Time Keeps on Slippin' Slippin' Slippin'

I'd originally contemplated a ‘Best of’ or ‘Year in Review’ for 2013. But, with the holidays time got away from me... and by now pretty much everyone and their dog has done one... and we're already 6 days into 2014 so... Present & Future it is! Here's what NEW music that I’m excited to hear and/or (hopefully!) see in 2014....

Is it a given to say Jack White?  In any form? After last Friday's Vault chat with Jack, I have a strong sense he's got some pretty good things up his sleeve that we'll soon see. He assured us no Dead Weather tour is possible this year (much to my dismay- a gal can always hope, right?) So, I'm thinking solo tour is probably most likely. He said specifically 'i'm producing two albums this month, and finishing them. one of them is mine'. And according to my fangirl calculations, this should be a 'tour year' so BRING IT Jack! B-shows & all!

More Dead Weather singles! I actually was under the impression we'd see more of these with 2014 Vault packages. However, with the recent announcement of Vault #19, that doesn't appear to be the case. So, yeah, Dead Weather. Always. Anytime. Whatever.  

For me personally, 2013 was a relatively 'quiet' year for Third Man

Agreed Kanye, calm down...

Other bands and labels have been occupying much of my musical attention... and will hopefully continue to do so throughout this coming year. You might be asking yourself, what besides Third Man Records could be commanding my attention? Here are a few folks I'm particularly excited about....

First Up?

Reignwolf!!!!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if you have not 1) heard of 2) listened to and 3) fallen in love with Jordan Cook and his boys (aka Reignwolf!) then get on the fucking bandwagon! Seriously, you are missing out. Already amassing a loyal following of diehard fans, his two previously released singles ‘Are You Satisfied’ and ‘In The Dark’ are now available on a limited run vinyl single (yellow vinyl, green sleeve, limit 1,000). Get ‘em while you can via the Reignwolf webstore. They won’t last long, and I know my fellow vinyl collectors will be kicking themselves in the not too far future if they fail to nab one of these. After hearing some reviews of his 'Winter Tour', I'm hoping & praying for some close-to-me 2014 tour news/dates in the near future. This band is going to EXPLODE over this next year, that I can promise you.

Next out the gate? A few artists that have come to my attention via the Grimtale Records label- Joel Monroe, Oliver Richard and Low Cut Connie.

I've known of Mark Walker for a few years now, primarily as a fellow White Stripes fan. About a year or so ago he began his own indie label, Grimtale Records and it's been great to watch it grow in popularity. Given his appreciation of the Stripes, I expected to see a few (specifically guitar) skilled musicians come out from under his umbrella and thus far have not been disappointed. The (primarily new) bands and musicians emerging on his beautiful, highly limited and sought after vinyl runs vary far and wide in styles, but are all extremely talented in their own ways.

Joel Monroe was the first such artist to catch my attention.

A young guy, based out of Iowa with an amazing sense of 'What's Good'. His guitar work on his single 'Black Cat Blues' was extremely reminiscent to me of another guitar God you all know & love so well and that's what got me hooked. He's got a full-length album he recorded by himself, Box Elder, available via Bandcamp, and it is definitely worth a listen. I was pleasantly surprised to find his strong, unique style carries and is represented throughout. 'Trashcan', 'Milk & Honey' and 'The Bet' are particular highlights for me. Rumor has it he's worked up a band that we'll be seeing more from on the Grim label shortly.

Oliver Richard is another young artist featured on Grim's label. Based out of the UK, his single 'Triggerfish' has completely captivated my attention as of late. This one I was fortunate enough to get in variant form and not only is it a beautiful piece of wax,

it's a great listen front and back and has quickly become a current favorite. 'Triggerfish' itself, a trippy combo of almost industrial and Detroit-rock sounds is chock full of driven, distorted guitar that is right up my alley. However, I am completely OBSESSED with the b-side of this single, Far From the Day. It is so hauntingly perfect, I can not speak of it highly enough. A fresh update of Seattle grunge ala Chris Cornell with Temple of the Dog. (He also has done a pretty awesome cover of the Dead Weather's 'Rolling in on a Burning Tyre' which can be found on youtube). Hopefully 2014 will see a full album (or another single, at least!) from this immensely talented guy.

Last of my Grimtale favorites but certainly not least, Low Cut Connie! I became acquainted with this band sometime last summer via a few friends and was happy to see their 2012 single 'Boozophilia' was going to be released via Grimtale.

It's got a great b-side, 'Brand New Cadillac', both of which were recorded from an NPR World Cafe Session promoting their debut album 'Call Me Sylvia'. LCC's piano-driven sound, infused with a blend of bar room saloon and honky tonk twang, will have you on your feet in no time. I'm so looking forward to catching these guys at SXSW this year!

Two artists who were tremendously active in 2013 with albums and tours but that I'd love to see more from this year are Pokey LaFarge (and his uber-talented band) and Hanni El Khatib. 'Central Time' is seriously one of my favorite LP's from last year. And 'Head in the Dirt' was a fantastic follow up to 'Will the Guns Come Out'. Overall I'm just left wanting more.
Considering Brendan Benson has recently released his new album, 'You Were Right', I'm hoping to see some tour dates from his camp. Some SXSW action at least! Last year Karen Elson mentioned releasing an album this year and I REALLY hope that happens. Anything new from the Alabama Shakes would be great. I have heard rumblings about a new Pujol album, and y'all know how much I'd love to see that.
Last but not least, I'm really excited to see my brother's band, Hillside Stomp, keep evolving. I've mentioned them a few times, but I really am not being biased when I say they are fantastic. Fingers crossed they make the Official SXSW cut!