Miles Raymer |Reader music critic
Riley’s Grandma’s Roadhouse: A sticker on the deluxe vinyl edition of this beyond-obscure 1971 album reissued last fall suggests filing it under “headneck,” which for being a terrible pun actually works pretty well. Featuring honky-tonk legend-to-be Gary Stewart on bass and vocals, the trio made sweet, resiny blends of shitkicker country, hippified rock, and southern soul.
The Amps’ Pacer: After the unexpected commercial success of the Breeders’ Last Splash, Kim Deal retreated to a basement in Dayton to mess around with some buddies and ended up making one of the most perfect pieces of lo-fi pop to come out of an era that was already doing pretty well for itself in terms of lo-fi pop. After I rediscovered this record recently, repeat spins have made up a full 25 percent of my music listening.
The Weeknd’s House of Balloons: Much of the other 75 percent of my music listening has been taken up by the most fascinating R&B record since D’angelo’s Voodoo. An album-length sneak preview of what pop radio will sound like in 2012.
What does photographer Clayton Hauck listen to while swilling beer on summer nights?
This post has been amended to correct the title of the Amps’ album.
Clayton Hauck |Photographer
David Dondero’s live set: I’ve long been a fan of underrated folk rocker David Dondero, but after catching him at Schubas a few months back (complete with a backing band for a few songs!), I fell forever in love. He has many awkward live performance videos scattered on the Internet for anyone curious, though I would recommend catching him live during one of his endless cross-country tours.
Walter Meego’s Wondervalley: Former Chicago kids Walter Meego released their new album for free late last year, and it’s been in my heavy rotation ever since. Very fun, casual, and melodic music, perfect for chill summer nights of drinking too much beer.
“WireTap” from CBC Radio: My first few encounters with Jonathan Goldstein’s “comedy” radio show resulted in audible moans whenever it would interrupt my day’s routine soundtrack of NPR. The clever, cutesy, and obviously prewritten rapport was a big turnoff. Then I actually listened to it. It’s now one of my favorite breaks from life’s boring routines.
Here’s how Schubas talent buyer and promoter Matt Rucins is raising his kid to love vinyl…
MATT RUCINS | Schubas talent buyer and promoter
Listening to 45s on my suitcase record player with my son Owen: I figured this was the best way to introduce Owen to the pleasures of vinyl. The seven-inch records are easier for him to handle, and I can stomach the beating he may put on the suitcase player better than I could with my Technics. The highlight thus far has got to be listening to Harry Nilsson’s “Without You,” which led to Owen asking who Nilsson was missing before tears came to his eyes.
Songs of the day: Whether from My Spoonful, RCRD LBL, or NPR Music, the (almost) daily e-mail from each has become an indispensable way for me to keep up with what’s new in indie, dance, rock, pop, roots, etc. They have led me on some fruitful hunts for new bands that eventually played or will play Schubas and Lincoln Hall.
Podcasts: Yes, I realize this is not a new phenomenon, but when you are immersed in music most of the time it helps to have an out, and podcasts are mine. Whether comedy (“WTF”), politics (the New Yorker’s “Political Scene”), or culture (“Fresh Air”), these are the voices that keep me sane throughout the day.