By Greg Swan, on July 20th, 2010%
Marshalltown, Iowa folk throwback duo Crystal City recently sent me their debut album, and I can’t stop reaching for it.
With retro harmonies and only an acoustic guitar for instrumentation, Crystal City’s debut album tempers ambitious nu-folk songwriting with their midwestern roots. Love it.
RIYL: The Swell Season, The Civil War, Damien Rice.
Here are a couple tracks off the album:
MP3: Crystal City – “Baby Says She Loves Me”
MP3: Crystal City – “I’ll Be Real Nice”
We had the opportunity to chat with Crystal City’s Sam Drella about the group, the album, and the Marshalltown speedway…
Who is Crystal City? How did the band come about?
crystal . . . → Read More: Interview with Crystal City
Earl Greyhound at 80-35 Music Festival
By Greg Swan, on July 16th, 2010%
Earl Greyhound at 80-35 Festival in Des Moines on July 3, 2010.
I saw Earl Greyhound at SXSW in March of 2006, and the power trio were unreasonably awesome. Since then I’ve been following them very closely.
Earl Greyhound was my favorite band of the festival. With raw power, intense energy and bluesy, psychedelic rock, the crowd had no idea what hit them.
Favorite tracks included “S.O.S.” off the group’s 2006 release Soft Targets and “Oye Vaya” off their new Suspicious Package.
That new disc has some weak spots, especially “The Eyes of Cassandra.” I’m afraid that song didn’t fare well live at 80-35, . . . → Read More: Earl Greyhound at 80-35 Music Festival
Solid Gold at 80-35 Music Festival
By Greg Swan, on July 15th, 2010%
Minneapolis’ own Solid Gold at 80-35 Festival in Des Moines on July 3, 2010.
More posts from . . . → Read More: Solid Gold at 80-35 Music Festival
Yo La Tengo at 80-35 Festival
By Greg Swan, on July 14th, 2010%
Yo La Tengo at 80-35 Festival in Des Moines on July 3, 2010.
More posts from . . . → Read More: Yo La Tengo at 80-35 Festival
80 35 Music Festival pictures
By Greg Swan, on July 5th, 2010%
I just posted 50+ pictures from 80-35 Music Festival this weekend over at the Perfect Porridge Facebook Page. Check it out. Tag yourself.
More . . . → Read More: 80 35 Music Festival pictures
By Greg Swan, on June 17th, 2010%
Okay, I’m officially psyched for Independence Day. Not because of grilling out and a cold beer. Not because of family picnics and those little kiddie pools. Not because of fireworks and trying to decide if *this* is the finale. And not because of patriotism (although that’s a close second).
I’m excited because I’m headed to Iowa and will be hitting the 80/35 Music Festival, which is putting Central Iowa on the map as a summer musical destination (I can’t believe I wrote that, but it’s true so I did).
Just check out these bands.
Saturday, July 3
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Main Stage
12:00pm – . . . → Read More: Got plans for the 4th? I'm headed to Iowa's 80/35 Music Festival
crystal city, 