responded by asking me what I thought "Lonesome Tale" was about. I replied that the tune makes me envision a dark character, that's done something wrong.  He's in trouble and hurrying to get away from something.  The band replied that, though I'd definitely embraced the intended idea, there is no clear, tangible answer to who Bacchus Lee is, what he's running from, and why he desperately questions the existence of a higher power. Originally only played live, the band decided to record the track after getting phenomenal feedback from fans at shows.   Noah continued by stating, "We leave it to interpretation. Like art, we want listeners to perceive it by the brush strokes we paint the song with."

In discussing their music and albums, lyricist Noah, mentioned the word "redemption" on more than one occasion, as the act of seeking it seems to be a powerful theme in their music. I pointed out to the band that I sense a spooky, ghostlike feel to their persona and their music. Violinist, Alex confirmed this and pointed out that several of their songs literally mention ghosts in the title, such as "I'm a Ghost Now" and "East Coast Ghost." In the song "Your Streets under My Feet" loom the lyrics, "She and the ghost of Henry take to the streets tonight for a blood-thirsty sacrifice…" And in yet another example, a line from the track "Fontana Bounce" says, "And you'll hear the ghost whisper so loud: Get out, get out, get out." Aside from spooky titles and lyrics, the instrumentals themselves are eerie and heart-rending, yet darkly satisfying, especially on tracks like "Mojave Dream #5" which is purely instrumental. There are frequent, long breaks during some of their songs, wherein, even without vocals, the music continues to tell the story. Future plans for Coastwest Unrest include continuing to play shows, and also completion and release of their third album, in which they intend to continue their dark story-telling, and as Alex added, they also hope to add more vocals and harmonizing.

At a recent show put on by local scene-setters, EIY (earnityourself.com), at the Royal House, Coastwest Unrest beat out several other local bands for a slot at this year's Vans Warped Tour, which is set for June 30th at the old site of The Plaza. I encourage all local music-lovers to go to Warped Tour this year and show support for the bands, but especially for this amazing, eclectic band at the Kevin Says Stage. You won't be able to keep yourself from bobbin' your head and stompin' your foot to the fresh, spooky sounds of Coastwest Unrest!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #16 - The Airborne Toxic Event Secret Session

Airborne Toxic Event broke out in Las Vegas this weekend!

Relax, folks…. That’s the band name, not some catastrophic or apocalyptic occurrence. The five-piece indie rock group from L.A. broke out in songs from their most recent album “All at Once” at the House of Blues on June 12. But before the main show, a few lucky Airborne fans were able to come in early for a 107.9 Secret Session, accessible only to those who’d won tickets from the radio station. The first Secret Session was back in March with Panic at the Disco. And upon finding pictures of the former Secret Session online, I was delighted to see images of the boys from Panic performing in a personal, acoustic setting; with casual hipkids looking on, as they sat atop paisley rugs and comfy meditation-style pillows.

 When I received a confirmation call from the radio station after being a winning caller for the Airborne Toxic Event Secret Session, Shelby from 107.9 The Alternative graciously told me to bring a guest, a camera, and to anticipate rugs, pillows and a small, intimate, acoustic setting. She advised that the secret Airborne Toxic Event session would begin at 2pm and that we’d be able to meet, greet, chat and get autographs in a small-capacity setting. Subsequently, a couple more calls came in the days to follow, each pushing back the start time of the sesh.  When the day arrived, we’d last been told to be there at 4pm; and the Secret Session ended up starting after 5pm. (Finally!)

While waiting for the Secret Session to start, I asked 107.9 The Alternative’s newest On-Air personality, Slater, what the plans are for these Secret Sessions. “The first one was a couple months ago—Panic at the Disco,” he told me. “It’s put on by the station, Miller Lite and House of Blues… We hope to do more of these.”

The session took place, not in some private, small-capacity area, but inside the House of Blues, only now I was seeing the place with all the lights on; not that I would’ve ever wanted to. Pillows? Rugs? Acoustic guitars? No, no…. and no. Darn! Well at least the band’s about to come out, I thought. I named them off in my head as they each emerged from backstage: Noah, Steven, Anna, some random guy (?), Daren…. Hmmm.

 Lead singer, and main driving force behind The Airborne Toxic event was nowhere to be found. Random guy in his place, whom I later found out was named Brian, broke the news to us and stated, “Mikel [Jollett] is out with food poisoning,” right before he swallowed a bit of a man-giggle.

It wasn’t the scene I had anticipated, but it was intimate. The crowd consisted of about 30-40 of us and some random HOB staff setting up for the evening’s main show. What I’d originally thought would be an acoustic session, reminiscent of the first Secret Session, actually turned out to be: sound check.

I felt like I’d been had.  But, the four band members that’d made it to sound check still brought with them a great stage presence (after their hangovers subsided and they started to focus). Anna’s slight frown eventually turned upwards into her beautiful smile as she started playing violin, playing the keyboard, and started warming up her vocal chords. “How many of you guys actually live here in Vegas?” she queried us. Most of us raised our hands and smiled in response. “We don’t know how you do it,” she grinned.  

Noah [Harmon], bassist for The Airborne Toxic Event, who appeared to have recently ditched about six inches of hair, led on vocals and lead guitar as much as possible, but hardly any songs were played in their entirety. As the crew adjusted sound, microphones, lighting, settings, and the works; band members like Steven [Chen] and Noah frequently played around on other instruments and squatted down to converse with us .  

I’m sure this is not exactly what 107.9 The Alternative had in mind for their second Secret Session, featuring The Airborne Toxic Event, but the session turned out to be its own kind of success. The handful of us that had been winning callers on the radio were able to listen and watch in on The Airborne Toxic Event (sans Mikel Jollett), as they got ready for the night’s performance. We were able to talk to them, take pictures with them, hear them interact and goof off with each other, and even with us. Truly good vibes came from each of the individuals from the band that I met, who kindly obliged with all of us for pictures and autographs. The life of a rock star has got to be trying in ways that those of us who work in cubicles everyday couldn’t quite understand. So four out of five band members ain’t bad, when the stop on their tour happens to be Las Vegas, right?

 In a way, it was more intimate than-- and almost preferable to-- a completely organized, well-thought-out acoustic session…. It was the band members being themselves and sharing over an hour of their Vegas afternoon with us. The Airborne Toxic Event was ironically a healthy dose of fresh air.

~Meow~

Pennies  

 The 107.9 crew and Airborne Toxic Event members

PurrView #15 - Smashing Pumpkins: Taking It back to the Start

Smashing Pumpkins

   From the suburbs of Chicago in 1988 emerged a brainchild that, to this day, continues to evolve and change shape, yet retain its cathartic presence via modern day male muse, Billy Corgan.  Smashing Pumpkins-- which originally consisted of D’Arcy (bass),  James Iha (guitar and backing vocalist) and Jimmy Chamberlain (drummer), in addition to Corgan (lead guitar, lead vocals) -- emerged into the grunge era with a melodramatic-psychedelic- gritty-dreamrock sound and syncopation that set them apart from other notable bands of the early to mid-90s. Many fans argue that the Pumpkins’ signature sound was owed to Billy Corgan’s musical genius and distinct, bass-less voice; others swear that their uniqueness was primarily due to Jimmy Chamberlain’s drumming style. In my opinion it was both, and much more that deemed them a kick-ass staple band of the 90s. The band’s image was aesthetically pleasing from the start; each band member with distinct character and precise talent, each one an individual 90s brand within themself that suburban high schoolers and inner city scenesters alike, could identify with. Their success could also be attributed to their sheer musical talent or fine-tuned attention to detail, such as psychedelic layered sounds and distortion. Top of the line production (i.e. Butch Vig) has also earned the Pumpkins their clean, and often orchestral sound that has achieved platinum merit and consistent appreciation from fans and the industry throughout the years. Another attribute to SP’s success has been award winning music videos that will have any late-70s/early-80s baby reminiscing; such as 1993’s “Today”  and 1996’s silent movie knock-off, “Tonight, Tonight”  .

   Though they are my hands-down, all-time favorite band, I admit, I stopped keeping up on the Smashing Pumpkins in a religious manner shortly after 1995’s Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and 1997’s Adore. So, it really stirred up in me nostalgic memories of the good old days of my suburban Midwest teen life, when recently, the present-day Smashing Pumpkins/Billy Corgan made the announcement that, in addition to releasing the new album Oceania (which is actually a portion of songs from their 44 song epic-in-the-works project titled Teargarden by Kaleidyscope), they would be releasing all of their past albums; naturally starting with the earliest ones. The remastered re-releases will be chock full of additional goodies that remain unannounced, as of yet, however are rumored to include recently unearthed covers and live recordings. The re-release project will occur in waves. The first wave will consist of Gish (1991), Siamese Dream (1993), and the b-sides and rarities album (a Pumpkins fan essential) Pisces Iscariot (1994).  This re-release project has sparked in me an urge to get back on the wagon and really find out what The Smashing Pumpkins (who currently consist of Billy Corgan, Jeff Schroeder, Nicole Florentino and Mike Byrne) have been all about in recent years.  It has had a bit of a reverse effect on me…. Now that they are re-releasing the classics, I want to know more about the new stuff! The recent news also compelled me to do an inventory of which Smashing Pumpkins albums I still have in my possession. I’m rather pleased to say that, after rummaging through my collection of dusty compact discs, I have in my Pumpkins  arsenal (original copies of):

Gish (1991),

Siamese Dream (1993),

Pisces Iscariot (1994),

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995),

The Aeroplane Flies High (5-disc box set, 1996),

Adore (1997), and

Greatest hits album Rotten Apples.

So sad though--  No longer do I have all of my old tour memorabilia, a couple Smashing Pumpkins VHS tapes, posters and a European import or two that I know I once had. Insert sad face.

   With its 23 year history, brave explorations into different genres and realms of sound, a revolving door of band members, and plenty of press (both good and scandalous), the machine that is called, Smashing Pumpkins, will always be one of the most beloved musical acts of GenX-ers, my generation and beyond.  Kudos to the Smashing Pumpkins for beginning an apropos recap of your amazing place in American Music History!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #14 – Label I Love: 4AD Records

4AD Records has definitely taken the cake the past few years when it comes to record labels I follow. I can’t seem to keep away from their official website, http://www.4ad.com/ for updates on some of my favorite bands or introductions of new acts added to the 4AD arsenal. I typically can’t go wrong putting my trust in 4AD to deliver refreshing, new, and creative acts (i.e. Tune-Yards, Gang Gang Dance), as well as dearly beloved acts that have well stood the test of time (i.e. Blonde Redhead, The National).  

Founded in 1979 by Peter Kent and Ivo Watts-Russell under the name Axis, this division of Beggars Banquet Records officially changed their name to 4AD in 1980. The creative label’s history began with, indeed, quite a creative and progressive way of branding. Since it had been noted that another record label was going by the name Axis, the pair had to come up with a new name. It's said that on an early flyer promoting the young record label’s new releases, the flyer designer’s conception was one that emphasized the new year (1980) and the idea of progress:

1980 FORWARD

1980 FWD

1984 AD

4AD

(Being a George Orwell fan, this allusion to one of my favorite dystopian novels and its “Newspeak”-style condensing of characters admittedly excites me! Yes, I am a dork.) Thus, the record label was dubbed 4AD, and continued to be led by Ivo Watts-Russell well into the late 1990’s.

Presently, the record label-- based out of London, England-- brings us the sounds of such great acts as Bon Iver and Deerhunter (below video) ; sounds ranging from acoustic folk to psychedelic electro to indie rock to 808-laden dubstep and beyond. 4AD is eclectic, yet precise about what type of act they want to push and represent.  And I can confidently say that it’s usually not an act for simpler minds or the faint of heart.  

4AD artist,Tune-Yards

4AD Sessions are a stimulating series of some of the label’s acts performing select songs in surreal, intimate and/or puzzling settings (Must-sees for all you hipsters out there). And in 4AD current events, one of the newest additions to the label is Joker, a dubstep favorite. You can check out the first release for Joker under the 4AD label, titled The Vision, featuring golden-voiced crooner...
Jessie Ware:  

4AD Records has had its highs, mild lows and its even higher highs throughout its timeline, not necessarily in that order. It has experienced changes in leadership, control/power and distribution rights. But 4AD, which started out as merely a preliminary platform-- a sort of “proving ground”, if you will-- for the Beggars Banquet label, has now become its most prestigious and successful division, in my opinion. Though 4AD went through a few years in the 90’s of having their heartstrings plucked by the man, the label seems now to be comfortably at home under the Beggars roof (along with sibling labels, Matador Records, Rough Trade and XL Recordings). It has signed acts in the past such as Bauhaus, The Breeders, Pixies and Red House Painters. With 4AD’s keen taste, artistry and its handle on technology (i.e. their up-to-date, informative website) the label’s original concept of progress continues to ring through into the future…

I love 4AD!

~Meow~
Pennies

PurrView #13 - Snitch Wednesdays at The Palms

Label Me a Snitch— Only if it’s a Wednesday...

Ana, Shaila Macy (N9NE Grp.), Me

Wednesday nights, 55 floors above our glittery city, the N9NE Group offers up no better way for locals (and visitors alike) to soak up an awe-inspiring moonlit view, and soak in the pulsing rhythms of essential house, hip-hop, indie, dubstep and top 40 hits with a twist. As the sweet, crisp spring weather was in full effect, a step out onto the patio of Ghostbar under the May 18^th (post) full moon was beautifully complimented by sounds that even a corpse couldn’t keep himself from moving to. In what is frequently the home of the gorgeous and reputable, DJ 88, Dave Fogg and DJ M!keattack kept the heart of the party pumping at about an apropos 125 BPM. All of the necessary elements for experiencing a satisfying, swanky house-infused Wednesday night were present—a great view, room to dance, a breeze blowing through the hair, beautiful and stylish ladies and gentlemen, and tracks from Afrojack, Kid Cudi, Rihanna, and everything between. Having struck up a conversation with a group visiting from Texas, they gave me a lovely reminder that I couldn’t agree with more; if this is something we can do in this town on a random Wednesday, we’ve got it good here in Vegas!

There’s no better way for you to get over your midweek hump and get you primed for the weekend. And there’s no better time to be a Snitch than on Wednesdays at Ghostbar, where you can get “Stiff Drinks and Dope Music”!

“Snitch Wednesdays” is every Wednesday night; Ghostbar at The Palms, 55^th floor... Say you're with Shaila Macy at the guestlist podium!

~Meow~
Pennies

PurrView #12 - Rev Run Makes Appearance in Las Vegas

   On Sunday, May 15, 2011, Reverend Joseph Simmons gave testimony on his career, his life, and the many places God has taken him in it. Better known as Run from Run DMC, but now known as “Rev Run”, he spoke at Central Christian Church in Las Vegas.  Though I don’t regularly attend services at this “megachurch”, I knew I wanted to take this opportunity to hear the hip-hop icon and reality TV star tell us his story. I felt like I was attending a concert at an arena as I waited in bumper to bumper traffic for 25 minutes to get into the packed house. The huge church was so full, overflow crowds had to catch the service in a big white tent outside where they were televising the service going on inside.

   Rev Run walked onstage with a big smile so genuine, that it could not possibly be counterfeit.  He referred to Central Christian Church as, "Church on swag,” (Surely referring to the size of the church, the congregation, its unique atmosphere and the enthusiasm he felt coming from the crowd.) as he looked around and said he’s, “…never seen nothin’ like this”. He told us his story leading up to his current role as an official servant of God, beginning with telling the Run DMC story, and informing us about other early and influential hip-hop artists that have been in his life for decades. He told of their beginnings in early 1980’s Hollis, Queens, New York.  Rev Run reflected on memories of many huge names in the history of hip-hop, like his own older brother and Def Jam Records co-founder, Russell Simmons, respected producer Rick Rubin, “The Breaks” artist Kurtis Blow, and of course how Run had come to be called the “Son of Kurtis Blow”.  All of these memories took place in the dynamic world of early 80’s hip-hop and rap that their crew was so influential in forming, with hits such as “It’s Like That”.  He kept the crowd attentive, smiling, and laughing as we listened on about the work they had done with Aerosmith, by lead of producer, Rick Rubin, resulting in their biggest hit “Walk This Way”, which undoubtedly is one of the biggest songs of the 80’s.

   The Rev stated that in 1991, he felt a calling; a yearning. He reached a point where he bought a Bible, and asked himself, “How do I be down with God?”. He accepted God as his savior and embraced the faith. He began by attending church regularly and then becoming active in the church by being an usher and a deacon. He spoke of his mentors, such as Bishop Joseph.  Now, he is “Rev Run”, and has never been happier. He spoke of the reality TV show that put him in the spotlight as a man of faith on the biggest secular/pop-culture channel of all, MTV. Though many people from different ends of the spectrum believed that a show like “Run’s House” featuring a reverend with his wife and children, should not be on MTV for many reasons, the show was a success and Rev Run felt like he’d heeded the Lord’s will in taking it on. He stated (of bringing such an unlikely, wholesome show to an often risqué and worldly channel such as MTV), “Jesus hung with the wine-o’s and tax collectors…”, and supported his view that MTV was, in fact, the perfect place for it.   He also gave his testimony on listening to God’s call and not denying, in every aspect of life. “When you adopt, it will change your life,” Rev said as he spoke emotionally on the adoption of his youngest daughter.

   In closing, the talented Run of Run-DMC, the “Son of Kurtis Blow”, and now “Rev Run” left us by saying a heartfelt, soulful reminder that he lives by, “Even your shadow will leave you in the dark, but Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you.”

   Can I get an “Amen”?!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #11 - Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi - "Rome"

Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi - Rome

   When in Rome (literally), one can only hope and aspire to do what Danger Mouse and a handful of seasoned musicians have done on the Rome project, due out May 17, 2011.  Imagine – rounding up the original surviving performers of Ennio Morricone scores from classic 60s and 70s (Eastwood, Wayne, Fonda-esque) spaghetti westerns; having them record these decades-old  instrumental songs again; then having Jack White listen to the tracks, recorder in hand in order to generate on-the-spot, raw lyrics; and then topping off that sound with the hypnotizing voice of Norah Jones.  Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi have done just that, the product being a 15-track album complete with interludes to compliment the essence of the project.

   Over the last several years, seemingly superhuman producer, Danger Mouse has produced or contributed to so many projects that one would have to wonder if he has time to sleep. His resume consists of such projects as Gorillaz’s, Demon Days album, earlier remixes of Neutral Milk Hotel tracks, collaborations with MF Doom and The Black Keys, his (credibility catalyst) Grey Album (in which he mixed Jay Z’s Black Album with The Beatles’ White Album), and of course his Gnarls Barkley project with Cee Lo Green (formerly of Goodie Mob). As busy as the man is, he somehow found time to dream up and implement the Rome project and collaborate with Italian-born genius composer, Daniele Luppi to bring together a concept made complete with lyrics and vocals by Jack White of The White Stripes, and female vocals performed by Norah Jones, who was solicited solely for the sheer beauty of her voice.

   Rome is an album over five years in the making, the concept stemming from a mutual interest Brian Burton a.k.a. Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi have in old spaghetti westerns and the distinct music style that characterizes them.  Some of the original performers from these classic musical scores are still around-- Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi literally went to Rome, Italy to seek out these fine souls once a year for about four years. They connected with these old musicians, collaborated with them in an analog-embracing manner, re-creating the original sound that we’ve so often enjoyed hearing as our eyes feasted on vengeance, mayhem, and old west politics in movies like A Fistful of Dollars (1964). Original vocalist from 1966’s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Edda Dell’Orso herself is even featured on the opening vocals on Rome. The Rome project, spanning two continents, was made complete by the valuable lyrical and voice contributions of Jack White on tracks such as “Two Against One” (video below) and Norah Jones’ ethereal voice as she sings lines like, “Have you seen the Problem Queen? She’s never far away from me…”. 

  

   Rome deserves applause for its subtle timelessness, its capriciousness in the face of what our ears are typically bombarded with nowadays, its beauty in musical score/vocals/concept, and of course the relentless passion and patience that went into the quality of detail on this album. Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi have taken a wonderful step into a world that conjures up images of 10 gallon hats, chaps, black & white and rolling credits, bringing us a sound, at times, almost reminiscent of Gotan Project’s 1960’s French-flick sound.  This album is probably not going to be one that’s “big with the kids”, but it definitely gets my eclectic stamp of approval!

~Meow~

Pennies