New: City Weekly Music Awards Blog
nBy Angela Brown, Anna Brozek, Chris Brozek, Portia Early, John Forgach, Corey Fox, Bill Frost, Jamie Gadette, Tyler Lusk, Dave Morrissey & Dan Nailen
nnIn case you haven’t noticed, 2009 is all about change. Joining such landmark events as Barack Obama’s presidential victory and Utah’s new smoking ban, we’ve dropped the SLAMMys to introduce a newly formatted event that reaches out to the community by involving respected sources outside City Weekly to help weigh in on local music. We asked an eclectic group of people who live and breathe Utah sounds—including but not limited to Angela Brown (SLUG), Dan Nailen (Salt Lake magazine), Corey Fox (Velour), North Platte Records, Tyler Lusk (Sound VS Silence), Ebay Jamil Hamilton (KRCL), Dave Morrissey (KRCL), Terrance DH (Counterpoint Studios), Doug and Shar Wood (Woodshar Recording Studio), Chris Brozek and Anna Brozek (Slowtrain); Portia Early (X96); Tim Moes (Why Sound)—to select 25-30 artists from a master list (see the whole shebang here) generated in house. Their picks were tallied and a cumulative Top 30 emerged. Readers can affect nominees’ scores by voting at the showcases, Jan. 30-31 & Feb. 5-7, or online. The Top 3 will be announced in the Feb. 12 CWMA issue—which will also include a bevy of staff picks—and will perform Feb. 13 at The Depot with headliner Ben Kweller. You can purchase tickets online at SmithsTix.com, at Slowtrain (221 E. Broadway) or at City Weekly (248 S. Main).
¡Andale!
nThese elusive firecracker punks have absolutely earned the two exclamation marks bookending their commanding name, with one sweet-and-sour LP sure to weed out all the cowardly men in your life. Sass, crackle, pop! (Jamie Gadette, City Weekly)
Afro Omega
n2008 opened a new chapter for Utah’s “sexy reggae” artists with Elisa James and Bronte James welcoming into the world a new daughter and a new album proving to naysayers that art and family are not mutually exclusive. Love Emergency re-establishes the band as big talent that’s got nowhere to go but up. (JG)
Aye Aye
nAye Aye performs a unique hybrid of blues and straight-up space rock that varies with each live show—the audience never attains the same experience twice. Originally from Davis County, primary songwriter/visionary Andrew Alba credits the isolation of his hometown as his main reason for playing music. Alba’s haunting riffs and vocals reflect this—and are matched by other greats in the genre such as Entrance, Dylan and early Lou Reed. (Angela H. Brown, SLUG)
Band of Annuals
n2008 was a big year for BOA: Daniel Johnston, six months on tour, chronic van troubles and the No Depression launch party with Minus 5. With an Americana sound that appeals to moms, snow/skate bros, hippies, hipsters, college kids, execs, and even the most elite music snobs—trust me, I know plenty—they break through barriers I never thought possible. Who knows what 2009 holds for this promising band? (Anna Brozek, Slowtrain)
Blackhole
nWith a dark and dangerous (and yet sexy) rock rumble thrust forth by dueling bassists, Blackhole merge art and chaos like a runaway cement truck plowing though a gallery stroll. If the Jesus Lizard were fronted by the Lizard King, you’d have Blackhole (Bill Frost, City Weekly)
Cave of Roses
nCave of Roses involved locking victims in a dark cave filled with venomous creatures. With no way to escape or see in the surrounding darkness, the victim was condemned to a painful death. This torture device was abolished in 1772, but Cave of Roses reclaimed the name—and terrifying vibe—in 2001. The band has a rabid following, particularly among members of the Utah Women’s Prison population. (John Forgach, KRCL)
Cavedoll
nThe latest project by talented musician/engineer/perfectionist Camden Chamberlain often features video projections at their live shows. But even without stunning visuals, the electronic glam-pop rockers are out of sight, not to mention prolific as hell. One of their many releases, No Vertigo, landed in my top five albums of 2008. (Portia Early)
The Devil Whale
nIt’s a whale of a tale—the story of the Devil Whale. After a nasty vocal polyp and a risky surgery for the lead vocalist and plenty of time apart from one another, the band formerly known as Palomino released a record full of sweet, jangly anthems. Like Paraders—an album completed long ago, but not put out until April 2008—is of the same caliber as nearly anything released nationally this year. Locally, the Band of Annuals may have owned 2007, but these past 12 months went to the Devil Whale. (David Morrissey, KRCL)
Furs
nThe Furs have been around in some form for years but truly rose to prominence in 2008. Maybe it was that infamous show with The Black Angels, or the 2008 release of their first LP that makes the band feel like relative newbies. Led by their core, founding member Bryan Mink, they’re now dutifully doing their part to fill the dearth of psychedelic rock in SLC with tambourines, distorted guitar and droning bass that together create one wonderful, metallic mess. (David Morrissey)
The Future Of The Ghost
nListening to FOTG’s Freak Out, I get a rush of energy and a smile on my face. I wear comfortable shoes for their live shows because I will inevitably dance my ass off—and I don’t just do that all the time. The indie-rockers are full of life and passion, two key ingredients for cooking up a successful local act. If I had to pick a “band to watch” in SLC, FOTG would fit the bill. (Anna Brozek)
Form of Rocket
nWinter 2001: I went to Kilby Court to see a touring band. I can’t remember who they were, but the local opener blew my mind and I fell in love with Form of Rocket. What’s not to like about two guys flying around stage yelling in your face, playing mathy guitar riffs matched by a rhythm section delivering the most solid, dense, heart-stopping bass lines and drum beats I’ve ever heard? I’ve seen FOR play close to 30 awe-inspiring times. They are the most important band from Utah in the last seven to eight years. (Tyler “Lucky” Lusk, Sound VS Silence)
God’s Revolver
nIs it hardcore? Punk? Metal? Blues? God’s Revolver throw it all into their reckless and energizing sound. Listen long enough and you’ll see. It’s borderline genius in my book. Loud, dirty and occasionally offensively genius. It’ll make your hair stand up; your stomach drop. (Anna Brozek)
