choo-choo-charlie Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 You don't care for the next two? Straightaways (1997)Wide Swing Tremolo (1998) ...so I failed to mention those. I like a little here, a little there, but Trace is still what does it for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Analogman Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 I rather like the version of Open All Night he does. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CortezTheKiller Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 I rather like the version of Open All Night he does.There's some great stuff on their Retrospective compilation. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CortezTheKiller Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 I was just reading the iTunes review of ACD and it says:in an ode to Keith Richards, Tweedy sings, "I snorted my father and I'm still alive/I did it because that's how it's done" Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CortezTheKiller Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 I HATE the backwards tracking stuff "space noise" or whatever he calls it between songs on that album. I mean....WTF IS that anyways? Was that his arty response to YHF or something? Makes it tough to throw it on the player. Otherwise, its an ok album.Just came across this on www.jayfarrar.net.The sounds of "Space Junk" demonstrate a continuation of Farrar's desire to experiment and expand his music in a technological sense. "I set out to work in that medium," says Farrar of the backwards sound effects that pop up in the Terroir Blues mix. "I think of musical sounds played in reverse as a legitimate musical tool and not a studio trick." "Space Junk" and Terroir Blues' use of effects evoke the mood and sound of The Beatles' Revolver, while the live feel of Neil Young's Tonight's the Night is also found here -both of these records placed well-crafted songs into stark juxtapositions and odd settings. It's a comparison that Farrar does not reject. "I was using some albums that I like - Revolver, Tonight's the Night - as touchstones," says Farrar. Farrar's ruminations on his father's death last summer provided some of the impetus for the songs on Terroir Blues. "I started working with the backward sounds as a way to approximate sonically some of the emotions I was feeling. It forced me to look at where my parents came from - and where I came from," says Farrar of his father's passing. "Most of it was memories flashing back to me at times." Quote Link to post Share on other sites
echo Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 As i mentioned several posts ago, nobody worshipped at the alter of Farrar more than I did. But year after year of subpar albums and performances changed things for me. Regardless, I entered and won tickets to the Mesa, AZ Son Volt show...front row, literally dead center, in front of Jay's mic. Candidly, despite my increasing age...I was super excited. I'll let Son Volt's drummer provide the review of the show courtesy of his blog: "Mesa, ugh….Well, last night’s show blew. It was not the return to rock, or country (or whatever the hell it is we play) as hoped. We couldn’t rise above the sterile vibe and godawful sound issues." The show was a disaster. I'd reckon 40% of the crowd left well before the show ended. The girls behind us heckled the band for at least the first 5 songs to fix the God-awful sound....literally, all you could hear was Masterson. It was a joke. At one point, Jay's vox levels were increased but it was too little too late. Jay was Jay. He was so stoned I got a contact high. The customary "thank you's" followed each song but nothing else to demonstrate he was any less bored than the remaining audience. I admit it really was the sound (which was quite good for the VH1-esque Cowboy Junkies' set) that ruined the night. However, the unfamiliar (i.e. ACD) songs that I could hear sounded quite good... Which brings me to today. I was at the local record shop and feeling guilty that I saw a Son Volt show, front row, dead center, for free... and I caved. I bought the new album. While the Trace comparisons seem farfetched, this is a damn good album. P'forks 3.7 is asinine. The Son Volt camp has issues. The venues they're playing this tour are way too adult contemporary. Don't play the Mesa Center for the Arts in the middle of conservative, Mormonville. Play the Celebrity Theater or even a smaller venue that you'd pack. Turn the volume up and go. To me, it appeared to be a band that's directionless and who's management is killing it by booking terrible, sterile venues with questionable opening acts. That said, the new record is definitely a step in the right direction... Only time will tell... e Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MattZ Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 sorry to hear it, e. As for me, I can't figure out whether I love this new album or hate it. It's quite bizarre. I've never flipped back and forth and back again so violently over one album. I am seeing the band at Irving Plaza in nyc in Sept. I would have preferred a smaller venue, too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dean Moriarty Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I've listened to it a few times and I think it is a solid record. Well produced and the songs are good. I liked it so much I bought tickets for the Son Volt show coming up in Philly. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dean Moriarty Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 Right now I'm really diggin the 1 2 punch of "Pushed too Far" and "Exiles". I have to say though...the song "Sultana" really gets on my nerves. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Maggie Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 I saw Son Volt play a free show this evening here in Western PA. Based on the negative comments I've read regarding Jay's live performances I tried not to get my hopes up, but it turned out I had nothing to worry about. I loved every minute of the show. It was a beautiful evening, and I was impressed by the extent to which the audience seems to enjoy the band. Highlights for me included "Buzz and Grind" and "Medication." My dad was my concert companion tonight, and he happens to come equipped with a really nice camera (drag racing is his normal subject). He took over 300 photos, many of which came out very well. Once he "edits" everything I plan on putting them on Flickr. I don't know if anyone's all that interested at looking at pictures of Son Volt, but I'll post the link once I get it together anyway. In the meantime, I've attached a copy of the setlist that my dear father managed to get for me (two songs are missing - "Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way" and "Looking at the World Through a Windshield"). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Maggie Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 Here's one quick example of Dad's photography. I think this one might qualify as a smile . . . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sweet Papa Crimbo Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 Here's one quick example of Dad's photography. I think this one might qualify as a smile . . . Jay is just so DOUR. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
prefab Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 I am really loving the new album, even from the first listen it grabbed me. Unusual, as other than Trace; each disc has been a slow grower for me. I've never seen them live, but from friends I've heard they're as hit or miss as The Replacements were in their day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dean Moriarty Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 That setlist is pretty sweet. It has many new tunes on it, but as I've stated above I really like American Central Dust. I'm psyched to see them in philly in September. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remphish1 Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 Son Volt has been doing 10 Second News Recently! Sweet! I hope to hear it in NY on Sept 17! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Maggie Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 That setlist is pretty sweet. It has many new tunes on it, but as I've stated above I really like American Central Dust. I'm psyched to see them in philly in September. It wasn't until I actually sat down and read the setlist that I noticed how few of the older songs they played. After the encore my dad commented that they didn't play their "hit" ("Drown"), but even he didn't seem to care. The songs they did play were great, and that's all I ask. I left the show happy with what I heard. Here's a nice little group shot from last night . . . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remphish1 Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 It wasn't until I actually sat down and read the setlist that I noticed how few of the older songs they played. After the encore my dad commented that they didn't play their "hit" ("Drown"), but even he didn't seem to care. The songs they did play were great, and that's all I ask. I left the show happy with what I heard. Here's a nice little group shot from last night . . . Yeah nothing off of Straighaways and Wide Swing! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Maggie Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 Yeah nothing off of Straighaways and Wide Swing! Straightaways is my favorite SV album and "Medicine Hat" is one of my top 5 songs, so it certainly would have been nice to hear something from those records. I guess it's understandable that they're concentrating on the music that the current lineup (or versions thereof) actually recorded together. Oh well. In other news, Dad sent me a link to all of his photos from the Hartwood Acres show. I guess I won't bother adding more to my Flickr account. More photos of Jay Farrar and Co. (and a guitar tech, and some random children) than anyone could ever wish for: http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/574014009aQoBXv Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Analogman Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 I listened to Wide Swing Tremolo recently. I think it had been years since I listened to that album. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remphish1 Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 I listened to Wide Swing Tremolo recently. I think it had been years since I listened to that album. Straightfaced, Driving the View, Medicine Hat and Question are def in my top 10 Son Volt Songs! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Analogman Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 Streets That Time Walks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Analogman Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 . . .Farrar's latest Son Volt release "American Central Dust," which after release in July 2009 has sold 21,000 according to Nielsen SoundScan. I know Son Volt ain't exactly superstar, but I thought they would have sold more albums than that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
suites Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 I know Son Volt ain't exactly superstar, but I thought they would have sold more albums than that. Yeah, well look at the picture a few posts up of them live. Looks like the venue is a garage. Check out the filled in door right behind the drums. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Maggie Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Yeah, well look at the picture a few posts up of them live. Looks like the venue is a garage. Check out the filled in door right behind the drums. Here's a picture of the "garage" during soundcheck. I also thought it was kinda cool watching Jay stand at the "filled in door" smiling and enjoying a beer before he went on stage. That photo's a little too grainy to share. According to Dave Bryson's blog there were around 5,000 people in attendance, but considering it was a free show I don't think that means anything. Sorry - I wasn't going to post anymore photos, but I couldn't help myself. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CortezTheKiller Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 A few lines/verses off ACD I love: When the levee goes the heart breaks awayThe mind holds backJust loose dirt in pouring rainThe truth is not freeAnd everyone must pay the price There is no right wayOnly the way that keeps your mind freeEvery moment to count In the living judgment day Shared ground and common radarHonky tonks and biker barsFinding worth in this worldFrom inside a rental car Roll on with the dreamersBelievers in the steel eyed soulThe blessing is counted When the deal goes downSo on and on we roll The stones we throw always find us on the way down It’s no way of life but I’ve tried everything onceI have no pretensions of immortality Senses and spirit, mourning and miseryAddiction is something I should know something about Love is a fog and you stumbleEvery step you make Going green a casino catch phraseEthanol is made of smoke and mirrorsWho makes the decision To feed the tanks and not the mouthsWhen the wheels don’t move So much promise with so much painSurveying eyes overloaded againNo signs to follow and the road is dark Criss-crossing the country so many believe in You’re out there doing what you would die forBelieving there’s no turning back Let’s take the cities that railroads builtShipping lines and immigrantsLike Leadbelly says no use for the Bourgousie towns The salt and the steel of the breathOf those not keeping still I look for you and I know you’re out thereIn this mind we breathe the same airLonely roads and freight trainsWill keep us sane Memories of Crescent City Pure gasoline for the soul Take me back to the Mound City But when you hold your cards close to your chestIt shows you’ve been pushed too far The best religion is faith in man Too far along to let aloneChasing a world to call your ownThe sting of mortalityA reminder renewal only happens withinThe damage has been determinedThere’s a different set of rules closing in It takes a strong willTo keep it caged and still It’s only greys and bluesWhen nothing else matters Pages left blankAround the music hallsDidn’t find the meaningJust answering the call Continental motion certaintyThe merciful wheels Where the living are living onSolvents and ashes Antiheroes to follow to Bar and string salvationThrow the calendar awayGonna find a jukebox of steel A still life with a bottleA newspaper and a glassCarrot dangles and the dance goes onThe bitters circle the drain Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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