Madison, WI

As I sure most of you are fully aware of the events taking place in Madison, WI I don't think this video requires additional explanation. Very well done.

Wisconsin "Budget Repair Bill" Protest Pt 2 from Matt Wisniewski on Vimeo.

Dark Dark Dark

I braved the weather and made it down to see Cloud Cult at the Majestic Theatre this past Saturday. It was well worth the effort. They threw down the most powerful live performance I have seen in recent history.

Cloud Cult's opening band was Dark Dark Dark- another up and coming act out of the Twin Cities. Really dug their stuff, keep an eye on them.

Enjoy, Ben

Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit

Here's a new one for ya. The guy's name is Johnny Flynn and he is out of London. His biography is not a complicated one; he's a musical prodigy turned Shakespearean actor turned musician. As a child Flynn sang in the Winchester College Chapel Choir. His musical scholarship through them required that he learn two instruments. He chose violin and trumpet. When learning them Flynn rarely used sheet music and this gravitated towards improvisation. As he stated recently in an interview with Guardian.uk.co, it was "the most rebellious thing I could do" and "it made it easy for me to pick up anything quickly".

Flynn spent his formative years listening to Bob Dylan, playing music, acting, and pursuing other traditional English pastimes including cricket, fishing, and getting hammered. However after getting out of school it wasn't Flynn's music, but rather his acting that payed the bills. Not until recently did Flynn start to take his folk talents more seriously and treat them as more than just a supplemental career.

Flynn released his first album "A Larum" in 2008 (*An EXCELLENT album). He has spent the last couple of years touring fairly heavily and just released his second album (which I haven't heard yet) in June of 2010. The first part of this year he toured with the likes of Mumford & Sons. but midway through the US tour Flynn's label suddenly pulled the plug citing the recession's effect on sales. One album into a five-album deal Flynn was dropped.

For his current tour of the States Flynn has left his band at home. The past 2 years have left him broke. Right now he is playing some small shows and has got a part in a new film, but is in danger of being left behind by his musical peers. Take a listen to these tracks, hard to believe that a guy with this sort of talent is struggling to sell disks.

Enjoy, Ben.

GAYNGS - "Cry"

Cool song, cool vid.

Cloud Cult

Cloud Cult is an experimental indie rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The group began in 1995 as the solo studio project of Craig Minowa. His first studio album sparked the interest of a number of small record labels that encouraged him to preform live. Over the course of the next four years Minowa worked on what would become the first Cloud Cult album. This first offering brought out offers from a number of different record labels, all of which were denied in favor of continued independent releases (a trend that continues today).

In 2002 in an effort to cope with the unexpected death of his two year old son Minowa went on a songwriting binge. During the course of the next year or so he crafted over one-hundred songs. It is a combination of these songs with others that have been written over the years that have fueled Cloud Cult. If you listen to their lyrics most of them deal with "big picture" ideas - who are we? where are we from? where do we go?...etc.

In the last eight years Cloud Cult has grown largely in popularity. Their last couple albums have received a lot of high praise from people who probably know more about awesome music than me. In 2006, they released "Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus"--great name!, which Pitchfork Media called “insane genius”. In 2007 their release "The Meaning of 8" was labeled by some as one of the top ten albums of the past decade.

Also worth noting...Cloud Cult is known to put on a great live show. One of their very unique features is that they have two painters at every show. The painters each craft a painting during the show that is auctioned off at the Shows end. I have yet to experience them live, but they will be coming to Madison @ The Majestic in early December and there is a pretty good chance I'll be checking that one out.

Just a few weeks ago Cloud Cult turned out another great disc. The album is called "Light Chasers". Here is a taste - pretty phenomenal stuff.

Cloud Cult's Website

The Greenhornes "****" Album!

I think most of you are probably familiar with "The Greenhornes", but if not here is the brief rundown...They are a trio comprised of Craig Fox (lead vocals, guitar), Patrick Keeler (drums), and Jack Lawrence (bass). They formed in the late 90's in Cincinnati, OH. Since then they have released three studio albums, and EP, and a number of singles. They have toured worldwide and are kind of a big deal. The Greenhornes music is best described as straight up Rock n' Roll. They are just simple, unpretentious rock and their influences - primarily British Rock n' Rollers (The Kinks, The Who, The Zombies, and The Animals), are easily identified in their music.

In 2005 the group went on temporary hiatus, and bandmembers Patrick Keeler and Jack Lawrence formed "The Raconteurs" with Detroit friends Jack White and Brendan Benson. After a couple years of melting faces with the Raconteurs they took some time to pursue a few different musical projects. But now they are BACK.

The Greenhornes released their 4th album, entitled "****" - or Four Star on itunes this week. The actual CD is being released November 9th on Jack White's Third Man Records. The tracks that I have heard off of the album so far are excellent. As a side-note they are playing the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago with The Black Keys on New Years Eve and New Years Day...An event I for one would really like to be a part of.

Rock n' Roll!
Ben

**You can stream some of the tracks from "****" on Their MySpace page

Phantogram - Mouthful of Diamonds

I think that we have posted some of their stuff in the past. I thought this song and video were very very cool - Plus they include a ring-necked pheasant in the video, which really earns them bonus points in my book...

Ray Lamontagne - God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise

I doubt that there is anyone reading this blog who is not familiar with the work of Ray Lamontagne. Lamontagne is a bearded backwoods soul singer with a voice that is second to none. He burst on the music scene just six years ago with his enormously successful release "trouble". Since then he has been around but, as anyone who is a fan of his knows, prefers to avoid the limelight. This sort of self consciousness is very apparent in his live performances, but has its own way of captivating an audience. And it is perhaps Lamontagne's apparent and raw emotion (coupled with his voice) that make his music and songwriting so appealing.

I picked up Lamontagne's most recent record "God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise" a couple of weeks ago and it is his finest work. One really need look no further than the album's title for insight into what its about. The album is comprised of ten songs that tell of both love and despair; they are written so perfectly and effortlessly that they without doubt will be enjoyed for years to come. The music is as simple as it is powerful.

God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise was written and recorded in just two weeks at Lamontagne's woodland home in western Massachusetts. A review of the album that I read earlier probably put it best when they stated that "you can practically taste the woodsmoke drifting to the treetops" when listening to the album. The Pariah Dogs (Lamontagne's live back up band for several years) provide the base for the record and really craft the perfect framework to surround Lamontagne's voice. They are loose, live, and give a warm country sound that just plain works.

Take a listen to a couple of tracks. I know you'll enjoy them.

- Ben

The Morning Benders

Meet The Morning Benders, an indie rock band out of Berkeley, CA. They released their debut album, "Talking Through Tin Cans" just two years ago and since then have toured with such TSAD favorites as MGMT, Yeasayer, Broken Bells (this year), Grizzly Bear, and the Kooks. Their latest album "Big Echo" dropped this year and was co-produced by Chris Taylor - the bassist for Grizzly Bear. Do yourself a favor and pick it up, its a great one to listen to on the way into work (or any other time).

The Morning Benders sound is a very unique one. They find a way to blend many of the musical ideas of a good indie rock band with those of late fifties or early sixties pop. Take a listen, you'll see what I'm talking about....

Enjoy. Ben

This first video is nothing short of phenomenal...

Avett Brothers Video

I've come to the conclusion that I just really love everything that these guys do.
This new video is no exception. so cool.

A Spectacular Terrace Lineup

I've brought it up before and will again, Madison's Memorial Union Terrace is a wonderful place. Sunsets like this one aren't the only reason that it holds a special place in the hearts of many. The Terrace also never fails to book some of the best up and coming artists around; this year is no exception. With summer well underway the terrace has already produced a ton of great music - but their schedule in the next week and a half is truly spectacular.

CORY CHISEL AND THE WANDERING SONS
This Friday at 9:00 the Terrace features Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons;One of my favorite up and coming Wisconsin acts. Cory Chisel hails from Appleton, WI and has really started to gain popularity since the release of his debut album last fall. Chisel's introduction to music(like so many greats) was through the power of Gospel. This strong influence is clear with just a listen. The power, range, and unpolished qualities of Chisel's voice and words do more than hint at his influences. With his roots firmly entrenched in gospel, Chisel is able to branch out in the directions of rock, folk, and Americana with ease.

Chisel’s debut album, Death Won't Send A Letter, is dark rock & roll at its core. It takes a stance on such things as the meaning of love and spirituality. The songs seek to make sense of both the outside world and inner desires. Chisel had help from some relatively big names on the album including Adriel Harris and “Little Jack” Lawrence (The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather). Here is a taste of his stuff...



Stream Cory Chisel on myspace

THE HEARTLESS BASTARDS
The terrace keeps the heat up next Sunday night with a huge show headlined by the Heartless Bastards, a great garage-rock band out of Cincinatti, OH. Often compared to the Black Keys (the natural parallel to draw for any solid Ohio based rock band) the Heartless Bastards feature Erika Wennerstrom on vocals, piano and guitar - the driving force behind the band. Dave Colvin plays drums and Jesse Ebaugh slaps the bass. The Heartless Bastards latest album, The Mountain, (released February 2009) delivers the powerful drive that their fans have come to expect, but also changes things up by adding mandolins, banjos, and strings (three things I'm particularly fond of. The bottom line is they kick major ass.





Stream the Heartless Bastards on Myspace

PETER WOLF CRIER
Opening up for the Heartless Bastards is Peter Wolf Crier, who I am not too familiar
with, but have heard about a couple of times in the last two weeks. I checked them out tonight, and they seem pretty cool. The duo is out of Minneapolis, MN, which is
really a great place for music. Their album, Inter-be was released on May 21.

Peter Wolf Crier - "Hard as Nails" from Northern Outpost on Vimeo.

I'll see you there,
Ben

Bonnaroo Mixtape 2010

I got an email about this free download tonight and couldn't pass it
up. It might be the best free download since the TSAD Year One compilation
was put out. That being said, I can't help but notice that the list of artists on this Bonnaroo Mixtape from SPIN is strikingly similar to the list of artists we have featured over the last year. Well, we all know what they say..."Imitation is the highest form of flattery". Hope you all enjoy this, and thanks for reading our Blog SPIN Magazine people.

Here is what is on the Album....

1. The Gaslight Anthem, “American Slang”
2. The National, “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
3. Manchester Orchestra, “Shake It Out”
4. Kings of Leon, “Cold Desert”
5. Local Natives, “World News”
6. Blitzen Trapper, “Heaven and Earth”
7. Phoenix, “1901 (Live in Sydney)”
8. Samantha Crain, “Lions”
9. Bomba Estereo, “Fuego”
10. Tinariwen, “Lulla”
11. Mumford & Sons, “White Blank Page (Live)”
12. Jamey Johnson, “Place Out on the Ocean”
13. The Young Veins, “Change”
14. Dawes, “When My Time Comes”
15. Gossip, “Are You That Somebody (Live Aaliyah Cover)”
16. Chromeo, “Night By Night”

Here is where you DL it.

Rock on.
- Ben

Danny Gatton

Danny Gatton was born in Washington D.C. in 1945. He started his musical career as a teenager and began to attract attention soon afterwards. Gatton made a name for himself as a guitar player in the greater D.C. area during the 80's with his "redneck jazz explosion", where Gatton would trade licks with Buddy Emmons, an excellent pedal steel guitar plater. Their music was a combination of country, rock-a-billy, blues, and jazz.

Known by some as "the Telemaster" (a combination of the Fender Telecaster, Gatton's guitar of choice, and "Master"). He was also called "the world's greatest unknown guitarist". His most common nickname however was "The Humbler". The following video will show you how he earned these names....

Gregory Alan Isakov

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and raised in Philadelphia, Gregory Alan Isakov moved to Boulder, Colorado about ten years ago where he began concentrating on his music career. His excellent voice and unique style have captivated an ever growing fan base. His musical influences are Leonard Cohen, Iron & Wine, and Kelly Joe Phelps; hints of these artists can certainly be found in his music. Isakov has dropped four albums in the last seven years. I am familiar with two of them "That Sea, The Gambler" (2007) and "This Empty Northern Hemisphere" (2009), both of which are nothing short of stellar.

Isakov is no stranger to the road, touring both solo and with his band "the freight". He has shared the stage with a number of pretty well known artists: Ani DiFranco, Alexi Murdock, and Rodrigo y Gabriella to name a few and has played a number of different festivals including SXSW and Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Isakov is touring right now and will be in Madison on April 13th at the High Noon Saloon, which I guarantee will be an awesome show.

Love this video...


If you'd like to hear more of his work you can go here and stream everything he has released.

Enjoy, Ben

Happy St. Patty's Day!

A couple tunes to get you in the mood....







Now quit reading the blog and get to the bar!
- Ben

Out of a Forest

On the eve of the one year anniversary of Top Shelf Audio Daily I find myself really going back and forth on how to close out year one. I've decided to keep it simple and share a music video I saw last week and was blown away by. The song for the video is a cool one called "Slow Show" by a very solid group called The National.

Out Of A Forest from Tobias Gundorff Boesen on Vimeo.

Directed by Tobias Gundorff Boesen, the film is a non-commercial short film, intended for film festivals. It is not the official music video for the song, but it certainly could be. The film was shot in the forests of Denmark and inspired by both Victorian Literature and the song itself. It is a stop-motion film. For those of you who aren't familiar with the term "stop-motion" think about Gumby.

Stop-motion, which is also known as frame-by-frame or stop-action, is an animation technique that makes a physically manipulated object appear to move on its own. The object is re-positioned in tiny increments between individually photographed frames. The illusion of movement is created when the series of these frames is played in sequence. Clay figures are most commonly used in stop-motion because they are easy to reposition and manipulate. The director noted that this particular video was "painful to finish, as shooting stop motion in the forest at night for longer periods turned out to offer a lot of problems". Well I for one am glad that he and his animation crew saw it through to the end.

If you liked the vid and want some additional insight into the creative process behind it, make sure to watch this too

Hope you all enjoyed Year One.
Ben

Megafaun

Megafaun
Based in Durham, North Carolina Megafaun is brothers Brad and Phil Cook and Joe Westerlund. The trio of Wisconsin Boys has been playing music together since 1997 when they all attended the same jazz camp. The three of them, along with longtime friend Justin Vernon (who most of you know as Bon Iver) made the cross country trip to Durham as the band “DeYarmond Edison”, but disbanded the project in 2006. Megafaun was formed shortly afterwards and found themselves a new home; the road. They booked their first tour, a seven show series, before writing any songs and since then have played roughly 250 shows over the course of the last two years. Right now they are over in Europe but will be back in The States by April. I haven’t heard a lot of their stuff, but what I have heard is good. Their latest offering, “Gather, Form & Fly” has gotten excellent press. The couple songs I’ve linked below are a couple of my favorites I’ve heard. Be sure to go to their myspace page and listen to some of their studio stuff there.

Enjoy, Ben.

**If you like Neil Young I think you'll really like “Kaufman’s Ballad

The Generationals

The Generationals are the collaboration of Grant Widmer and Ted Joyner. The group was formed in 2008 when the two returned to New Orleans following the break of their previous band "Eames Era". They are currently on Park the Van records label with a couple other good bands, including Dr. Dog (the group I posted on last week). Their debut album "Con Air" is an instant classic; rock solid...actually better than rock solid the whole way through. Each song is indie pop at its finest. And guess what?? Its your lucky day because you can stream the whole damn thing right here....

Generationals: ConLaw

Live the Generationals may include as many as seven pieces (including background singers, trumpet, guitars, keyboard, bass, and drums). They are touring very heavily right now and chances are if you take a look at their schedule they will be in a city near you in the coming months.

Enjoy, Ben

Dr. Dog

These guys have been around for some time now. The band, whose roots are in Philadelphia, began as an experimental side project and released their first album back in 2001. Since then they have released a number of well received albums, each growing in popularity from the last. Many of you may recognize them as they have toured with some of the big dogs of rock n’ roll in recent years including Wilco, The Strokes, The Raconteurs, and The Black Keys.

The Band has strong 60’s and indie rock influences but over time has moved from a psychedelic sound to something more modern and unique. One of the really neat things about them is that everyone in the band can sing, and they all take their turns doing it. Each album has been produced slightly differently as the band more finely hones their sound. Their last album, “Fate” (released back in 08 I think) is really good, be sure to check that one out.





Their next album “Shame, Shame” is slated for release April 10th. The band has mentioned that it will have a more modern and punk rock sound than previous offerings. They feel that it will be more indicative of what their live show experience is like, so keep your ears peeled for that. Don’t worry though, they released a single from it last week to tide you over, it’s called “Shadow People” and I’ve got it linked in the video below. Dr. Dog has and will continue to tour heavily to promote their new album. They just swung through Madison a couple weeks ago and likely will be in a city near you in the coming weeks. As a side note I had three different people mention them to me in the last week and a half or so, so who knows...maybe the word has gotten out on Dr. Dog…

Enjoy,
Ben.

**Thanks Ellie

Dr. Dog’s Website

Solid Gold

I don’t have a lot of info on these guys. What I do know is that they are from Minneapolis and their music is pretty kickin’. Solid Gold has put out a couple of EP’s and a full length album. My cousin gave me their album “Bodies of Water” a few weeks back and I have been spinning it ever since. They describe themselves as Electro-glam-rock, I'm not sure thats how I'd classify them but who really cares about music classification anyways. With that said, turn up the volume and take a listen….









You can also stream a few songs here….
Solid Gold Myspace Page

Party on.