The Making of Ghost Shuffle:
Darby shares his thoughts on aspiring to be the best opening band in America.
Music Envy: Florence and The Machine
I was just introduced to Florence + The Machine yesterday. The musicians seem to rotate behind the lead vocals of Florence Welch, who provides her very soulful voice, face and name to the project . She reminds me of Fiona Apple’s Extraordinary Machine performance. (Highly Recommended)
I’ve yet to hit the entire album, Lungs, up yet. But I’m quite impressed with the video/myspace/youtube offerings. In particular Drumming Song has really caught my attention. Rabbit Heart gets my body moving with its slow grooving bass-line. The song that first got me was ‘You’ve Got The Love’ It’s over the top video and melody really capture everything I like about Florence and the Machine.
Music Envy: As Tall As Lions
My first introduction to As Tall As Lions came when Darby was on tour as a drum tech for Under the Influence of Giants. The Giants were opening up for the Lions. He phoned me from the road and and told me about this band that brought a fierce intensity with them on stage every night, as if each night was the first time performing each song. The picture above truly demonstrates how much the rhythm section brings it. It’s not often Darby recommends that I listen to a band, especially with so much enthusiasmnbehind the suggestion. I immediately listened to their self titled album release in 2006. I loved it. With songs like ‘Ghost of York’ and ‘Love, Love, Love’ I was drawn in on first listen.
The boys of ATAL have released a new album in late 2009, You Can’t Take it With You. While the album does not seem to capture the same energy that the group emits on stage, I still see a lot of promise in these guys. If you ever get a chance to check them out live I highly recommend it.
— Jason Abraham
Food Envy: Dublin Dr. Pepper.
There is nothing better to help out a late night recording session than Dr. Peeps. Why not take it old school and enjoy the rich taste of DP with Imperial Cane Sugar? This is the original recipe from the Dr. Himself, Wade Morrison.
Gear Envy: Fuzz Head
What is it?
100% Grade A Creamy Fuzz Dreams. or Fuzz Head by Keeley Electronics.
Why do I get goosebumps when I turn it on?
The Fuzz Head only has two knobs. Fuzz and Head. The fuzz controls the amount of drive and Head controls volume. It also has a Silicon/Geranium selector switch which controls what diodes it goes through. The “SI” mode inserts two diodes (one silicon and one germanium in parallel.) It increases the gain and compression a bit for more sustain and for more of an overdrive mode. The end result, a true set it and forget it pedal - no matter where the knobs/switches are it sounds great.
Hear:
Geek Specs:
NPN Germanium Transistor, Silicon Diode, True Bypass, Large Blue LED(A Keeley Trademark)
— Jason Abraham
Local Spotlight: Welcome to Ashley
I was first introduced to Welcome to Ashley through a mutual friend, Vince Cassamatta. Vince had just finished recording WTA’s latest record and Darby and I were in preliminary talks to have Vince work on our album. When Darby sent me the details on last weeks show, both of us were excited to be sharing the bill with WTA. I approached Vince with the idea of us writing a piece on WTA and he said that Coley, the lead singer, would be all for it. So the email exchange began, after all, us front men have to stick together. Being my first interview I asked Coley some pretty lame questions But I think that he did a pretty good job at giving some honest insightful answers. (Thanks Coley!)
Jason: Name?
Coley: Coley Kennedy
J: Role in Welcome To Ashley?
C: Lead Vocals
J: In 1992, What was your favorite band? In other words, who are your early influences?
C: It would have to be the Replacements or Morrissey. This was Moz’s best lineup - Gary Day, Boz Boorer, Alain Whyte, Spencer Cobrin.
J: In 2002, what was your favorite band? (Why am I obsessed with years ending in 2?)
C: Hmmm… I believe I was listening to A LOT of Big Star.
J: Latest 5 Songs on iPod random? C: Big Star “Take Care”, The Clash “Straight To Hell”, Echo and the Bunnymen “The Game”, Elvis Presley “When I’m With My Baby”, The Pogues “Rainy Night In Soho”
J: Blue or Green?
C: Depends on the dayJ: Are you sure it’s not Grey?
J: Favorite venue to see a show?
C: Empty Bottle
J: Last show you saw live?
C: Pool of Frogs at Darkroom
I’ve waited to finish writing this piece about WTA until after experiencing their live show. I’m really glad that I did. Their stage show was really intimate, even at one point thanking their biggest fan and throwing him some dap. My father loved the drumming style of Sherrlia Bailey, and I really dug the over-driving sound of Pete Javier’s guitar licks. Jeremy Barrett held down stage right with his groove-laden 4 string performance. Last but not least, Coley really captured the vibe of the night slanking across center stage all night, crooning out catchy hooks that burrowed their way into my subconscious. Just a solid show all around. I look forward to catching a show in the near future.
I’ll leave you with a taste of WTA’s latest video : Nothing But Grey Skies Ahead.
— Jason Abraham
hwn takes it to the stage — Darby hides in back.
Thanks to Social ID’s Helen Tong for this one!
Music Envy: Florence and The Machine
Music Envy: As Tall As Lions
Fashion Envy: Body Pillows
Local Spotlight: Welcome to Ashley
Photo's from Ghost Shuffle EP session
