MAKING SOMETHING MORE OUT OF SOMETHING
ALASKA!
Alaska! is comprised of the hiatal, left-over parts of the New Folk Implosion and Sebadoh, two generally disregarded (and tragically so) indie-pop bands. Sebadoh released -- according to some critics -- some of the best albums in the '90s ("Bakesale" and "Harmacy"). The New Folk Implosion had a radio hit with "Natural One," from the "KIDS" soundtrack. Each band is typical of the low-fidelity "indie" aesthetic, which means their albums are stocked full of great, memorable songs that have been poorly recorded on cheap equipment. It actually is charming, whether you believe it. But, The New Folk Implosion has been docile of late, and Sebadoh hasn't released a record since 1999, being spread thin by countless side projects and other general, trying-to-make-a-living-as-a-poor-musician miscellany. So, Russell Pollard, drummer/guitarist/singer of Sebadoh, hooked up with Imaad Wassif of the New Folk Implosion to form the two-piece indie-folk band, Alaska! The band's debut album, "emotions," is loaded with layered, delicate two- and three-part harmonies. Acoustic guitars abound and are supported by Pollard's understated, subtle drumming. The album's title is fitting, as the band members address their feelings quite openly. On the album's first track, "The Western Shore," Pollard, full of self-concern, sings, "I know that I've strayed / I know that I'm bleeding / It's all this decay / That has kept me alive when I'm sinking." Though these lyrics aren't great poetry by any means, if earnest, gentle and challenging songs have appeal, Alaska! is remarkably attractive. The band's show in Cleveland should be an equally attractive affair.
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MISSED THE '60S?
THE TRIBUTE
If only it were the 1960s! Unfortunately, we don't get to deal with all the good and all the bad that happened in the decade that produced the best music (probably) ever. We don't get to flash peace signs. We don't get to protest the Vietnam War. We don't get to experiment with drugs, at least not like they used to. But of all the things in the 1960s, The Beatles might have been the best part. And 1964: A Tribute is the closest thing any of us can get to experiencing John, Paul, George and Ringo live. Tribute is widely hailed as the best Beatles tribute band, having appeared on Entertainment Tonight, CNN, the USA Network and the Nashville Network. The four performers dress, sing and act like The Beatles did; even the former president of Apple Corps, Ltd. said the resemblance was "uncanny." And the best part is that it's only slightly lame to see grown men do this! 1964: A Tribute plays mostly early Beatles song, like "A Hard Day's Night," "This Boy," "Long Tall Sally" and "I'll Follow the Sun." The group performed at Ball State in 2003 over Family Weekend. They'll be in Grand Rapids on Saturday. If you wish you could've seen The Beatles, 1964: A Tribute is the best alternative.
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NEW NAME AND SINGER, SAME CRAP
TANTRIC
It was a sad day in 1998 when Travis Meeks, the lead sound-alike of Days of the New, an acoustic-rock band famous for "Shelf in the Room," fired everyone else. The 18 year old must have fancied himself a rare talent; unfortunately, his solo career never blossomed, and in 2003, he found himself addicted to methamphetamines instead. And while Meeks spent time doing nothing, the men he cast aside -- guitarist Todd Whitener, bassist Jesse Vest and drummer Matt Taul -- came together in Louisville to start another band called Tantric with singer Hugo Ferreira. After recording some demos, Tantric was able to release a self-titled record in 2000, a slab of music that sounds exactly like Days of the New. In the end, these ironic and startling turns of events have done nothing for rock 'n' roll music. A band no one really liked became two bands no one really likes. Still, Tantric had minor success with two radio hits ("Breakdown" and "Astounded") in the first few years of this millennium. They have worked for a decent fan base, which they are rewarding with "After We Go," the name given to the new songs they've written and recorded. It's evident Tantric is able to pen catchy, radio-ready hooks, and, obviously, the four of them are capable musicians. Unfortunately, after these guys are gone and the unforgiving line of rock 'n' roll time has carried on, no four dopes will have come together to start a Tantric tribute band. Sorry, guys.
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