White Denim - Corsicana Lemonade

I cannot get enough of this record.

It is endlessly dense and diverse; parts 70's jazz fusion and progressive rock mix with bluesy Tex-Mex rock and Latin inspired rhythm.  So many groups come to mind when experiencing the aural journey that Corsicana Lemonade supplies; The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Beatles, Yes, ZZ Top, and Wilco (unsurprising as the record is co-produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy).  The double guitar attack of James Petralli and Austin Jenkins is truly formidable and the six string onslaught is propelled by the tireless efforts of bassist Steve Terebecki and drummer Josh Block.  Atop of this magic sits Petralli's soulful vocals ranging from tender whispers to all out funky growls.

Here is a quick rundown:

1) At Night In Dreams - An explosive opener boasting nasty guitar riffs, verses punctuated by big band-esque rhythmic figures, and a swinging middle section that modulates quite delightfully.
2) Corsicana Lemonade - This burning title track boasts an undeniable groove throughout, sensational transitions of complex rhythm, and a middle section that demands a highway cruise of terrific speed.
3) Limited By Stature - Conjures a Sgt. Pepper era Beatle's vibe, wonderfully psychedelic with wah-wah and sitar guitar effects abounding.  I particularly enjoy the concluding drum fill at the end, superb.
4) New Blue Feeling - Begins with a somber mood, seemingly deconstructs to nothing, and then erupts into a driving middle portion with blazing guitar solos.
5) Come Back - Perhaps it is just me but this one brings Lenny Kravitz to mind, specifically in the vocal quality.  I particularly enjoy the high pitched guitar and vocal exclamations that intersperse throughout and the intense drive of the middle section that invokes early 70's Yes.
6) Distant Relative Salute - This pleasant number has a delightful swing groove that highlights the jazzy feel of Josh Block's drumming and fantastic chorus that begs to be sang along to while disguising well its complicated odd measures.
7) Let It Feel Good (My Eagles) - Truly a feel good tune, as the title endorses.  The funk abounds in this song as it builds from the restrained beginning to the frenzied end culminating in burning guitar harmonies.
8) Pretty Green - Another funky number that switches gears to swinging propulsion in the verses.  Terebecki provides a deliciously subtle envelope effect to the bass and it seems like the ghost of Nels Cline (Wilco guitarist) creeps in at times with bird like chirping guitar swells, specifically during the interlude preceding the second verse.
9) Cheer Up / Blues Ending - Josh Block provides a shuffle groove so hard on this cut that it hurts. Petralli's vocal wails on the verses conjuring Hendrix while the guitars provide a bed of intricate patterns.  The outro portion is also a prime example of White Denim's improvising prowess.
10) A Place To Start - Don't be fooled by the shopping mall string sounds found in the intro, this is a beautiful, tender number that conjures soul legends Al Green and Bill Withers.  And the double drum tracks panned hard right/left are nothing short of brilliant.


So there is a brief glimpse of my take on Corsican Lemonade.  And I cannot say enough about the drumming on this record.  Josh Block is a current favorite of mine; exemplifying diversity, restraint, and a great feel and sound.  Of course it also takes the talented maturity of Terebecki on bass to assure that the genius of the drumming translates to record.

Anywho, hope you all are inspired to check out this wonderful album and that it continues to further inspire.

White Denim online
Corsicana Lemonade on iTunes
Corsicana Lemonade on Spotify

Happy listening,

Ty

Happy Thanksgiving and Music, Music, Music

Hey all.

Apologies for my lack of blogging recently, let's just say that November was emphatically "unblogtastic" on my part.

Anywho.

I'd like to quickly wish everyone a belated Merry Thanksgiving, I hope that it was wonderful for you all with much eating and enjoyment of family/friends. Most of 28 North is currently back east, Taylor will be joining us in a couple weeks to play some dates in the Eastern region.  We are very excited to be playing in our respective hometowns of Pittsburgh and Cleveland.  We will also be performing in Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Chicago, and St. Charles, IL.  It has been a while since we've returned to some of these cities, so if you are in any of the aforementioned areas, anticipate a hefty, long overdue dose of spirited rock 'n roll.  We are PUMPED!!  Get more info/details on the shows at 28North.com.

So.

You may have noticed that I have been using 28 North Speaks as a forum to share the music that currently inspires me these days.  As I've mentioned previously, J. Roddy Walston & The Business and Deer Tick both released excellent new albums which I continue to enjoy extensively.  However, they count for just two of many wonderful fall releases.  And now I would like to recommend two more records which deserve your immediate attention.  Those being White Denim's Corsicana Lemonade and Jonathan Wilson's Fanfare.  These albums contain a massive wealth of musical creativity.  I'll have extensive reviews for both in the coming weeks but for now just trust me and indulge in these fantastic aural achievements.

Happy listening,

Ty