Tag Archives: Captain Beefheart

Poetic Memory: White Denim (List)

Austin quartet White Denim released D, their fifth studio album in May; now, they’ve announced plans to release an EP, Takes Place in Your Workspace on October 25.

The experimental indie band has been compared to the Minutemen and Randy Newman (yes, both), and is known for infusing anything from punk to funk to piano ballads into their songs. White Denim has wowed crowds across the ‘States and abroad, even catching the ear of Jack White, who invited them to record a live LP at Third Man Records in Nashville.

To prep yourself for the show, check the above video for their 60’s rock-inspired single “Drug,” from D. After that, scroll down to read singer/guitarist James Petralli’s Poetic Memory. White Denim will play House of Blues on October 26. Continue reading…

Big Harp Tour to Support ‘White Hat,’ Play Casbah Tonight

Just a few days ago, L.A. duo Big Harp kicked off their Fall tour opening for Saddle Creek labelmate and former Azure Ray singer Maria Taylor. The twosome is touring to support its new album, White Hat, and they’re celebrating its success by playing shows in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest for the first time ever.

Recorded by Pierre de Reeder (Rilo Kiley), White Hat sees lead singer Chris Senseney drawing inspiration from a variety of influences, including (but not limited to) classic country and folk. On the album, Senseney finds many interesting ways to accommodate his heroes — there are echoes of Townes Van Zandt, Nick Cave, and even Captain Beefheart — but it’s Senseney’s wife/drummer Stefanie Drootin who holds the whole enterprise together.

If their shows are as eclectic or interesting as their recorded work (check out their video for “Everybody Pays,” above), the band’s gig tonight at the Casbah should be a hell of a time. Full list of tour dates is below.

Don’t Have a Blue Christmas

For many, the holiday season can be a depressing time. Despite all the talk of good cheer, the mirth and merriment can conceal an underbelly of loneliness and dejection. It’s no coincidence that, every December, depression levels skyrocket.

The cause of all the melancholy is simple — it’s the endless stream of bad music on the radio. How many obnoxious Christmas carols and wailing Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitar solos can any person endure before doing damage to their mental health? Luckily, the Casbah has put together a delightfully oddball show that’s guaranteed to permanently wipe the lyrics to “Jingle Bells” from your memory. Continue reading…