Typically when a band decides to release a self-titled album they are usually tyring to distance themselves from their past work, but with the case of These United States, who did just that back in June, it’s more akin to reconnecting with their roots as a jangly, country-infused Americana band. For their latest release the Lousiville, KY-based act recruited a who’s who of their like-minded peers – Deer Tick, Cotton Jones, Phosphorescent, The Mynabirds, Ben Sollee, Langhorne Slim and Revival – to lend a hand, walking away with their best work since 2008′s Crimes. Late last week the band released this spectacular animated for the record’s lead single – Maps. Let’s check it out…
These United States kick off their fall North American tour, which includes a handful of dates opening for Trampled By Turtles, with a gig tonight at the Electric Owl in Vancouver.
This weekend is the historic Newport Folk Festival, sure to be a great time with great music. Here I highlight albums by 3 artists that will NOT be at Newport this year, but they’d fit right in there and with any luck one day they’ll play the harbor.
The Pines: Dark So Gold
A look at the album cover (neglected scarecrow against silhouette of a bleak horizon) and the title of the album (Dark So Gold) tells you almost all you need to know about The Pines. Their music is a melancholy Americana, dark and occasionally haunting. The album is for a certain mood, whispered poetry in black, white and the shades of grey in between, with multiple guitar tones meshing in exquisite understatement.
These United States @ The Fox Theater – Boulder, CO – August 21
Being the opening band is never easy. People don’t listen: they are too busy mulling around, deciding the best plan of attack to the bar, or scouting the best spot to get as close as possible to the headliner. Luckily it is not exactly like that for These United States. They have developed a healthy fan base, having released four albums in only two years and staying on a regular touring schedule. So, when they came on stage at 9:00 PM sharp on Saturday night, there was already a decent assembly of people ready and waiting.
Though most stood back from the front of the stage, those who knew the band sang along to their songs – a combination of upbeat Americana and thoughtful ballads. Those just being introduced to the music quickly warmed up.
TUS launched into a barrage of new songs as lead singer Jesse Elliott dubbed their new album, What Lasts, one of the “Top 100 Greatest Albums of All-Time, according to the members of this band.” The new album is more somber than their previous work. The songs pack less punch but are poetic and hauntingly memorable. On Saturday, ballads like What Lasts and Dug Him in the Dirt silenced the audience as J. Tom Hnatow slid his hand slowly on the steel pedal guitar. The more uplifting One You Believe and The Important Thing (the latter from their 2009 album, Everything Touches Everything), were the ones that got some heads bobbing and feet moving as the rhythm section brought it up a notch. READ ON for more…
To say that former Blips act These United States have been prolific when it comes to their studio output might be a bit of an understatement as last week the country-rockers dropped their fourth studio album, What Lasts, in just three years. The Washington, DC/Lousiville, KY-based act recently filmed this performance of Conquest & Consequence for the Take Away Shows…
These United States are currently on the road with a couple of high profile appearances scheduled at Lollapalooza including at an official pre-Lolla show at the House Of Blues on August 5 and as part of fest the next day.
Our new favorite psychedelic-country-rock band These United States have captured the early ’90s, DIY-spirit reminiscent of Beastie Boys clips for their new video. Here’s The Important Thing…
We always like to keep tabs on the up and coming acts we feature in our Blips columns. Shortly after our profile on the country and roots-infused act These United States, the band released their third full-length effort, Everything Touches Everything, and have recently dropped a great video for the album’s title track. Take a look…
In our never-ending quest to dig up some great bands that cost less than a corned beef sandwich at Katz’s Deli, we bring you another round of Blips. Blips highlights some great bands that are largely still in their larvae stage, but will soon morph into their beautiful butterfly. In this edition, we have some really cool new music, so take a sec, poke around their various websites, and see what you think of these two under the radar musical groups…
If you’re looking for that next band to fit comfortably in your record collection next to My Morning Jacket, Band Of Horses and Fleet Foxes than look no further than the California act Dawes. Drenched in exquisite harmonies, pedal steel flourishes, acoustic guitar strumming and aching lyrics about heartbreak the band makes quintessential West Coast country-rock drawing influences from the likes of Neil Young, Jackson Browne, Crazy Horse and The Eagles.
Dawes’ ATO debut, North Hills,which hits stores next month (though currently available now as a digital download), is loaded with their hazy laments providing quite possibly the perfect sunrise soundtrack as you throw back that last night cap. The band recently wrapped up a cross-country run opening for Deer Tick and have a handful of dates currently on deck with weekly residency shows at the Echo and Detroit Bar.
READ ON for a look at another under the radar band…
I’m going to leave it up to the snarky hipster blogs to pass judgment on Sonic Youth for releasing their new “greatest hits” album – Hits For Squares – exclusively at Starbucks stores in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. (as well as online).
Finally, with Bonnaroo less than a month away the rumors are already swirling about possible sit-ins that could take place on the multitude of stages in Manchester. The latest comes from Consequence of Sound who points to a recent Billboard article where Pearl Jam’s Mike McCreedy drops a hint that he’d love to have Jack White join them on stage during their Saturday night headlining set.
which hits stores next month (though currently available now as a digital download), is loaded with their hazy laments providing quite possibly the perfect sunrise soundtrack as you throw back that last night cap. The band recently wrapped up a cross-country run opening for Deer Tick and have a handful of dates currently on deck with weekly residency shows at the Echo and Detroit Bar.
