Gomez - A New Tide

Gomez. One of my favorite bands for a long time. I wish, I really do wish I could keep telling people that. Their past few records have only been more and more poppy. Their 3rd studio record (In Our Gun) at first turned me off due to it's experimentalism. Now? I yearn for the grittiness and its earnest sounds. Their debut album won the Mercury Prize for God's sake. Since then, they have continued to put out more and more lackluster records (don't even get me started on B-sides record Five Men in a Hut and live album Out West...what were they thinking? Take the worst live show we've ever played and sell it? I think so).

That's not to say they have been bad. Not at all. But more filler than killer if you know what I mean. 2004's Split the Difference was a return to the great great hooks from Liquid Skin but a great leap in sheen and pop. I knew there was no turning back upon hearing 2006's How We Operate. Both good records, but both had less of the British sound that I had fallen in love with.

Now, A New Tide is a slap in the face. This is a band I would travel to see, stay up all hours of the night during Jazz Fest to witness, skipped school one day in high school to completely absorb their new record. A New Tide, again, isn't a bad record, but the listener can just tell that the songs were written apart, recorded with no collaboration, and arranged with no heart. To clear this up, a little backstory perhaps: after How We Operate, two members left the UK (one to LA, one to Michigan...Michigan) and the newest record was recorded in studios in the three locales, pasting together parts via an FTP server. While they and their record company (and Rolling Stone, but who is that anymore) laud their ability to make a record in that method, what good is it?

Digital recording is an inevitability these days. It's relatively cheap, anyone can get into it, and there's no way to really mess up if you're just learning. Does that mean that a group of studio veterans should waste creative energy by using this digital format to its fullest abilities? No! Maybe I'm wrong and they just had a case of writer's block. Maybe they're getting old or the solo projects were not such a good idea. Either way, I implore the boys of Gomez (Ben, Ian, Olly, Blackie, and Tom) to get together and write and record the proper way. Please.

MNIJM Acoustic Show at Cups

Way back in August, the boys of MyNameIsJohnMichael came up to my hometown of Jackson Miss for a little hurricane evacuation. While there, they played two shows, one of which I recorded. The following songs are from a little acoustic show at local coffee house Cups just off Lakeland at Old Canton. Those in the Fondren area should know it well. I figured I'd post these duders up for posterity's sake. You never know when they'll play another set like this (where I'll also have a recording rig that is...). My favorites, by the way, are 6 O'Clock because they don't tend to play it anymore and Nothing But Memories because they played it so slowly and differently than normal.


Anyway, enjoy people.

6 O'Clock


Character Piece


Every Night of the Year


Her, I Think


Nothing But Memories


Why Does The Whirlwind Weep?

SXSW MNIJM Questionnaire

I traveled to Austin, TX this weekend with MyNameIsJohnMichael and decided on the drive home to give each of them a little questionnaire in order for folks to better get an idea of who they are. The following are the questions and answers as given by each member individually. Enjoy!

What's your first memory of playing music?

John Michael Rouchell: I remember breaking my Dad's acoustic when I was 8. Pete Townshend style.

Eric Rogers: There is a video of my brother, myself and our neighbor at the time Dustin Rojas, playing in my Dad's house. I must have been 8 years old and we played 3 chord progressions and 4/4 beats till the cows came home.

Richard Dubourg: When I was about 12 I guess, my grandpa had a $50 electric guitar with a built in speaker, and I used to play it whenever I was over there, typically trying to teach myself "House of the Rising Sun"

Leo DeJesus: Setting up toy pots and pans in the shape of a drum set when I was about 7.

Cory Schultz: While drinking a glass of kool-aid, I realized that when I tapped the glass with a spoon after I had taken a sip, the pitch of the glass became lower. I then decided to set up 12 more glasses of kool-aid, sipping the correct pitch into each glass, creating a full scale with sharps and flats of musical kool-aid. Grape flavored, of course.

What is your first memory of music? In other words, when did you first start noticing music?

JMR: Allman Bros and Beatles tapes in my Dad's Brown MG convertible while driving to the playground.

ER: I used to play air guitar (left-handed) in the car with my dad when I was a kid to everything that came on the car radio. I still play air guitar left-handed for some reason. First CD I ever got was .38 Special's greatest hits.

RD: My mother used to listen to John Denver constantly, so that would probably have to be my first memory. I remember hating it when I was a kid, but I recently started listening to him again, and whether it be strictly out of nostalgia or not, began to kind of like it.

LD: When I was little, I loved to dance...and my parents were kids of 80's music...so I had plenty to dance to around the house. I used to have a black leather bracelet with white studs on it, and according to my mother, I loved to break dance (whatever version of break dancing a young white child is capable of) but I would only break dance if I was wearing the bracelet.

CS: My mother used to play classical music all day long and play our upright piano to some of the songs. Although she was never the greatest pianist, her harmonization skills always blew me away. I always listened to her singing along to melodies, but in a higher register. After a while it made sense to me, and now it is like second nature. Thanks Mom.

Joe Bourgeois: I think it was when my sister would pick me up from camp playing TLC and Ace of Base.

Favorite 52 song not on the record?

JMR: I really like "Point of Origin" right now.

ER: "6 O'Clock"

LD: "Balancing Act"

CS: "Arm's Length"

JB: "Ghost Writer"or "Breaking Point." I can't choose between the two.

Favorite tour story/moment?

JMR: BR/Laffy weekend - that's when I knew we would be ok. Completely insane but that was the group of guys, ya know?

ER: Statistical Anomaly - Live from Erin's bedroom.

RD: I haven't had a ton of experience in that department yet. If we're speaking MyNameIs touring...I think it would simply have to be playing the show in Lafayette.

LD: When we left Cory at the Karaoke Bar in L.A.

CS: When the airplane flew over our heads in the van in LA

JB: So far, I think it would have to be Richard's first weekend with us.

What's the best part of playing on stage?

JMR: It's the thing that makes me truly happy. It's hard when it sucks but it's magic when it works. So.. Everything about it

ER: Comfort. When I get on stage, all worries, cares, problems do not exist. I am in my comfort zone behind the drums and on stage with this band and any band.

RD: Everything. I have always told people that performing in front of a crowd is better than any drug I've ever taken or sex I've ever had. It's the coolest experience.

LD: Completely letting loose, if you commit to the moment, you feel like you're capable of anything. This combined with a sharp sense of plan and execution is enough to make me howl to the moon.

CS: It is completely organic. It's not a bunch of notes and chords and memorization anymore. It's a play, and you have a key role in this play. You cannot let someone see through to your natural state, but be completely submerged in the persona that this musician has been assigned. Once you can achieve this setting, then parts and chords and rhythms don't matter anymore. They flow like Rapunzel's hair.

JB: When I see peoples eyes open real wide whenever we do something crazy like throw the trash can 20 feet in the air or break down the drums for "The One" or chant the opening lines to "Misery Runs" as we walk through the crowd. Anything we do really.

Do you miss the deadline and nearly forced creativity of the 52?

JMR: In a way I miss the deadline terribly. In another I'm happy it's over. The problem with the deadline was there are songs that have great moments but aren't great songs. I just hope I'm diligent enough to write a bunch of great songs.

ER: Sometimes I do. I feel like we still work very hard for this band now that we have the blog and shows to book/play and prepare for.

LD: Somewhat...but other work and deadlines have seemed to take its place

CS: I miss them. Even though each week was a stressful tiresome one, it brought us close together and helped us to dig into eachother's brains to find the keys to make these songs work. Next mission: a song a day for a month

JB: I do but it's a welcome change. Don't have worry about cramming things in on the weekend any more. I do miss the cookouts we would have on Sundays though. I'm sure John Michael doesn't mind one bit about not having to worry about the deadline anymore.

Favorite place to play?

JMR: One Eyed Jacks. Can't wait to play it with the boys

ER: NOLA - One Eyed Jacks

RD: I've always really enjoyed playing Tipitina's. Even more so though, is any tiny bar or house. You can have an audience of thirty and it feels like you're playing in front of thousands. There's always a really good energy at that sort of show.

LD: Blue Nile

CS: I love Artmosphere in Baton Rouge. People flock there because they crave good tunes. We get squoonched [sic] together on stage, but we always play tighter.

JB: So far, it would have to be Artmosphere. Tiny stage big crowd. It's kind of a wet dream.

Who is easiest to share a bed with on the road?

JMR: Eric is the only one I've shared a bed with, I think.

ER: So far, I have only shared the bed with JM and Leo. Neither of them bothered me.

RD: Sharing a floor with John Michael was pretty easy. He apparently kicked me in the face while he was walking in and I was sleeping, and I didn't even notice.

LD: Me, who wants some?

CS: Teddy Lamson... Sorry boys

JB: Thankfully I haven't had to share a be with anyone yet.

Boxers or briefs?

JMR: Briefs. You know that.

ER: Both. depends on the pants or shorts.

RD: Boxer Briefs.

LD: Briefs

CS: Neither. Commando fa sho..

JB: Briefs totally.

Favorite strings/sticks/picks?

JMR: DR strings, Purple Dunlop picks, stick of butter

ER: Promark oak 5A wood tip.

RD: Dunlop .88 picks. No real preference on strings, though I don't really understand the appeal of Elixirs. They feel slimy to me.

LD: Other people's

CS: DR 11's, Jim Dunlop Grey .73's

JB: Strings: GHS Bass Boomers 45-100 Kent Smith 45-100. Picks: the yellow ones [Dunlop Tortex .77 mm]

What's your musical weakness? What is your guilty pleasure song/artist?

JMR: Beyonce. She's amazing.

ER: My musical weakness is that I cannot write. I smoke so I am not as fast as I once was.
Guilty Pleasure = Hall & Oates or Michael MacDonald.

RD: Bands that I love that the MNIJM crew will probably ridicule me for: Kiss, Blink-182, New Found Glory...and a slew of other pop-punk bands.

LD: weakness: badass female drummers, guilty pleasure: Garth Brooks' "The Thunder Rolls"

CS: I pretty much taught myself how to play music, so even though I can play a lot of instruments, I am proficient at none. Guilty pleasure: Seal's Kiss From a Rose. Anyone who's owned the Batman Forever soundtrack knows why.

JB: I will probably catch a bunch of shit for this, but at the moment it's still that animals song by Nickleback. Now shut up.

Who would you most like to sit in with?

JMR: Grizzly Bear. Don't know what I'd do. I just love them

ER: Caddywhompus

RD: Mike Kinsella of Owen/American Football. He has influenced me like no other.

LD: Antenna Inn

CS: J. Robbins

JB: Bouncing Souls or Tortoise

Favorite chord?

JMR: The chord at the end of A Day in the Life [E Major played on 2 octaves of 4 pianos]

ER: Am. It is the first chord of Angie by the Rolling Stones

RD: Leo would have to translate this, but from high to low it goes D, A, C#, F#, A [Leo says it's a D major 7th chord with an open spelling]

LD: Fully diminished 7th chord built on the first scale degree (I went to college)

CS: I have no clue what this is considered, but here is the guitar tab:
2
2
2
4
5
3

JB: Monster cable. Oh, you meant musical chord. Um... E flat

Favorite tour food?

JMR: Anything that isn't fast food

ER: In and Out burger or good home cooking.

RD: I have always loved when kind folks on the road BBQ for us. Home made road BBQ.

LD: Taco Bell

CS: Avocados, especially free ones.

JB: That's easy, the free kind. If not, Subway.

Describe the musical tastes and occupation of your bizarro self.

ER: My bizarro self dresses like me... first base coach shorts and all, but is a vegan, listens to
pop country, and works hard everyday. He would work with his father building/remodeling houses and get up at 6 everyday and go to bed at 9 every night. He would be boring.

RD: The bizarro Richard Dubourg would probably be a huge fan of modern country music. He would work construction, drive a large shiny truck, and have a deep passion for Bud Light

LD: My bizarro self would love "dude rock." Ya know, rock for dudes. First and foremost, I'm a lady.

CS: My bizarro self has a buzz-cut with a rat-tail. He has an uptight girlfriend that pisses him off because she is allergic to everything, so he can't take her anywhere. He rides a trike with a mercedes hood ornament and loves Mike's hard lemonade. Don't be suprised if you see him at a dirty strip joint with a stack of ones.

JB: My bizarro self would work in a grocery store while listening to a New Found Glory and My Chemical Romance. Also shops at the Gap and Hot Topic

Beatles or Elvis? Tupac or Biggie? Michael Jackson or Prince? Honky Chateau or Tumbleweed Connection? [my favorite two Elton John records, this has become a point of contention among a few of the members] Lil' Wayne or Jay-Z? Marvin Gaye or Al Green? Coldplay or U2?

JMR: Beatles, Biggie, Prince, Tumbleweed, Lil' Wayne, Marvin, U2

ER: Beatles, Biggie, Michael Jackson, Honky Chateau, Jay-Z, Al Green, U2

RD: Beatles, Pac, Michael Jackson, No opinion, Lil Wayne, Al Green, loathe U2, so Coldplay

LD: Elvis, Tupac, MJ, who or what?, Jay-Z, Marvin Gaye, U2

CS: Beatles, Tupac, MJ, tumbleweed, Jay-Z, Al Green, Coldplay

JB: Elvis, Tupac, Michael Jackson, who the hell is tumbleweed connection?, Jay-Z, Al Green, Coldplay

Finally, what venue would you most like to play?

JMR: Beacon Theatre

ER: Anywhere that is not home. The Filmore in San Francisco would be nice. Festivals in Europe, Japan, and Australia would be nice.

RD: Though I know nothing about the venue, one of my favorite bands (The Impossibles) final show was at Emo's in Austin, TX. I always thought it would be cool to play where they finished up.

LD: I recently discovered that I would love to play Ballet Austin's Butler Dance Education Studio in Austin, TX

CS: 40 Watt in Athens

JB: CBGB's but since they are closed, the Roxy will have to do.

Long weekend

This weekend, we have my roommate's younger brother and three friends in town staying with us for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. I hope the novelty of laughing at them because they drank too much too early doesn't wear off until after they return to Iowa otherwise this is going to be a very long weekend indeed.

In lighter news, it is my sister's 30th birthday today and she's coming down to celebrate tomorrow. How exciting. The boys and I leave for SXSW midnight Wedenesday so the next post you read will be full of stories from Austin TX.

Allman Brothers Tour

So it has come early this year. News of the Allman Brothers tour has hit my inbox and I have dates for the whole year, beginning with their return to the Beacon Theater in New York (which I'm obviously not doing as it starts Monday). While I'm not at liberty to give out cities and dates, I will say that I'll go further and hit different corners of the country than ever before with ABB. I think it's safe to say that I'll hit all four corners of the country this summer/fall.

Either way, it's their 40th anniversary tour so it's going to be huge. I'm really excited about who we're touring with for part of the year and a lot less than excited about who we're touring with further down the line. I may miss some holidays, I may miss some summer heat, but I may get some early snow. It's too early to tell (or at least to tell the general public). Stay tuned and I'll fill you in on dates as they approach (or as I'm allowed to release them)!

Weekend Tour

This past weekend, I traveled to Baton Rouge and Lafayette with MNIJM for a mini tour. As the seven of us loaded out the space and crammed into the Tahoe I knew it was going to be a trip to remember and surely it was. The drive to Baton Rouge was spent just talking, as usual. For me, it was a good chance to get to know the newest member of MNIJM, Richard Dubourg and I guess this is a good enough forum as any to officially welcome him to the group. So welcome, Richard.

Our first mission in Baton Rouge was to play the vintage clothing store Time Warp. Our first in store went very well. The band played the songs slower and softer than I've ever heard and it sounded great on two acoustics, a muted trumpet, and various percussion. The store itself was pretty cool so I suggest stopping in when you are in Baton Rouge. There's plenty of video of the in-store, so keep an eye out for it on the MNIJM blog (mnijm.wordpress.com). Why a vintage clothing store? Because apparently there are absolutely zero good record stores in Baton Rouge. Not my words, don't take it out on me if you own one.

Next on the agenda was heading over to KLSU to go a radio interview with one of their DJs. Fifteen semi-awkward minutes and two songs later, we were heading to the venue. The only time I had been in Spanish Moon before this was to see one of my favorite bands, Band Of Horses, and it was great. The boys put on a hell of a show and things are definitely looking up. Their shows are only getting better so make sure to catch them when they hit your town.

Day two was much of a repeat of day one with a few exceptions: it was in Lafayette instead and we had a sweet dance party DJed by John Michael himself until the wee wee wee hours of the morning afterwards. We got to really know Richard's personality that night and I think he'll fit in just fine. As long as we keep him away from high school girls thus keeping him out of jail, he'll be around for a while.

Our next outing will be SXSW in Austin which I am very much looking forward to and hoping to see some old friends along the way. If you live in Austin, come see us at the Historic Victory Grill on March 19th (not sure about the time but I'll definitely have more info on this later).

Mardi Gras recap and MNIJM tours

Well I have survived my fifth Mardi Gras intact. Got to see my favorite parade (Muses) from my favorite spot (Magazine and Napoleon) which is definitely a great way to start up my personal parade season. Kat and I were able to introduce Mardi Gras to our Iowa-bred roommate who loved it for the most part. We spoiled her rotten by taking her to some invite-only stands downtown though. I know people who were born and raised here and have never had the opportunity to do that so I know her fellow Teach For America-ers will be envious. Mardi Gras this year also marked my Lenten promise as I decided to start it early: I have given up beer for Lent this year.

Why beer? Why not? It weighs you down I suppose. This means I will not be seeing Judy over at Cooter Brown's until April. Sorry Judy. I'll be back I promise.

In other news, today marks the first day of the first weekend in a long series of mini-tours around the Southeast for MyNameIsJohnMichael. We begin in Baton Rouge and Lafayette today and tomorrow and will soon travel to cities like Jackson, Austin, Birmingham, Atlanta, Memphis, Houston, Nashville, Mobile, Oxford, etc. Keep your eyes and ears peeled people. We're coming to your town!

Finally, it seems engineers occasionally receive statues for their work on a Grammy winning record. Which means I may have to start a trophy room after all. We'll see. I'm keeping all of my fingers and toes crossed for this one.