NOVEMBER 19, 2009 ISSUE
Brewer’s Briefs
Like John Cusack’s character in one of my favorite and frequently referenced movies, High Fidelity, I too take way too much pleasure in making a good mix tape or CD for someone. Much time is spent picking the appropriate tracks, as well as making sure said tracks are in the perfect sequence. Probably too much time, but I digress.
I made my latest and greatest mix CD for a friend last week and decided to lead it off with a live version of the song “Kathleen” by hip folk rocker Josh Ritter. From its opening strum to its climactic close, the waltz-time tale documenting an unlikely moment between two would-be lovers is the perfect marriage of lyrical content, emotional release and solid playing. The song is, in my not so humble opinion, a buoyant slice of folk rock bliss that never seems to get old.
Detailing what sounds more or less like a high school party, Ritter’s song is an anthem for any guy who ever felt awkward about approaching a girl. Which are pretty much all guys. The track pushes and pulls as Ritter’s romantic narrative rides atop a two-chord vamp pinned down by the author’s acoustic rhythm guitar and tasteful alternating use of a Wurlizter and Hammond B-3 organ sounds.
During the pause following the bridge, the audience roars its approval before Ritter and company dive into the wailing penultimate verse. “I know you are waiting and I know that it is not for me, but I’m here and I’m ready and I saved you the passenger’s seat” the singer belts, trying to woo the song’s muse before finally giving her a lift home during the final verse and forever changing the nature of their relationship.
“And the next time I see you—a new kind of hello, both our hearts have a secret only both of us know 'bout the night that I drove you back home Kathleen.”
If you download this song and don’t like it, I’ll give you a dollar. No kidding.
And a brief (no pun intended) shout out to my good friend and column reader Billy Herring, who was kind enough to hook me up with some new tunes. Thanks for being one of the High Country’s biggest supporters of live music!
This Week…
-Speaking of upbeat folk rock, my friends The Fustics will return to the High Country for a show this Friday, November 20, at Canyons in Blowing Rock. The Wilmington-based band’s driving rockers and Springsteen-like narratives make for a solid night of fist-pumping roots rock.
-Being a fish out of water in the local music scene hasn’t kept local metalheads A.V.O.W. from remaining one of Boone’s longest running bands. The chord-crunching quartet will return from a lengthy absence to hit the stage this Friday, November 20, at Geno’s. Bang your head accordingly.
-While they won’t have a show this weekend in their own King Street digs, the boys from 641rpm will present Naked Gods, Viva Viva and The Middlemen at Boone Saloon this Saturday, November 21. The Gods may be the big draw, but do yourself a favor and be there on time to check out both of the supporting acts, as they are more than worth your time.
Next Week…
-If you’ve had enough of lying around the house watching football and parades, while gorging yourself on leftovers, head to Pepper’s where bluesman Matt Walsh will be deliver a post-holiday dose of solo blues on Friday, November 27.
-Canyons will keep it local during the holiday weekend with a pair of shows featuring regional musicians. On Friday, November 27, Asheville classic rockers The Back Pages will be churning out familiar favorites, followed by Caldwell County-based blues trio The Jacob Johnson Band on Saturday, November 28.
On The Horizon…
-Some of the High Country’s most talented players and singers will come together when Split Rail Records artists Major Magick team up with Bafoodus for a show at Boone Saloon. The show, slated for Monday, December 7, looks to be the town’s biggest Reading Day eve bash. The show will also be one of Major Magick’s first performances since dropping their new, self-titled disc.
-You remember last week when I basically said people were crazy if they haven’t been out to see The Legendary JCs? Well ditto for Malcolm Holcombe. Arguably one of Western North Carolina’s most important musical treasures of the last decade, Holcombe’s raspy, wrenching blend of folk, country and blues is enrapturing. And his performances are second to none. Holcombe will play 641rpm on Thursday, December 10.
-Local player Ben McPherron has easily one of the most recognizable faces in the Boone music scene for nearly a decade. From Hope Massive and Wiseapple, to Swing Guitars and several others, the in-demand bassist can do it all. On Friday, December 11, he’ll take center stage as the Ben McPherron Trio plays Pepper’s in Boone.
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