Transitions, New Places and Garden Songs

Hello!

I haven’t seen you around here in a while.  In truth, there hasn’t been much going on of late.  Have a seat.  The table’s a bit dusty, but we’re cleaning up.

I started this blog seven years ago almost on a lark.  I was deeply involved in music from a young age, as a singer and performer; and as a fan.  This blog at first was a means to expand my exposure to music while giving back to the musicians who made it.  It became something of a mission and a joy; and then a burden.  At one time I was publishing up to three reviews in a day, and spending literally all of my free time doing so.  I built Wildy’s World up to the point where 500 visitors were passing through each day.  I was proud of that, but there was a price.  After a while it became something I had to do rather than something I wanted to do.  Then it became something I resented but still loved to do.

The culmination of all of this came in the last year.  In October I lost my mom after a brief illness.  It was a difficult process that involved making the sort of decisions that no one ever wants to have to make.  It threw me for a loop, and the desire to write about, or even listen to new music, came to a shattering halt.  That wasn’t the only effect, of course, but it’s the one that’s most relevant to this space.

So for a time, music became a burden.  I continued to communicate with musicians and accept submissions, all with the best of intentions.  But when it came time to write, I just couldn’t do it.  It wasn’t fun; the words just wouldn’t come.

Today I turn the page, and as I do the view changes.  I will continue to write my thoughts about music, but the formulaic reviews are mostly a thing of the past.  This space will truly be Wildy’s World from now.  In it I will talk about the world; whatever’s on my mind, really.  That will include music, including great new music from Indie artists.  I will continue to take submissions and spread the word about things that interest me.  I don’t promise to be here every single day, but if you’re interested, this is a place you can come regularly and find something new. 

Today is the first day of my 45^th year.  I suspect it will be an adventure.  Please feel free to join me.

In celebrating transition and change, I’d like to tell you a bit about Ron Hawkins.  As regular readers here will know I think Hawkins is the proverbial bee’s knees.  He’s somewhere between the Canadian version of Bob Dylan and Tom Waits.  His lyrical talent is prodigiously sublime; sometimes deep and occasionally profane but always entertaining.  Hawkins began his career as the co-lead of rockers Lowest of the Low.  It was a good start, as the band was inducted into the Canadian Indie Rock hall of fame.  The band has broken up or gone on hiatus several times, and Hawkins has always managed to remake himself, whether as a solo artist or with bands such as The Leisure Demons and The Rusty Nails, Hawkins has left an indelible mark on the Canadian Indie Music scene.

The most recent iteration of Hawkins’ muse comes in the form of The Do Good Assassins, a quintet consisting of Hawkins (vocals/guitar); Jesse Capon (drums); Alex McMaster (cello/keys/trumpet); Derrick Brady (bass); and Steve Singh (guitar).  Their latest effort is entitled Garden Songs, a collection of ten of Hawkins more thoughtful songs written over the years.  The album was recorded over the course of one week, and highlights Hawkins’ brilliance as a songwriter and lyricist.  It also shows off The Do Good Assassins’ ability to bring those songs to life.  Longtime fans of Hawkins will be familiar with tracks such as “Peace And Quiet”, “Small Victories”, “D.F.W.” , “Propellers” and “Rome”.  There are also some hidden gems here.  “Kingdom Of The Sun” is memorable, and “Saskia Begins”, an ode to a newborn child, is among Hawkins’ best songwriting. The recasting of “D.F.W.” and “Small Victories” particular stand out here, and listeners newly introduced to Hawkins will be stunned by what they hear.  Garden Songs is a must have album.  I’ll give it 5 stars, without reservation.

Learn more about Ron Hawkins at www.ronhawkins.com.  You can pick up the album from Ron’s online store at www.victimlesscapitalism.com.  Please be patient, because the initial demand for the album caused the first run to sell out.  They’ll have more soon! To hold you over, and pique your interest, check out this live performance of "Peace and Quiet", the lead single from Garden Songs.

Our discussion of The Do Good Assassins fit in with the reintroduction of the blog today. They also kick off a week (or so) of discussion of bands related to my adopted hometown of Buffalo, NY.  While The Do Good Assassins call Toronto home, the band (as well Hawkins over the years) have spent a lot of time haunting the clubs and stages of Buffalo over the years.  As a result they get honorary status.  In the coming days we'll also be talking about Buffalo native Jeneen Terrana, and current Buffalo bands Dirty Smile, Grace Stumberg and Bryan Johnson And Family.  After that we'll move on to new or recent releases by Rachael Sage, Seth Glier, Laura Joy and others.

Until next time.

Seth Glier - Things I Should Let You Know

Seth Glier - Things I Should Let You Know
2012, MPress Records

Two-time Independent Music Award winner and GRAMMY nominee (2011’s The Next Right Thing) Seth Glier is back with his most impressive work to date.  Things I Should Let You Know tackles adulthood; from the shoreline to wading in.  The 24-year old Glier shows a story-teller’s presence and sense of subtlety that speak of talent gilded longer than his tender years.

Glier sets sail with the eerie atmospherics of the title track. Glier's voice shares sonic real estate with former American Idol finalist Paul McDonald, but this opening track sets a pallid tone for the album. Glier finds a solid pop/rock groove on "The Man I Used To Be". The regretful depression of the story song is wonderfully at odds with the catchy arrangement and memorable melody.  A slow but solid beginning jumps into overdrive with "New World I See", a celebratory love song about a northern man who falls in love with a southern girl. Glier finds that personal, self-deprecating humor that drives the songwriting of folks such as Randy Newman and Lyle Lovett while weaving a story that engages you. All of this is done in a wonderfully salty New Orleans style arrangement that is full of life.

"Plastic Soldiers" is a heartbreaking story song that follows one man's journey from playing with plastic soldiers as a child to serving and being wounded in war to watching his son play with the same soldiers. Glier avoids preaching, rather allowing listeners to form their own ideas about the progression. Either way it’s a beautifully sad and moving moment. "The Stars And Glitter" is a cutting indictment to consumer culture and humanity's seeming willingness to enslave themselves for more stuff. The stark arrangement is compelling, and Glier's voice is amazing in this context.

"Down To The Wire" is an infectiously ambivalent rocker about falling in love. This leads into sonic resting space of "Interlude", a moment of quiet musical repose. Up next is "Good Man", which continues the love story from "Down To The Wire". Here the relationship is on, and he is surprised at the feelings in his heart. It's a mea culpa of sorts, an acknowledgement that he doesn't know what he is a doing with a promise to do right. Glier shifts gears with "Avery", a middle of the road pop rocker about a less than ideal friend. The story is well told here, but this track lacks the sort of spark Glier is capable of.

"Too Hard To Hold The Moon" is a touching love song with an unusual object. Glier mixes metaphors here, turning from the image to reality and back at irregular intervals. The song is touching and powerful and ultimately bathed in a sad beauty. "Poppies On The Table" explores a single moment that turns two worlds upside down. Glier offers a dynamic monologue in a catchy, vibrant arrangement while exploring long term mistakes and having the courage to change.  Glier gets contemplative while exploring truths about love and human imperfection on "Everything Beautiful". It's a beautiful, stripped down moment that is deep yet accessible. Glier closes with moral of the story in "I Am Only As Loved As I Am Open". The simple truth sweeps over him on his wedding day in the song, and it will connect with listeners who listen with their hearts.

Seth Glier shows that the sophomore slump is a myth with Things I Should Let You Know. Glier is a musical storyteller on a par with a young Randy Newman or Lyle Lovett. This cycle confirms that Glier's period Grammy nomination was no fluke. Don't be surprised if Glier hasn't shown us everything he's got. This guy just seems to be getting better as he goes.  Things I Should Let You Know is required listening, and a Wildy’s World Certified Desert Island Disc.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at www.sethglier.com. 

New Arrivals Vol. 4 - Artists Against Youth Homelessness

New Arrivals Vol. 4 - Artists Against Youth Homelessness
2011, MPress Records

Singer/songwriter Rachael Sage launched MPress Records a decade ago as a platform for her own albums, but also as a means to help Indie artists get their music heard.  In 2006, Sage launched the New Arrivals charity compilation series.  Each volume benefits a different charity while featuring both established and Indie artists.  New Arrivals Vol. 4 - Artists Against Youth Homelessness, available June 7, 2011, features established artists Rachael Sage, Lucy Woodward and Michelle Malone, as well as coming stars Seth Glier, Caleb Hawley (American Idol), Lindsay Mac and Greta Gertler & The Extroverts.  Proceeds from the album will benefit The National Network For Youth.

The album opens with American Idol 10 semifinalist Caleb Hawley.  His "Other Side Of It All" is a song of hope for a harmonious world.  It's a solid effort, catchy-yet-mellow, even if Hawley sufficiently glosses over the history he references to lose meaning.  Seth Glier is next with "Lauralee", from his album The Next Right Thing.  It's an amazing piece of songwriting from a guy you're likely to hear a lot from over the next decade or two.  Michelle Citrin impresses with a jaunty, live acoustic version of "Coffee".  Her voice is exceedingly pleasant to the ear, and you may find yourself seeking out what else she has done.  Light In August is up next with the dreamy acoustic pop style of "Northern Lights".  If you're familiar with the solo work of Barenaked Ladies keyboardist Kevin Hearn then you'll have an idea of where Light In August are headed here. 

Lindsay Mac's "Stop Thinking" is brilliant folk/pop blending sensuality and pathos, drawn from her album of the same name (See review here).  The Paper Raincoat's Amber Rubarth shows off an impressive voice on the atypical pop sounds of "Sympathetic Vibrations", but Rachel Davis might just steal the show.  Davis doesn't appear to have a powerful voice, but with a soulful and deeply nuanced tone, Davis will make a believer out of you on "Mark Of Cain".  Micah Dalton offers up a solid performance on "We Came Alive Tonight", and Avi Wisnia will grab your attention with his songwriting and unusual phrasing on "New Year".  Josh Schicker's "The Other Side" isn't overly memorable as a song, but his voice will make you forget about the song.

Michelle Malone grabs you by the shirt and shakes for all she's worth on "Miss Miss'ippi", raising the roof and dropping it on unsuspecting listeners in her signature style.  After a bit of a lull, including a less-than-inspiring entry from GRAMMY nominee Dave Eggar, Greta Gertler & The Extroverts  drops "Veselka" out of a clear blue sky.  This wonderfully quirky bit of cabaret-pop memorializes a Ukrainian soul food restaurant on the Lowest East Side of New York City with character, humor and a distinctive sense of melody.  Listeners will be reaching for their handhelds and signing on to Gertler's website before the song is over.  The album wraps with two Indie icons.  Rachael Sage contributes "Big Star", from her album Delancey Street.  It's an entertaining mix of reality and advice for all who would walk the path she's followed in the music business.  As a special bonus, listeners are treated to Lucy Woodward's frenetic performance of "He Got Away".  Done in a call and response style with her band, this song will remind you (or educate you, as the case may be) of just how wonderful Woodward's voice really is.

As with any various artists’ collection, different tracks will appear to different listeners for different reasons.  But of the Indie collections released in the last few years, New Arrivals Vol. 4 - Artists Against Youth Homelessness has to be rated among the best for both songs and selection of artists.  So if you're looking for an opportunity to learn about some wonderful up-and-coming Indie artists and support a good cause in the process, New Arrivals Vol. 4 - Artists Against Youth Homelessness comes highly recommended.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about the New Arrivals Series at www.newarrivalscd.com.  For more information about The National Network For Youth, head over to www.nn4youth.org.  New Arrivals Vol. 4 - Artists Against Youth Homelessness drops on June 7, 2011.  Keep checking your favorite retailer for availability.

Seth Glier - The Next Right Thing

Seth Glier – The Next Right Thing
2010, MPress Records

Boston-based singer/songwriter Seth Glier is all of twenty-one years old and is already preparing to release his second album on MPress Records.  Twenty-two in years alone, Glier shows a depth and maturity of songwriting that seems antithetical to his youth.  Glier’s next album, The Next Right Thing is due on January 11, 2011 and features a guest appearance from Edwin McCain.  Glier writes from a deep well of experiences both personal and observed, and certainly appears to have taken things to the next level with The Next Right Thing.  Seth Glier has appeared on the main stage at the Falcon Ridge Folk and Kerrville Folk Festivals, and has shared stages with the likes of McCain, Mark Knopfler, James Taylor and The Verve Pipe.

The Next Right Thing marks Glier as a rising star.  The title track is a dynamic soul/gospel tune with a beating heart of urgency.  “Walk Katie Home” is a song of devotion about the lengths we’ll go for love.  The song is beautiful in its unadorned love and purity of thought.   On “Lauralee” Glier provides us with a literate and mature view of love using wondrous imagery; sounding more than a bit like a young Billy Joel in the process.  “First” is poetic and romantic; capturing the moments or experiences that can make love feel like new again.  “Down With This Ship” makes ethical and sociological observations about the point of impact between faith and deceit.  It’s a dynamic bit of songwriting that is certain to capture younger and older fans, as Glier seems to phrase the sort of problems that hit many in midlife in terms that are universal and accessible.

“I Don’t Need You” takes a look inside the life of someone who sees all of her friends passing her by while she stands still.  The song expresses the mix of frustration and need in muted tones of resignation and is amazingly well written.  “What Others Have Done” follows a soul who seeks himself in the whims and fancies of others; through the brief highs and the lengths of emptiness that ensue.  The piano ballad style here is reminiscent of a cross of Billy Joel and Elton John.  “Beauty In the Breakdown”  seeks the silver lining in human pain.  Glier displays a quietly dramatic sense here, and the arrangement is among the most complete and beautiful on the album. 

“Book Of Matches” is simply brilliant.  Glier turns the tragedy of losing a home into opportunity, finding the sense of freedom of no longer being encumbered with possessions, burdens or expectations.  The imagery here is deep, and could have multiple interpretations (fire, divorce, death, etc.), but this proves the genius in the songwriting.  “No Place To Land” captures the loneliness and displacement of someone who has been on the road so long it’s become the only home he knows.  The extrapolation from what are Glier’s experiences playing 200 shows per year to a way of life is a logical leap that goes beyond your typical pop song.  Glier closes with “Soul, Skin & Bones”; an incredibly poetic memorial in song that’s stark in its imagery but ultimately deeply loving.  The palindrome simile Glier uses here is eye opening.  This is how you close an album with an utter “Wow” moment.

Seth Glier is the sort of singer/songwriter that allows you to throw in a CD and get lost for an hour.  Musically, he writes in subtle tones, crafting near-perfect settings for the stories he tells in song.  Lyrically, Glier is an old soul, writing well beyond his twenty-two years in both poetics and depth of human understanding.  The Next Right Thing is beautiful; brilliant; breathtaking.  Glier sets the bar high for 2011.  The Next Right Thing is a Wildy’s World Certified Desert Island Disc.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Seth Glier at www.sethglier.com or www.myspace.com/sethglier.  The Next Right Thing drops on January 11, 2011.  You can pre-order the CD and Download from Amazon.com.