Brad Matthew

The Kings of Leon revealed details of their fouth LP, ‘Only by the Night’, this week. It is scheduled for stateside release September 23. According to NME.com, the new album was recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville and co-produced by the Followills with Jacquire King and Angelo Petraglia. Angelo has “co-produced” all of the Kings albums. This is the first album that hasn’t been co-produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Ray LaMontagne). A few month ago, my friend Brett from Ha Ha Tonka mentioned that KOL had a co-writer that wrote most of their tunes. This was a devastating revelation Are the Kings of Leon a boy band? This can’t be true, or can it?!?! They are beyond that. Right?

After some extensive Google research, evidence came to light. According to their wiki, Angelo has co-writen “many of their songs” and has been “very important to the band”, introducing them Rolling Stones and “older raw rock-and-roll stuff.” Then I stumbled upon this article. Whoa! If what Jack Feeny is saying is true, then KOL is just another fucking boy band. This is gut wrenching knowing that they could be on of the best bands in the world (Ed O’Brien from Radiohead thinks so). Maybe they are too good to be true. Maybe they are just another manufactured band; another ‘N SYNC. Maybe this doesn’ effect your view of them or their music? In the end, “their” music speaks for itself, louder than any co-writer. The Kings still rule the land.

Check out a few of their news tunes live: “Crawl“, “Cold Desert”

One final note, the floors are clean on the South Side!

I am in possession of a new (used on ebay) guitar! It is a American Vintage ‘52 Fender Telecaster with a Butterscoch Blonde Maple finish, made famous by The Boss. I say god damn that is a beauty! I have always been a faithful to Gibson’s. Faithful no more. After a week, I am already sold on the Tele as my main ax.

In other custy new, I have purchased a camera and started a flickr profile. You can check out a few thumbnails to the right. Click on any of the pics to view the whole set (Izzy Party 06/08). Sick!

I am moving in a week and my new place has a righteous basement. We are gonna set up a bit of a demo studio there, so please be on the lookout for some half baked portions of new music. Speaking of new music, check out The Sapiens newest track, Rind, on their myspace profile. “What’s your problem, batteries low?” About as hooky as a snelled baitholder, offset, down eye, two slices, medium wire Eagle Claw 139! Go to their show Wednesday at Schubas. OK, see you there.

R. Kelley not guilty?!?!? There is a tape of him peeing on a 13-year old girl. Not guilty? Like they say, ‘If there ain’t no mole, that ain’t R. Kelley in the whole’, er something like that? Lesson be learned, make her sign a waiver.

In other totally unrelated news, there is a great show at Schubas next Wednesday, June 25. It is the first night of a series of 3 shows celebrating the 1 year anniversary of the Amplify: New Music Series, a monthly showcase sponsored by Amplify, UR Chicago and Woxy.com. This evening will be showcasing two of Chicago’s finest bands, The Rikters and The Sapiens, along with Detroit rockers, Silverghost. It’s an 18+ show starting at 9PM and is $5 at the door (Buy tix at Schubas.com). Party!

My friend Ben Cannon is a staple in the Chicago improv scene.  He frequents the stage at Improv Olympics and Second City. He recently started a series of video skits.  Below is one…

I never went fishing.  The peachfish is mysterious.  I am attracted to mystery as I am attracted to peachfish.  The romance of not knowing can drive a (wo)man insane.  Peachfish is a 9.9 on the gourmet scale.  Without the enigma, it is more like a 1 star album review in the Rolling Stone (or a 2.3 from Pitchfork).

Sunday, I went to see Ha Ha Tonka and Nada Surf, two of best in the business.  Ha Ha Tonka puts on one of the most captivating, face trampling, party shows I have experienced.  Everyone can sing, pulling off 4 part southern harmonies like no other.  Their a cappella version of the traditional song “The Maid Freed from the Gallows” (also known as “Hangman, Hangman” or “Gallows Pole” of Led Zeppelin fame), can silence a crowd of thousands. Four to the floor grooves dominate their set, but do not get redundant.  These guys are slowly, but surely climbing their way to the top.  You catch them at Lollapalooza this year.  Anyone going?

“Aw fuck it!  I’m gonna have a party!”  And that Nada Surf did during their headlining spot at Ribfest. They are touring the world in support of their recent release, Lucky. Their post-”Popular” song writing is nothing short of pop perfection; smart compositions, crystal production and honest lyrics. “Beautiful Beat” a fav of mine off the new album, is a great example of this. The hook is pretty ironic and the melody is sex. It was a set highlight for me.  Some of you may have seen this already, but do any of ya’s remember the Nickelodeon show, The Adventures of Pete & Pete?  Take a view of Nada Surf’s music video for “Whose Authority” to see if it sparks your memory.

 
Nada Surf - “Whose Authority” 

The Peachfish is the most eloquent of fish.  It bleeds with the Moon and speaks from the heart.  Various tastes and textures make this enchanting half-shellfish highly desirable.  I’m going fishing.

One thousand miles away and 10,000 feet above, I was marooned by the Colorado sun.  Last Wednesday evening, I embarked on an adventure to the Rocky Mountains.  Two and a half tanks and 15 hours later,  we (Marques, Ben and I) were in sunny Boulder, CO.   I have never seen a gloomy day in Boulder.  The weather is beautiful, the women are beautiful, the mountains are beautiful, everything is “perfect” there.  It is a true La La Land.  Nothing seems real.  
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