billy g Wrote:
I'm a little surprised that we don't have more overlap but Tobias Jesso Jr. is the only one on both our lists. I would have thought John Moreland and Jason Isbell would both make your list. They were initial disappointments for me but really grew on me. Have you heard the Westies? I would think you would like them if you haven't.
“Having written a book called The Westies, which I’m told may have served some small role as inspiration for this music, I wish I could claim credit for its brilliance. But I can’t. What you experience while listening to The Westies debut CD is wholly original. Singer/songwriter Michael McDermott and his band follow in the tradition of Dylan and Waits and Springsteen, but they tread new ground. Lyrically, the ten songs on West Side Stories are haunting tone poems about loss and regret and trying to hang in there against insurmountable odds. The music is almost painfully intimate; McDermott’s vocals ache with passion. Accompanied by backup singer Heather Horton, who swoops in with ethereal harmonies or the occasional chorus of her own, the arrangements are graceful and profound. These songs will not only stir your emotions, they will make your heart bleed… Do yourself a favor, seek out West Side Stories, listen and absorb this music. You will feel as though you have entered the church of rock and roll, a place of great storytelling, humanity and emotional wisdom. Let The Westies take you there.” - T.J. English, New York Times best-selling author of The Westies and The Savage City
Joe Pisapia plays electric guitar and engineered the album and Daniel Tashian plays guitar on one song. Its on spotify if you're interested.
Definitely going to seek this one out. Thanks!
Not sure if you heard Joe's new record. It was a little disappointing. As for Daniel, the new Silver Seas come out in the spring, which I greatly look forward to.
