"Cory Branan's got an evil streak / and a way with words that'll bring you to your knees"... Lucero's Ben Nichols wrote in "Tears Don't Matter Much" back in 2003. We haven't heard from Cory much since his last release 12 Songs, which came out three years later in 2006. We loved him in Nashville during a recent visit, and patiently waited for some news from this talented songwriter. Just recently, Bloodshot gave word his new album Mutt was dropping 5/22 and gave us a taste of the record with the debut of a new track "Bad Man." As with all Cory Branan music - it's going to take a while for his witty, complex, and poignant songs to take root - but we just wanted to share the good news w/ fans today - and everyone who might not even know who Cory is... yet. Also, he has boobs on his album cover.
We're extremely excited about the announcement of Lucero's new record and debut for ATO Women & Work due this March - supported by a massive tour. Supporters include J. Roddy Walston and William Elliot Whitmore, and the tour includes a co-headline with Built to Spill. Dates after the jump. Of the new album Ben Nichols says: "This record is Lucero doing what we do best. It's one part barrelhouse Rock & Roll and one part lonesome nights. The thing is, we are having more fun than ever playing both on stage and off and I think that shows on this album."
Lucero "What Are You Willing To Lose?" from Lucero on Vimeo. This Lucero video campaign is fucking genius, because once you post one, you feel like an asshole if you don't post all subsequent videos. So here you go, two new videos for "What Are You Willing To Lose" and "Goodbye Again" off of 1372 Overton Park, dropping Oct. 6.
Yes. We will be posting the rest of the damn videos too.
As we posted on previously, in preparation for 1372 Overton Park (Oct. 6 Universal Republic) Lucero are releasing a fan made video for every track on the album. Thursday marks, "new video release day," but we are a day late so deal. Without further adieu (or ado,) today, we bring you part two -- the video for "Johnny Davis." Again, upon first listen of this album, there are parts that are too clean to be Lucero, with Ben Nichols' vocal lines almost sounding forced, which to avid fans, is simply untrue. Ben Nichlos earned every coarse-grain and hiccup in his truly unique singing style. Get passed that and you have an energeticly fantastic record.
Tour dates after the jump.
October 9 - Cannery Ballroom - Nashville, TN October 10 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA October 11 - The Pour House - Charleston, SC October 13 - Cats Cradle - Carrboro, NC October 14 - The National - Richmond, VA October 15 - 9:30 Club - Washington D.C. October 16 - Starlight Ballroom - Philadelphia, PA October 17 - Webster Hall - New York, NY October 18 - The Middle East - Cambridge, MA October 20 - Lee's Palace - Toronto, ON October 21 - The Magic Stick - Detroit, MI October 22 - Turner Hall - Milwaukee, WI October 23 - Varsity Theater - Minneapolis, MN October 26 - Aggie Theatre - Ft. Collins, CO October 27 - Ogden Theater - Denver, CO October 29 - The Crocodile - Seattle, WA October 30 - Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR November 1 - Mezzanine - San Francisco, CA November 4 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA November 5 - The Clubhouse - Tempe, AZ November 7 - Longhorn Saloon - Ft. Worth, TX November 8 - Fun Fun Fun Fest - Austin, TX November 9 - Meridian - Houston, TX November 10 - Alabama Music Box - Mobile, AL November 12 - Club Down Under @ Florida State University - Tallahassee, FL November 13 - Czar - Tampa, FL November 14 - Lizzie McCormick Stage - Orlando, FL November 15 - Cafe Eleven - St. Augustine, FL November 17 - Visulite Theatre - Charlotte, NC November 18 - 40 Watt - Athens, GA November 19 - Valarium - Knoxville, TN November 20 - Orange Peel - Asheville, NC November 21 - Headliners - Louisville, KY
Our good friends Lucero, fronted by Ben Nichols, are readying the release of their debut record for Universal Republic (though it is their sixth release) -- the album is titled, 1372 Overton Parkand and slated for an Oct. 6 release date. Until then, enjoy the new video above for "Darken My Door," a track off the new record. The band recorded 12 videos -- one for every song on the album and this is the first to be released. Enjoy and let there be rock!
Tour dates after the jump! October 9 - Cannery Ballroom - Nashville, TN October 10 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA October 11 - The Pour House - Charleston, SC October 13 - Cats Cradle - Carrboro, NC October 14 - The National - Richmond, VA October 15 - 9:30 Club - Washington D.C. October 16 - Starlight Ballroom - Philadelphia, PA October 17 - Webster Hall - New York, NY October 18 - The Middle East - Cambridge, MA October 20 - Lee's Palace - Toronto, ON October 21 - The Magic Stick - Detroit, MI October 22 - Turner Hall - Milwaukee, WI October 23 - Varsity Theater - Minneapolis, MN October 26 - Aggie Theatre - Ft. Collins, CO October 27 - Ogden Theater - Denver, CO October 29 - The Crocodile - Seattle, WA October 30 - Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR November 1 - Mezzanine - San Francisco, CA November 4 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA November 5 - The Clubhouse - Tempe, AZ November 7 - Longhorn Saloon - Ft. Worth, TX November 8 - Fun Fun Fun Fest - Austin, TX November 9 - Meridian - Houston, TX November 10 - Alabama Music Box - Mobile, AL November 12 - Club Down Under @ Florida State University - Tallahassee, FL November 13 - Czar - Tampa, FL November 14 - Lizzie McCormick Stage - Orlando, FL November 15 - Cafe Eleven - St. Augustine, FL November 17 - Visulite Theatre - Charlotte, NC November 18 - 40 Watt - Athens, GA November 19 - Valarium - Knoxville, TN November 20 - Orange Peel - Asheville, NC November 21 - Headliners - Louisville, KY
1372 Overton Park, Lucero's sixth full-length record is slated for an Oct, 6 release. What makes this album special is that it will be Ben Nichols & Co.'s first LP on a major -- Universal Republic Records. After years of relentless touring through the Bible Belt and Southern states, Lucero emerge, still with dirt on their hands, whiskey in their blood, but with a major label in their pocket. As they say, Lucero now epitomizes the sentement, "hardworking band makes good." Their new record was produced by Ted Hutt (Gaslight Anthem) and features such guests as Cat Power, Al Green and Solomon Burke. Enjoy the newest track from the album titled "Smoke" for stream above. Our only concern is that Nichols' vocals come off a bit too over-produced. If the tune is any insight into how the rest of the album will progress, what we have on our hands is a rollicking-southern hybrid of Gaslight Anthem and the Hold Steady.
Here we go.
Tour dates after the jump. October 9 - Cannery Ballroom - Nashville, TN October 10 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA October 11 - The Pour House - Charleston, SC October 13 - Cats Cradle - Carrboro, NC October 14 - The National - Richmond, VA October 15 - 9:30 Club - Washington D.C. October 16 - Starlight Ballroom - Philadelphia, PA October 17 - Webster Hall - New York, NY October 18 - The Middle East - Cambridge, MA October 20 - Lee's Palace - Toronto, ON October 21 - The Magic Stick - Detroit, MI October 22 - Turner Hall - Milwaukee, WI October 23 - Varsity Theater - Minneapolis, MN October 26 - Aggie Theatre - Ft. Collins, CO October 27 - Ogden Theater - Denver, CO October 29 - The Crocodile - Seattle, WA October 30 - Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR November 1 - Mezzanine - San Francisco, CA November 4 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA November 5 - The Clubhouse - Tempe, AZ November 7 - Longhorn Saloon - Ft. Worth, TX November 8 - Fun Fun Fun Fest - Austin, TX November 9 - Meridian - Houston, TX November 10 - Alabama Music Box - Mobile, AL November 12 - Club Down Under @ Florida State University - Tallahassee, FL November 13 - Czar - Tampa, FL November 14 - Lizzie McCormick Stage - Orlando, FL November 15 - Cafe Eleven - St. Augustine, FL November 17 - Visulite Theatre - Charlotte, NC November 18 - 40 Watt - Athens, GA November 19 - Valarium - Knoxville, TN November 20 - Orange Peel - Asheville, NC November 21 - Headliners - Louisville, KY
Truly sad news about Harry Kalas. During the '93 world series we muted the national TV broadcast so we could listen to Harry on the local radio instead. Certainly the voice of Philadelphia sports, he'll be missed indeed.
Onwards and upwards though. Yesterday, we received the new mp3 "Easy" from Deer Tick's up-coming record Born on Flag Day dropping June 23rd on Partisan. "Easy" incorperates brooding guitar lines and layered melodies recalling more Lucero than Townes Van Zandt, which is just fine. John J. McCauley III can deliver raspy, vocal growls with the same authenticity as Ben Nichols, and could probably do well in a drinking contest against him as well (advantage Nichols on that one though.) For all the growls, guitars and booze, McCauley can write a damn fine hook. "Easy" is a pure and simple rock song. Sometimes that's all it takes folks. We love it. Above is round two of the cover art, so, if you're keeping track at home -- that's four album covers for two Deer Tick records.
So after a lovely evening with Cat Power last night, there are a slew of great shows in NY we are hoping to check out this weekend/next week:
Tonight: LA rising-star WAVVES makes his first NY appearance at Market Hotel with the equally awesome Blank Dogs. Also on the bill are Woods, Gary War and Nodzzz. The same artists play Less Artists More Condos on Saturday night.
Saturday: We won't be making it to Less Artists as we are heading to the Mercury to catch one of our favorite bands of '09 Pains of Being Pure at Heart who just got Best New Music today from Pitchfork.
Sunday:Lucero comes to the Mercury after two nights playing Terminal 5 with the Black Keys.
Monday: We're heading uptown with our Blue Note friends to catch Willie Nelson, Norah Jones and Wynton Marsalis play Ray Charles tunes as part of Blue Note's 70th anniversary celebration.
Tuesday:Lily Allen plays a free Myspace Secret Show at Bowery.
Wednesday: Lissy Trullie celebrates the release of her great new EP at Mercury Lounge. As you all know, we think she's just tops.
Not to mention a million other great things that are probably happening those nights as well.
Yesterday, we received our first taste of Ben Nichols' (of Lucero) mini-LP The Last Pale Light in the West.Pale Light is based around stories culled from Cormac McCarthy's blood-filled, epic Blood Meridian. There are few out there whose gruff intensity could match the rawness and desperation found in most McCarthy novels, but for the most part, Nichols hits it right on the head. Sam Baker does a damn good job of it as well. Using a stripped-down band set-up (Accordion, Guitar, Pedal Steel, Cowboy boots and floor) Nichols attempts to conjure the desert landscapes, violence, and lonesome Mexican villages McCarthy describes in his novel. Oh yeah, don't forget about the ear necklace - that's in there too.
For big news about Nichols' band Lucero and to see when they are coming to your town - click that little continue reading button right below this sentence.
Good things do happen to small bands. Yet, for bands like Lucero it takes a LONG time. Lucero, through relentless rocking, has managed to score themselves a record deal with Universal Music. For all the cred being on an indie gets you, you can't deny the power of a major label's marketing campaign. (See Black Kids and My Morning Jacket). So I say, godspeed Lucero go forth and bring your rock to the people. Speaking of that: Lucero is opening for The Black Keys, see tour dates below. They play two nights in NY at Terminal 5 Feb. 6 & 7 and a show at the Mercury Lounge Feb. 8. The last time we saw Lucero at the Bowery, we left covered in spilled (and thrown) beer and did whiskey shots with Nichols at the bar downstairs. Trust us, they are worth the $10. Lucero's Universal debut is scheduled for summer '09.
Lucero - 2009 Tour Dates Jan 23 - George's Majestic Lounge (18+) Fayetteville, Arkansas Jan 24 - Brickhouse Grill Jonesboro, Arkansas Jan 29 - The Lyric Theatre (18+) Oxford, Mississippi Jan 30 - Mercy Lounge (21+) Nashville, Tennessee Jan 31 - Mercy Lounge (21+) Nashville, Tennessee Feb 5 - Ottobar (All Ages) Baltimore, Maryland Feb 6 - Terminal 5 (w/ The Black Keys) NYC Feb 7 - Terminal 5 (w/ The Black Keys) NYC Feb 8 - Mercury Lounge, NYC Feb 20 - Bottletree Cafe (18+) Birmingham, Alabama Feb 21 - Barleys Taproom Knoxville, Tennessee Mar 4 - Sluggos Pensacola, Florida Mar 5 - Big Daddys Tallahassee, Florida Mar 6 - New World Brewery (21+) Tampa, Florida Mar 7 - Langerado Music Festival Miami, Florida Mar 8 - Harvest of Hope Festival Elkton, Florida Mar 10 - The Social (18+) Orlando, Florida Mar 11 - The Pour House Charleston, South Carolina Mar 12 - Rhythm and Brews Chattanooga, Tennessee Mar 13 - Variety Playhouse Atlanta, Georgia
Fact: The Gaslight Anthem's fans could kick the shit out of Hold Steady fans. Yet, walking around the Roseland Ballroom last night was like walking through about 15 different Hold Steady songs at once -- young-rock kids sucking face by the bar, crowd surfing and riding high off the buzz from drinking their smuggled booze on the train from New Jersey. We were basically looking at thousand Craig Finn's in training. Yet, the main goal of the evening was to see if New Jersey band, the Gaslight Anthem, were worth their salt...to see if their live show matched the passion and quality of their new record The '59 Sound; ultimately, we just wanted to know if this group could be more than an overly-derivative Springsteen-style rock band. To our pleasant surprise, they were. Full review after the jump...
Opening for Alkaline Trio, and Rise Against (sure, why not), The Gaslight Anthem have scored themselves a strong tour with a devoted fan base -- playing two sold out nights in New York. The Roseland was practically filled for Gaslight's opening set at around 7:15 pm. The New Jersey faithful fist pumped, clapped, and sang along with a devotion and passion sorely lacking at almost every indie-rock show we've seen this year. It was refreshing. Gaslight powered through their set of melancholic and nostalgic rock/punk tunes -- singing of lost songs, old radios, high-top sneakers and sailor tattoos. Did they channel Springsteen? Of course they did. Lead singer Brian Fallon had done his homework. He mirrored the Boss' on-stage mannerisms as the band employed E-Street style build-ups, energizing the crowd before launching into the chorus.
Like all great bands, the Gaslight Anthem didn't set out to emulate their idols. All the above similarities came from an internalization of their influences - from years of listening to and digesting the Springsteen catalog until they reached a point where they couldn't sound like another band if they tried. Of course, the Gaslight Anthem draw from more than just Springsteen. There's a lot of Replacements in there, Pouges, and yeah, even some of the Misfits characteristic knack for writing hooky-punk choruses. What's to come for this band remains unclear. The black hole that is the state of current "modern rock" could swallow them up forcing them to change their sound and cater to the large pseudo-emo fan base out there. That would be a shame. Or, they could walk that fine line, play a careful balancing act, and draw from not only the modern rock/punk crowd, but also manage to dip into the ever growing fan bases of bands such as the Hold Steady, Drive-by Truckers and Kings of Leon. Whatever the outcome, one fact remains clear - the Gaslight Anthem made a great record and can back it up live.
Oh yeah - in terms of the "ultimate rock showdown"... we would pay to see Gaslight fans take on Lucero fans. Or better yet - Brian Fallon v. Ben Nichols. Now that's a way to spend a Monday night. Photos by: GLK
Hitting stores Oct. 21, All Aboard: A Tribute to Johnny Cash, calls upon the southern-rock elite, or soon-to-be elite, to add a gritty, modern- rusticity to Cash classics. Members of the Hold Steady, Lucero,Gaslight Anthem and more, combine to reinvent these timeless tunes the best they can. Follow the link below to preview two tracks from the album. www.myspace.com/weareanchorlessrecords.
Track list in its entirety after the jump.
1. Man In Black: The Bouncing Souls 2. Country Boy: Fallen From The Sky 3. Wreck Of The Old ’97: Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music) 4. Let The Train Whistle Blow: Joe McMahon (Smoke or Fire) 5. Delia’s Gone: Ben Nichols (Lucero) 6. God’s Gonna Cut You Down: The Gaslight Anthem 7. Cocaine Blues: The Loved Ones 8. Give My Love To Rose: OnGuard (feat. Jason Shevchuk of Kid Dynamite and None More Black) 9. I Still Miss Someone: Casey James Prestwood (Hot Rod Circuit) 10. Hey Porter: MxPx 11. Cry,Cry,Cry: The Flatliners 12. Ballad of a Teenage Queen: The Dresden Dolls feat. Franz Nicolay of The Hold Steady 13. Folsom Prison Blues: Chon Travis (Love = Death) 14. There You Go: The Sainte Catherines 15. I Walk The Line: Russ Rankin (Good Riddance, Only Crime) 16. Bonus Track/Vinyl Only: Delia’s Gone (Alternate Version) Ben Nichols (Lucero)
