swears – Never Truly Random

3 songs by Larry and His Flask

All That We’ve Seen…Listen on Spotify

Larry and His Flask…you’re going to have to listen to find out what’s in the flask. And in case you were wondering, there’s no Larry. It’s a long story, or actually…a short story. I won’t get into it here.

If I had to guess what this jamboree is all about, I’d say it’s a blend of bluegrass and folk punk with a splash emo. As grating as that would sound hypothetically, it’s actually quite the satisfying auditory refreshment. There’s plenty of bum-strumming and twang-n-bang in there, but there’s also competent musicianship, engaging narrative, and a whole lot of heart. Feelings, like the corners of my mind…All this in well assembled songs that weave together to create a rustic aesthetic and some good tunes. And it mostly works…for me anyway…

There are quite a few jagged edges in All That We’ve Seen. Some people might dismiss this track 30 seconds in. To me the unpolished presentation conveys genuine grief. The lyrics speak to what is felt when a relationship ends, either from a breakup or death. It’s certainly not an upbeat number and I don’t listen to this song often. When I do listen, I average about four replays. That’s $0.05 USD moving in the direction of a well deserving band.

I throw ellipses around like confetti, so it’s no surprise I’d want to draw attention to a song called Ellipsis. This is the song that hooked me on Larry and His Flask. It is the characteristic vague narrative laid over and through punk-peppy bluegrass sounds punctuated by an oddly catchy chorus. And nothing ever changes…Bonus points for being the only song ever written that references a kitty-litter mill.

Doing Fine weaves the most upbeat yarn out of the three songs selected here. So many hooky phrases in the lyrics. The music is sort of fun and variable which makes it difficult not to replay a few times. And if you listen to the song on your cell phone, it might inspire you to take a break…I mean, you’re probably not living on the road, but you probably do have an unhealthy attachment to the world through your cellphone. It can be difficult to live in both worlds. Just don’t take up drinking to stop your hands from shaking. I’m certainly not pro-that.

If there is a common theme between all of these songs, it’s the ways in which life changes. And if there’s a common theme to my blog posts, it’s that you should listen to these songs for yourself. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite!

If you do like what you hear, please consider finding more Larry and His Flask from a fair and ethical source…like Bandcamp…larryandhisflaskofficial.bandcamp. If you’re intrigued by the band and would like to learn more about them, here’s where I’d start, Larry and His Flask – Wikipedia.

3 songs by Thumpasaurus

I’m Too Funky…Listen on Spotify

Flamingo Song…Listen on Spotify

You Are So Pretty…Listen on Spotify

Brace yourself for hijinks, high fives, and radical positivity! Honestly, Thumpasaurus is funkier than any band has a right to be. One might say they’re too funky, but we both know there’s no such thing. Their music is…fairly funky and joyously interesting with easy-to-follow lyrics, mostly.

I’m Too Funky, the song that hooked me on Thumpasaurus. I am willfully incapable of maneuvering my body in dance-like fashion, but this song makes me imagine myself shaking it. I may feel dirty and used after the daydream, but that’s a price I’m willing to pay for the funk. Fair trade funk. I’m Too Funky makes some bold claims about the degree of funkiness maintained by the narrator. You must judge this one for yourself but be prepared for replays.

Flamingo Song is…well, there are few things sadder than a heartbroken flamingo. Flamboyant pink in a shallow sea of murky water, dancing to find a compatible mate. Standing on one lonely leg, feeding by way of an inverted bill. Poor inverted bill…Also, please don’t kiss me in your mind. This song gets extra points in my book for the clever setup of the issue and tissue rhyme.

You Are So Pretty is so wonderful. I put it in a list and, you are going to listen. I want you to decide. I tell you I love it, and you’ll tell me that you love it too. At least that’s what I think is going on.

Self-affirmation, heartache, and love. These are the three Thumpasaurus songs I play most frequently, but there are many other songs to check out. If you listened and liked, please consider looking for more of their music from a fair and reasonable distributor of music things. Like Bandcamp – Tumpasaurus.Bandcamp.com. You may also want to take a look at their spiffy official website – thumpasaurus.com. It’s interactive. Pretty cool!

3 songs by The Mighty Regis

The Junkyard Dog and the Parlor Cat…Listen on Spotify

Brothers Rafferty…Listen on Spotify

Celtic Storm…Listen on Spotify

I opened my ears to this kind of sound a little too late to hear The Mighty Regis album, 21, when it was first released. All three of these songs are included on that album. I would have never heard any of it if not for a Pandora station I listened to at work. Let’s just say that musically I had a type…at the time. These three songs are built with compelling storytelling, complex music, and ridiculous guitar riffs. And the timing changes…like a roller coaster ride for your ears. At least I think that’s what’s going on…

The Junkyard Dog and The Parlor Cat is not a story about that one time the long-ago WWF star purchased a fancy house and a new pet kitten…That might actually make an interesting children’s book…putting a pin in that one. As you might have guessed, the song is actually about an altercation between a posh house cat and a neglected guard dog. Think that sounds boring? Are you kidding me? A compelling scene unfolds, at times from the dog’s perspective, under the unrelenting saw of guitar. You can practically feel the wind in your face. And the wind…smells like rain. Okay, the song is probably allegorical, but I won’t get into that now…For the narrative is good, even if only about a junkyard dog and a parlor cat.

The Brother’s Rafferty is a song about three Irish brothers that immigrate to America. There are differences between the three brothers, and yet they are still all three Rafferty’s. The song leaves you wanting more of the story. I desperately need Guy Ritchie to make a movie based on this song. Please let it be done. Oh yeah, and this song will melt your face off.

I don’t like boats. I don’t want to own a boat…or ride on a boat…and I shall take no part in sailing. I don’t know much about boats, other than that of them I want no part. Fine…they’re called ships. I don’t like ships, or any other water-floaty thing. It’s not for me, you can keep it. I do, however, enjoy many songs about ships. I love my boat music! Celtic Storm is a story that takes place on a ship…during a storm. The narrative of the song highlights exactly the things I don’t like about being on a ship. It’s not about the fun parts. It’s about…you know…fear turns to panic when there’s no safe place to hide. I’m not the kind of guy that goes around hiding from scary things…but oceans and storms are two things that don’t exist together anywhere ever in my life. I love the timing of this song. There are calm parts and frantic parts. And there’s this deep, deep thrum beneath all other notes toward the ending that has to be a stand-up bass.

I’m trying not to give too much with my discriptions, but hopefully I hightened your curiosity. It’s difficult because these are so good! I’ve provided links for convenience, but this isn’t the only place to find music. Listen for yourself and tell me they are not delightful.

If you do like what you hear, please considering finding more of The Mighty Regis from a fair and reputable source. There is no official band website and no Wikipedia page. You’re going to need to look to Google if you want to learn more about the band. Crazy! So good and yet such a small footprint…like America’s favorite morning host, Regis Philbin, may he rest in peace. It’s not a coincidence.

3 songs by The Grates

Sukkafish…Listen on Spotify

Inside Outside…Listen on Spotify

The Biggest and Longest Adventure Ever…Listen on Spotify

Oh, The Grates…playing with texture and tempo. At least that’s how I’d describe it, what with my total lack of musical knowledge. I wasn’t aware of this band when these songs were released, but I have streaming service to thank for finding them. Sukkafish is…is that a banjo?! Meanwhile, The Biggest and Longest Adventure Ever…long name, short song. Thankfully we can always repeat, because it’s got this great cadence to the lyrics. Inside Outside was the first song I’d heard from them and it sent me off looking for similar sounds. The thing is, there’s nothing quite like The Grates. With so many other good songs in their catalog, it was really tough picking just three. Luckly, there’s more The Grates out there to discover!

I don’t want to taint your experience, so I won’t share too many of my opinions. Just…listen to this! If you like it, please consider getting some stuff from a fair and legitimate source. If you really want to find out what’s going on with The Grates, here’s where I’d start…The Grates – Wikipedia.

There’s another band out there that call themselves The Grates. They’re quite different, but…maybe give them a listen, too. No need to dismiss them simply because these aren’t The Grates you’re looking for. Who knows, you might like neither…or both! Wouldn’t that be cool, finding two such contrasting bands in one haul?

Most importantly, make your own damned playlists! Don’t allow a machine or control system to make decisions for you. Such tools can serve a purpose, and so can you! Be the algorithm you wish to see in the world. Okay, that doesn’t make perfect sense. Function as the algorithm you wish to see operating in the world. That’s better, but still not quite right…I’ll keep working on it. Free the Playlists!

3 songs by Frank Turner

Photosysnthesis…Listen on Spotify

The Way I Tend to Be…Listen on Spotify

Punches…Listen on Spotify

Photosynthesis is like an anthem to rage against society’s notions of maturity. The Way I Tend to Be is a bit gentle and dare-I-say romantic with a nostalgic vibe. Punches is a little loud and rough, and I think it’s put together in a really clever way. So many good songs in the catalog, and this isn’t the only band to feature Frank Turner! Imagine what delights await with just a little bit of typing and a few mouse clicks. Who is this Frank Turner and what has he done with that music?!

I don’t want to taint the experience with my own ideas. That would spoil the potential surprise. I’m not going to analyze or critique the songs or tell you what I think. I’m saying…hey, listen to this! If you like it, please consider supporting Mr. Turner by obtaining some stuff from a fair and legitimate source…music, merch, or tickets to see them. Frank Turner is a talented lad and he’s got a website…frank-turner.com. The nice thing about people who’ve had a long career is that there’s loads of interesting stuff they’ve been a part of. If you really want to start looking into it, here’s where I’d start…Frank Turner – Wikipedia.

3 songs by I Fight Dragons

Oh The Places You’ll Go…Listen on Spotify

Shit’s Gonna Be Okay…Listen on Spotify

The Faster The Treadmill…Listen on Spotify

Oh The Places You’ll Go and Shit’s Gonna Be Okay are kind of sage and inspirational. The Faster The Treadmill is a little angsty. Many more good songs in the catalog for those that appreciate the sound. This could be you! Wouldn’t it be amazing if one of these became your new favorite song? My money’s on Shit’s…

I don’t want to give the milk away for free and spoil the surprise of discovery. Heck, it’s not even my milk to give. So, I’m not going to analyze or critique the songs or tell you what I think. I’m more or less saying…hey, taste this milk! If you like it, please consider supporting this band by obtaining their stuff from a fair and legitimate source…music, merch, or tickets to see them. They’ve got a great website…ifightdragons.com. And if you really want to start geeking-out about them, here’s where I’d start…I Fight Dragons – Wikipedia