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Category Archives: Check Out This Song
Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Drekka – “Sense of Senses”
From Ball of Wax newcomer (and musical veteran) Drekka comes the nuanced drone of “Sense of Senses.” This piece moves in like strange weather, all thundering low end and effervescent hiss, with melodic elements – shapeless falsetto voices, disjointed piano, … Continue reading
Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Music for Dead Birds – “Hot and High”
I’m very pleased to have new Music for Dead Birds, our old friends in Ireland – although for this recording I suppose I should say “our old friend in Vietnam.” Singer/guitarist Jimmy Monaghan has been living in Hanoi, Vietnam, for … Continue reading
Ball of Wax 54 Songs: electric bird noise – “steve strong II”
I thought I’d open this review with a rumination on the meaning of the band’s name, but that can’t be done while listening to music like this. Or shouldn’t. What should be done is to block out all other sounds—all … Continue reading
Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Darryl Blood – “Broken Book”
Darryl Blood may be my spirit animal. Every time I listen to one of his songs, I think to myself, “that sounds like something I’d do!” Nah, I’m giving myself far too much credit. Still, there are so many little … Continue reading
Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Green Light Cameras – “Stones for Sale”
“Stones for Sale,” by Green Light Cameras, is an enjoyable indie rock piece in 5/4 delightfully reminiscent of genre progenitors like Yo La Tengo and Broken Social Scene. Built upon an octave-heavy guitar line and simple shook-out rhythm, “Stones” delivers … Continue reading
Ball of Wax 54 Songs: The Daphnes – “Happy Apple”
If you took harps, accordions, bells, strings, horns, and symphonic percussion and you threw them all into an orchestra pit with a few blank score sheets, you might come up with something listenable, but I can guarantee it wouldn’t be … Continue reading
Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Robert Deeble – “Orphan Song”
As I’ve mentioned many times before in this space, I’m really not a lyrics guy – at least when it comes to listening. But Robert Deeble, master songwriter that he is, always gets me to pay attention to his words. … Continue reading
Ball of Wax 54 Songs: ____________ – “Now You Know”
“Now You Know,” from the anonymously released album The Blue Dirt of Paradise, eases into the ear with harmonized doo wop non-lexicals. They fade in with plenty of dark reverb, making a comfortable velvet curtain backdrop for the lead singer’s … Continue reading
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Ball of Wax 54 Songs: The Cupholders – “Tiki Cup”
If you’re in need of some woozy, booze-soaked catharsis, then “Tiki Cup” is your new jam. This sounds like Crazy Horse feeling their way through a half-remembered Bo Diddley song after some serious day-drinking. The Cupholders are a sort of Ball … Continue reading
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Tagged casey ruff, sam russell, The Cupholders, the foghorns
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Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Kevin Sur – “March and April”
Kevin Sur’s “March and April” is a song as natural as being. The opening cello lines still one’s breath. The accompanying acoustic guitar, gently strummed, enters the heart settling into a slow, certain pace. Together they help to create an intimate … Continue reading