SUMMAH!

That's right, this edition of blog is a SUMMAH FEATUH (feature).

Well folks, it is nearing the end of July, we are well into the Summah season.  I hope you have all been enjoying 2012's time of fun and sun.  And just in case you haven't, I will do my best to inspire you to go out and have some summah fun, via this blog.

Now, before I get started I must give credit to the singular champion of Summah, THE, Howard Kremer.  In case you have not seen his wonderful tutorial on YouTube, please take a moment to hear some words from the master:

Now, as you may have absorbed from the above video, it is important that one must pick out a "Summah Gum".  You proceed to "chew this gum aaaalllll Summah long, that is your Summah Gum.  As long as that gum is in your mouth you know it's Summah."  I know it's late in the Summah but I unfortunately have not made a final decision, so I've narrowed it down to three possibilities and they are as follows:

Trident Splashing Fruit:

Orbit Wildberry Remix:

Wrigley's 5 RPM:

So stay tuned to see which one will conquer the others and have the honor of being my Summah Gum.

Now, I've made a Summah Playlist for all to enjoy during these Summah months.  You can find it here on Spotify.  Here are the selections and a little synopsis on each tune:

1. Allah-Las - Tell Me What's On Your Mind

I had the privilege of seeing these fine gentlemen perform at the Troubadour and this song particularly sucked me in.  The Summah vibe is strong with this one with a retro surf rock sound and a jangly-fun-in-the-sun type of attitude.  Check out the video to get a better idea. 

2. Hacienda - Natural Life

One of my personal favorite bands, this tune has a great message for all the Summah enthusiasts out there as Summah is undoubtedly a magical part of nature.  This song's Summah vibe is off the charts.

3. Blitzen Trapper - Country Caravan

Many people like to take trips in the Summah, some may do it by "caravan".  That is why I chose to include this delightfully bouncy track about traveling by caravan.

4. Dr. Dog - Nobody Knows Who You Are

Summah time is a time for parties, and this track makes me think of partying, so it is thus included.

5. Buena Vista Social Club - Amor de Loca Juventud

Many nations across the globe have the great fortune to have never ending Summah seasons, one of these places is Cuba, where Buena Vista Social Club was formed.  The song is also about the love crazy emotions of youthful persons.  And we all know that Summah is a time for lovin'.

6. The Black Keys - Gold On The Ceiling

The content of this cut may not have much to do with Summah, but it is my personal favorite Summah Groove, something about those fuzzed out guitars...

7. Blitzen Trapper - Astronaut

I know, a repeat artist on a playlist is poor form, but just listen to this tune and tell me the groove at the 1:25 mark doesn't just ooze that Summah Vibe.

8. Deer Tick - Axe Is Forever

From what I can understand from the lyrics in this track, it's a bit about fuck school and the conventional life and all that, and Summah ain't no time for school and that type of shit, that's for goddam sure.  Plus for me there is not a Summah without Deer Tick.

9. Bob Marley - Small Axe

It's certainly not Summah without a little reggae and what better than some Bob Marley.  This is one of my personal fav Marley cuts.

10. Darwin Deez - Radar Detector

This is just a fun song that brings a smile to my face and Summah is definitely a time for smiling.  Plus the song mentions Los Angeles which is most certainly a Summah destination hot spot for many.

11. Howard Kremer - Take Your Back To School Sale and Shove It

Last but most certainly not least we have the Grand Champion of Summah himself Howard Kremer.  He just recently released his "Have A Summah" album, you can find it here and on iTunes, and I strongly suggest you check it out along with his free podcast Who Charted.  You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes here.

So there it is, my Summah Playlist, I hope you all enjoy.  So get out there, have a Summah, and I'll talk to you soon.

Ty

Album of the Month

Apologies for the lack of blogging in the last month.  Let's just say I've "had blog-bloc".

Much has been happening for 28 North recently.  The record is 90% complete right now and it's fitting to be a revolutionary album of epic proportions.  We've also had some great shows at the Roxy and in Ventura, which is becoming almost like a second home to us, we love it there.

So last month was lacking our Album of the Month selection so I will have two coming up in the next few weeks to make up for it.

For this edition I'm going to feature Maps & Atlases' recent release "Beware and Be Grateful".  This Chicago-based quartet comes from an indie/math-rock background.  With their last two full length albums M & A has blended intricately complex musicianship with ultra-pop sensibilities and very sensitive, personal lyric content.

"Beware and Be Grateful" begins with the hypnotic guitar pulsing of the master soundscaper guitarist Erin Elders that is commonplace in most M & A cuts.  The song "Old And Grey" continues to build with the swirling layers of singer Dave Davison's luscious harmonies, the brilliant tribal drumming of Chris Hainey, and the masterfully nuanced bass lines of Shiraz Dada.  This first tune travels through the sentimental musings of a terminated relationship and culminates with a very exposed Davison bursting with Eastern-tinged melodic embellishments that are nothing short of heartbreaking.

The record continues in this vein, displaying much musical prowess and a keen sense for concocting subtle intricate layers that form beautifully complex atmospheres.  This is a very dense album that provides much to fascinate and ponder.  It comes highly recommended by yours truly, hope you enjoy.


Maps & Atlases on iTunes

Maps & Atlases on Spotify


-Ty