Also, here’s my review of “American Slang.”

At the end of 2008, I discovered a band from New Jersey called the Gaslight Anthem. This was just as the buzz around it was starting to build. Gaslight Anthem’s sound is a punk/soul hybrid, but the sum is infinitely greater than the influences. I have very likely listened to this band more than any other since then. I have anticipated no 2010 release as highly as “American Slang.” The reason is simple. The first time I listened to the Gaslight Anthem reminded me of what it was like to fall in love with rock & roll. And to be able to capture this emotion is no small feat.

“American Slang” does not disappoint in the slightest. It tackles the big stuff—the American Dream (or lack of its reality as in “You told me fortunes in American Slang”) is really the overarching theme. Rare is the record that can tackle heavy themes, but still keep the redemptive power of music present at every moment. “American Slang,” like the Gaslight Anthem’s previous albums, has done this. However, the beauty of the Gaslight Anthem has always been found in the details—the interplay of the guitars, the wonderful lyrics, and the joy that permeates every note—as much as in the total. But the total is beautiful.

One of my favorite bands to emerge in the last few years is Thao With The Get Down Stay Down. Lead by singer, guitarist, and songwriter Thao Nguyen. The band is rounded out by Adam Thompson on bass and Wills Thompson on drums. This alt-folk band plays really smart and infectious tunes that, from the fist time I heard them, established this as a band to watch. The band really has its own sound. In addition, the way the songs are arranged—often without a verse, chorus, verse type of structure—makes a vital contribution to the bands sound. Freed from the tradition song organization, the music is able to build in layers. To date, Thao and the band have released two excellent records, 2008’s “We Brave Bee Stings and All” and 2009’s “ Know Better Learn Faster.”

The Tompkins Weekly was fortunate to get to ask Thao some questions in advance of her appearance with the Get Down Stay Down at Castaways on April 18.

Tompkins Weekly: Where did the name The Get Down Stay Down come from?

Thao Nguyen : “There are no romantic origins of this name– someone said get down, someone else said get down stay down—but we can’t remember who said which.”

TW: The band is great. How did you all come together?

TN: “Thanks very much. Willis and I met in college and then we met Adam on a tour in Richmond, Virginia.”

TW: When did you start playing guitar and writing songs?

TN: “Roughly 12 years old for both.”

TW: Who or what are your influences?

TN: “Country, blues, Motown, old time, hip hop, being a lonely youth.”

TW: It seems to me that your songs don’t always follow a verse chorus verse model. Am I correct in this? If so how did this develop?

TN: “I guess that is correct—I have never noticed. I think this developed because I have selective attention to detail.”

TW: “You’re on the independent label, Kill Rock Stars, home to some other amazing bands. How is being on an independent label for the band?

TN: “I love Kill Rock Stars and I love that they are more independent than a lot of independent labels.”

TW: Your most recent album, “Know Better Learn Faster” and its predecessor, “We Brave Bee Stings and All,” have gotten a lot of attention. How do you feel your career is tracking?

TN: “I am grateful to play music for a living and I am glad some people have taken to us and I hope they don’t change their minds.”

TW: Do you plan on hitting the festival circuit this summer? Or do you prefer playing clubs?

TN: “I am interested in doing both this summer and in general—I’m not sure yet how are schedule is shaping up.

TW: You’ve done some work with Oxfam America around climate change. As a public person, do feel you have a responsibility to speak out on issues that matter to you?

TN: “I do work with Oxfam and climate change—mainly I work with Sisters on the Planet—a campaign that helps poor women who are most affected by climate change—as they are the world’s primary food growers and household providers. I feel my job helps me be of more help than I otherwise might be and it is my priority to take advantage of the opportunity to win more support for causes I hold dear.”

TW: What else are you passionate about?

TN: “I love: 826 Valencia, Food justice, SF War, women’s advocacy in general.”

TW: Who are you digging now?

TN: “Wolves in the Throne Room, Share This Place, Mos Def, Cesaria Evora.”

Albums

Corinne Bailey Rae–The Sea, January 27

Nneka–Concrete Jungle

Carolina Chocolate Drops–Genuine Negro Gig February 16

Johnny Cash–American VI Ain’t No Grave February 23 (Johnny Cash’s Birthday)

Frightened Rabbit–The Winter of Mixed Drinks March 9

Broken Bells–Broken Bells March 9

The National–High Violet May 11

Gaslight Anthem–American Slang

Sarah Jaffe–

Mynabirds–What We Loose In The Fire We gain In The Flood

The Black Keys–Brothers

Preservation Hall Jazz band–A Benefit for Preservation Hall

Concert DVD

Bruce Springsteen–London Calling: Live in Hyde Park

Songs:
Carolina Chocolate Drops “Peace Behind The Bridge”

Broken Bells “The High Road”

Frightened Rabbit “Yes, I Would”

Johnny Cash “Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound”

Sarah Jaffe “Clementine”

Bruce Springsteen “The Rising,” Live

Gaslight Anthem “Bring It On”

Frank Turner “Long Live The Queen,” Live

Rollins first came to the public’s attention fronting the hardcore punk band Black Flag

Photo: Maura Lanahan

between 1981 and 1986. To say he was a dynamic performer would be from all reports a huge understatement. On stage he wore only a pair of black shorts and by the middle of his tenure with Black Flag, he had begun lifting weights and created an impressive physique.

After Black Flag broke up in 1986, Henry Rollins started the record label and book publisher 2.13.61 Publications, named for his birthday. Since this time he has also formed the Rollins Band and continued his spoken word, writing, acting, DJing, activism, and work as a TC host.

On the acting front, readers have likely seen him, even thought they aren’t aware of it. He had a small part in the amazing movie “Heat,” which notably stars Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. As a side, if you haven’t seen this film, it is really excellent. In addition, he was the host of The Henry Rollins Show on the Independent Film Channel, featuring music and political guests. This show has unfortunately not been renewed.

As an activist Mr. Rollins has taken on a great many issues including, gay rights, opposition to the gulf wars, the case of the West Memphis Three. While opposing the wars, he has however taken part in USO tours. We touch on this in the interview that follows.

This is really just a cursory overview. If you want more information about Henry Rollins, specifically his time with Black Flag, check out the great book, Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azerrad. Or, check out his books, music, website, and of course go see his show at Castaways. He’s a really interesting and talented guy. Needless to say, it was great to get the opportunity to ask him some questions via email.

Dynamic Meter: Do you write differently depending on the whether the final piece will be music or spoken word?

Henry Rollins: I don’t write out speaking stuff.

DM: How did 2.13.61 press come about? Was it a conscious DIY approach?

HR: I started it because I wanted to get my stuff out. I was in Black Flag when I started publishing stuff and definitely learned a lot from working there. There was no other way than DIY.

DM: You’ve toured with the USO to visit troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. How does this fit with your views about the war?

HR: Just fine. Soldiers don’t start wars, leaders do. Armies take orders and that’s it. I don’t like war but my argument isn’t with the soldiers. It’s not even their war, they’re just dying in it. These are corporate wars for basing posture in the region and access to oil to make the Middle East submit. The Military really has little to do with it. So, I like the troops very much, it’s this fake war that is obscene to me, what happens in war, what it turns people into, it’s just pathetic and totally avoidable.

DM: More about Activism. You’re a strong supporter of gay rights and freeing the West Memphis Three as well as others. How does activism influence your work? And vice versa?

HR: I think it’s all part of being responsible and trying to be part of your country’s welfare. As far as influencing my work, I guess it informs what I say onstage to an extent and where I travel to.

DM: You’ve also acted in movies such as “Heat” and TV such as “Sons of Anarchy.” Does acting provide you with a different creative angle than music or spoken word?

HR: Not that I am aware of. It’s just work to me and I am always glad for it.

DM: Black Flag has had a lot of influence. Was there a point when the band was still together that you felt this or did it come later?

HR: Honestly, it’s Greg Ginn’s band and I never felt more than just one of the singers so it may be an influential band but not because of anything I did. It’s Greg Ginn’s songs that you remember. As far as influence, it’s really nothing I think about in a practical sense.

DM: What are you working on now?

HR: I am on tour as well as working on two books and some liner notes for someone’s album.

DM: Who are you listening to or who is inspiring you now?

HR: I am listening to a lot of music from a thing called the Nurse With Wound list. My road manager has a lot of the albums so I have been checking them out

In 2008, I wrote about the record saying, “This record kicks off with what I think is the most beautiful song of 2008, “Charlie Darwin.” This indie-Americana trio played all of the various 27 instruments used to make the album. And in doing so created a masterpiece that speaks to our search for meaning in a chaotic world.”

Ben Knox Miller and Jeff Prystowsky formed the Low Anthem in Providence, Rhode Island in 2006. Together they released The Low Anthem’s first album, “What The Crow Brings” in 2007. Also that year, classical composer and musician Jocie Adams joined the band.  And 2008 brought the release of “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin.” The members of the band all play multiple instruments including guitar, bass, harmonica, piano, clarinet, pump organ, and zither.

For The Low Anthem 2009 was a huge year. Not only did they have the re-release of “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin.” In addition, the band had appearances on television on Later with Jools Holland, and live at such important festivals as South By Southwest, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and the Newport Folk Festival.

Now in 2010, they’ve already started working on a new record that will hopefully be released this year. Also, the band is currently touring as the opening act for the Avett Brothers and that’s what is bringing them to Ithaca on February 26 at the State Theatre. I usually don’t profile the opening band for a concert, but I’m so passionate about this band that I really want to focus attention on them. I got the opportunity to ask Jeff Prystowsky some questions. As the band was in Europe at press time, the interview was done via email.

Dynamic Meter: “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin” came out independently in 2008 and then was re-released by Nonesuch in 2009. The album, and the band, seem to be a great example of a slow build and giving music time to find an audience. How has this approached worked for the band? Was it intentional?

Jeff Prystowsky: We were just doing what made sense to us. We started small and grew as more people heard about the shows and the record.

DM: There’s a real intimacy to the sound of “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin.” How was the album recorded?

JP: We recorded it out on Block Island [an island located 13 miles off of the coast of Rhode Island], and set up a home studio in the basement of a house. It was ten days of madness and beauty.

DM: You all play multiple instruments. Are you all largely self-taught?

JP: Well, we’ve all had music teachers. Jocie is the only one with formal classical training. I’ve studied jazz bass. But yes, we’ve taught ourselves a lot of the other instruments we play.

DM: The band’s lineup has changed over time from duo to trio, and now quartet. What was behind the changes?

JP: Just trying to stay ahead of ourselves. We don’t want to get too comfortable with the sound.

DM: How do you write and arrange your songs?

JP: Ben and I write the songs and we bring them to the band to arrange. We have a roomful of instruments, and we all walk around and pick ones up until we find something that works.

DM: How do you put your live set together?

JP: It really depends on the room. Tonight we’re at a college. But two nights ago we were in a church. And three nights ago we were in a rock club, and before that, a theatre. Each setting has it’s own vibe and we write our set lists special for each night.

DM: What artists, musicians, and others have inspired you?

JP: Short answer: for songwriting, Bob Dylan, John Prine, and Leonard Cohen. For arranging, Tom Waits.

DM: What bands are you listening to now?

JP: We’ve been spending a lot of time listening through our record collection for songs that would fit the themes for our weekly radio show on WOXY.com called the Tra-La La La Radio Hour.

Stream “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin” below.

Lyrically she takes on subjects such as war and those who speak of peace but still wage war. “U talk about peace / Put it in ur mouth / The same mouth u use to declare ur bombs.” She’s also not afraid of the spiritual on tunes such as “God of Mercy.” With her words and her music, Nneka proves that a powerful message is enhanced when heads are bobbing and the listener can’t help but groove.

There will certainly be comparisons to Lauren Hill. But I dislike comparisons because they too often compartmentalize an artist and dissuade listeners from hearing what is truly unique and powerful about the newer of the two artists. And to confine Nneka in such a way would be to overlook all that is so amazing about her music and “Concrete Jungle.”

BLK JKS, After Robots
Hailing from South Africa, this is likely my favorite new band of the year. “After Robots” is filled with amazing rhythms, shimmering, distorted guitars, and soaring vocals. It is kind of hard to describe, but so easy to love. I was listening again this afternoon. So if I had to pick today, this might be my favorite record of the year.

Hubcap, Silencer
Of all the really good bands in the Ithaca music scene, one really stands out for me as my favorite—Hubcap. To me it’s the best of the local bands. Every time I listen to the band, I think to myself, “Why aren’t these guys huge?” And their brand new album, “Silencer,” has only solidified this belief in my mind. This was my favorite local (Ithaca, NY) release of the year.

Linda Oh, Entry
Linda Oh is a young bass player living in New York City. And this year she released her debut recording. And she followed the cordless trio format, utilizing trumpet, bass, and drums. From the first notes of “Entry” I noticed she has a huge sound on the bass and that a major new voice in the jazz world was her first, of hopefully many, statements.

The Bad Plus, For All I Care
Prior to this year’s release, The Bad Plus had been an instrumental trio. “For All I Care,” is a departure from this tradition. For this recording the band added Wendy Lewis. Or in the bands lingo, “The Bad Plus Joined by Wendy Lewis.” Wendy Lewis is a well-known fixture on the Minneapolis music scene and, by design, not a jazz vocalist. The result is stunning. The addition of vocals to this band, has taken its music to another level. The combination of the way The Bad Plus interprets tunes added, now, with the singer’s beautiful vocals creates a sound that reminds me some contemporary classical composers.

Mike Doughty, Sad Man Happy Man
Mike Doughty’s new recording perfectly melds the acoustic approach he has been following in recent years with his much beloved early Soul Coughing work and has therefore put forth the strongest album of his career. In the end, the one element of major importance in the greatness of “Sad Man Happy Man,” is that Mike Doughty is making powerful music on his own terms. Music that is lovely, funky, and meaningful. And with every listen this depth is becoming more and more apparent.

Leonard Cohen, Live In London
Leonard Cohen is a master lyricist. He also had not toured in about 15 years. So his 2008 tour was an incredible opportunity for fans to see him. Or for most of us, not see him. But listening to him sing lines such as “There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in” sends chills up my spine every time I hear it. And if you are new to his music, this is the ideal introduction.

Nirvana, Live At Reading
There was a time in the 1990s when there was no bigger band than Nirvana. Period. This live recording from 1992 captures the band in its musical and creative high point. And being able to hear the tunes recorded live really shows the greatness of the band was not overrated.

Neko Case, Middle Cyclone
In 2006, Neko Case released the album that has defined her career so far—“Fox Confessor Brings the Flood.” This album was critically acclaimed (it landed on almost every year end best of list), was adored by her current fans, and turned a whole lot more people onto her music. In 2009, however, Ms. Case had the very difficult task of releasing a follow-up album. This was no easy task. The result of this work is “Middle Cyclone.” And lucky for all of us, she was up to the task and delivered another great record.

Samantha Crain, Songs In The Night
One of the bands I’ve been really excited with over the past couple of years is Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers.  In 2008, the band released a very, very good EP, “The River.” This got the buzz going for them and they made a lot of best of year end lists. This April they released “Songs In The Night.” This truly excellent album got a huge amount of play on my iPod this year.

Works Progress Administration, Works Progress Administration
This indie super group is made up of former members of Toad The Wet Sprocket and Nickel Creek. They released a really great record of rocked out blue grass. Having released this release completely without a label or distribution, this gets my award for independent release of the year.

Brandi Carlile, Give Up The Ghost
I’ve loved every Brandi Carlile record and “Give Up The Ghost” is no exception. She’s an extraordinary talent. Deep. lovely tunes. “That Year,” from this album, might be the most lovely, and heartbreaking, of 2009.

Wilco, Wilco
What can I say, I totally dig Wilco. So any new album is good news to me. They continue to record great albums full of really compelling tunes. THis album produced one of my favorite songs of the year with the Feist duet, “You and I.”

My website of the year award goes to National Public Radio’s Music site. If you haven’t explored www.npr.org/music, you really must. The site has a vast archive of interviews and concerts. Many of the shows can be downloaded. This site has greatly expanded the web for the music lover.