Bulletin E-Edition:
A.M. Interstate, ‘Kimono Dragon’
Sprawling and spaced out, the third album from Redmond-based brothers Seth and Cy Erickson is a pinch of pop and a touch of twang, all shrouded in a psychedelic haze. One listen and you’ll be ready to drop everything and join the love revolution.
The 10 best local releases of 2008
By Ben Salmon / The Bulletin
Last modified: December 18. 2008 5:43PM PSTCentral Oregon bands released an astounding amount of music this year, and the quality was even more impressive than the quantity. Here are our 10 favorites.
A.M. Interstate, ‘Kimono Dragon’
Sprawling and spaced out, the third album from Redmond-based brothers Seth and Cy Erickson is a pinch of pop and a touch of twang, all shrouded in a psychedelic haze. One listen and you’ll be ready to drop everything and join the love revolution.
Amsterdam, ‘The Good Hurt’
One of Bend’s hardest-edged MCs tones down the tough talk just a bit, picks a better set of beats than he used on his first solo album, and makes a quantum leap on “The Good Hurt.” Listen closely to the lyrics and you’ll hear some of Amsterdam’s deep thoughts nestled among the boasts.
Willie Carmichael, ‘Serious Business’
With a sturdy baritone and a sly wit, one of Central Oregon’s finest songwriters spins tale after tale about the human condition. Carmichael’s folksy songs are intimate and engaging, funny and sad. But his greatest strength is an attention to detail in his character sketches that’ll make you feel like you’ve known these people forever.
The Dirtball, ‘Crook County’
On his third album for big indie label Suburban Noize, Bend’s Dirtball (aka David Alexander) makes himself at home; “Crook County” features local musicians (including Alexander’s parents), the Mountain View High School jazz choir, and the rapper’s own drumming. But the star of the show, as usual, is Dirt’s rapid-fire, party-friendly rhymes, delivered with jaw-dropping precision.
The Dirty Words, ‘The International Machine’
In a world crowded with fey pop groups and aggro metal bands, The Dirty Words find a middle ground where the guitars crunch and ring like a more-honest/less-ironic Modest Mouse, and frontman David Clemmer sings with his heart splashed across both sleeves.
Larry and His Flask, ‘Never Long Gone!’
Five years of fusing twang-punk with reckless abandon culminates on this album of wall-to-wall fun. Yes, lead growler Jamin Marshall’s voice is gritty (to say the least), but his passion is palpable. And if you listen intently, you’ll hear just how skilled his three band mates are. The Flask aren’t likely to score a radio hit any time soon, but “Never Long Gone!” is all that is great about rock ’n’ roll.
Reed Thomas Lawrence, ‘Reed Thomas Lawrence’
If we were declaring a Next Big Thing from Central Oregon, Lawrence would be a fine choice. The guy has the goods to make it elsewhere. In 2008, he ditched the jazz chords that tempted him in the past and, with the help of new Bendite Franchot Tone, put his talents toward writing laid-back, reggae-influenced pop music that’s smart, but not too clever for its own good.
Mindscape, ‘Points of View’
Person People MC Mike Fish’s solo album can be summed up in one word: relentless. The beats here are urgent and memorable (check “My Candor”), Fish’s rhymes are complex, and his flow is laser-guided and lightning fast. Definitely a point of view worth hearing.
Mosley Wotta, ‘Scrap Mettle’
Search www.bendbulletin.com to read previous gushing about this five-track EP of endlessly entertaining hip-hop with a melodic temperament. “Boom For Real,” produced by local DJ Mud, is unstoppable. If these guys put out a full-length record in 2009, look out world.
Mr. Potato, ‘Improphecy’
This Redmond-based trio split up recently, and there was much gnashing of teeth among Central Oregon’s instrumental art-metal fans. (Yes, there are some.) Because for all the local acts making catchy songs that would appeal to many people, there aren’t enough making challenging, experimental music. The thunderous Mr. Potato did, and they’ll be missed.
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