Two things I have been waiting for are reality now! One is Chis Thile's new CD, Punch. Well, actually, it's not just Chris anymore. The formerly named How To Grow a Band morphed into Punch Brothers, and released their debut album yesterday. Which I bought and listened to promptly. I had heard that Chris had written a four-movement suite about his divorce called The Blind Leaving the Blind, and had played it at Carnegie Hall, and was giddy to realize that Punch Brothers had included it on this album. If you're a fan of Chris' work in the past, I can say that Punch doesn't disappoint. It continues in its musical seriousness, leaning away from the acoustic bluegrass/rock niche that Nickel Creek had created, and instead creating a melting pot of classical, bluegrass, folk, and rock. Also, don't forget you've got some classic Thile wailing and good ol' timey bluegrass harmonies from everyone, though I'm personally partial to Gabe Witcher's vocal contributions.
The arrangement, composition, and performance on this album are incredible, and as a band it is clear to see why Chris brought them all together in the first place. It's just top notch musicianship, and an album that keeps growing on me the more I play it.
This is clearly a beginning for Punch Brothers, and with such a beginning I can't wait to a)hear more and b)see them live. Check out the first track off the album!
Punch Bowl- Punch Brothers
Second thing that I've been waiting for; seeing Liam Finn live in a week and a half!
I'm a huge fan of Neil Finn, Liam's father and former front man of Crowded House, but when I heard that Liam Finn had released a solo album, I'll Be Lightning, the first thought I had was,
"Hey...wasn't he part of the kiddie band on 7 Worlds Collide?"
So I yanked out the DVD, skipped ahead...and sure enough, Neil introduces his son's band, the famous Betchadupa. Of course, then, they looked like eleven year olds, but they could still rock. Especially with Eddie Vedder helping out!
Anyway, I got so excited over this, that I went straight out and bought the CD, and I can't say I regret it. It's fun, and sparkly, and not to box him in with his dad, but the influence is hard to miss. Unlike Neil, though, Liam brings a new freshness and edginess to his pop leanings, and I can't seem to get enough. Which is why I'm super psyched to go see him at the Hi Dive, one of my favorite venues, here soon. I recommend anyone looking for a good show to check it out!
Here's the single off I'll Be Lightning, Second Chance
Second Chance-Liam Finn
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