Roadside Graves release their new album, We Can Take Care of Ourselves today on Autumn Tone. They’ve been historically one of our favorite bands – both live and on record. Their new one is a continuation of what I’ve always loved about the band and cannot recommend it enough. This post, authored by Roadside Graves front man John Gleason, began as a story told over breakfast in Milwaukee last April. Since then I’ve listened to the soundtrack and watched the movie. His recommendation, as always, is on target.

Paris, Texas (soundtrack) by Ry Cooder
By: John Gleason

Want to get lonely?
Lonesome. Wrenched. Dried. Sandy.
Want to stay lonely?
Endless. Forgetful. Parched. Straight.

This is simple. Listen to the soundtrack to Paris, Texas.

Ry Cooder created a perfect companion to the Wim Wenders film. Songs for a man walking alone through pieces of America that have physically decayed and never meant to be. Music for a man who is trying to remember who he is and where his wife and son have gone. Variations inspired by Blind Willie Johnson’s “Dark was the Night, Cold was the Ground” (Chosen by NASA in 1977 as the human expression of loneliness). Instrumental slide guitar and ambient echoes with some rare dialogue and a gorgeous cantina song sung in Spanish by actor Harry Dean Stanton.

There are hopeful tones in this dark music. I listen mostly when I want to be alone and have a glass of bourbon. It’s for those nights when you are pretty damn content that no one else is around. When the people you love have given you a night off, or you’ve taken it anyway.

It stands alone. It’s a tasteful, somber, and restrained recording where the spaces and quiet are equally important as the notes stretched.

It sustains a mood. You can sleep soundly with it. Cry with it. Sex with it. It sits well with a book, a hotel room, awaiting laundry,.

It could possibly make your life better.

This is my favorite soundtrack and movie ever.

It will be on my mix for the hospital visit of my daughter’s birth.

I’ll make you a copy. Email me.

Watch: Paris, Texas Trailer (1984)

Buy: Roadside Graves – We Can Take Care of Ourselves
Buy: Paris, Texas: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
++
MP3: Roadside Graves – “Love Me More”
MP3: Ry Cooder – “Brothers”

Stereogum premieres “Love Me More” from Roadside Graves. Their new album, We Can Take Care Of Ourselves arrives July 19th in digital and vinyl formats via Autumn Tone.

Pitchfork reports Stephen Malkmus returns with the Beck-Produced LP, Mirror Traffic.

My Old Kentucky Blog has a new song and video from Matt Bauer.

Watch Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy’s new video for “There Is No God.”

I’m spoiled because I work with them, but if you haven’t heard J. Roddy Walston & The Business head over to their new website and download new song, “Jesus Gonna Do His Best.”

I saw John Vanderslice last night and absolutely loved it. Going to be on a heavy kick for the remainder of this week. I was also extremely impressed by opener Daniel Hart.

Gillian Welch Is Back With New LP ‘The Harrow & The Harvest’ (via)

James Blake played a new song at Hollywood Forever Cemetery last night in LA (via)

NPR: Eddie Vedder On Giving The Ukulele A Turn In The Spotlight

Tonight’s the night. Roadside Graves are back in town. Conrad Plymouth’s playing too. Make sure to arrive in time for Jeremy Benson’s opening set.

Roadside Graves :: Aquarium Drunkard Lost Session (August, 2009)

MP3: Roadside Graves – “My Father Sat Me Down” (Aquarium Drunkard Session, 2009)
MP3: Roadside Graves – “Liv Tyler” (Aquarium Drunkard Session, 2009)
MP3: Roadside Graves – “Ruby” (Aquarium Drunkard Session, 2009)
MP3: Roadside Graves – “Wooden Walls” (Aquarium Drunkard Session, 2009)

Buy: Roadside Graves – You Won’t Be Happy With Me EP

[photo: Tim Griffin]

Our friends at High Frequency Media’s video above for Bear In Heaven’s “Deafening Love” has been shortlisted for the Vimeo Festival + Awards.

Pavement plays the Pabst Theater tonight. Don’t miss them. If last night in Chicago was any indication, tonight will be a very, very fun night.

If you have not yet ordered the new album from Sharon Van Etten, please do so. I had the chance to see Sharon perform this new material live over the weekend and was left picking my jaw up from the floor after. Take a listen:
MP3: Sharon Van Etten – “Don’t Do It”

Speaking of great bands I saw last weekend, Megafaun blew away their crowds on two occasions during Hopscotch Fest, showcasing new material from their mini-alum, Heretofore.
MP3: Megafaun – “Carolina Days”

Superchunk’s fantastic new album, Majesty Shredding is out today. It soundtracked most of our drive home from seeing Pavement last night in Chicago. They have a new video for “Digging for Something” up over at Vanity Fair.

The Black Keys have announced they will return to Chicago for a New Year’s Eve concert with special guests The Greenhornes at the Aragon Ballroom. Tickets go on-sale is 9/18 through www.ticketmaster.com.

J. Tillman takes on Neil Young’s Tonight’s The Night, in its entirety at Aquarium Drunkard.

Aquarium Drunkard also offers up a new session with the Roadside Graves, which includes some new jams. Check out the “lost” AD session we posted recently.

We have copies available from the Conrad Plymouth 10″ clear vinyl I released on my new label, Ten Atoms. Go here to pick one up. Or just download the tracks digitally here for free.

Check out a bunch of videos from Billy Bragg’s set at Turner Hall Ballroom last week.

Futurebirds and Jonny Corndawg are at Cactus Club on Thursday, November 18th

Tickets for Thursday’s Mark Olson (Jayhawks) and Backyard Tire Fire show at Club Garibaldi are selling fast. Buy your ticket in advance to save on admission.

77 Square interviews Brandi Carlile who plays the Barrymore Theatre on Saturday, September 18th.

We had the supreme pleasure of hosting the Roadside Graves in Milwaukee just a little over a week ago. If you made it out to the Cactus Club, you know what a treat this band is. We had an amazing time with the band, launching water balloons at my neighbors houses, enjoyed a backyard bbq, and Colin even made a little cash.

I’m pleased to share the Aquarium Drunkard Session below with you. These were recorded at Infrasonic Studios in Los Angeles in August 2009, and thought to be lost and gone for good until recently resurfacing to the satisfaction of all. Since the Drunkard has some more Roadside Graves goodness coming your way the very near future, we got the green light to pass these tracks onto you. Enjoy!

Roadside Graves :: Aquarium Drunkard Lost Session (August, 2009)

MP3: Roadside Graves – “My Father Sat Me Down” (Aquarium Drunkard Session, 2009)
MP3: Roadside Graves – “Liv Tyler” (Aquarium Drunkard Session, 2009)
MP3: Roadside Graves – “Ruby” (Aquarium Drunkard Session, 2009)
MP3: Roadside Graves – “Wooden Walls” (Aquarium Drunkard Session, 2009)

Buy: Roadside Graves – You Won’t Be Happy With Me EP

[photo: Tim Griffin]

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Ten Atoms/Conrad Plymouth vinyl release party last night. We had a blast and hope you enjoy the record. Keep the good times going tonight at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee with the Roadside Graves and Jeremiah Nelson. $10, show starts at 10pm.

MP3: Roadside Graves – “Far and Wide”
MP3: Roadside Graves – “Liv Tyler”
MP3: Roadside Graves – “Ruby”
Video: Jeremiah Nelson – “Skin To Touch”