On Tuesday December 15, BackForty Presents was thrilled to welcome local troubadour and brilliant songwriter, Tres Altman of The Paper Stars to FlapJack’s abode for a packed house. Forty people nestled into the living room with beers in hand to hear Tres and his band member, Jack Leahy, on lap steel/electric guitar.
Tres Altman and Leahy warmed up the winter night with songs from his recent album, covers by Neil Young and DevotchKa, two brand new pieces written within the week, and a holiday-themed finale of Tres’ take on “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear.” Check out the videos below and don’t forget to join our Facebook group by clicking here.
Tres Altman & Jack Leahy – Movin On
Tres Altman & Jack Leahy – How It Ends (DevotchKa cover)
Here’s what I know. The band is from Denver. On December 18th, they will be releasing their new album at Hi-Dive. I listened to Glory and there are two songs I’m interested in.
Ambulance – light, marching and fun. (listen)
Heavy Hands – tap your foot. Clap. Fist pump. That’s the motion. Maybe a little running in place?
I like the band. Don’t love them. Could see why others would. They’re musically pleasing and sport interesting lyricism. Will try to make the release. Hoping to be impressed.
Yesterday I made a climbing short. For the audio I used a song I recently downloaded by Neon Indian. Many hours later, after work, I went to the Neon Indian Myspace page and saw they were playing at Larimer Lounge in Denver. I made plans to attend. Then, I had a glass of Maker’s Mark, got lazy, put on Spartakus (hulu) and, finally, went to bed — lame.
Twenty-one year-old Mexico-born, Texas-raised Alan Palomo is the man behind the music of Neon Indian. Alicia Scardetta provides visual support in the form f projections and online teaser videos.
The music is low-fi, cheesy, indie pop. Think Beach Boys mixed with MGMT. Here’s a cool video I found. ENJOY!
All day I’ve been thinking about my top 5 Dylan songs. After long contemplation I’ve come to the realization that there’s no answer, because it’s constantly changing – kinda like his works. So, I thought to myself, what are my top 5 favorite covers?
#5 – Come Una Pietra Scalciata, Articolo 31 – a popular band in Milan, Italy, Articolo 31 covered Bob’s Like a Rolling Stone. I first heard this song in Masked & Anonymous. Only hard-core fans have seen this movie. Even with a stacked cast it’s a feat in itself to make it through the entire film.
#4 – Wagon Wheel, Old Crow Medicine Show – most fans of Medicine Show don’t know that Bob Dylan wrote OCMS’ most recognized song. Well, actually he wrote the chorus. He never officially released Rock Me Momma, however it was included in an outtake from the film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid film. Ketch Secor of OCMS wrote autobiographical verses for the song and released it on their 2004 debut album.
#3 – Just Like a Women – Jeff, Buckley – some say Dylan wrote this song about New York socialite Edie Sedgwick, a women who often hung out with Andy Warhol. Some people say it’s about Bob’s relationship with Joan Baez and his scorn for her. Either way, Jeff Buckley’s voice works perfectly for this tune.
#2 - All Along the Watchtower, Jimi Hendrix – sure, Bob released a great version on John Wesley Harding, but, Jimi owns this song.
Dylan’s reaction to the song: “It overwhelmed me, really. He had such talent, he could find things inside a song and vigorously develop them. He found things that other people wouldn’t think of finding in there. He probably improved upon it by the spaces he was using.”
#1 – Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott – this is quintessential Dylan singin’ and playin’.
In the documentary A Ballad of Rambin’ Jack, Jack Elliott tells a story of when a young fellow said, “hey you sound like Bob Dylan.” He replied, “I’ve sounded like Bob Dylan for the last 20 years. Now you figure that out.” Classic Jack.
Cabin is a band that I fell in love with after seeing them live at a little listening room in the Lower East side called Rockwood Music Hall. I had just got out of work. It was a Tuesday in April I think. Probably was since I was feeling so angst.
Cabin is from Louisville, KY. For those who haven’t been there, Louisville is an amazing place to settle down. Great music. Bourbon. Kentucky Derby. Nuff said. They play rock music.
When I woke up this morning, I wanted to check out this band again. I didn’t know what to expect. Well, it seems that they took a break from touring and recorded a record. As of October 15, they’re just wrapping up mixing and mastering their new record. Rumored is a tour, as well. Maybe we’ll be lucky enough have them come through Colorado. Stay posted!
NOTE – I will be putting down this band. If you are into them, I apologize.
I still get ToddPNYC emails. ToddP is the top NYC underground promoter and organizer, puting on most of his shows at various lofts and speakeasies in East Brooklyn. Many New York bands got their start through ToddP, including Matt & Kim, Lightning Bolt and the Black Lips, just to name a few. However, when I opened my email yesterday and saw the Vivian Girls playing another ToddP show it almost made me ill.
The Vivian Girls are a trio of twenty something Brooklyn locals. Recently, they have outgrown their local scene and have toured the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Puerto Rico, which is why I’m writing this for you all.
Before I left Brooklyn for Boulder, I saw Vivian Girls at a ToddP show. I was excited to see them, because of all the hype — and all girl bands rock. But, once they took the stage I felt let down, like when an older sister tells you she’ll buy you and your friends a 30 rack of Budweiser for the post prom party at the cool kids house, but never does
First, they are not good musicians. To me, being a good musician is not a prerequisite. Matt & Kim is a perfect example of a band that’s not musically talented, but stills wails, which brings me to my next point. As far as energy, they just don’t have it. They stand up there, trying to play their instruments, trying to sing, just standing there. It’s like being on a date with a spoiled, rich girl who can’t wait to leave. Finally, their songs are simple, simple, simple. Again, if they possessed raw energy it wouldn’t be a big deal.
I write this because I feel it’s important that people know the truth as this band rises to the top of the charts and start touring near towns near you. My advice? Don’t spend a single penny on this band.
On November 4, 2009 BackForty Presents brought our first performer into town for the inaugural House Concert. Andy Arch, aka Tom Thumb, stopped by to perform an exclusive acoustic set for the tiny handful who were lucky enough to fit into and pack our small condo/venue. And yes, we promise to not only provide more intimate shows down the road, but we’ll also capture much better footage to document this rooted movement.
Andy Arch performs “Providence”
Andy Arch performs “Sing, Rummy”
For more information on Andy Arch and Tom Thumb and to purchase his music, please visitTomThumbMusic.com
Detroit is known first and foremost for it’s high crime rate, dying car industry and it’s former, out-of-control, crooked mayor. But…there’s a lot more going on in Detroit Rock City.
Lord Scrummage – this band kicks ass. Don’t be stupid and forget to check them out. Laptops. Controllers. What else? THEY ALSO TOUR WITH A NC-17 PROJECTIONIST! Prepare yourself – they’re weird.
DEASTRO – more Detroit electronic. Randolph Chabot and his band Deastro are the next big thing. Seriously. He’ll be in Denver late in November. Be radical. Check ‘em out.
Jaguar Medicine – here’s some softer stuff. When I listen…I think M Ward. Might be out to Colorado soon!
