Category Archives: Outlaw Country

Suburban Home Records + The Takers = Free MP3

If you have not heard of Suburban Home Records yet you really need to, it might just make you a better person.  The music label is home to a slew of great indie, punk, and even country/folk artists and has been putting out some great releases by, just to name a couple, Tim Barry of Avail, Joey Cape of Lagwagon, Ninja Gun, and even Austin Lucas.

Just today I received an email from Tony @ No Idea Records that I thought I should share with everyone out there about a pretty sweet offer:

Gainesville’s newest outlaw country band, The Takers, have just posted a free downloadable MP3 from their upcoming debut album, entitled Taker Easy, that will be released by Suburban Home Records on LP/CD July 21st.

You can download an MP3 of the title track “Taker Easy” on the Suburban Home Records website HERE.

The band recently leaked three other tracks from the album. You can stream “Curse of a Drunk,” “Drift,” and “Friends in Bottles” on the band’s MySpace page.

The band describes their sound as being “influenced by 70’s outlaw country and honky-tonk classics made standard at the time by legends like Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams Jr.”

Members have been playing in various Gainesville bands for years, with two members currently pulling double duty in No Idea Record’s Whiskey & Co.

The Takers released a 7” version of “Curse of a Drunk” on Suburban Home Records this past fall and have plans to release a collaborative split 7” with Austin Lucas in the near future

Take advantage of this opportunity.  As a fan of outlaw country I really got a kick out of this song and can not wait till the full release of the album.

If you liked what you heard here are a following options you have if you would like to order a copy:

If you want to be ahead of the game and would like to pre-order a CD copy of Taker Easy you should click HERE.

If you want to be a little cooler, pre-order a copy of the Taker Easy beer colored LP by clicking HERE.

If you want to one up everyone else and be the coolest, click HERE and pre-order the deluxe set that includes the LP, CD, T-Shirt, Beer Cozie, Shot Glass, Poster, and Button.  Now that is DELUXE.

Finally if you are the ultimate vinyl collector in the world, click HERE to order a hand-numbered and hand-written test pressing copy of The Taker’s Curse Of A Drunk 7″.  Keep in mind though that only 5 to 20 pressings are created each time a test pressing is created so supplies are extremely limited.

I can not be held responsible for empty wallets so order at your own risk.  I know I am seriously contemplating pre-ordering the LP because I know I am going to listen to it over and over.  The CD and LP will be released on 07/21/2009.

The Takers Tour Dates:
Jun 23 – The Atlantic-Gainesville, Florida
Jun 24 – TBA-Daytona Beach , Florida
Jun 25 – Tobacco Road -Miami, Florida
Jun 26 – Propaganda -Lake Worth, Florida
Jun 27 – New World Brewery, Ybor City, Florida
Jun 28 – Wills Pub , Orlando, Florida

(Hopefully one day they will make it up to Cleveland…hint hint)

Those Darlins, The Dexateens, The Features – Grog Shop – Cleveland , OH – 05/19/09 – Concert Review

It’s no surprise that all who attended the Grog Shop last Tuesday night to see Those Darlins, The Dexateens, and The Features had a blast.  The sad thing though was the turnout for the evening and with tickets only $8 I really expected a bigger turnout.  Nevertheless all the acts that night played just as hard as they would to a full crowd and I along with the handful of fans got our money’s worth.

Arriving early I had a picture perfect moment when Those Darlins came rounding the sidewalk outside of the Grog Shop.  Clearly the ladies decided to check out their surroundings on a possible quest get a bite to eat and were returning to work.  Respecting their privacy I kept the camera down and shyly smiled at them as they walked in the doors of the venue.  I laughed when one of them screamed “blech!” as a Radiohead song greeted them when they entered.  Not everyone can be a Radiohead fan I guess…

A couple of months ago Those Darlins had their first taste of Cleveland when they opened for Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys at a sold out show at the Beachland Ballroom.  A nice size crowd greeted them as they took the stage.  Sadly their return to Cleveland to play again had a crowd that barely made it to twenty.  Still the sassy ladies of Tennessee did not let the lack of attendees kill their spirit and started playing through their songs at full force.

Ripping through tracks from their upcoming self-titled debut release Those Darlins played just as good, if not better, as the first time I saw them.  Hearing “The Whole Damn Thing” cracked me up as the ladies sang about getting drunk and eating chicken.  Other tracks like “DUI or Die”, “Snaggletooth Mama”, and “Wild One” seemed to get some of the folk sitting at the bar to turn their heads and pay attention to the three country cuties up on stage.  Their mustache wearing drummer even had a moment when one of the toms on his kit fell off while playing.  All of the girls laughed mid-song and continued to stomp their boots and play hard.  Ripping through a nice sized set I could not help myself from getting excited when their album is delivered to my front door (I pre-ordered it).

I am sure Those Darlins were a tad frustrated with the small amount of people at the Grog Shop seeing they drove all the way up to play out, but thanks to their great set they won a few new fans and I am sure the next time they return to Cleveland there will be a much bigger crowd waiting to see them.  I’ll do what I can to make sure that happens.

Not knowing the two other bands I decided to stick it out and see what each had to offer.  Alabama’s The Dexateens took stage and it seemed like a few more people actually surrounded the stage as they played including the mustache clad drummer of Those Darlins.  Some of the fans looked to have been friends of the band but still, fans are fans.  The band’s mix of southern rock and folk really won me over and I made sure to pick up one of their vinyl albums from the merch booth just so I could check them out more.

The main act of the night, The Features, took stage to a very small welcoming crowd including a handful of folk who traveled all the way from Erie, PA just to see them.  The Tennessee indie rock band played well but was not what I was looking for so I called it a night.

As I headed to the door I spotted Kelley Darlin sitting at the bar with one of the guys who works at the vintage shop below the Beachland Ballroom called This Way Out.  I did not want to pass up the opportunity to thank her for playing Cleveland again and also wanted to tell her that she would be seeing me at Bonnaroo in less than a month.  Kelley Darlin smiled from ear to ear and give me a high-five / handshake / hold hands type response that had me smiling too.  She was a real pleasure to meet and I hope to see her again next month.

Yes, I have a crush on all three Darlins.  So what!?!

I really wish that more folk would have come out the the Grog Shop that night not just because I felt that the band deserved a fuller crowd but also because I think a lot of people would have had a great time even if they never heard any of the acts before.  Better luck next time to the bands and the fans I guess.  I am just glad I was there.

Here are some photos I took of the evening:

Those Darlins at SXSW:

-Visit Those Darlins to pre-order a copy of their debut release.  LP drops on 6/23/09 and the CD drops two weeks later on 7/7/09.

-Visit Amazon.Com to download Wild One (or maybe check out one of my previous blogs)

-The Dexateens are giving away one of their albums for free (donations accepted!)

Those Darlins CD Release News & Tour Dates!!!

Exciting Those Darlins News!!!

I’m not sure if you know this or not, but I am a pretty big fan of Those Darlins so when I received and email today from Oh Wow Dang you can bet your you know what I was going to post it!  These three sassy ladies are going to be turning heads this year, and not just because of their looks!

I’ll be at their Cleveland show next week as well as be seeing them at Bonnaroo so expect me to be posting some more stuff about them soon!

Brand Spanking New Debut Release!

Vinyl Release Date 6/23/09
CD Release Date 7/7/09

Those Darlins
1–RED LIGHT LOVE
2–WILD ONE
3–MAMA’S HEART
4–HUNG UP ON ME
5–THE WHOLE DAMN THING
6–WHO’S THAT KNOCKIN’ AT MY WINDOW
7–GLASS TO YOU
8–SNAGGLE TOOTH MAMA
9–CANNONBALL BLUES
10–222
11–DUI OR DIE
12–KEEP MY SKILLET GOOD AND GREASY

PRE-SALE NOW at WWW.THOSEDARLINS.COM

Pre-order Those Darlins debut full length album now on vinyl or CD. The vinyl comes with the full debut CD inserted. The first 1,000 pre-sale orders will be $1 off regular price and receive a free autographed publicity photo for your scrapbook or bedside table!  In the country music industry tradition:

THOSE DARLINS ARE SO EXCITED TO HAVE THE BLACK LIPS PLAY THEIR NASHVILLE VINYL RELEASE SHOW!

Here is a poster Jessi Darlin designed for the debut event:

TOUR DATES
MAY.
12 – Washington, DC @ Rock N Roll Hotel+
13 – Charlottesville, VA @ IS Venue+
19 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop+
20 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas+
21 – Newport, KY @ The Parlour+
22 – Lexington, KY @ The Dame+
23 – Knoxville, TN @ Barley’s Tap Room+

JUNE.
11: Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo (8:30PM)
19: Bristol, VA @ Border Bash
20: Asheville, NC @ BOBO Gallery
25: Atlanta @ Drunken Unicorn
26: Athens, GA @ AthFest
27: Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge*

* w/the Black Lips
+ w/The Features & The Dexateens

More dates to come!

Those Darlins, Hacienda, & Dan Auerbach – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH – 03/05/09 – Concert Review

It was an entertaining evening Thursday night fueled by heavy doses of country twang and serious rock n roll thanks to the bands that performed at one of Cleveland’s best little venues, the Beachland Ballroom. The line-up was enough to call for that simple dreadful sign stating that tickets were sold out. All who were lucky enough to obtain admittance to last night’s performance certainly are still talking about the show that Those Darlins, Hacienda, and Dan Auerbach who is known as the lead signer of The Black Keys all put on.

Having heard about the show last week I decided that it was a show not to be missed and make plans to attend. Accompanied with a couple of friends who have love for the country and the rock I was sure they would have a great time checking out all the bands. We arrived to the Waterloo Rd. venue a little early as I was not certain how long it would take to make the trek there. The Beachland Ballroom is not located exactly downtown Cleveland but just a short drive away on a sketchy yet hip part of town. We arrived with no problems and finally made way into the ballroom. One of the things I like about the Beachland Ballroom is how quaint it is. It reminds me of a gymnasium from a middle school of my past with a stage and no real distractions in the main gathering area itself.

Calling them darlings is an understatement...
Calling them darlings is an understatement...

Once we finally got in we made a pit stop at the merch tables and I dropped five dollars on Those Darlin’s Wild One EP. For three songs the five bucks was totally worth it. The main reason I even planned on attending the concert was because of the trio of ladies otherwise known as Those Darlins. I just had received a taste of their sound last week and promptly posted a blog about it. What I heard not only made my day but also made me what to see them perform live.

Normally people get excited for the main act at a concert and the openers are almost like icebreakers for the evening. For the first time in a long time this was not the case for me. I dig the Black Keys and I have seen them live before. I actually had not heard the solo release yet on Dan Auerbach yet and to be honest I was more interested in seeing the opener over the other two bands.

Nashville’s neighboring sweethearts Those Darlins took the stage to a decent sized crowd and opened with “Wild One“. I think it is safe to say that they impressed the crowd right away physically and musically with their mix of country, folk, bluegrass, and sass. Dressed to impress, the three fine-looking girls and their mustache clad drummer had an amazing stage presence and were all smiles through their set. Sipping on strong drinks in between songs the girls shared singing duties and entertained all. “I love you” was shouted more than one time, and although I admit a major crush on the three darlings, I assure you it was not me.

They played the two other tracks on their Wild One EP including the humorous “Whole Damn Thing” as well as a healthy bout of tunes to be hopefully released on their debut CD in June. At times they sounded like The Carter Family and other times reminded me of a female version of Hank Williams III but much better looking. Seeing them live on stage having such a good time really added to the attraction. I was not ready for them to finish when they did and really could have listened to them play all night with their unique sound. I can only hope for a return by the sassy ladies once their debut CD is released.

Dan Auerbach
Dan Auerbach

Many people were excited to see the San Antonio rock jam band Hacienda take stage. I wish I could say I was too, but honestly the only thing I knew about this band is that they were backing up Dan Auerbach during his set and that their latest album, Loud Is The Night, was recorded at Dan Auerbach’s Akron Analog . I checked out some of the set and at times was shaking my head along to the beat. It was good music, but just not what I was looking to hear at the time.

Dan Auerbach with Hacienda and friends took stage after a short break. It was at this moment that I realized how sold out the show really was as I could barely move through the crowd to find a good place to watch the headliner. With only hearing a track or two off of Dan Auerbach’s Keep It Hid I knew it was not anything Black Keys but still was not completely sure what was going to happen.

The sounds Dan Auerbach and crew put forth reminded me of early rock at it’s finest with a jam feel at times. Each member on the stage had their own specialty to make the live performance even more interesting. Guitar solos, dual vocals, and smiles ear to ear by the performers just added to the good time being had by all. I got a huge kick out of the duel drumming and especially seeing Patrick Hallahan from My Morning Jacket do his thing moving from drum set to congo and maraca and even beating upon a giant triangle. Rocking out until after midnight the band continued to electrify. I can not tell you what songs they played as I still have yet to pick up the CD but I can tell you Keep It Hid is on my “to buy” list.

It was an excellent night for new music to hit my ears thanks to all three acts playing on stage. I became a bigger fan of Those Darlins as well as gotten a good taste of what Dan Auerbach’s solo material sounds like backed with a full band. Spite the sold out crowd it was a great evening and I know I was not the only one who enjoyed it. If these three acts happen to come your way and you are looking for a night of fun and music do yourself a favor and grab a ticket before it sells out.

The tour continues for just a few more dates.  Catch them if you can!

March 5 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
March 6 – Chicago, IL @ Metro
March 7 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
March 10 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
March 11 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
March 13 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s
March 14 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre


Those Darlins Made My Day

Before I even begin this blog, props need to go to my good pal Matt at Addicted To Vinyl for his assistance in helping me through rather vulgar texts on some mp3 help…  Thanks jerk.

I had one of those days today.  It was a bad day at work.  It was just too much for me and I really wish I had a special remote control to help fast forward through all the BS.  Unfortunately I do not so I had to go through my work day at a regular speed hating stressful moments.

Those Darlins indeed...
Those Darlins indeed...

Finally getting home I just needed some chill time and what better way to do that than to geek out on the laptop.  I checked my emails and one in particular grabbed my attention.  It was an email inviting me to check out a band called Those Darlins who are currently touring with Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys).  Having never heard of them and being a huge Black Keys fan I decided it could not hurt to listen to the attached MP3.

What I heard completely changed my entire day and I am not just saying that.  After hearing the song “Wild One” I just felt better.  It was a fun folky honest song of sorts and something I really needed to brighten up my day.

So who are these three darlins I speak of? Those Darlins are a folk/country/indie/punk/appalachian/blue grass (hope I did not miss anything) band featuring Kelley Darlin on bass, Jessi Darlin, on guitar, and Nikki Darlin on, get this, baritone ukulele.  Awesome.

The trio currently resides in the college town of Murfreesboro, TN a city that rests somewhere between the country capital of the world Nashville and the Woodstock replacing town of Manchester, the city Bonnaroo is held in.  Taking their love of playing music and love for a variety of bands of all genres Those Darlins created their own style of music and released the sassy Wild One EP.

Before I even continue you should just click on the link for the song and listen to it for yourself…

Download This! – Those Darlins – “Wild One”

With one song not enough of a sample I headed to their MySpace page to check out a few more tracks.  The vocals on some of the tunes reminded me of a female version of Hank III as well as a twangy Jenny Lewis or even Zooey Deschanel.  The music is classic at times and all around enjoyable.

I have a feeling these three cuties and their mustache sporting drummer really will be going places with their unique and chipper sound.  To make things even better, I just found out that Those Darlins are coming to the Beachland Ballroom next week.  I have to go see them in person and I think I will.  Look for an update next week.

-To pick up the EP for just $5.00, or to purchase some of their self-made merchandise visit their site at:

www.thosedarlins.com

Until then check this video out…