More married bands

I’ve been finding so much amazing music coming out of Holland lately (who knew?) that I think I may unofficially declare next week “Dutch Week”. So, if Kristin is ok with it, we will have Dutch week in honor of bands like the Very Sexuals and NEONBELLE and this beautiful Dutch girl I used to know who won’t return my messages anymore.

Speaking of people who won’t acknowledge my existence, you ought to head over to MySpace and check out The McMakens, even though they have (apparently) failed to accept my offer of virtual friendship on multiple occasions. I’ve been a fan of the McMakens since before they were the McMakens. They really are a joy to see live (their rendition of “Wade in the Water” is a particular favorite of mine) and the chemistry between them is undeniable (which probably influenced their decision to get married). They have been at work on their first album as of late, which, I hear, is currently in the mixing stages. You can be sure we will have more on that as the project draws nearer completion.

For now, head over to their MySpace and check out the few tracks they have there. I am, and always have been, an adamant fan of “Prayer for Marriage”. Their mix of jazz, folk and blues (that really does sound like “a cup of tea, a warm fire, and a good book on a rainy day”) will appeal to fans Over the Rhine and maybe even a little of the Peekers.

And if you like what you hear, then head over to their official site, themcmakens.com for the blog and all sorts of other fun stuff, and catch them live with Sara Masterson at Cab’s in Glen Ellyn, IL on 23 April.

**EDIT** It appears that the McMakens have not received any of my friend requests. MySpace needs to get their act together.

Brian McSweeney again (thank God!)

Did you all do the responsible thing and listen to the Joy Formidable? If you didn’t, no worries, I will continue ramming them down your throats in the future. But now for a glance into my past.

In a sense, I grew up with MATTHEW. They formed in Chicago in 2000, were picked up by Rykodisc in 2001, and released their first album, Everybody Down, in 2002, during my Freshman year in college (just outside of Chicago). But more than that, the band includes former members of Seven Day Jesus and All Star United, two of my favorite bands from high school, both of which played at the second rock and roll show I ever attended. (Another member of ASU went to my little college and lived in the room next door to mine [or so I’ve been told] 10 years before I did.)

I bought that album soon after its release, thrilled to see Brian McSweeney’s (of SDJ) return to the music scene. I loved that record. The most immediately noticeable characteristic of MATTHEW’s music is McSweeney’s seemingly endless voice. It is the heart and soul of this album. His seamless blend of power and falsetto lend such a plaintive quality to every word he sings, you will want to follow him everywhere. Just listen to him sing at the end of “The Darkest Night”: “We’ll shine among the stars…there’ll be no dark/consumed within your fire/we’ll blaze with no restraints…in love…alive”. Seriously, guys. Go listen to it on their MySpace and tell me I’m wrong (hint: I am not). Everybody Down got me through my Freshman year, and many stressful times that followed.

In early 2003, word in the blogosphere was that MATTHEW were headed back into the studio. But, while touring in support of the first record, Rykodisc dropped the band. I thought they were gone forever. According to MySpace, though, the band have finally put out a self-released follow-up, Army of the Rabbit and Mouse. It is supposedly more organic and less slick than the first record. I can’t say for sure. None of the songs are posted on the site.

But I don’t need a preview. I trust this band implicitly. Now, I just need to figure out where to find a copy.

Sara Masterson

Ok, I know I owe you all a real post very soon and I swear I have one written, but I’m just spazzy and busy and it’s taking me awhile.

But to tide you over, I’m at work and listening to Sara Masterson on myspace and loving iiiit.  She just released a new EP called Hale Street Sessions, and I’m telling you all that you need to check out her myspace and then buy her E.P.  She’s adorable, she’s coffeehouse, she’s acoustic/jazz, her voice is beautiful, and her lyrics are meaningful … so!… you have no reason not to love it.  Plus, for those of you in or near Chicago, she’s a local, so check out her show schedule.

http://www.myspace.com/saramasterson