Albums of the Year: a Macedelic Perspective

by Doug MacRostie

So I am doing things a little different for the Macedelic Music Awards this year (the REAL MMAs :p); instead of a separate list of of MN artists it's all one top 10 list. There is music that makes me happy, music that makes me sad...music for when you're mad, music for when you're glad... Of course, the list is in no particular order and while I am fortunate enough to host Centerstage MN on 91.7 KAXE, this list is my opinion alone and does not reflect the views, opinions or ideas of Northern Community Radio, KAXE or Centerstage MN. Without further ado, here are the 10 best CDs of 2009:

The Flaming Lips "Embryonic"
I think what I like so much about this CD is it's SO not-pop. Compared to some of the recent FL albums which used harmonies and melodies to help put their quirky tunes to mass-audience-ears, this album is almost all experimental and out there. The creativity and beyond-the-edge sonic craziness is refreshing, haunting, edgy and beautiful. This isn't about melodies and hooks, and I love it. And after finally catching the Flaming Lips live, I feel like I know Wayne Coyne on a personal level.

The Pines "Tremolo"
There is something perfect about this album; it has a sense of place (in the Midwest), it has textures and sounds and music that seems to be the ambiance to an intricate and delicate world. Or as I said before, "When you listen to The Pines new album "Tremolo," the guitars dance slowly and methodically as voices whisper in your ear and sounds and images drift around like a living, breathing creature surrounding you with reflections of the modern world on an aged mirror - combining emotion and storytelling into a beautiful and simple presentation that can sooth you one moment and take your breath away the next."

Regina Spektor "Far"
This album has one of my fav songs of the year on it thanks to Regina's crafty and intelligent songwriting - "The Calculation." Seriously, this album could have made my top 10 list just with this song. That's not to say the rest of the album isn't great - but the story of lovers realizing the emptiness of modern life and the lack of a soul in so much of what we do (and how they react) is top notch. "So we made the hard decision / and we each made an incision / past our muscles and our bones / saw our hearts were little stones / pulled them out they weren't beating / and we weren't even bleeding / as we lay them on the granite counter top...we beat up against each other / we struck them so hard, so hard, until they sparked..."

Dalia "Treetops and Telephone Wires"
I was most impressed when I saw Dalia perform with some of her friends at 10KLF and was really excited to listen her CD, and I was not dissapointed. Mixing elements of hip-hop, folk, world and acoustic music this CD is a collection of clever lyrics, beautiful melodies and harmonies, and heartfelt songs. Her voice is soft and clear - it feels like she is in the room singing the songs to you - perfectly personal and inspiring.

Brother Ali "Us"
I first heard about Brother Ali on All Things Considered when they introduced an albino, blind, muslin rapper from Minneapolis - my ears perked up... With an obvious understanding of minority struggles this album touches on some serious topics in a profound and moving way. From the brutal and honest story of kidnapped Africans shipped off to slavery in "The Travelers", the story of a rejected and abandoned youth finding voice and compassion in "Breaking Dawn" or any of the other heartfelt and emotional songs like "Tight Rope" which is my fav song of the year (that, or that Regina Spektor song...).

Mason Jennings "Blood of Man"
The darker edge of this album, both in sound and subject matter, was an instant draw to me. Mason is a profound songwriter who continually evolves and grows with his music and this sonic shift (all played and recorded himself) is the perfect raw sound for raw emotional vocals. Top song for me is "The Field" about a fallen U.S. soldier from the parents perspective. The feeling of pride as he grows up, and the change when he goes to war; "when your first letter came, it sounded nothing like you / It took all my strength, to keep myself from running to you...". This song can still bring tears to my eyes as the intensity rises and Mason's voice breaks as he sings, "I don't want no victory, I just want you back."

Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank "Traveling Show"
This is the only thing I pre-ordered all of 2009, and the T-shirt I got for it is one of my favs, hehe (but seriously - people notice a Hobo Nephews shirt in these parts!). Teague and Ian Alexy are two outstanding songwriters with new interpretations of traditional styles of music. They stroll passed established boundaries and it's that element of experimentation and evolution that attracts me to their music. That, and the wonderful mix of their unique voices and inventive roots music.

Imogen Heap "Ellipse"
What a voice! And, I don't know if I have heard an album that sounded more fun to put together - something in Imogen's voice makes me think she had the time of her life recording this album (whether that's true or not, I have no idea). It's hip, it's thoughtful and it's a little different than the norm - which are all good things. Highly produced, electro-infused pop songs with intelligent and engaging content; electronically embellished yet deeply personal.

Marcy Playground "Leaving Wonderland ... In a Fit of Rage"
I have enjoyed each of the MP albums, but this one really stands out to me. Singer, guitarist and songwriter John Wozniak has been through a lot since the last release and included a lot of personal and emotional stories - he might as well be naked on this cover of this CD it's so personal. I also love the way he dances around lines/ideas from his previous work and brings it into the new material; it's like the music has followed him full circle, but now includes a maturity and thoughtful eye that give the music new life and deep meaning.

Eminem "Relapse"
Sometimes I really like mad music - and few are better at that than Eminem. I was skeptical when I downloaded this album - how could Em surprise me anymore? Could he make me stop and say, "no way did he just say that...". But he did it! As usual, I had to listen to the album a couple times to get into the flow and it grew on me like a fungus. From Dr. Dre coming in to throw down on the creativity of marijuana to family violence and rape, Eminem once again tackles subjects most people wouldn't even talk about it. And yeah, the album definitely has some surprised...just listen to "Insane" if you don't believe me. I enjoy "Stay Wide Awake" too for many of the same reasons: "I'm crazy but that's alright with me, man life can be so empty / Stay away from me 'cause I'm dancing to quite a different drum beat..."

Honorable mentions: Tori Amos, Matt Ray, Two Many Banjos, Living on Earth (great radio show :p), Seawolf, The Decemberists, Jake Dilley and the Color Pharmacy, Escher Lennon (he rox!), Bruce Cockburn and Leonard Cohen (I didn't count live CDs this time), Mark Knopfler, Clawthroat (excellent live show), Eilen Jewell, Chris Cornell, A Fine Frenzy, Magic Castles, Elmo, the first season of The Muppet Show, the list could go on and on...these 'honorable mentions' are handy so I don't have to sit and argue with myself over the final couple spots of the top 10 list :p

Biggest dissapointment: "Death Magnetic" from Metallica. While it is WAY better than St. Anger because they've brought back guitar solos (especially considering that Kirk is one of the best out there, and the reason I first picked up a guitar), but now we need to get James to stop singing...

Most undecidable: Alice in Chains "Black Gives Way to Blue"

Have a Shot of Love with Willie Murphy

by Doug MacRostie

Willie Murphy is one of the most influential musicians ever from Minnesota; he was one of the original three Charter Members of MN Music Hall of Fame (along with the likes of Bob Dylan and Prince) and he helped define the sound of R&B and Blues since the 70's through today, including his work with The Angel Headed Hipsters and Willie and the Bees, not to mention his other solo projects and releases. His new double CD is called "A Shot of Live in a Time of Need / Autobiographical Notes" and Willie will talk with me about it this Thursday night at 6 on Centerstage MN.

Willie Murphy creates thought-provoking, fun music and"A Shot of Love in a Time of Need" (his first release with Redhouse Records) is a sizzling soul, funk and R&B album complete with horns, funky rhythms and grooves beyond all boundaries. While this album doesn't have as much political content as some of his other work, the theme of caring for each other and helping each other is strong. "Autobiographical Notes" is a collection of mostly folky miscellaneous tunes he's collected over the years that never seemed to quite fit the project he was working on at the time, and it definitely shows another, and perhaps more personal, side of Willie. With this double CD featuring soul, jazz, funk, rock and folk, this wildly eccentric album embodies the best of Willie Murphy and is sure to be an instant classic.

We'll also hear new music from another outstanding Redhouse Records' artist, The Pines. From Iowa and operating out of MN, The Pines new album "Tremolo" is definitely going to be in my Macedelic Music Awards Top 10 of the Year (that's right, the REAL MMA's will be back agian this year :D).

And we'll hear a song from The Brother Burn Mountain's debut release from a few years back called "The Blood of a Thousand Clouds." BBM is one of the most exciting bands I've discoverd since hosting Centerstage MN (they've been on 3 times) and they've got some gigs coming up this weekend in the area: Thursday the 19th at The Iron Horse in Nevis starting at 7. Friday, the 20th at Bensons in Walker at 7 and on Saturday the 21st they’ll be at Brigid’s Cross Irish Pub in Bemidji starting at 8.

And the show will end with a live/acoustic recording of Take Cover performing on Centerstage MN to help us get ready for our Thanksgiving Special next week: Turkeys will rain from the sky and the Cranberries will flow like blood as we give thanks to MN Metal :D

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

A Modern Roots Masterpiece from The Pines

by Doug MacRostie

When you listen to The Pines new album "Tremolo," the guitars dance slowly and methodically as voices whisper in your ear and sounds and images drift around like a living, breathing creature surrounding you with reflections of the modern world on an aged mirror - combining emotion and storytelling into a beautiful and simple presentation that can sooth you one moment and take your breath away the next. It's an excellent album and I'll be joined by songwriting duo David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey to talk about it this Thursday at 6 on Centerstage MN, and they'll have their guitars with to perform some of the music live in-studio!!! I am very excited to talk with these very creative songwriters.

With a unique style that blends indie-rock, folk and blues along with intelligent lyrics and hauntingly personal vocals, "Tremolo" is an outstanding album that showcases the exquisite and immersive songwriting of David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey. In a way, the album sounds dark and sinister like Alice in Chains, but at the same time the music sounds hopeful. They ride close to the edge of traditional acoustic/roots music but with a great modern twist - giving the songs a very fresh feel while echoing styles of the past. It is going to be VERY cool having David and Benson in-studio to play and talk about their music - don't miss this!!!

If you somehow missed my conversation with Mason Jennings last week about his new album "Blood of Man" you can hear it by clicking here - and all interviews are archived on the Centerstage MN page at KAXE.org. Coming up next week it'll be a special extended edition of Centerstage MN as I broadcast the "Closing the Tent Event" concert with Enchanted Ape - they rocked out for nearly two hours with outstanding guitar work and an excellent vibe (which should be the perfect setup for The Dead Set with Steve Ross that night :D).

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Blood of Mason - Inside the Mind of a Songwriter

by Doug MacRostie

What do you get when you mix one uber-creative individual and some quality time alone? Mason Jennings' new album "Blood of Man," that's what. With Mason playing all the instruments and doing the recording/production work, the album is a wonderfully raw and emotional ride through some very edgy and heartfelt material, and I'll be talking with Mason about it this Thursday at 6 on Centerstage MN.

What caught my attention first about "Blood of Man" was the electric guitar - it's a loud, distorted departure from "In the Ever," and while it's not the first time Mason has rocked hard - I think it's the most. The next thing that caught my attention was the violence and imagery; from coming home to find his family killed to putting a gun in the murderer's mouth in the song "Black Wind Blowing" - it's definitely a departure into a dark world. But it's still Mason, and the meanings and messages run deep. At masonjennings.com he says, "I wrote about how hard it is to be 34 and be a parent and sane and married and true and positive and yourself and a man and funny and a decent person and a not decent person and human and in love. I turned the music up so loud so often that my ears rang every night. I wrote about death, of course. I wrote about life. I wrote about pain and addiction. And I let it flow and left it raw. I worked fast and I let my heart lead."

The song that touched me the most was "The Field;" it brought tears to my eyes as he sang about a father losing his son in Iraq, "Since you were a child, we've built our lives around you, Now how am I suppose to live, in this world without you," with the breaking line "I don't want no victory, I just want you back."

There is a lot to be said about an album like this; Mason has opened himself up and let it all out - and the final product is a phenomenal and engaging collection of songs that cover everything from God and love to death and sorrow. Be sure to tune in Thursday night at 6 to hear Mason and I talk about "Blood of Man."

Also this week I've got new music from Dalia and The Pines, and some re-released material from Greg Brown and The Jayhawks. If you missed the in-studio session last week with The Brothers Burn Mountain you can listen to the audio or check out pictures.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Like a Wildfire - The Brothers Burn Mountain

by Doug MacRostie

Have you ever felt inspired looking over a beautiful natural landscape, maybe with the sun going down and shining in your eyes as it casts shadows all around you? Brothers Ryan and Jesse Dermody feel moments like that constantly and it's what helps them to create the unique and amazing music that is The Brothers Burn Mountain and I am very pleased to have them back for a live in-studio session tonight at 6 on Centerstage MN. Their CD's have layers and textures creating living sound-scape-like music (with a spine) mixed with intimate poems and presentation. Their live performance is Jesse on a scaled-down trap set and Ryan singing and playing acoustic guitar. They let the music flow through them and each song is new and different every time they play it. You can read more about Brothers Burn Mountian in this excellent interview from American Songwriter (by me and Brian Skinness from Terrapin Station in Nevis :D).

I recorded the session with Ryan and Jesse yesterday, and I HAD been thinking about bringing along one of my hand drums and asking if I might be able to play along with them...but I decided I didn't want to impose and left my drum at home. Then, when they arrived, they offered one of their own drums to me and asked if I would play with them during the studio session!!! I didn't want to botch-up the entire performance, but I did pick up a Djembe and play along for the last song of the performance. Then, I was asked to join them for a drum jam, which I'll play to end the show tonight. I'm still walking on cloud 9 after getting to connect with them on a musicial level - the energy from these two is like nothing I've experienced before.

I've also got new music from Mason Jennings, The Pines and Steve Kaul (all upcoming guests on Centerstage MN) and I'll be starting the show with The Limns and Friends of Yoder featuring Timmy Haus.

Here's a video I took during the first set of the Brothers Burn Mountain session - be sure to tune in tonight and enjoy!!!!

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Non-Conformist Unite: Enchanted Ape On the Way!

by Doug MacRostie

The band name Enchanted Ape has one historical reference (that the band found out after coming up with the name); Philosopher Thomas Carlyle used 'enchanted ape' as a derogatory term for people who were non-conformist or who went against the grain - perfect for this original and unique roots-rock band out of Minneapolis. I'm very excited to have Enchanted Ape for our first ever 'Closing the Tent Event' under the Rotary Tent at KAXE's Amphitheater in Grand Rapids Sat. the 15th. And this Thursday night at 6 on Centerstage MN I'll be talking with Chris O'Brien; singer, songwriter and guitarist with Enchanted Ape.

Chris and I will be talking about their latest CD Off the Ground which came out last year, and we'll hear music from their 2005 debut Three Ring Symphony. Both albums are outstanding examples of organic and evolving music with an earthy blend of acoustic, electric and slide guitars mixing in elements of jazz, blues and improvisational music. In previous blogs I've said they, "further the vibrations of the Grateful Dead" and I am VERY excited to see Enchanted Ape in action for the Closing the Tent Event on Sat. the 12th - click here for more info!

Also on Centerstage MN Thursday night there will be a set of future guests including The Hobo Nephew of Uncle Frank, which is the brother songwriting team of Ian and Teague Alexy along with drummer Paul Grill. Their new album Traveling Show is an excellent CD with their musicianship, songwriting and musical vision rising to new heights. Another future guest will be indie roots duo The Pines from Minneapolis, made up of Iowa natives David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey. Their new CD Tremolo has a dark, Americana sound, highlighting their songwriting and musicianship. And the other future guest in the set is Steve Kaul, he's put out Solo Guitar - a wonderful (surprise) solo album featuring Steve's outstanding guitar work. Originally from Bemidji, Steve is the singer and guitarist with The Brass Kings out of St. Paul.

I've also got new music from Junkyard Empire; they're new release is called Rebellion Politik; a crazy mix of hip hop, jazz and civil-discontent. And a new self-titled release off the Iron Range from High Drama Blues which ranges from straight-up blues rock to emotional slow-moving grooves.

Next week I'll be joined by Josh Collins, son of the late John Collins - a founding member of late 60's and 70's folk-rockers Podipto from the Bemidji area. Josh will bring along previously unreleased and never-before-heard recordings!!!! It's going to be awesome :D

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

A Spider in Your Guitar... or Just Happy to See Me?

by Doug MacRostie

Trying to fit bands and musicians into categories and genres is one of the trickiest parts of my job. You can either WAY over simplify and go with the basics like rock, folk, blues, et cetera. Or you can WAY under simplify...case and point, the last time I had Amy and Adams on Centerstage MN they suggested the genre name, "eclectic folk-rock tin-pan-alley bluesgrass," which sounded about right to me :D

Amy and Adams is the husband and wife songwriting duo of Amy and Mark Adams-Westin from St. Paul. They write and cover music with positive themes and will be debuting music from their still-being-recorded new CD due out by the end of the year. The focus will be enjoying some live music on Centerstage MN, but I'll also talk to them about what's changed since they stopped by last year and what's different as the approach their new album.

I'll also be talking with Les Crawford, an organizer with EvTAP, the Eveleth Venues in Technology, Arts and Performance group. EvTAP is working to re-open the Auditorium in Eveleth for music, arts and community events. They have a goal of supporting local artists and are community oriented. Mixed in with our conversation will be some Iron Range music with Colmekill, Virgil Caine and The Mojosaurus Blues Band.

Also, new music from The Pines hot-off-the-presses release "Tremelo" and a song from Bemidji folk-punker Shannon Murray.

My guests next week will be John Wozniak of Marcy Playground and Rich Mattson and Matt Ray from I.R.O.M.A. I'll talk with Wozniak about the new MP CD "Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage," a very personal and intimate album - it actually might be my fav Marcy album to date :D And then Rich and Matt are founders of I.R.O.M.A., the Iron Range Original Music Association, a non-profit organization comprised of musicians who are located on the Iron Range of northern Minnesota. I.R.O.M.A. performers all have two elements in common: most of them live, work, and reside on the Iron Range & they perform ORIGINAL music!! We'll talk about the organization and their upcoming fundraiser concert on Sat. Aug 29th in Chisholm.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.