As brilliant and mysterious as their latest record may be, it doesn’t hold a candle to the raw, unruly and utterly captivating live versions of these songs. The band – consisting of Hardy Morris, Brantley Senn, Walker Howle, John Watkins and Jason Scarboro – invited us to record a few songs from their set for this session, and while, admittedly, the live mix doesn’t do the songs full justice, the performances of the four numbers we did capture (“It Was A Rose,” and “Heavy Petting,“ both from Wrecking Ball, along with the brand new number “Split The Seams” and a jaw-dropping version of Officer May’s “Smoking in A Minor”) are a perfect testament to the unbridled energy, power and dark Southern mysticism that this band is capable of conjuring up when they hit the stage.

These guys are still out tearing up the road – currently supporting the Meat Puppets and then later in October with A Place To Bury Strangers for two guaranteed killer double-bills. Let these four free downloads of their incendiary Summerfest show serve as reminder to get out and see them firsthand when they swing through town this fall.

– Tony Bonyata

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1) Heavy Petting – Dead Confederate
2) Smoke In A Minor (Officer May) – Dead Confederate
3) It Was A Rose – Dead Confederate
4) Split The Seams – Dead Confederate

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For more info on Dead Confederate and to purchase their Wrecking Ball CD go to:
http://www.deadconfederate.com

This Basement Tapes remote session was recorded live at Summerfest at the Briggs & Stratton “Big Backyard” stage in Milwaukee, WI. Engineered by Gordon Rinda. Video by Gordon Rinda and Dan Bowman. Photographs by Matt Schwenke.

For more info on Woodland Audio/Video go to:
http://www.woodlandaudio.com

We were lucky enough to catch up with them backstage after their amazing Summerfest performance in Milwaukee for this relaxed and revealing video interview and photo shoot…

– Tony Bonyata

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For more info on Cage The Elephant and to purchase their music go to:
http://www.cagetheelephant.com

This Basement Tapes remote session was recorded live at Summerfest at the US Cellular stage in Milwaukee, WI. Video by Dan Bowman. Photographs by Phil & Tony Bonyata.

Joining the new wave of Midwestern Powerpop bands is the Milwaukee-based four-piece, The Reckless Hearts, featuring Thomas Culkin (vocals, guitars), Ian Lund (bass, vocals), Joel Kopp (guitars) and Jered Piencikowski (drums). Built from the ashes of the late, great Kenosha punk band The Danger, The Reckless Hearts have traded the sweat and saliva from their previous incarnation in favor of melody-driven pop songs filled indelible guitar riffs, hooks galore and unbridled energy.

These Brew City lads were gracious enough to invite us into their own recording studio to capture their live in-the-studio performance for this Basement Tapes session. Relaxed, good-natured and hospitable (they did, after all, invite us into their secret closet of ‘swords and porn’) the quartet wasted little time busting into spirited takes from their debut effort Get Up and Run such as the reverb heavy “Yer A Blur,” “Reckless Heart,” the spastic garage rocker “Personal Property” and the radio friendly (well, in the early ‘70s anyway) pop gem “Much Too.” Fittingly, they also dusted off a great cover of The Small Faces’ “Itchycoo Park,” that paid direct homage to their early ‘60s influences. And as professed in the chorus, this song (as well as the entire session) was “all too beautiful.” Check out the free downloads below and see for yourself.

– Tony Bonyata

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1) Much Too – The Reckless Hearts
2) Reckless Heart – The Reckless Hearts
3) Personal Property – The Reckless Hearts
4) Yer A Blur – The Reckless Hearts
5) Itchycoo Park

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For more info on The Reckless Hearts:
http://www.therecklesshearts.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedanger

This Basement Tapes session was recorded at Room Zero Recording in Kenosha, WI. Engineered and mixed by Ian Lund. Photos by Phil Bonyata.

For more info on Room Zero Recording: http://www.myspace.com/roomzero

Special thanks to Shawn Peyton for the lovely photo opps at BRAVO Boutique & Bridal in Kenosha, WI – http://www.bravobridal.net

The threesome also delivered the intricate folk sonnet and band namesake “The Daredevil Christopher Wright,” along with the beautiful number “The East Coast,” complete with rich harmonies, fine acoustic playing and, yes, even the obligatory whistling of the song’s melody prevalent in so many indie songs today.

Despite pulling influences from a number of age-old and modern music touchstones, the method in which The Daredevil Christopher Wright infuse them together is ultimately a unique and rewarding musical experience. One you can hear for yourself with these four exclusive studio recordings.

– Tony Bonyata

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1) The Daredevil Christopher Wright – Stewardess
2) The Daredevil Christopher Wright – A Conversation About Cancer
3) The Daredevil Christopher Wright – The Daredevil Christopher Wright
4) The Daredevil Christopher Wright – The East Coast

VIDEO: The Daredevil Christopher Wright
performing "Stewardess"

VIDEO: The Daredevil Christopher Wright
exclusive Basement Tapes interview

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For more info on The Daredevil Christopher Wright:
http://www.myspace.com/thedaredevilchristopherwright
http://www.ambledown.com/management/artists/thedaredevilchristopherwright.html

This Basement Tapes session was recorded at Woodland Audio/Video in Spring Grove, IL. Engineered and mixed by Mike Manthei. Video shot by Phil Bonyata and Gordon Rinda. Produced by Gordon Rinda. Photos by Phil Bonyata.

For more info on Woodland Audio/Video go to: http://www.myspace.com/woodlandaudio

The four members – Charlie Fink (vocals, guitar), brother Doug (drums), Urby Whale (bass) and Tom Hobden (fiddle) – were not only personable and fun, but they also turned out to be great sports when asked at the last minute if they might have a cover song they’d like to also perform for us. After a little back-and-forth between each other, and being big fans of Daniel Johnston, they decided on his song “Devil Town.” Even though they hadn’t practiced this number prior to this session, they ran through a few takes before nailing this haunting and captivating recording; one that we’re proud to offer you here as one of four free downloads.

While the band has recently and remorsefully cancelled their follow-up U.S. tour this winter to concentrate on recording their next record in the U.K., hopefully these powerful studio recordings of a young band on the rise will tide you over until they cross the pond again.

- Tony Bonyata

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1) Noah & The Whale – Jocasta
2) Noah & The Whale – Devil Town
3) Noah & The Whale – Give A Little Love
4) Noah & The Whale – 5 Years Time

VIDEO: Noah and The Whale performing “5 Years Time”

VIDEO: Noah and The Whale exclusive Basement Tapes interview

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PHOTO GALLERY

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For more info on Noah & The Whale and to purchase their music go to:
http://www.noahandthewhale.com
http://www.myspace.com/noahandthewhale

This Basement Tapes session was recorded at Woodland Audio/Video in Spring Grove, IL. Engineered and mixed by Mike Manthei. Video shot by Phil Bonyata and Gordon Rinda. Produced by Gordon Rinda. Photos by Phil Bonyata.

For more info on Woodland Audio/Video go to: http://www.woodlandaudio.com

Surprisingly, with their new album just being released, the Tallahassee trio (consisting of Jesse Corey – vocals/guitars, Nate Sadler – bass/keys/vocals and Steven Gillespie – drums/vocals) also unveiled a brand new track entitled “The Punch,” a soulful pop number that showcases the positive musical direction this band and their music is heading. Drenched in melancholy at times and emotionally-charged at others, Soft Targets’ music ultimately has a very soothing and pleasing effect that manages to hit the bull’s-eye.

– Tony Bonyata

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1) Soft Targets – The Punch
2) Soft Targets – Surrendering Slow
3) Soft Targets – Under Control
4) Soft Targets – Happy Again

VIDEO: Soft Targets performing “The Punch”

VIDEO: Soft Targets exclusive Basement Tapes interview

PHOTO GALLERY

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For more info on Soft Targets and to purchase their music go to:
http://www.softtargetsmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/softtargets

This Basement Tapes session was recorded at Woodland Audio/Video in Spring Grove, IL. Engineered and mixed by Gordon Rinda. Video shot by Phil Bonyata and produced by Gordon Rinda. Photos by Phil Bonyata.

For more info on Woodland Audio/Video go to: http://www.woodlandaudio.com

Thorn and his traveling band turned in three great numbers from his latest full-length effort A Long Way From Tupelo (the spirited title track, along with the buoyant, gospel-infused blues of “What Have You Done To Lift Somebody Up” and the soulful “A Woman To Love,” a slow-burn blues number where Thorn’s impassioned vocal delivery mirrored that of Joe Cocker in his prime. He also delivered the beautifully-honed composition “I Have A Good Day” from his 1999 album Ain’t Love Strange, as well as the fire-and-brimstone, juke-joint rocker title track from his 2002 effort Mission Temple Fireworks Stand.

While Thorn may be best known as a musician first and professional boxer second, another one of his talents is that of engaging storyteller. Throughout his entire set Thorn opened nearly every number with a telling yarn relating to either his past experiences or the ensuing song – which helped draw his audience in even closer. Perhaps growing up with a father who was a Pentecostal preacher gave him the confidence and knowledge to deliver these well fleshed-out and often humorous stories, or that his own broad experiences in life just needed an outlet to be shared, but, whatever the case, this raconteur’s in-between song banter would have worked as well in a 19th century traveling medicine show as it does today in this touring blues-rock band.

Although this talented artist has been recording and performing his own music for the last decade, he’s yet to breakthrough to a more mainstream audience. With A Long Way From Tupelo not only cracking the Billboard Top 200 chart (the first of eight albums to do so) along with recent appearances on Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel and NPR’s World Cafe, it appears that this could be the closest thing to a true knockout since he laid down his boxing gloves many years ago.

– Tony Bonyata

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Paul Thorn – Long Way From Tupelo
Paul Thorn – What Have You Done To Lift Somebody Up
Paul Thorn – I Have A Good Day
Paul Thorn – A Woman To Love
Paul Thorn – Mission Temple Fireworks Stand

VIDEO: Paul Thorn performing “I Have A Good Day”

VIDEO: Paul Thorn exclusive Basement Tapes interview

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PHOTO GALLERY

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For more info on Paul Thorn and to purchase his CDs go to:
http://www.paulthorn.com

This Basement Tapes remote session was recorded live at Summerfest at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse stage in Milwaukee, WI. Engineered by Gordon Rinda. Video by Gordon Rinda and Dan Bowman. Photographs by Phil Bonyata. Additional technical assistance by Dennis Martin.
 
Special thanks to Lindsay Evans at Summerfest for her help in coordinating this session.

For more info on Woodland Audio/Video go to:
http://www.woodlandaudio.com

The Washington, DC-based duo, perched high in the center of the sprawling stage behind two mixer/turntables, were flanked by a dizzying array of exotic vocalists, dancers and world musicians (from Congo percussionists to sitar player). Having been graciously invited to this performance to capture the ensuing five multi-cultural tracks, Thievery Corp. perfectly set the tone of the evening with a sneak peak from their forthcoming record as they broke into their hypnotic reggae dub number “Sound The Alarm.” They also delivered rich Brazilian beats on “Sol Tapado” from their 2005 album The Cosmic Game (an effort that also featured the talents of David Byrne, The Flaming Lips and Jane’s Addiction Perry Farrell), along with, possibly, their most recognizable song, “Lebanese Blonde,” which was featured on the soundtrack for Zach Braff’s 2004 film Garden State.

We were also lucky enough to be able to document three remarkable tracks from their 2002 album The Richest Man In Babylon – “Omid (Hope),” “Liberation Front,” where the two accompanying vocalists injected a bit of James Brown’s “Get Up Offa That Thing,” and the alluring “Facing East,” the latter which is featured in its entirety as a video below.

The five audio tracks featured as part of this session, along with the accompanying video, is a near-perfect snapshot of this arresting politically-charged act capable of unifying international borders through the power of their music… one that Garza and Hilton can only explain as their own ‘Outernational Sound.’

– Tony Bonyata

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Thievery Corporation – Sound The Alarm
Thievery Corporation – Omid (Hope)  
Thievery Corporation – Lebanese Blonde
Thievery Corporation – Sol Tapado
Thievery Corporation – Liberation Front

VIDEO: Thievery Corporation performing “Facing East”

VIDEO: Thievery Corporation exclusive Basement Tapes interview

PHOTO GALLERY

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For more info on Thievery Corporation, their upcoming tour dates and to purchase their music, go to:
http://www.thieverycorporation.com

This Basement Tapes remote session was recorded live at Summerfest at the Miller Lite Oasis stage in Milwaukee, WI. Engineered by Gordon Rinda. Video by Gordon Rinda and Dan Bowman. Photographs by Phil Bonyata and Matt Schwenke. Additional technical assistance by Dennis Martin.
 
Special thanks to Lindsay Evans at Summerfest for her help in coordinating this session.

For more info on Woodland Audio/Video go to:
http://www.woodlandaudio.com/

Alejandro’s latest masterpiece “Real Animal,” helmed by famed producer Tony Visconti, not only touches on these attributes, but also, looks back at his past with a crystalline vision and channels it into one of his most aggressive and potent albums in years. After practically grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory – after nearly succumbing to a fatal bout of Hepatitis C a few years ago – “Real Animal” finds Escovedo snatching that jawbone and smashing it to a pulp as he summons up many of the influences of his past, such as the raw power of Iggy & The Stooges, David Bowie at his edgiest and, more indirectly, a bit of the swaggering glam of Roxy Music and T. Rex.

Since Alejando’s tight schedule wouldn’t allow for a proper Basement Tapes session at our Woodland Audio studios, we decided to bring the mountain to Milwaukee, where he and his band offered us four jaw-dropping numbers (and I use that term very sparingly) that touched on his new record (the snotty punk of “Chelsea Hotel ‘78” as well as “Always A Friend,” an instant classic that already sounds like it could join the ranks of the best no-frills rock & roll standards this side of Petty or Springsteen). He also delivered a lively rendition of the opening track from his 2003 effort “With These Hands” (“Put You Down”) along with the hypnotizing “Everybody Loves Me,” from his 1999 Bloodshot Records release “Bourbonitis Blues,” where Alejandro locked into a tightly-knit threesome with violinist Susan Voelz and cellist Brian Standefer. It was at this point that the three sounded as if they were exorcising some sort of demonic force as they traded otherworldly howls and piercing strings amid the rhythm section’s primordial stomp.

While these four numbers are but a snapshot of Alejandro and his vast career, it’s a perfect summation of where this 57-year old artist is at now… and with a vital sound that reflects on his youth – only through more knowing and mature eyes – the following tracks from this remarkable live remote session are definitely four snapshots to cherish.

– Tony Bonyata

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Alejandro Escovedo – Always A Friend [download]
Alejandro Escovedo – Put You Down [download]
Alejandro Escovedo – Chelsea Hotel ‘78 [download]
Alejandro Escovedo – Everybody Loves Me [download]

VIDEO: Alejandro Escovedo performing “Everybody Loves Me”

VIDEO: Alejandro Escovedo exclusive Basement Tapes interview

PHOTO GALLERY

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For more info on Alejandro Escovedo and to purchase his CDs, vinyl LPs and more go to:
http://www.alejandroescovedo.com

This Basement Tapes remote session was recorded live at Summerfest at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse stage in Milwaukee, WI. Engineered by Gordon Rinda. Video by Gordon Rinda and Dan Bowman. Photographs by Phil Bonyata. Additional technical assistance by Dennis Martin.
 
Special thanks to Lindsay Evans at Summerfest for her help in coordinating this session.

For more info on Woodland Audio/Video go to:
http://www.woodlandaudio.com/

With a deep, well-aged voice that belies his twenty-seven years, Hayward Williams has been traversing both this fair nation and Europe for the last year in support of his remarkable sophomore effort, Another Sailor’s Dream.

For this session Williams’ was joined for two tracks by Machine Records label mates CABIN – the sumptuous folk-rock of “Devil’s Lament” (from Another’s Sailor’s Dream) along with the explosive roadhouse-rocker “Toe To Toe” (from his 2005 Trench Foot ep). Williams also opted to do two mesmerizing numbers alone, which showcased not only his stout performance ability as a solo artist, but also at his own songwriting skills (“Problem With Hemingway”). Perhaps the most intoxicating song of this session, however, was his cover of Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen’s “One for My Baby (and One More for the Road),” originally performed by Fred Astaire in the 1943 film The Sky’s the Limit before it was to be immortalized as one Frank Sinatra’s signature songs. On it, Williams’ lonely and harrowing delivery conjures up the scent of stale beer and spent ashtrays in the wee hours of the morning as he plies the bartender for the evening’s final round.

Only time will tell, but with the undistilled spirit, talent and drive that Williams displays both on record and stage, there’s a helluva good chance that this young troubadour may just put Milwaukee on the same map as Okemah, Hibbing and Freehold. If in doubt, just down these four rare shots… on the house. Set ‘em up, Hay.

– Tony Bonyata

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Hayward Williams – Devils Lament [download]
Hayward Williams – Problems With Hemingway [download]
Hayward Williams – For My Baby (and One More for the Road) [download]
Hayward Williams – Toe To Toe [download]

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For more info on Hayward Williams go to:
http://www.myspace.com/haywardwilliams

To purchase Hayward Williams music go to:
http://www.machinerecords.com

This Basement Tapes session was recorded at Woodland Audio/Video in Spring Grove, IL. Engineered and mixed by Mike Manthei. Video shot by Georgia Rinda and produced by Gordon Rinda. Photos by Phil Bonyata.

For more info on Woodland Audio/Video go to:
http://www.woodlandaudio.com/