Bob Dylan: New Morning 25,915
Bob Dylan turns 71 today. A rough calculation that fails to account for leap years and other variables makes this morning Bob Dylan’s 25,915th. This blog began with an attempt to rank Dylan’s 70 greatest songs of all time. For my money, “Visions of Johanna” and “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” offer some of the most brilliant, subversive lyrics that any songwriter has ever put to paper. These days, though, I rarely find myself reaching for that portion of Dylan’s catalog. More often than not, I’m spinning his 1970 album New Morning.
The dozen tracks that comprise New Morning, find Dylan relaxed and understated. At the time, critics like Rolling Stone’s Ralph Gleason heralded the release as a return to earlier Dylan. In retrospect, this appears more a reaction to their disdain for Self Portrait (released just 4 months prior) than an accurate assessment of the work. Sure, the album marked the return of Dylan’s nasal voice, but the songs’ structures are closer to pop than folk or even rock. While New Morning may not merit consideration among Dylan’s best albums, it nevertheless showcases the range of an artist once pigeonholed as a folk singer. The release touches on gospel: “Father of Night”, jazz: “If Dogs Run Free”, and more. Listen to the title track below, and give thanks for another “New Morning” with Bob.
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Written by Rob Peoni
The Prolific Release Cycle of Tireless Ty Segall
Have you ever felt like a musician had a pulse on the emotions that make your musical tastes tick? With each subsequent release that musician appears able to solidify his spot in your rotation and gradually expand his influence. In order to qualify for this sort of position, the musician is often a habitual releaser. The best-case scenario is that this artist has at least an album and an EP every year for at least three years. The music liberates, resonates, and then before the listener can ask for another they are rewarded with more. Ty Segall releases music at the relentless pace that I wish all of my favorite artists operated under. He is a rich product of Rock and Roll and he lacks an expiration date.
Ty Segall is known, but under valued. Hailing from the San Francisco area, Segall has become known for his emphasis on a distorted guitar sound that bellows out of his amplifier while humming in the lowest fidelity possible. He is best placed as a product of the garage rock revival of the early 2000’s. It would not be uncommon for someone to stumble into a room where a Segall album was being played and mistake one of his solos for that of Jack White. Segall is able to add a layer of psychedelic rock on top of most of his songs to emulate a Small Faces meets White Stripes appeal. A hard working musician that deserves attention for not only his previous work, but also what he has set out to do in 2012.
Ty Segall produces at a faster rate than OctoMom. Since 2008, he has released 8 LPs, 9 45s/EPs, 6 split 45s/EPs, and 4 compilations. This man is truly dedicated to producing new music and keeping his sound fresh. While some might argue that this insane release schedule might water down the music, I would admit that this is how he keeps me interested. Since my introduction to Ty Segall on Melted in 2010, I have been captivated by his approach. He delivers a rugged slew of sounds that are offered to listeners on an annual basis.
Ty Segall partnered with White Fence (Tim Presley) to release Hair in late April of this year. They delivered an eight-track musical brainteaser that relies heavily on the deep guitar melodies that I have grown to love. Tracks like “Scissor People” cut right to the core. The song offers muffled lyrics paired with a screaming guitar melody, fitting comfortably in the Segall catalog. An obscure transition involving fast drums and radical tone changes closes this song with mystery. It might take the new listener a while to sync in, but for long time Segall supporters will feel at home.
Ty Segall is set to bring us his second full length of the year in Slaughterhouse on June 26. This never settle attitude that has lured me into Ty Segall as an artist. Sometimes these musical connections happen naturally. Other times distortion enters, and the rest is impossible for me to avoid. Listen to Ty Segall’s first single “ Wave Goodbye” of his upcoming release and see if it makes sense to you.
Connect with Ty Segall via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 
The Lumineers Break in Do317 Lounge
Friday marked the beginning of a fresh addition to the music scene in Indianapolis, the opening of the Do317 Lounge. Do317 owners Josh Baker and Craig “Dodge” Lile along with the LaundroMatinee team and many others are to thank for this new space in Indianapolis. The room sits a top the Murphy Building off Virginia Avenue, right in the heart of Fountain Square.
Opening day for the lounge brought a private show by Denver band, The Lumineers. The band offered a four-song set sandwiched in between their sold-out Thursday and Friday shows at Radio Radio. While the band highlighted some of their more “popular” songs, b-side track “Morning Song” played well to the intimate setting. Free samples from Upland Brewery along with photo opportunities with the band helped add to the private experience.
The Do317 Lounge is another sign of growth for the music scene in our great city. I continue to notice many new faces at live shows and feel a growing excitement to the acts that come through Indianapolis. Sold out back-to-back shows indicate that Indianapolis is getting ready to burst at the seams as we continue to grow as a legitimate stop for bands passing through. Keep your eyes glued to Do317 for your next opportunity to check out the new space and show your appreciation for those who keep the ship sailing here in Indianapolis.
Connect with Do317 via Facebook | Twitter
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Written by Brett McGrath