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Will Kennedy is a freelance writer and a senior music writer with Eugene Weekly. He lives in Eugene with his wife, daughter and two cats. All of whom politely accommodate his obsessions with Doctor Who and The Smiths.
The concept behind 2013’s The Clear Blue Pearl from Portland band Morning Ritual sounds more like a sci-fi-fantasy movie than a pop record, complete with a devastating drought, an epic journey and a mysterious “blue pearl.” Continue reading
“KMRIA stands for: Kiss My Royal Irish Ass,” says Casey Neill of Portland-based Pogues tribute band KMRIA. “The reference is from James Joyce’s Ulysses,” Neill says, explaining KMRIA is also referenced in Pogues’ song “Transmetropolitan.” Continue reading
SHOW CANCELED. What would legendary Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr — now in his fifties — say to his 19-year-old self, just about to embark on a career that would lead him to become one of the most widely acclaimed and respected rock musicians of his generation? “Don’t give up.” And what would 19-year-old Marr say to older Marr? “Keep a good haircut.” Continue reading
“We have some great friends from Eugene,” says Sam Owens of Brooklyn-based indie-rock trio Celestial Shore. “All of them are wonderful people and talented musicians. There must be something in the water.” Last spring Celestial Shore opened for indie-rock critical darlings Deerhoof. Now Celestial Shore are coming to Eugene in support of 2014’s Enter Ghost, a collection of guitar-centric indie rock blending the sweet, British-invasion flower power of The Zombies with the taut aggressiveness of ’90s bands like The Pixies. Continue reading
Award-winning British human machine, or rather the musician and beatboxer known as THePETEBOX, is touring the U.S. for the first time, producing sounds and rhythms using only his mouth, lips, tongue and voice. “It’s important for people to understand the process,” PETEBOX tells EW. YouTube is full of clips from the musician, but PETEBOX feels beatboxing is best experienced live. “There’s some detachment from the process on record,” he says. Continue reading
In the world of bluegrass music, tradition is king. This makes Grammy-winning mandolin player John Reischman’s 2013 release Walk Along John something unique: an album of twelve Reischman originals, two covers and a collection of neo-traditional tunes. The roots-music tastemakers at No Depression magazine say “For as much as I love all of those classic old tunes, it’s such a pleasure to hear Reischman honor the genre by writing songs that reflect his own experiences …” Continue reading
“Everyone loved The Milkmen in the early ’80s — the blues-ers, the punkers” says Dan Schmid, bass player for legendary Eugene band the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies. On Nov. 15, The Milkmen are reuniting for a one-night-only performance at Mac’s Restaurant at the Vet’s Club in Eugene. “It’d be nostalgic for sure,” Schmid continues. “[The Milkmen] were great. They rocked!” Continue reading
Jake Smith, the singer-songwriter and mastermind behind L.A.-based trio The White Buffalo, sings in a rich, oatmeal baritone. And White Buffalo’s 2014 release, Shadows, Greys & Evil Ways — a loose concept record based around the characters Joe and Jolene — is a fitting backdrop for Smith, who looks like a Viking from Texas. Continue reading
Sample “Till It’s Gone” from Southern rapper Yelawolf’s yet-to-be-released Love Story, and you might be surprised — first by the rich, oaky acoustic guitar line that kicks the track off and next by what the bluesy, looping arpeggios recall: the piano figure introducing Nina Simone’s classic “Sinnerman.” Continue reading
Before discussing indie-rock siren Frankie Rose, one must ask: Which Frankie Rose are we talking about? The founding member of garage-rock acts Crystal Stilts, Dum Dum Girls or Vivian Girls? Or the Brooklyn-based songwriter rumored to be related to legendary hard rocker and mouthpiece for Guns ‘n’ Roses, Axl Rose? The answer is both. “Why, yes. In fact [Axl] is my great grandfather,” Frankie Rose tells EW. “I only met him once backstage when his band was headlining a Metallica-Motorhead concert.” Continue reading