cool elevator video: The Gourds

Check out this very cool video of The Gourds playing super-stripped down in a cramped elevator in Holland or something. Besides the uniqueness factor that they're playing in this elevator as it continues to make stops at floors (and Jimmy Smith drinks what I'm sure is quite an enjoyable elevator beer), the performance is actually really good. This is a testament to what good musicians these guys are that they can pull this off so well.

Seeing shit like this causes me to think: What other cool shit like this may exist on websites overseas?

http://3voor12.vpro.nl/speler/ondemand/30326083#ondemand.30326083

Videos: Country Chick songs

I'm no redneck. Really. I'm from Queens NY for Chrissakes! But 2 songs that have been getting a lot of play around here just so happen to be about country chicks. The first is from Dash Rip Rock, who I just experienced for the first time last week here in Albany. Where the hell has this band been all my life? (Ans: playing their asses off in bars these past 25 years. They should be asking me Where the fuck have you been Tom?!?!) Great show, great band, great album I got at the show (their latest CD "Country Girlfriend"). Going in I thought they may be too far toward that rockabilly/cow-punk stuff that I don't really like, such as the Revend Horton Heat. I always found that stuff a bit too hokey/joking. But they're much more of a straight-up rock band when it comes down to it. And they're completely deserving of the "best bar band" tag I've seen associated with the band. This track "Country Girlfriend" is super catchy and absolutely worth checking out.





The second is"Country Gal" by The Gourds from their latest album "Haymaker". For some reason I've found myself liking the second half of albums much more than the first part recently (I enjoy side 2 more than side 1? God, remember album sides...) and that's definitely the case with this Gourds album. This song is another one that's pretty damn catchy.

Check 'em out: The Gourds

The band: The Gourds

Hometown: Austin, TX

Sounds like... a Texas Rock and Roll Ho-down

There's a good chance you're more familiar with The Gourds than I am. For years I had heard about them and what I heard made me think that this is a band that I'd definitely like. But for some reason I dragged my feet. Well, they came to Albany last year. I went. They were great.

Their country influence may seem a bit strong at first listen, but as you listen to them a bit you'll begin to realize that they're a straight-up rock band. The first thing that jumps out at me about this band is their catchy songs - man, some of them can really stick in your head (in the good way, not in the "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba kinda way...). Secondly, the instrumentation and what I'm gonna call song craftsmanship really sets these guys apart. They work mandelin, fiddle, accordian, organ and a host of other instruments into their songs so well and it all gells together nicely, producing a captivating overall sound. Thirdly, the bands rocks pretty hard, even though they don't have a dominant instrument that leads the band down that road (ie. a strong electric guitar). When I saw them there was a point where I was like, "These guys are jamming so hard," even though no one in the band was soloing or even playing fast for that matter. These guys are a fluid musical unit and they lock in with each other instinctually. And that's some special shit when a band can do that.

I saw them at the performing arts space of the local public radio station, which is sterile/snooty to say the least (In In the Aisles I had written that I wouldn't be going to this Gourds show because "I'm not going to that place ever again until they start selling beer"). So I look forward to see them in a packed club with 200 other people who are drunk and ready to get down. Cause this is the band you want to see in that situation.

http://www.thegourds.com/

www.myspace.com/thegourdstx

I only have 3 of their albums, but you gotta check out the first 7 tracks of their 2006 album Heavy Ornamentals. A pretty kick-ass 7 straight songs to start a record for sure. Listen here:

The Gourds - Heavy Ornamentals

The dudes are serious road warriors, so a picture with the van is appropriate