Selections of Shoegaze: First Stop, Dallas Tx’s True Widow

True Widow

I want to do some posts on favorite selections of Shoegaze Rock, and I thought I’d start local and post on the emerging Dallas act, True Widow. A friend turned me on to the group when I moved to the Dallas area, and recently, music critics like the loath-able fascists of rich dorks, excuse me, pitch fork.com, have been sounding praises of the band’s latest album, As High As the Highest Heavens and From the Center to the Circumference of the Earth (Kemado Records 2011). The group is composed of 3 players (drums, bass, guitar), and the sound is as full and thick as any multi-membered heavy metal band. That’s right; they’re some real heavy Shoegaze. Some have called it “Stonergaze;” others have pointed out the overlap of dreamy space pop and sludged-out doom metal. Someone in the blogosphere described the act as a heavy version of Low, and I would agree with that description. As just stated, the band has released two full-length records, their first being a self-titled release on End Sounds in 2008. The two albums demonstrate a natural growth with a distinct, focused style that one can always expect. It fulfills one’s expectations in good way because one quickly senses an assurance or confidence of artistic vision in their constant, heavy-mellow sound. Pitchfork complimented their 2nd release as being a “complete mastery of control,” and I think the critic is expressing a similar insight there. Check out the track, “Skull Eyes”, from their latest full-length; here’s the “official video”:

Album covers of As High As the Highest Heavens and From the Center to the Circumference of the Earth & their self-titled release.

I recently saw the group perform with Kurt Vile in Dallas... Great show. I would say that some of the texture and contrast in their sound was lost in the fuzz when watching them live. The records are amazing, however. Here’s the opening track, "Jackyl," of the latest release:

The music is thick, heavy, and real crunchy, but it mellows one’s soul as well. It kind of reminds me of an independent, Christian act of the 90s called Starflyer 59. I don’t know how many people remember that band; I saw them play in a church once when around the age of 15. Check out the track “Blue Collar Love”:

Or here’s an “official video” of the Starflyer track “Housewife Love Song”:

Starflyer 59 recorded some great fuzzy drone rock much like that of True Widow, so check their early albums, Silver (1994 Tooth & Nail Records) & Gold (1995 Tooth & Nail Records). Definitely check out the first, self-titled True Widow as well. I’ll leave with a great tune from T. Widow’s first release, the song “AKA”:

Self Titled:

http://www.mediafire.com/?nmmmm4yizkn

As High as the Heavens:

http://www.mediafire.com/?jqx471yamyfve7z

Feel free to comment, and enjoy!!

This one’s for Ricky: Pentagram, America’s “first” heavy metal band

Pentagram is a long-standing American heavy metal band from Virginia that released many influential demos throughout the 70s, pioneering the sounds now known as Stoner Metal & “early” Doom Metal. The band reformed with new members (vocalist Bobby Liebling being the only staying member...) in the 80s and began recording full length albums. A word of advice: stay away from the “studio albums;” the production is cheesy and very much the victim of 80s recording sensibilities. The demos, however, are raw and rowdy; one can’t help but channel their inner-Jeff Spicoli when listening to the early tracks..... Vw stoner rock at its utmost perfection. It’s definitely America’s early answer to the Black Sabbath phenomenon across the pond. In 2001, Relapse Records released a compilation of Pentagram’s 70s recordings entitled First Daze Here (The Vintage Collection). It’s a great collection (unlike the later albums that re-recorded some of songs here...). Check out the opening track “Forever My Queen”:

That’s some heavy rock’n’roll for early 1970s! Also, check out the song “Be Forewarned,” (a song they later destroyed when re-recorded in the early 80s; this version was recorded in 1972...):

(Ricky, we got to cover this song!!) “Some people think I’m an advocate of Lucifer; some say I’m child of God, yes they do!!” Good song; lot’s of opportunity to flerb the muff!! Definitely check out the collection mentioned above; as for the rest, be very careful...

http://www.mediafire.com/?emy9l0eo1pd

Ben Chasny: Six Organs of Admittance, Comets on Fire, & Rangda

Ben Chasny is an amazing musician.  Although I will not post links to downloads (to respect Chasny’s attitude towards the matter...), I wanted to provide some samples of his amazing work. If you like it, spend some money and support it.  

Ben Chasny is most known for his psychedelic folk project, Six Organs of Admittance, which recently released a new album, Asleep on the Floodplain (Drag City 2011).  I just picked up a copy.  Don’t have much to say about it yet; I need to listen more.... It explores the softer experimental sounds that one would expect from Chasny’s project. Here’s the track “Hold But Let Go”:

Six Organs of Admittance have recorded prolifically since the late 90s (with more than 10 albums in a decade). Some highlights are the records Dark Noontide (their 4th album, released 2002 on Holy Mountain), For Octavio Paz (6th album released 2003 on Holy Mountain), School of the Flower (8th album released in 2005 on Drag City), and Shelter from the Ash (10th album released 2007 on Drag City).  Here’s the title track of one of my favorite albums, The School of the Flower: 

And the video of the the title track of 2007’s Shelter from the Ash:

Chasny’s Six Organs of Admittance would satisfy the tastes of folk enthusiasts, psychedelic rock fans, and any interested in experimental music.  I cannot recommend these albums enough. 

Now those that wish for a little more noise, fuzz, and rock’n’roll need not be discouraged.  Meet Chasny’s alter-ego: Comets on Fire.  The band puts down the acoustic six string and plugs in the high-powered full-stack for a full-on Stoner Rock fuzz-fest.  The group has released 4 full length albums, most recently Blue Cathedral (2004 Sub Pop) and Avatar (2006 Sub Pop).  Here’s a live video of their song , “The Bee & the Crackin’ Egg” from the LP Blue Cathedral:

Comets on Fire rock loud and hard, and Chasny’s guitar skills are nearly impeccable.  I highly recommend all the albums.

More recently, Ben Chasny has recorded and performed with super-group, Rangda, featuring Richard Bishop (of Sun City Girls) and drummer Chris Corsano (Six Organs of Admittance).  Most likely, I’ll post exclusively about Richard Bishop & his music at some later date.  He too is a phenomenal guitarist with a very particular style, so the chance to hear both artists in musical dialogue is a treat to say the least.  Here they are performing together (but not as Rangda; I believe this a Six Organs concert...):

Now here’s Ben Chasny & Richard Bishop performing as Rangda:

Like Comets, Rangda rocks a little louder than Six Organs.  The above song is “Bull Lore,” a track off their sole album False Flag (2010 Drag City).  If you like what you hear, I highly recommend the entire release. The musicianship is beyond impressive, and I include Chris Corsano in that statement. The drumming on this record is ridiculous.

I dig Chasny's entire spectrum of musical performance.  It ranges from folk to noise, and it never disappoints. Definitely support this artist.