Dark and Sweet

Barnstormers- Graveyard Town
Upon the release of their sophomore album, Barnstormers, a Decatur Alabama based band, is nervous. But they really need not be. The live show I saw at Eclipse was a great introduction to their sound. It was a small show with its share of technical difficulties, but they put on a damn charismatic performance.
The first track, “A Warm Welcome”, calls to mind a mildly demented circus or the music Tom Waits has milling around in his head all day. It’s wonderfully simple with more layers that become evident with more plays. This trend continues through the album. As does the rain. It is featured in three songs but connects the adjoining tunes as well. On paper, that sounds like a lot of rain. However it is used well and adds an ambiance when enveloped in listening. Ronnie Moore, guitarist and songwriter, has a voice that reminds me of Will Kimbrough, another Alabama musician. But it also has a nice deepness to it, that when he’s really into the song caused chills. “Magdalena” and “Misery” are the two tracks that I think displayed his vocals well. Not to mention his songwriting. It’s clever without appearing pretentious and sweetly melancholy as well. Best illustrated in “The Gift,” a tune seemingly about a lost love who won’t simply let go without dragging the protagonist along for a bit. “Another boy crosses the room as he offers a smile/ But he doesn’t know you the way that I do/ He doesn’t know your thousand yard stare/ And what it can do.” There is a point in the middle of the album that feels incomplete or causes a lull but once you reach the next song you realize that there was some intention behind it all. Chris Wilson, cellist and songwriter, brings his musical talents to the table as well as a voice that is interestingly green. There are at least 30 more aspects I could go on about, or I could just insist that you seek out this album.
From what I gather, they get quite a few vampire and True Blood references. At first listen, that makes more than enough sense. But to pinhole them as just that doesn’t give them nearly enough credit. Yeah, most of the songs sound like they’re plucked from New Orleans. And yeah, there’s a swagger to some songs that evoke sexiness. But there is so much more to it and I cannot wait to hear more from this band that calls Alabama home.
Stand out tracks: Solace, The Gift, and Tin Roof.

Micah Schnabel

Counting Down to the Static
The words honest and genuine are thrown around so often in regards to music it can be hard to wade through the sea of so called artists. But every so often, in the wading of the sea, you stumble on an album or artist that practically screams for praise without actually asking for it.
Micah Schnabel’s full-length solo endeavor, When the Stage Lights Go Dim, is just such an album. It is honest when it needs to be and never asks for forgiveness over harsh words. I can’t remember hearing anything quite like it, and I’m confident in saying that this album will stay in constant rotation for a long time to come.
When he’s not recording solo, Schnabel plays guitar and sings for the Columbus, Ohio outfit Two Cow Garage. His song writing style throughout Stage Lights is similar to what you could hear on a Two Cow record, but there is just something unique about this album allows it to stand out from previous songs he has recorded. These songs are more personal than the ones that preceded it. The record mostly revolves around Schnabel’s life as a touring musician and his experience as a hopeless romantic. In a song titled “My Blue Heart,” he agonizes over writing his crush a poem and wishing she were his Valentine. “So I handed you my heart/ ‘Like Me’ construction paper blue/ Cause I had used up all my red/ Writing poems and songs for you.” Occasionally the two themes overlap like in “God and Money” in which he professes his love for a girl despite her parent’s disapproval. That particular theme is very played out, but Schnabel adds depth to this petty fight over ideology. The album flows nicely with a well thought out song placement. The faster songs mixed well with slower acoustic beauties, “Throwing Rocks at the Sun” with its Irish pub song vibe, and a cover of the Replacement’s “Can’t Hardly Wait” make for an album where one couldn’t ask for more. The record feels complete, full and incredibly colorful.
Though it has yet to be pressed officially, I would highly recommend looking into preordering this album from Suburban Home Records’ partner Vinyl Collective. You can also check out some of Two Cow Garage’s songs at www.myspace.com/twocowgarage
Stand out tracks: “American Static”, “A Girl Named January”, “Bury the Maps”

Maddy Coley
October 2009

Alabamian Article: I And Love And You

Depending on where this change of season finds you, The Avett Brothers latest, I And Love And You, could be the perfect sound for your adventures or a gleaming reminder of what summer should have been. With cryptic album art and more press coverage than ever, The Avett boys have their work cut out for them. The Avett Brothers, a trio native to North Carolina, released their seventh studio album and major label debut last Tuesday. Unlike previous releases, this record sounds much more produced, shiny even. But as these boys will show you, a little sheen never hurt anyone. This obvious shift could be due in part to Rick Rubin’s involvement in the production. One could easily say that such an iconic name being involved in the making of this album can only help the band. But the big named producer does not affect the fact that The Avett Brothers have delivered another stand up album. However, die hard fans must note that this isn’t a continuation of previous releases.

There are a few distinct characteristics that the band carried through to their new songs. Scott Avett’s banjo playing and the brother’s harmonies still play a large role like in “Laundry Room”. They’re also known for their verse sharing and lovey-dovey songwriting displayed perfectly in “January Wedding” about a couple so deeply in love their heart is actually one. “But I know what she's sayin'/I understand because my heart and hers are the same/And in January we're gettin' married.” Some newer sounds have emerged though, Seth Avett has taken to the keys and the drums are more prevalent than in previous albums. “Kick Drum Heart,” about the giddy start of a brand new relationship highlights the new drums and keys beautifully all while making you want to dance. All in all this is a great record and released at a perfect time in the year. The title track begins the record with a kick. However, The middle has a small lull, but I mostly blame the track placement. The end is rounded out nicely, but still leaves the listener wanting more. So if you’re still looking for an album that can put that special kick in your step, look no further. Stand-out songs: It Goes On And On, I And Love And You, And It Spread.

Maddy Coley

October 2009