My new friend Omar, from the up and coming blog Love is Elusive, threw some great mp3’s my way from his interview with Georgie James, which is chock full of good acoustic versions of their songs from Places, an album I’m still listening to a lot and enjoying. Since he’s not up on the hype machine quite yet and wants his interview heard, I was more than happy to help him out and repost his interview for my readers to listen to and for the hype machiners to get their hands on. Check through his archives after listening to this interview, as there’s plenty of great stuff to be read and heard. Hopefully this helps Omar out and like always, if you’re a band or blog needing help, send me a message and I’ll see what I can do. Enjoy the interview and head over to Omar’s blog and personally thank him for me for the great interview.

Full Interview

Individual Songs:

Georgie James — Cake Parade (Live on Rainydawg Radio 04.11.2008)


Georgie James — Hard Feelings (Live on Rainydawg Radio 04.11.2008)


Georgie James — I Can’t Hide [The Flamin’ Groovies Cover]

Georgie James — Long Week (Live on Rainydawg Radio 04.11.2008)

Georgie James — More Lights (Live on Rainydawg Radio 04.11.2008)

Georgie James — Places (Live on Rainydawg Radio 04.11.2008)

Official Site / Myspace / Buy Places / Love is Elusive Blog

Stark Raving Calm – The White Morning of 2124

There are some local Springfield bands I don’t post about simply because I’ve heard them so much that I wouldn’t want to write about them unless something significant happens (ex. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin).  With Stark Raving Calm, I’ve never written about them for a completely different reason.  They’re my good friends, and while I’ve seen their shows about as much as any band’s in Springfield, I see the guys themselves just as much.  So it just never crosses my mind to write about them over, say, a new Bishop Allen Ep.

But now is as good a time as any, as they’ve recently self-recorded their newest album entitled The White Morning of 2124.  I believe it’s somewhat of a concept album, but I’m not sure exactly what it all means.  What I do know is that they’re just getting better and better, and considering these guys are all some of the best musicians at their respective instrument that I’ve seen live both locally and compared to quite a few bands, I can only imagine someone’s going to either see one of their live shows around the midwest, or get a hold of their cd and want to sign them.  Their music’s not for everyone, but anyone that enjoys post-rock of any kind, from Godspeed to Explosions in the Sky, these guys are right up there with them.  Give them an actual budget and a string section like Godspeed and you’ll have one hell of an album.  As it stands now, their newest album is full of atmospheric rock, complex guitar, bass, and drum parts, and as many 7+ minute epics as any big post-rock band out there.

As their friend, and as a huge fan, I’ll just leave it at the above and tell you that you should check out their live show if you’re in the midwest, and listen to the mp3’s to see what you think.  If you enjoy it and want their album, for now just go to their myspace and leave them a message that you want one.  They don’t have anything set up online to sell them yet, but considering they’re some of the nicest guys I know, I’m sure they’d be more than happy to figure out a way to get you a copy.

Upcoming Shows

1/19/07 Springfield, MO  Remmington’s  (w/hyperbole, cinemascope, and marvelous vernon)

2/13/07 Kansas City, MO  The Hurricane

3/15/07  Springfield, MO  The Inferno

Aria

Aeon

Antennas

Their myspace / Their purevolume

On top of being an amazing friend to every one of us, Jake has more heart than we may ever have.? He not only served in Iraq, but has volunteered again to serve his country.? It is something I fear I may never come close to having the guts to do, and it pains me to have to see him leave.? Nothing has hit me more than seeing us, a bunch of no nonsense guys, hugging this kid goodbye as he leaves for Iraq in two days, knowing that for the time being, we are without such an amazing person.? Rarely does this much emotion ever escape our group of guys, but in this case, you’d be hardpressed to find any of us hiding our emotions.

Jake Mowry is one of our best friends, and today is a sad day.? We wish you the best of luck in Iraq Jake, and we look forward to seeing you in a few.? You worried about never seeing us soon to be graduates again, but I can guarantee, when you get back in town, we will make sure to be there.? It wouldn’t be right for us not to be there.? So from me, and all of the gang, here’s the best of luck and safety during your time in Iraq and you better believe we’ll send you those letters you requested.? They’ll be the usual low brow, immature crap you’re used to, but you know we’ll be there every step of the way until you get back.?

We love you Jake, and make sure to keep it real with a Keith Henry dance or two over there Jabroni.? This is America right?