My friends Bryan Lilly & Brent Thomas introduced me to The Followers. Brent had helpful thoughts at his blog, so I'll let him do the talking...
Featuring Josh White of Telecast and Eric Earley of Blitzen Trapper and based out of Door of Hope Church in Portland, OR, the band strives to “to create a 70′s infused worship experience” which they call “neo-gospel.” Drawing on a folky, alt. country/blues/soul foundation, the group has created songs that are not only creatively challenging but singable; a balance not easily struck. While there are hints of Telecast and Blitzen Trapper, The Followers have presented an album with a unified, cohesive sound. Being retro without being nostalgic or gimmicky, The Followers intertwined several strands of roots music into something both comfortable and challenging.
There is a theme of experiential relationship with Jesus throughout which is enhanced by the urgency of some of the arrangements. Drawing on the blues and soul traditions, The Followers have created an album in which the music drives home the words. Truth about Jesus isn’t just meant to be understood but experienced. If our music isn’t passionate, why would anyone trust that we really believe the words we sing?
This is an album I’m definitely looking forward to spending more time with.
If the name Josh White rings a bell for my blog readers, it's probably because of this post about Josh and Door of Hope's "Church in the Park" open-air meeting in Portland.
Check out Wounded Healer, and go download it for free or donate a bunch to their work...
CONCERT UPDATE 4.28: At the end of this post I embedded the entire live concert directed by Gary Oldman. (Set List)
UPDATE 4.27: Jack White plays a live concert tonight directed by Gary Oldman. Go here to watch a preview video including music, discussion with Gary Oldman about the concert and Jack's two bands, and real blood.
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Wow. I'm really loving Jack White's first solo album, Blunderbuss (blunderbuss?). I don't often talk about albums outside of Music Mondays, but I felt compelled. Especially after watching some of the recent TV appearances, which had me giddy. You'll find some of them below.
This is a man who hasn't found his place of comfort, but his edge. If you've followed Jack for a while (White Stripes, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, Third Man Records), this isn't exactly a guy without an edge. I've loved everything he's done to a point. But there was always a point where I was sorta over it. I was glad to have his albums around to revisit from time to time, but it was cataloged. And I know it's still early, but Blunderbuss feels like a classic. I think I have to agree that Jack is "the coolest, weirdest, savviest rock star of our time" and he just might have created the best album of 2012.
Just a side note for those who cant "get" Jack White: Listen for Robert Plant in his voice. He's there. And I think the quirk that pushes some people away from White might suddenly disappear, at least for a few. And that little tip may just open your mind to a great album. I'm hoping so.
Jack White with all guy band on Jools Holland with "Sixteen Saltines"...
Jack on Jools with all girl band playing "Freedom At 21"...
Jack interviewed by Stephen Colbert, including a very funny section on Jack's business model and why the music industry is dying. Awesome...
Hey, hey! It's Music Monday. I haven't said this in a while, but I just want to remind my readers how my Music Monday's work. If I link to something, I recommend you check it out. I'm not linking to albums or bands I don't like. I'm not a clearinghouse for anything cheap or free. There are people out there who do that. I don't. If I don't like it, I won't link to it. For example, there are many albums streaming free today. I'm linking to only a few hand-selected ones. It's Music Monday, and I want you to find something good. Enjoy!
If you haven't seen Bon Iver live, I highly recommend it. Here's a recent visit to Ellen with "Michicant" from the newest Bon Iver album, Bon Iver, which was my #4 album of 2011.
Now online as well, performance of "Towers" on Ellen...
Check out the Tiny Desk Concert from First Aid Kit (album, The Lion's Roar). You won't be sorry. When they harmonize = wow. Also, follow along the lyrics to the second song, "The Lion's Roar." It appears to be their response to & reflection on church, religion, Jesus, Christianity.
One of my favorite new albums comes from one of my artist discoveries of 2012, Anais Mitchell: Young Man In America. The reviews are remarkable. The video for "Coming Down" (below) shows how Anais can write a very simple song that makes you feel so much. She's a storyteller, & the video is gorgeous with real NPR's explanation is very helpful. I've already gone back to pick up her also well-reviewed Hadestown, which also features artists like Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) & Ani DiFranco.
