How exciting! The Thermals are finally coming back to Wisconsin. They’re playing the High Noon Saloon on Tuesday, April 28th. Their 2006 release, The Body, the Blood, the Machine was nothing short of fantastic. The band is out in support of their new (and highly anticipated) album Now We Can See, which can’t come soon enough of April 7th, 2009 via Kill Rock Stars. The Shaky Hands and Point Juncture support the show. At $10, you’ve got yourself a steal Madison.

Tickets: $10 Advance / $12 Day of Show / 18+

Pre-Order: The Thermals – The Body, the Blood, the Machine
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Myspace: The Thermals
MP3: The Thermals – “Now We Can See”

By Jodi Root

P.O.S. kicked some major A.S.S. last night at Reggie’s Live, pumping out massive raw energy in support of his two-week release Never Better. Kicking the set off were Doomtree friends/collaborators Sims, Paper Tiger, Mictlan and Lazer Beak, who were throwing positive vibes and unity out like candy at a parade. I can’t even describe the events as a series of act one, two or three, as all dudes were representing on each other’s sets like it was a family reunion. The kids in the crowd went bananas as the Doomtree family busted out old and newer tracks alike, even partaking in an inner-crowd dance party, getting the audience to their feet to thrash about and then even making sure “no one got hurt.”

P.O.S. busted out several classics from Audition and his debut record, but focused mostly on what he described as “most exciting to play”—the brilliance of what is his third album Never Better. And let me tell you, boys and girls, there was never a more appropriate album/tour name than that to describe last night’s performance. From the crowd participation in “Drumroll,” the insane scratching intro to “Savion Glover,” and insane bumpin’ booty shaking beasts of “Goodbye,” (see vid above), the tracks and efforts were flawlessly executed. P.O.S. also brought forth “Been Afraid” for the first time on the so-far 12 date tour—and got the crowd screaming along to the rock-infused chorus of “Terrorish.” Additional highlights included the title track, “Never Better,” the drum beat infusion of “Optimist (We Are Not for Them)”—which P.O.S. coyly introduced as, “This one’s for us,” the loopy production of “The Basics (Alright),” Sims/Mictlan/Lazer Beak rap-along “Low Light/Low Life,” and “Graves (We Wrote the Book).”

Several other crowd faves were accounted for as well in the 22-song set, including multiple Doomtree collaborated sing-a-longs. I’ve always been a fan of P.O.S’s recorded works, but last night’s performance definitely upped my appreciation factor tenfold as I witnessed firsthand how diverse of a multi-dimensional artist he really is. Whether it was his mad production work on the synth/loops, diverse rhyming abilities or how he wailed on his guitar—dude owned it. Confident, yet forever humble, P.O.S. brought Chicago everything he had and made sure to share it with those most important to him—his ever devoted fan base and fellow peer musicians. P.O.S. served the perfect soundtrack of raw, positive and most importantly REAL energy last night, bombing the warehouse walls of Reggie’s and I’m just grateful to have been a part of it.

Myspace: P.O.S.
Myspace: Doomtree

Jason Anderson records can transform any trying day into something manageable after only two tracks. That’s a Muzzle of Bees guarantee. His music has that special ability to transport you far away from distraction and get you back on your feet again. It’s a gift, and he’s blessed. I’m going to go ahead and recommend his whole catalog because I know once you purchase one of his records, you’ll start planning on how to round out your collection. It happened to me, and plenty of my pals. Today, I’m thrilled to offer the interview with Jason below. He’s couldn’t be a nicer guy and I definitely want to help spread his music far and wide. I’ve got a list of goals for 2009, and bringing Jason’s legendary live shows to the live music loving people of Wisconsin is right up near the top.

Could you lend some information on the recording process of The Hopeful and the Unafraid? Where and how was it recorded, and were there any lessons learned that you’ll apply towards future recording sessions?

You got it! Ok, well that was recorded in Chicago, at this really great place Soma Studios. We had a lot of fun there. My friend Chris recorded it in two days. I am usually pretty intimidated of “recording studios,” and because of that have done the majority of my recording in living rooms and other non-traditional places. But, Soma was wonderful! I love Chicago, too. That city rules!

I played guitar and sang, with my friend Felix on drums, just for the basic tracks. We did it all at once, and it was great to have that awesome live feeling of playing with a drummer and singing at the same time–like a show–as opposed to doing instruments first and overdubbing vocals later. I think we used mostly first takes.

Anyway, a few months later, there was an additional recording day in Massachusetts (in a living room!). Some overdubs and stuff. We also kind of spontaneously recorded the song Watch Your Step, which I had just written. It was neat to do one that was so new, and add it to the Chicago stuff.

Every time I record I learn a lot. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and I’m definitely my own worst critic when it comes to listening back to things I’ve done. In general, I have yet to make a recording that I am completely 100% happy with and proud of, but, with each project I feel like I come closer and closer to achieving that goal, which is totally encouraging.

What are you working on now?

Well, I’m actually close to finishing a new record. Just a few more things need to be added before mixing it. I have the songs for a different new record, but I’m trying to get this first one done before anything else.

What was the last guitar you purchased? Why that one and where did you pick it up?

I’m not much of an instrument collector. I don’t even have any pedals. I have mostly borrowed a lot of stuff for shows and tours from very generous friends. I do have one acoustic–for solo shows–and one electric–for band shows.

What was the last show you went to see as a fan?

My Morning Jacket at Radio City Music Hall in New York City! It was absolutely incredible. They are wonderful. Those guys seem to sincerely love music and love creating special moments. How great is it that their reputation has largely been built on putting on phenomenal shows and making meaningful, lasting connections with people along the way? The kind of fame that seems primarily based on “you’ve gotta see these guys!!” word of mouth, coupled with the fact that they totally RULE in concert. Needless to say, it’s very, very inspiring. To me, they do it the way it should be done. What a truly awesome group. They’re the best!

The internet has dramatically altered the way artists can reach an audience. With things like blogs/myspace/etc, what are your thoughts on the power of the internet in terms of helping (or hurting) your music?

I think that the potential for connection is incredible. And undeniable. It’s such a great way to find out about bands, shows, to make contacts and connect with friends (old and new). For my music, personally, I think it’s only helpful.

Most people have certain artists that made a big impression on them. That could either influence their music or just make music an important part in one’s life. Do you have any artists that fit that description?

Well, definitely My Morning Jacket, as mentioned above. They are amazing. I really The Weakerthans and Wilco, too. Lots of classic stuff like Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, early J Geils Band, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, The Band. Oh, my friend just played me Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love album and it completely blew me away. Stuff like that, I guess. Singers and songwriters who are totally passionate about what they’re doing. I should also mention that the music my friends make is some of my most favorite.

What is on your bookshelf at the moment?

In the past month I have read Bingo Palace by Louise Erdrich. She is incredible. One of my most favorite authors. I then read a collection of short stories by Miranda July, Chronicles by Bob Dylan, Born Standing Up by Steve Martin and Roads by Larry McMurtry. Kind of a rag tag assortment, but when I think about it, all of these voices and books are great, different takes on the American experience. Anyway, books rule. So do crossword puzzles. Thanks for the interview, Ryan!

MP3: Jason Anderson – “Tonight”
MP3: Jason Anderson – “El Paso”
MP3: Jason Anderson – “Jonesboro”
MP3: Jason Anderson – “Saturday Night”

J. Tillman holds down drum duties for Fleet Foxes. He’s got a steady back catalog of releases that I urge you to pick up in turn. You’ll also want to pick up a copy of Vacilando Territory Blues from which the above song/video for “Firstborn” comes.

Buy: J. Tillman – Vacilando Territory Blues

Myspace: J. Tillman

I’ve been on a diet of The Band, including watching The Last Waltz and planning a possible trek to the state of New York for one of Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Ramble’s. Imagine my elation when a YouTube binge led to the above collaboration of Gillian Welch + Old Crow Medicine Show on The Band’s “The Weight.”

Myspace: Gillian Welch
Myspace: Old Crow Medicine Show

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Unrelated:

Milwaukee Concert Announcement: 4/24 – M. Ward – Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
Aquarium Drunkard: Jim White :: A Funny Little Cross to Bear
Video: Fever Ray – “When I Grow Up”

Madison’s own Pale Young Gentlemen are reviewed on Pitchfork today (7.3): “Despite massive turnover amidst its ranks and less than a year removed from Pale Young Gentlemen, what distinguishes Black Forest is the patience of confident survivors, not just of their first tour, but the easy comparisons to more maudlin and forthright old world-influenced acts like Beirut.”

Madison Concert Announcement: WUD Music Presents: Mason Jennings w/ Special Guest on Friday, April 17th at the Majestic Theatre.

Tickets: $15 Students / $20 Public ($2 increase d.o.s.)
On Sale: Friday, February 20th @ Noon
Student Tickets available at the Memorial Union Box Office
Public Tickets available at the Memorial Union Box Office and all Majestic Theatre outlets

We’re once again joining forces with the fine folks that make up the WUD Music Committee by bringing MoB favorites the Bowerbirds to the University of Wisconsin’s Der Rathskeller on Friday, March 27th. The Bowerbirds’ Hymn For a Dark Horse was one of our favorite records of 2007.

This is another free show that includes support from Eau Claire’s Amble Down Records: The Daredevil Christopher Wright and The Wars of 1812. Everything gets underway at 8:30, we’ll see ya there!

Previously: 5 Questions With Bowerbirds

Buy: Bowerbirds – Hymns for a Dark Horse
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Myspace: Bowerbirds
Mysapce: The Daredevil Christopher Wright
Myspace: The Wars of 1812
MP3: Bowerbirds – “In Our Talons”
MP3: The Daredevil Christopher Wright – “The East Coast”
MP3: The Wars of 1812 – “Radios Unsigned”

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