Deconstruction, Justin McRoberts

Justin McRoberts has released his album "Deconstruction," Rachel recieved it in the mail last week and like a good husband I have been monopolizing this cd since it's arrival. For those who have not heard his music, Justin is a writer who attacks very complicated issues through his music. He's not afraid to discuss the state of the church in America, or the state of our Union, or open up and discuss the state of his own walk.

Justin's style is very bare and laid open. Even with a full band on the recordings there is always a sense of rawness in his sound. He tours alone. More correctly, he does not tour with a band. His wife comes along, who is the best manager, promoter, roadie, sound tech in the business. Who better than your wife to say "Hon, you just sound off. You need to not suck tonight." This kind of necessary criticism for a live performer always comes a little more well recieved from the woman you're in love with. Trust me.

Back to the album. Deconstruction. I'm not going to write a big review of the album, but say that I feel this is one of the best. In fact it is hard trying to write my thoughts on the album while I listen to track five:

"...but every critic with his pen and his computer talks about effectiveness and not about the art."

Tough to swallow. There is a move in this album somewhere in following with the self reflection of "Grace Must Wound." I am thoroughly enjoying the album as a whole. Justin's music always tends to knock me flat footed for a few days, and I'm still trying to regain my ballance. If you have the opportunity to see him live, I would definately encourage you. Most of his shows are free, and at churches that invite him to share. An evening of Justin is comprised of great music, sharing of his testimony, jokes, and fellowship. He and his wife are a great family to meet, and very open to meeting people wherever they travel.

Most of the Deconstruction album is available to listen to on his website, and I recommend spending the cash and making this album your own.

http://www.justinmcroberts.com/mainpage.html

"Well, I spent the whole night fightng
Fighting with some ghost
And when the break of morning found me
I'd both won and lost

You see the question isn't are you going to suffer any more,
But what will it have ment when you are through?
The question isn't are you going to die, you're going to die
Will you be done living when your through?

Yes I spent the whole day running
Trying to catch the sun
But when the darkness overtook me
All my runnig made me strong

So run until you cannot take a single step in strength
Then crawl on your hands and knees, 'till your hands and knees they ache
And when you cannot crawl
It will be me you call to carry you back home again"

Death Cab for Cutie

So monday night was the Death Cab show, and let me tell you. Those guys came to rock and they definately brought it. I think that HSU has a reputation in the music industry for being a venue that really rocks the house. Every show that I've been to at the ol' Duzer has always had a very lively and responsive crowd.

The opening band was a trio from Seattle called The Cave Singers. http://www.myspace.com/thecavesingers

The guitar player did some amazing things on a nylon string guitar. He had it set really hot, so his fingerpicking was very poppy, not something I'm used to with a nylon guitar. Their sound is kinda the classic Seattle indie sound that makes that city great. Big thumbs up for those guys. They were given a half hour set and hooked me from the start.

Death Cab brought it, and brought it big! It had been a while since I've seen a live show, and I enjoyed being able to really study the band and what they were doing. I'm usually not a jumper and screamer, I tend to sit and absorb what's happening. The band is made up of 4 very accomplished musicians, all well versed in multiple instruments. The sound that they create is big, those guys are all about dynamics, big swings and big drops in tone and dynamic. There's a simplicity in most of what they play with the tension and resolve being created through the lyrics and the dynamics.

I've noticed a trend in guitar style that has not been immerging as anything new, but getting more recognition in the rock and roll community. The idea of the guitarist not as a soloist and spotlighted engima, but a foundation block for the sound. This stye has been going on for years in bands such as U2 and REM, but has been very underappreciated until recently. I think that an album full of soaring guitar solos has left too many people feeling that the song has soared off without them. Death Cab's two guitarists work back and forth building off of eachother's riff and sound to create the foundation for the song. It really is a great way to convey mood, and emotion into the song. I also think that when the guitarist can break away from speed riffs and panatonic scale, it opens the door for new sound and harmonics. There becomes a freedom to express the tone of your amp and the overtones that are created in the room. Don't get me wrong, there will always be a place for the guitar solo in rock music. Even then the blues solo is evolving. Look at John Mayer and where he's taking his sound. At any rate, phenominal guitar playing, as well as great synth sound, solid drumming and bass section.

Definately one of the best shows I have seen!

Spring's Long Awaited Arrival

The days have gotten longer and sunnier with the cool afternoon north wind. This could only mean one thing, spring has arrived. Although we're still trying to finish up the pruning season, it's kinda tough when there are blossoms flying everywhere. Most of the trees around here have woken up. My plumb tree has flowered and leaved out, the crabapple just blossomed and is awesome! I love the flowers, mowing my lawn twice a week, and just how green all the hills are.

The artist and his masterpiece

Easter Egg Hunting in Rio Dell

This last month I had the... opportunity... to work in Covelo, CA. The town is not much of a town, but I come from not much of a town. The Round Valley is an old dried up lake bed which makes for terrible soils to do underground utility work in, but geographically is amazing. The drive takes you east from Willits, up the middle fork of the Eel River. On the south bank of the river is the county road, the north bank is where the old railroad sits, with three old tunnels, and a couple of massave land slides. There's a climb up a pretty steep grade to "Inspiration Summit" which looks out over the round valley. The valley is massave. If this was still a lake, it could be one of the largest in California. The valley was alive with green grass, blooming mustard and lupin, and dogwoods like crazy. Not to mention the horses stabeled along the highway. The valley is surrounded by Longridge to the north, the Yollo Bolly wilderness to the east, and the Eel River watershead to the west. It could take years to explore all of the backpacking potential in this area.

Good Music

Here's three new-to-me bands that I have not heard until recently. Not that my opinion matters to that many people on the planet, but I enjoyed their stuff. Listen and share....

Skylines and Archives:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=153629310

A very chill sound hiding deeper tones laced throughout the lyrics, heard of these guys through my friend Gretchen. Currently they're tearing up the Minnesota club scene, can you think of any other musicians who came from the great state of Minnesota?

Sarah McMillan:
http://www.sarahmcmillan.com/

If Emmy Lou, Sandra McCracken, and the Edge sat down and wrote an album, this would be it. Lyrically it grabs with words taken from scripture. "He is the rain and I am the desert." Right now "Bright Wings" is probably my favorite.

The Kevin Reid Project:
http://www.myspace.com/thekevinreidproject

Played in Humboldt this weekend, missed both shows, but their Myspace stuff is really good. Lots of good youthfull angst in their sound, lyrically strong. Also, cousin to our local Young Life leader.

I'm not going to start any sort of pretencious music review forum, just like these bands. It's always good to share a good band with your friends so check them out, tell your friends, and buy their stuff!!