The death, this week, of country singer/songwriter Glen Campbell affected me more than I anticipated. For me, Campbell's music has always been an affectionate fixture, even if it hasn't figured prominently in my playlists. Whenever a Glen Campbell tune came on the radio, I would invariably turn the volume up.
This was especially true for the Jimmy Webb penned Wichita Lineman. My grandfather was a lineman for the State Electricity Commission in Victoria, Australia. It was his first job when he returned home after the war (WW2). I remember the stories he used to tell me about driving the big old electricity commission truck that had the line barrels on its rear and how he would drive out to where the lines had broken to repair them. He was also responsible for the erection of many of the poles and wires across that remain in existence across large parts of the Gippsland country side. I like to think Pa was quite proud of the fact The Wichita Lineman talked about men and women like him - those who established such a vital infrastructure. It was he who introduced me to the track on his old HMV record player.
I hear you singin' in the wire, I can hear you through the whine And the Wichita lineman is still on the line... Pa went onto become a night watchman at the Yallourn Power Station. He wore a uniform and a hat and worked in a station house onsite. Basically, he was the equivalent of a policeman. I have vague memories of visiting him with my Dad when he was on shift. The tearoom at the station had a jar of teddy bear biscuits and he'd often find one for me. He was a proud man.
Glen Campbell's was a voice I've known my entire life and Wichita Lineman is a song I'll forever associate with my grandfather. I am emotional, even as I write this. Good things pass too frequently. DFA.
Swear & Shake are, arguably, the most beautiful band I have ever heard. Originally hailing from New York and born from the rich and warm, New York folk pedigree with a more recent infusion of Nashville roots, the band brings an intimate and sumptuous musical experience.
Swear and Shake first spun into my orbit about 6 years ago when I discovered their enchanting 5 track EP, appropriately titled "Extended Play" via Frostwire. So taken was I with the recording, I donated some money to them in the hope I would see more from them.
And they did not disappoint. In 2012, after their first successful Kickstarter campaign (and my own first experience of pledging to such a campaign), Swear & Shake minted their first long play album, The Maple Ridge - as eclectic and yet as sugnature a recording as you will ever find as a band looking to define their sound. Each song was lovingly hewn and brought to life through each band member's unique skills and it is a beautiful acheivement for them.
In the midst of a move to Nashville, an almost unbroken tour schedule and some minor tweaks to the line-up, they returned to the studio in 2014 to produce their 3rd recording (their 2nd EP) "Ain't That Loving". Helmed by the three principals, Adam McHeffey Kari Spieler and Shaun Savage, Swear & Shake are now working on a brand new, long play project called "The Sound Of Letting Go". This promises to be a hand crafted collection of music of the highest integrity and I would encourage you to become lost in their wonder. In a collaboration with Pledge Music, a purpose built crowdfunding space, Swear & Shake have put together an impressive list of investment incentives which start at as little as $5 and go right upto $3500 (USD) which will get you a house performance from the band themselves. There's plenty in addition here as the band draws in art and fashion to create merchandise that complements their music which, of course, features at all pledge levels. Take a look at their project page at Pledge Music and consider supporting them. With around 18 days of their campaign left to go, they are roughly 75% funded. It is no small thing for me to say that they really are a one of a kind musical experience and I guarantee you will not be disappointed by the core mission of this project - an album called "The Sound Of Letting Go." Do this. DFA.
I first encountered the recording artist Brother Love through the New York internet radio show Keith and the Girl back in 2006. A 1000 watt personality with a killer vocal range as a singer as well as mega chops on the drums, Brother Love's multi-layered music quickly rose to the top of my playlist via his solo albums "Album of the Year" and "Turn It Up". Both albums show case Brother Love's ability to cross pollinate musical genres from rock, to funk to radio friendly urban beats, while anchoring them together with his considerable vocal presence. The result is an attractive package that still stands as one of my favorites.
I was hopeful that Brother Love would continue with his solo work because I always felt he had much more to give. However, an opportunity presented for him to further his career behind the drums and he made the move to Nashville to take up residence in the country rock fusion outfit "Her and Kings County". What started out as a hugely promising career with a band who had major label backing turned out not to be and at the middle point of 2012, it seemed - from the outside looking in - Brother Love as a recording artist, might have run his race. Little did I know, this couldn't be further from the truth. With another former HKC alum Alex Haddad, Brother Love set about reinventing himself via a new musical project, the boughs of which, are now bearing fruit.
Them Vibes represents a continuation of Brother Love's and Alex Haddad's exploration of a Nashville inspired country rock fusion but as Brother Love himself told me recently, it is a much more personal sound, free from the constraints of the over produced, over packaged fare that so often finds it's way onto music store shelves. In January 2013, the band began recording their debut record, Shine On, in their backyard of Nashville, TN. They sought out to make an album that was unchained from the grid-perfect, quick fix plug-in standards of today’s recording. Demanding vintage tones, feel, and performance, Them Vibes went to work creating a record that felt both new and familiar. Six months later, they left with an eleven song LP that achieved just that.
Them Vibes’ roots run deep through the veritable ground of music; influences ranging from the gritty rock of The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, the rhythmic sway of The Black Crowes and Tom Petty, and the intimate harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel and The Band. The songs themselves vary from the ballistic to the intimate, but throughout, runs a through-line of raw, unapologetic honesty.
From the cut-throat, adrenalin shot, single, Cryin Shame, to the down-home, back porch sound of Lorelei, the band takes you on a journey in sound, and feel, but through it all, the genuine grit and heart of Them Vibes rings on through to the last note. It vibes. It feels. It gets under your skin and makes you feel good. Lorelei alone had me pulling out my Nana's ancient piano accordion and had me jamming along with it.
Currently residing in East Nashville, Them Vibes are doing what they love most; playing live and letting the music do the talking. You can probably find the songwriters, Alex Haddad and Larry Florman (Brother Love) by the bar somewhere. Have a drink with them, ease back, let yourself go, and take a ride with Them Vibes. As the duo work towards a release of the LP later this year, they are currently promoting their music via their Bandcamp portal. Cryin' Shame and Lorelei (which are available for purchase now) will soon be joined by additional tracks from the Shine On album. Through this effort as well as a possible crowd funding push, Them Vibes will be in a position to raise their profile into the stratosphere. Purchase Them Vibes music here. Follow Them Vibes here. Tweet Them Vibes here. Rock and roll isn't supposed to be pretty. It sure a s hell isn't perfect. It’s just as crooked as the rest of us, and that’s the way it should be.
