Boris Skalsky

Within the past week, all Dead Heart Bloom followers were given a special present; Dead Heart Bloom founder Boris Skalsky released his first solo effort (without the Dead Heart Bloom moniker) entitled First Songs. All of the songs were previously recored by Skalsky between 2007 and 2008. The specific eight were selected out of about twenty unreleased recordings by Skalsky.

When taking in the sound of the album, it is more in line with early Dead Heart Bloom, especially Chelsea Diaries. With these selected eight songs, Boris Skalsky is focusing on the lyrics he is so talented with. Dealing with death and love to name a few of the themes, the way Skalsky presents these themes is truly interesting and poetic.

According to information released on the recordings, Boris Skalsky admits that these tracks are not highly worked with. The tracks were recorded spur of the moment, as well as written in that same fashion. These tracks rely mainly on simple guitar work, with the aid of some keys. This pulled back approach truly works, allowing the music to be a nice accompanying piece to the lyrics; helping to set the tone of the story told by the lyrics.

Sticking with Dead Heart Bloom tradition, Boris Skalsky has released this album free of charge as a digital download on his webpage. While the music and effort show a focus on the art, distributing the work in this form also sends a statement that this is about art and not dollars and cents. While a full release is due in June, anybody who enjoys Chelsea Diaries type of Dead Heart Bloom or folk music in general should give this album a download. As a result of musicians like Skalsky, there is reassurance that musical artistry exists in the 21st century.

Boris Skalsky Official Site

Hutch Harris of The Thermals

Nearly a month ago, Portland based indie rockers The Thermals released their fourth studio album entitled Now We Can See. On this release, the band returns to high energy, raw alternative rock which attracts listeners from the first song “When I Died” through the following ten tracks which round out the album.

Released through Kill Rock Stars, The Thermals first on the label since leaving Sub Pop records, this effort moves lyrically from the rant against extreme Christian values on The Body, The Bloody, The Machine, to the joys of life while you are young. The lyrics are what we’ve come to expect from Hutch Harris, seeing as they tell interesting stories that are relatable and intriguing.

Musically, the album opens with a high energy start and keeps that tone during much of the album. The sound is raw at moments, but has marvelous melodies throughout which help make this album worthy of keeping on repeat. Much credit goes to bassist Kathy Foster, who is responsible for the rhythm section on this album due to the effort being recorded as a duo consisting of Harris and Foster.

While this effort is punk in ways, it sets itself apart from other punk efforts of this generation. The taste of indie rock and alternative rock help make this such an interesting work. Whether it is the introspective lyrics or the energy that does not hide anywhere on this album, it is one that will be found in many rotations of summer music lists. The sound and excitement of this record are a good way to ring in the beginning of spring. While more publicized albums will come around this summer, this strong effort by The Thermals is one album that will continue to please as those publicized come and pass.

The Thermals on MySpace

The Thermals on Twitter (Highly Recommended!)

Mando Diao

With songs featuring dangerous characters, tough guys gone soft, drug addicts, and alcoholic artists, Mando Diao’s 2006 release Ode to Ochrasy is an album which still pleases listeners with it’s unqiue appeal and throwback, garage rock sound.

Building off of the success of their second studio release Hurricane Bar, Mando Diao took a bit of a more experimental approach to the studio with this release. The approach paid off extremely well helping bring international recognition for the Swedish band. Opening with a song inspired by former professional hockey player Luc Robitaille, the songs says two things about the album: it will contain high energy and it will be songs about all types of characters.

Some of these characters include the one featured in the song “Killer Kaczynski”, which some speculate is about a fan who trheatened to blow up foreign embassies. Another character we come across is found in the song “Tony Zoulias (Lustful Life), who seemingly was tough, had a heart attack, and re-ordered his life. Then you encounter “Josephine”, the drug addicted girl who cares for nobody but herself, living a life focused on drugs to get by.

While these songs hold there own interest, two of the songs that stand out lyrically are “The New Boy” and “Ochrasy”. Looking first to “The New Boy”, the song was inspired by, according to Gustaf Norén who penned the song, a girl who had an abusive boyfriend, but loved him far to much to leave him. So, instead of writing about that word for word, the song focues on what her ideal life with him would be: sweet, charming, and romantic.

Changing gears from the sweet and romantic is the powerul anti-war song that closes out the album. The song tells the story of a man who is simply tired of waking up and seeing nothing but a war-torn world of violence no matter where he turns. The only relief this man can find is by dreaming of a place where these elements are not present.

With obvious lyrical prowess, the musical elements of this album need to be mentioned. To put it simply, the sound is a throwback to the genre we do not get enough of, garage rock. The high energy of this sound make even the unsettling lyrical themes fun to sing along to. However, the band can slow it down and make it the music appropriate, such as we find in the song “Ochrasy”, which features a lone fingerpicked acoustic guitar.  If you are new to Mando Diao this album is a fantastic jumping off point to introduce you to their four other full length efforts. With pure talent like this, Mando Diao makes musical ochrasy a true reality.

Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem

With the release of their album The 59 Sound last August, The Gaslight Anthem sent shock waves through the world of rock music listeners. Their music seems to show that you do not need to conform to popular trends to make good music. With a sound that is a taste of punk and alternative with a dash of Bruce Springsteen, it is no wonder that this band is on the way up.

Prior to the release of The 59 Sound, The Gaslight Anthem released the album Sink or Swim. Good rhythm sections with nice hooks and melodies fill this album. In addition to that the album contains numerous references to the legendary Bob Dylan. The first full length release was an encouraging sound from, at that time, a new band. The album truly held wide appeal to include fans of many genres of music.

However, the band truly shines with their latest work The 59 Sound. This album is just as good as their first effort, but seems more polished, experimental, and well rounded in comparison. From the first track to the last track, the music is strong, original rock, with memorable poetic lyrics. Perhaps one of the most interesting parts of the lyrics are the numerous references to the musicians who helped shape their sound. With references to Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, The Counting Crows, and, once again, Bob Dylan, this band let’s you know the full range of musicians that inspired them.

With a solid release in Sink or Swim and a largely memorable release with The 59 Sound, it is interesting to see what the future holds for The Gaslight Anthem. With more time and resources to focus on the music, the limits seem endless for this band. No matter what they try, we are sure to expect solid memorable music with the strong, unforgettable lyrics this band offers us, much like the legends they are following.

Colin Meloy

With each passing Tuesday, several albums are released that fit into the regular trend of albums today, collections of marketable singles. Not very often do we get albums that have a decent flow or direction, each track a working piece to propel the machine known as an album. However, The Decemberists are a band fighting this trend. On their latest album, “The Hazards of Love”, Meloy and his lineup of multi-instrumentalists defy the common day trend to release an honest concept album.

Based on a forest queen, a knave, a rake, and a pair of lovers (Margaret and William), this album’s story is a fairy tale in the form of prog and folk music. As the story progresses with a variety of emotions, so does the music. A perfect example of this is “The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid” with harder guitar coming in, where Chris Funk truly shines, and thunderous vocals being contributed by Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond helping set the scene.

Aside from the story, there is a larger statement being made with this album. In an age when the single sale is dominant, there are still artists out there not afraid to make an entire album. While the commercial success of this album is hard to say, the critical reception will be strong. When looking at the album, it is hard to get a full effect of any specific track without knowing the story told by the rest of the album. Will this turn some listeners off? Of course. However, if you are into a full, honest effort, than this is an album that you should listen to. If you are someone who can get lost for hours in music, make sure this album makes it to your collection. The story and music that comprise this concept album are unique to even The Decemberists, the only uncertainty regarding this album is what comes next. Until that is answered, let’s just enjoy a throwback effort in the digital age.

Josh Caterer

When turning on the news or reading a  newspaper, you hear one term mentioned fairly often: bailout. Much like the economy, the modern music is in need of a bailout. This does not so much apply to money, but quality. The modern music market is flooded with bands who are writing songs about a range of emotions, but so many seem flat and cliché. One bailout option is to introduce more people to a band from the past that could write about personal emotions in a memorable fashion.

Looking back to the early ’90s, a band called the Smoking Popes was born. The main lineup, consisting of brothers Josh, Eli, and Matt Caterer, later adding drummer Mike Felumlee, would go on to leave an impact not only on Chicago area music, but with fans of alternative rock and personal lyrics. They would even leave a mark on respected British musician Morrissey, who holds the band’s second album Born to Quit in high regard.

Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the Smoking Popes, aside from their catchy pop-punk sound, is their lyrics. Whether it is missed love, wanted love, or a break-up song, Josh Caterer seems to capture the emotions in a way listeners cannot help but relate to. Caterer’s lyrics seem to capture the wild young heart acurately, but in a way that seems more mature than a high school freshman. With many of the lyrics regarding love, Caterer gives the impression that the love he wants, lost, has, etc. has a pulse and is truly going through this opposite of him.

If you are looking for a jumping off point for the Smoking Popes, anywhere seems to be a good place to start. Their first three releases Get Fired (1993), Born to Quit (1995), and Destination Failure (1997) all contain key tracks to help a new listener in understanding the band’s passionate and heartfelt sound. Songs such as “Let’s Hear It for Love”, “Mrs. You and Me”, “Paul”, and “Pretty Pathetic” are some of the most memorable and relatable to fans of this type of music.

When looking at this music in comparison to contemporary work, you can see one of the crucial details that is lacking: passion. This band puts their hearts into their music and lyrics. That aspect is what modern bands should be putting into their work. Many newer bands seem to want to use music as a springboard to fame or fortune. The Smoking Popes seemingly want to use this media as a form of self-expression and to plainly bring joy to others. This is something many contemporary bands should attempt. Let this be known, but supporting respectable bands such as the Smoking Popes.

Elvis Costello

When you think of artists who find ways to re-invent themselves to keep producing albums that reflect their changing life and the changing times, few come to mind. Some may think U2 or Madonna, but there is one other who comes to mind, Elvis Costello. With a career spanning over three decades and several genres, Elvis Costello has proved himself as one of the most talented musical artists without losing respect in the process.

Over thirty years ago, a twenty two year old Costello, then Declan Patrick MacManus, walked into Stiff Records and talked his way into a contract. At this moment, music saw the birth of a career that would go on to span several genres, years, and the minds of countless listeners.

Releasing his first three albums in ’77, ’78, and ’79, (My Aim Is True, This Year’s Model, and Armed Forces respectively) Costello filled these legendary albums with songs that are still listened to and actively influence musicians old and young to this day. The themes range from disappointment in love (“Alison”), protest to commercialized radio (“Radio, Radio”), and war (“Oliver’s Army”), to mention a few.

However, Costello’s later releases such as All This Useless Beauty and his latest Momofuku still deliver in new and interesting ways. Whether the songs are all Costello or work with other well accomplished musicians, the foundations of these songs are strong, and all seem to maintain Costello’s lyrical strength.

Whether it is older classics or newer tastes, the work of Elvis Costello seems to make an impact on listeners regardless of when they first heard these classic songs. The emotions and soul that go into these recordings will always be felt as long as music is listened to. Songs such as “I Want You”, “Alison”, and “Shipbuilding” are true masterpieces, and not only show the merits of a talented musician, but also show the complexities of a truly passionate person like Elvis Costello.

Boris Skalsky

Within modern music there are numerous independent music acts that truly have something unique to offer listeners; Dead Heart Bloom is no exception to this. Formed in 2005 as a one man band by former Phaser bassist and singer Boris Skalsky, Dead Heart Bloom is a shining example of exceptional talent free from the controlling hands of major label heads.

While listening to Dead Heart Bloom, it is difficult to tie them into one specific genre, which is part of what makes this band so interesting. The band’s genre exploration ranges from rock to blues to folk music. While many other bands attempt this, they cannot pull it off as well as Skalsky and his bandmates. Pick any track off of any of the band’s five releases and you are likely to be pleased with the sound in relation to the genre in which it belongs. Never does it seem forced, the sounds come off as natural.

In addition to the quality music, Dead Heart Bloom also maintains high quality with its lyrics, touching on many themes, one such theme is that of religion. Often times we find the lyrics referencing back to older lyrics. This style gives an impression that maybe these albums are actually concept albums. Whether the lyrics serves this purpose or not, they are strong and meaningful, serving as a respectable companion to the music they accompany.

To date, the band has completed two full length albums and a three part EP series, recently releasing the final part of the series In Chains. The three part EP series has received much acclaim for its diversity in genre with each EP. Even when comparing these to the other Dead Heart Bloom releases, they seem to hold a different, yet quality, sound. Perhaps the most interesting part of all of these releases is that the band has decieded to release all of these works as a free download through their website. To this band, money seems to take a backseat to a quality product in a field of less than worthy music, which is truly respectable.

Official Site

Album Downloads Page

The Dead Weather

Attention: Jack White strikes again. While in Nashville this past week to unveil a new office for Third Man Records, Jack White let on about his new band The Dead Weather. For this latest Jack White installment, nearly a year after The Raconteurs latest release Consolers of the Lonely, we see Jack tackle the drums while teaming up with Jack Lawrence (The Greenhornes, The Raconteurs) on bass, Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stoneage) on guitar, and Alison Mosshart (The Kills) handling vocals.

With the announcment from White, The Dead Weather released their first single “Hang You from the Heavens” off of their June slated debut album Horehound. The single, which is streaming on their site, has some interesting bluesy guitar with a catchy rhythm. However, the most interesting aspect we get from this single, in my opinion, are the vocals of Alison Mosshart. Mosshart’s femme fatale demeanor really give the song an even larger type of energy.

Also appearing with the single as a b-side is the Gary Numan cover “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”.  As you may know, Numan gained fame in the ’80s with this song and more notably the song “Cars”. In this cover, the talent of the band truly shines through. The energy comes through in a new way, both with the music and vocals. This is definetly a result of the musicians, as Weezer covered the song with their “Pork and Beans” single. That is not to say the Weezer cover is terrible, but The Dead Weather cover gives a new impression of the song.

Although only two songs have been released to the public, The Dead Weather is off to an extremely promising start. The anticipation for June’s debut album Horehound will certainly be mounting as each day passes. The level of talent within this project could deliver us one of the top albums and most likely the soundtrack of summer to many fans, not only of Jack White, but of rock music in general. In an era of musical acts such as Nickelback, Miley Cyrus, and The Jonas Brothers, it is reassuring to know musicans such as those that comrpise The Dead Weather are producing superior music.