Sunday, September 23, 2007

Video from Bloggapalooza 2007

Brewed Fresh Daily's George Nemeth put together this rough collage of video clips from Bloggapalooza 2007. The Elderly Brothers make a brief appearance at about 3min 30sec into the video.

Stairway To Heaven - The Beatnix






I like this for so many reasons. More than a stunning example of musical creativity, this is a kind of multi-dimensional mash-up, and a rich demonstration of the cultural and artistic influence the Beatles still wield. And it's FUN!

Thanks to Dave Swanson of Rainy Day Saints for the pointer.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Back to the Beachland

The Elderly Brothers have just been added as the opening act for an eclectic show at the Beachland Tavern on Friday October 19th, featuring the Short Rabbits, Rainy Day Saints, and headliners the Deadbeat Poets. $8 DOS. C'mon down!

Saturday, September 08, 2007

Bob and George


Bob and George
Originally uploaded by Bob Rhubart
After Robbie Fulks' killer set at Black Swamp, George and I, already significantly... relaxed, headed over to the merchandise tent to pick up a couple of CDs and get Robbie's autograph.

As we were standing in the autograph line, several fans asked Robbie to pose with wives/husbands/whatever for photos. Robbie happily obliged each request.

When my turn came, I got Robbie's autograph, and then handed him my camera and asked if he'd mind taking a photo of me and George. Robbie looked a little confused at first, but then laughed, as did several people in line. This photo is the result.

Thanks, Robbie.

The Deadstring Brothers


The Deadstring Brothers
Originally uploaded by Bob Rhubart
Detroit's Deadstring Brothers are a very good band, comprised of very good players. Their set at Black Swamp last night had people up and dancing.

The problem is that the Deadstring Brothers' influences are a bit too obvious: The Black Crowes, The Wall Flowers, The Band. Somewhere in there is a Deadstring sound, but it's not yet fully formed.

Robbie Fulks and Grant Tye


Robbie Fulks and Grant Tye
Originally uploaded by Bob Rhubart
I have never heard a Robbie Fulks song I didn't like, but I had not had a chance to see him perform before his extraordinary set on the Black Swamp stage last night.

Fulks brings an impressive literary wit to material that is deeply rooted in the music of Buck Owens, Ernest Tubb, Faron Young, and of course, Hank Williams. If Hank had a Masters in Literature, he'd be Robbie Fulks.

Fulks's perfect voice, elegant wordplay, unshakably catchy tunes, and interplay with his band adds up to great show that never loses its relaxed yet inexorable pace.

Backing Fulks was one of the best 3-piece bands you'll likely to hear, featuring the astonishingly tasty work of guitarist Grant Tye. Tye, playing a battle-worn Stratocaster, squeezed out rapid-fire chicken-pickin' licks, liquid steel guitar whines, and whammy bar quavers with the ease of a man who, one suspects, never puts the instrument down. He's the kind of player that makes me want to pile my gear up in the yard and have a bonfire.

Fulks and company are more fun and more musical than is probably legal in many Red States. Nashville needs Robbie Fulks far more than Fulks needs Nashville.

Hamel on Trial


Hamel on Trial
Originally uploaded by Bob Rhubart
What draws me year after year to the Black Swamp Festival in Bowling Green, Ohio, is the chance for exposure to acts I've not seen or heard before.

One-man act Hamel on Trial is a good example. Described on the Black Swamp Web site as "Punk Acoustic from NY," Hamel pounded out two short, intense sets of original songs loaded with attitude, political/cultural commentary, and lots of wit.

Hamel on Trial is a proponent of a fascinating school of acoustic music that ain't really acoustic. His guitar sound combines the depth and resonance of an acoustic with the thunder and distorted edge of a rock-and-roll electic guitar. The result is a hybrid that perfectly complements his rapid, open-chord strumming and wild-eyed stage presence.

Hamel made mention several times that he had adjusted his selection of material to suit the family-friendly tone of the Black Swamp festival -- a smart move given the number of kids in the audience. (The title of one of the songs on his Web site: "Pussy".)
But even in PG-mode Hamel elicited more that a few grins and outright laughs from the audience with his Woody-Guthrie-on-Crystal-Meth performance.

Check this guy out.