Tag Archives: Wisconsin

Song Review- Junkyard Tornadoes  “Sweet Mary Jo” from the album American Planck Time 

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I have been enjoying this band for a few years now, both for their creativity and also for their slightly self-effacing, irreverent manner…the kind of people you can imagine spending some good times with along the path of life.  

This track caught my attention initially due to the contrast between the low-tone, clean portions (check the first ten seconds as an example) and the slightly pegged out boomer parts that weave in and out throughout the track.  It gives this kind of delightful, discordant mood to the entire song that fits the lyrics well in my opinion.  The guitars are prominent with a little harmonica blending in later on to give a little breeze to the enterprise.  You can take this one with you all day long. 

You can check out more of the music and information on the Bandcamp page https://junkyardtornadoes.bandcamp.com/

Hey! We are halfway through 2024…and your locals need you – please remember to get out there and support them…community is powerful! 

And please think about purchasing this song after you listen – streaming music does not pay much even times a thousand…

Song Review – Dusk “Pissing In A Wishing Well” from the album Glass Pastures

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I came back from a show earlier this year where this band opened up for Sarah Shook thinking to myself, “I have to check out some more of their sounds!”  They put on a great show and as we all know…well…that will get you to keep supporting a band 🙂  I had this album on pre-order as soon as that news dropped and have been patiently (?) waiting…they had this song out early and I thought I would share my thoughts.

This track comes in a with a subdued energy…slow drum beat driving a very cool and breezy melody.  The lyrics pop in with a quick jump up that gives a little energy to the overall sound.  Throughout this song you have a kind of laid back groovy vibe running through you as Dusk takes you along on a well-crafted journey with a little humor thrown in.  My only critique here is that I wish the vocal mastering was a little bit cleaner…but then again, the tracks here do a great job of recreating the sound of their live shows…so maybe they meant it to be a little fuzzy 🙂 

You can check out more of the music and information on the Bandcamp page https://countrydusk.bandcamp.com/album/dusk

As always, please get out an support your local establishments…community is powerful:) 

Song Review – Meskales “Mis Amigos” from the album Mis Amigos

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I first started listening to this band back in 2020 when I heard a song off of their eponymously named EP.  The energy and sense of fun that they bring to their music caught me right away and it shows up well on this track.  Even without a translation for the lyrics (which they do provide on their Bandcamp page to back up my poor Spanish skills…) you can experience the fast-paced and tightly played music that shines though on this song.   And those horns…what can I say…they make me happy 🙂   I also have an affinity for the lyrics: “It’s impossible to try to make me change…what you think of me will never matter.” 

This is a solid ska / reggae style song that I would definitely recommend you give a listen.   

You can check out more of their music and information on the Bandcamp page https://meskales.bandcamp.com

And please remember to support your local artists & businesses…community is powerful 🙂 

Song Review -Avenues “Supersonic” from the album We’re All Doomed 

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I have always liked a hard-driver of a song and this one is a great example of just that kind of energy.   It comes in with some crisp, heavy drums and gets right to the point.  Much of the track maintains that initial drive but I really liked the bridge at the one-minute mark. It provides a nice contrast to the rest of the song while still maintaining the sonic feeling of the music.  The production quality is also well done with the vocals clearly out front while maintaining a good instrument mix in the very near background.   The lyrics are fun but also a little creepy (“she locks the cellar door behind her”) and the energy is…well, like everything else that Avenues does so well.  

Side note there that their video for “Lights Out” is a cool Halloween-type production and worth a look.  

You can check out more of their music and information on the Bandcamp page https://avenuesrock.bandcamp.com

Support your local bands & artists – community is powerful! 

Song Review – Buffalo Nichols “Back on Top” from the album Buffalo Nichols

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I have always and I am sure always will…love a tune with a slow, slightly jangly blues riff …just like this song.   I suppose that leaves me as biased listener but I just cannot help it and this selection really delivers on what I love about those kinds of songs.  The guitar and drum here provide such a solid foundation and allow the tune to unwind slowly.  Nichols also has a slightly smoky voice which adds a little bit of Memphis night club atmosphere when he sings and it all comes together well.   A really good song from what I consider to be a breakout album from this Wisconsin-based musician – highly recommended 🙂 

You can check out more of their music and information on the Bandcamp page https://buffalonichols.bandcamp.com/releases

Please remember to support your local musicians, artists and businesses – community is powerful!