KEV & TY’s RECORD CLUB 7/17

The A SIDE:

Bartees Strange – “Mustang”

I wrote about DC-based singer-songwriter Bartees Strange a couple months ago when he released Say Goodbye To Pretty Boy, an EP of covers of songs by The National. Bartees is back this week with a new original song, “Mustang,” which still takes influence from The National in its production, while adding his own unique spin to indie rock in 2020. Expect a full length record later this year on Will Yip’s Memory Music label. -Tyler 

Ross Bellenoit – “Credence”

Singer-songwriter Ross Bellenoit has been around the Philadelphia music scene for years now, from producing many different artists to playing in local jam-funk band Muscle Tough. A couple months ago, he released his new record of folk ballads titled Where Does The Light Go? He just released the music video for “Credence,” a longing, shifting country-influenced song that finds Bellenoit in the darkness and isolation of quarantine. -Tyler

Ross Bellenoit came out to feature at the Grape Room’s open mic a while back and he performed most of Where Does The Light Go? We chatted for a bit afterwards and I was reminded of all the cool bands Bellenoit has played in over the years: Birdie Busch, Guitarmy, Muscle Tough, Sweetback Sisters & more. This is a super cool, DIY, quarantine experiment of a music video from a fantastic musician. -Kevin 

Dawes – “Who Do You Think You’re Talking To?”

Vocalist/guitarist Taylor Goldsmith tries to channel his inner De Niro on the latest Dawes single, “Who Do You Think You’re Talking To?” While Goldsmith doesn’t carry the line with the same gravitas as the New York City Taxi Driver, the song is possibly a study on Goldsmith’s relationship with wife, Mandy Moore, who has been outspoken about her ex-husband’s emotionally abusive behavior. This is Goldsmith’s call to arms to repair and accept the past. -Kevin 

Dawes are back! The first single from Good Luck With Whatever (their 7th album!) is their classic brand of folk-rock and soaring harmonies, this time ornate with a Cars-influenced 80’s choogle. -Tyler

Rolling Stones – “Scarlet”

The Rolling Stones invited Led Zeppelin guitarist, Jimmy Page, for a session back in October of 1974 along with Blind Faith’s Rick Grech on bass. The group vamps on a bo diddley-like riff as Mick Jagger is sassafrasing, singing, “Scarlett why you wearing my heart, on your sleeve where it ain’t supposed to be.” Perhaps a nod to Hester Prynne from The Scarlet Letter, who wears a red A on her chest for “adultery” for being promiscuous. The Rolling Stones will release a reissue of Goats Head Soup with more previously unreleased demos, b-sides and new tracks. -Kevin 

The Rolling Stones are (still) a good band. -Tyler

The Tisburys – “Walk Away”

This week, the Tisburys dropped “Walk Away,” a rambunctious indie rock mosher from their upcoming album, Sun Goes Down. It’s a four on the floor, phat bass tone, quarter noter that should most definitely open the record. Originally a soundcheck tune, the band morphed it into their most rockin’ tune yet. -Kevin 

(Disclaimer: Tyler is the vocalist/ guitarist in The Tisburys.)

The B SIDE:

Dehd – “Flower of Devotion”

Flower Of Devotion is Chicago surf-rock band Dehd’s fourth album, and it’s a darkly bright record that evokes the beachy bands of the late ‘10s (Best Coast, Beach Fossils, The Drums). The hot days of summer (especially currently in Philly) are a perfect match for this mix of reverb-flooded guitars and pulsing drums. (HIGHLIGHT: “Loner”) -Tyler

Dehd’s Flower of Devotion takes me back to the artsy, surf rock days of Uarts and Temple University Philly basements. Twinkly, reverb drenched guitars with nonsense lyrics for bright-eyed freshmen, looking for a place to get drunk on cheap beer. Also appreciate the Group Love vocal delivery from guitarist, Jason Balla. Focus track: “Haha” -Kevin 

Silverbacks – “Fad”

Dublin post-punk band Silverbacks just released their debut record, Fad. It’s a wild collection of frantic guitars and chant-along vocals a la Parquet Courts or Television. Opener “Dunkirk” pushes forward through distortion and intertwining melodies, signaling the arrival of a great new band. “Muted Gold” heralds with a “HOO HAW” that has been stuck in my head for weeks, like a deranged Belle & Sebastian. (HIGHLIGHT: “Muted Gold”) -Tyler

Lianne La Havas — “Lianne La Havas”

Lianne La Havas’s cover of Radiohead’s “Weird Fishes” is such an interesting thought experiment. It opens with the iconic beat from the original before tricking the listener by diving into something completely different. The self-titled third record by the English singer-songwriter is all about shifting expectations and focusing on vibe. “Read My Mind” channels D’Angelo in the best way and “Please Don’t Make Me Cry” is a textured & layered soul experience. (HIGHLIGHT: “Weird Fishes,” “Please Don’t Make Me Cry”) -Tyler 

Radiohead’s, In Rainbows, is a modern day masterpiece. It gave listeners so much to unpack and gave artists so much to explore musically, like Lianne La Havas did on her version of “Weird Fishes.” The gall to cover “Arpeggi,” as a sexy, slowed down R&B, choral hybrid for her third studio album is significant. I haven’t heard a cooler take since Elise Trouw mashed it up with the Police’s “The Bed’s Too Big Without You. The rest of the album is a breezy, soulful summertime soundtrack. Focus track: “Please Don’t Make Me Cry” -Kevin 

The Chicks – “Gaslighter”

Country trio, The Chicks, (FKA, the Dixie Chicks) have always been known for their politically conscious views. From their criticism of the Iraq War, to feuding with Toby Kieth, the group are back with more boot stompin’, female empowered, pop anthems. The record delves into Natalie Maines’ marital affairs on “Sleep at Night,” & “Gaslighter,” and school shootings like the Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida (among others) on “March March.” Typically, country music has leaned towards more conservative views- Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue! -but the Chicks continue to use the country genre as a platform to raise concerns about issues that other artists refuse to introduce in their songwriting. (Focus track: “Texas Man”)  -Kevin 

I re-listened to “Gaslighter,” the title track from the new Chicks record, for the first time in months earlier this week. Not gonna lie, I was moved to tears. Not sure what it was, but the melody and the Jack Antonoff production made me FEEL the power of music. It’s not the only moment of sublime transcendence on this album. “March March” is obviously extremely relevant for our current moment and “My Best Friend’s Wedding” is The Chicks at their country-pop greatest. There’s a reason this trio has stood the test of time, influenced an entire new generation (boygenius!), and made a legacy-defining record. -Tyler

S.G. Goodman – “Old Time Feeling”

S.G. Goodman’s Old Time Feeling opens with “Space & Time,” a haunting waltz that brings all the feels…”I never want to leave this world without saying I love you.” Title track, “Old Time Feeling,” is an indie, rock n roller that picks up the pace momentarily. Longing for that old time feelin’ found in the Kentucky honkey tonks, Goodman writes to the tune she grew up on. After all, she is the sweetheart of the redo. Focus track “If It Ain’t Me Babe,” for the Robert Zimmerman “It Ain’t Me, Babe,” vibes. 

Murray, Kentucky’s S.G. Goodman just released Old Time Feeling, a deeply nostalgic and haunting record with rocking guitars and saloon-reminiscent pianos. Drenched in whiskey and regret, songs like the title track and “The Way I Talk” echo classic southern rock while also giving a voice to something new. Lyrics like a “coal miner’s son” and “red bird mornings” signal a powerful look into Goodman’s connection with her hometown. -Tyler

Every week, Kevin & Tyler will take a look at 5 singles
(The A-Side) and 5 albums (The B-Side)
through Kev & Ty's Record Club!