Gatsby's Green Light

Artist:  Gatsby’s Green Light

Title:  Coulson

Rating:  3.5 Stars (out of 5)

Buy It: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gatsbys-green-light/id475966075

Ken Coulson is without a doubt a talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.  Gatsby’s Green Light is a side project of sorts, but it seems to avoid the ego trappings that so often can come with the territory.  According to Mr Coulson’s bio he is prolific song writer utilizing the guitar, banjo, ukulele, and mandolin.  Upon listening to the record there will be no doubts created in those facts.  Ken Coulson’s bio as presented on his website (www.kencoulson.com) represents a man searching both musically and in life.  Gatsby’s Green Light portrays the results of that search possibly finding some things and starting new paths of discovery at the same time.  Not unlike the artists Coulson compares his sound to and cites as inspiration, Paul Simon, Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, Gatsby’s Green Light grabs elements of world, jam band, rock, and other eclectic genres to create a melting pot sound.

The collection starts out with a mostly acoustic number that certainly does not hide from the Dave Matthews comparisons.  “Shy” with its percussive acoustic guitar and the use of the flute following the melody is a friendly start.  “The Way” follows the same path, but broadens with the use of harmonicas and a more open Americana feel.  The third song “Letters of My Youth” is funky jam band track which is currently seeng some success at radio.  This is certainly not surprising with its catchy chorus and infectious grooves.  Coulson surprisingly shifts gears with “Baila Luna”.  The song starts with a long acoustic introduction which leads into a flamenco beat and lyrics all in Spanish.  It is very memorable and for sure the stand out track on the collection.  The next song, “America, I See You”, comes back to the center, but still surprises with steel guitar and decidedly country inspired beat.  “Portland Song” reflects Coulson’s world music style more towards his Paul Simon and David Byrne leanings.  The horns and tribal beats fit right into mix of the entire record.  “Climb” builds from an orchestral introduction with simulated strings and dramatic vocals.  The lyrics are drenched with yearning for a place, person, or point in time.  “Memorize” begins with acoustic guitar and saxophone harkening back to a 1970’s AM radio sound that is frankly marginalized by many in today’s hipper circles.  Coulson uses the genre either accidently or purposely with great effect reminding the listener of a time when song construction and studio musicianship was much more prized.  “Forest to the Field” is the most Coldplay like track on the collection with the orchestral keyboard song and soaring vocals.  The album closes much like it started out with a simple ukulele driven introduction to the song “Closer”.  An overused prop and underused instrument, Coulson employs the ukulele as an interesting element which benefits the entire song avoiding the sometime inevitable cuteness of the instrument. 

Ken Coulson and Gatsby’s Green Light debut is eclectically beautiful and overall very enjoyable.  So few artists are able to integrate world music, Latin, and other elements into their compositions and avoid the pretention that often can accompany the effort.  Coulson seems completely comfortable within the many genres and influences contained on the record.  The production and atmosphere augments rather than overwhelms each song.  Ultimately solo projects such as Gatsby’s Green Light can come off as pasted together and less than coherent.  This collection does not reflect that trap at all.  If anything it is surprising that Gatsby’s Green Light is a solo project at all.  There is a cohesiveness that is lacking in many other records that project vanity more than anything else.  Ken Coulson and his assembled band have created a very complete and enjoyable collection of songs.

Mass Hypnosis

I am usually very late accepting massive media hits. Partly because the small amount of rebellion left inside me does not want to follow the herd and partly because I think that a gigantic amount of people liking anything only indicates that it is for shit. Hitler, Reagan, the Bay City Rollers, Two and a Half Men. Do I need to supply any more examples? So it took me 2 years to listen to Appetite of Destruction in its entirety, a few months to get behind Barack Obama (I was a John Edwards guy) and I have yet to see Titanic. But occasionally I am compelled to pick up an item that was hyped to the point of parody. I have been thinking about reading James Frey’s A Million Little Pieces the Oprah selection that was once godlike and quickly demonized as it became known that the memoir was more a vague retelling. Although I knew little about the book when all the acclaim and controversy was raging, I did feel sympathy for the author. Although he may have not lived every incident in the book exactly as it occurred, he did certainly draw upon his own experiences as any good author does. The term memoir is the poison here. People want things to be real so they can be voyeurs into another person’s misery and many authors, actors, and otherwise just regular losers get sucked in based on the promise of a fast buck and quick fame. While Frey’s story may have garnered little attention as a novel, he certainly would not have received so much derision.

As far as the book is concerned, if taken as a novel (as even the best memoir or biography should be) it is a true classic hard boiled tale of addiction and desperation. It harkens back to some of the grittiest works of Burroughs, Kerouac, and even a touch of Hemingway swagger. All of the aforementioned masters wrote highly personalized stories, but in order to protect friends and their own reputations and also to fully enjoy the artistic license warranted to authors they mostly remained in the genre of fiction. An author should not feel that it is necessary to guarantee prose.

So basically I am saying give the book a shot. Just forget all the hype and read it like the novel it should have been promoted as.

Movies I Liked in 2009

What follows is a list of movies I enjoyed and would recommend. Most of these movies were new in 2009 (at least on DVD), but some are ones I just watched for the first time. There is no particular order, but I did save the best 2 movies I saw for last.

1. Shotgun Stories - Not only because this movie was set and filmed in Arkansas and not only because Ben Nichols from Lucero did the soundtrack. This movie is darkly dramatic and quite frankly scary.
2. Religulous - Although no Michael Moore, Bill Maher does demonstrate how ridiculous externalizing religous beliefs can be.
3. Role Models - I should have know that when I grew up I wanted to be Paul Rudd. He co-wrote this movie as well as starred in it.
4. The Reader - Nazis and Kate Winslet. Count me in.
5. The Foot Fist Way - Danny McBride is one of the funniest character actors out there. He gets all the roles Seth Rogan would have if he did not become a dashing leading man. Also check out the first season of Eastbound and Down.
6. Tyson - I have always been a fan of the great heavyweights ever since my dad and I used to watch Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes fights on ABC back in the 1970's. This documentary really sheds some light on what happened to such a talented man and will make you see him as a human being.
7. Californication (seasons 1 & 2) - Because I do not have the premium movie channels I usually come to these shows late. After watching the first episode of season 1, I was totally hooked and watched both seasons in short order. Amazingly acted, funny and dramatic.
8. Observe and Report - Much like the amazingly misunderstood movie The Cable Guy (Jim Carrey), Seth Rogan takes a dark turn in this film. Observe and Report is not an easy "haha" comedy full of dick jokes and stoner laughs. Be ready to be challenged and maybe a little disturbed.
9. I Love You, Man - Paul Rudd!
10. Julie and Julia - Meryl Streep's performance in this film is just amazing. She is so consistent and does her job outside of the Hollywood tabloid glare, it is easy to forget that she is one of the greatest actors of any era.
11. Impaler - The best documentaries focus on quirky characters operating in the ordinary world. Satanic priest, gubernatorial candidate, and blood sucking vampire Jonathan Sharkey will be hard for you to forget.
12. The Boondock Saints and Overnight - I cannot believe it took me ten years to see this movie. Great dialogue and artistic use of violence. The documentary Overnight follows the making of the Boondock Saints and the unmaking of writer/director Troy Duffy. Although artistcally talented, Duffy is a domineering egomaniac who is his own worst enemy.
13. The Hangover - Other than Judd Apatow, Todd Phillips has made some of the most interesting comedies in recent years. I am sure you have seen this movie, but if you have not Zach Galifianakis alone is worth the time spent.
14. Funny People - It is always amazing to watch actors and filmmakers mature through their work. As advertised Funny People is the third movie written and directed by Judd Apatow and features many of the usual suspects such as Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill, and Leslie Mann (Apatow's wife). What really stands out is the combination of what one would expect from a Judd Apatow comedy, and what I think is the best acting performance by Adam Sandler ever. He does not rely on silly voices and mugging to the camera in this film. He portrays a very real and flawed character with a skill that I hope portends his future roles.
15. Inglourious Basterds - I love all of Quentin Tarantino's films and have watched each one dozens of times. Inglourious Basterds is by far the best written and acted of the bunch. This movie belongs in the same conversation as groundbreaking films such as the Wild Bunch, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, and dare I say the Godfather II. Watch it and then watch it again.

Top Music of 2009

What follows is my personal list of top music from 2009. This is obviously not comprehensive by any means. To make this list the music had to inspire me to purchase either physically or digitally. Although I probably purchase more music than the average 40 year old, I certainly consume less than the average person in the record business. Mostly because I am picky but also because I spend a lot of my limited free time reading and watching movies (movie list to follow by the way). Take a look and let me know what you think.

1. Death Cab for Cutie - Meet at the Equinox (single)
Although I will do my best to avoid the movie this song appears in, I still think it is an amazing track from one of my favorites bands. It has all the elements I love about DCC. And by the way believe me when I say that I will avoid the Twilight phenomena. I still have yet to see Titanic.

2. Pearl Jam - Backspacer and Ten (Redux)
How many bands can release a twentieth anniversary edition of their debut as well as one of their best new recordings in the same year? Most bands in their 20th year are usually only a shadow of their former selves or they are so entrenched in trying to capture the past that anything new is just a pitiful attempt at past glory. I am looking at you Alice in Chains. The remastered version of Ten not only includes the required unreleased tracks and live performances, but the deluxe has a DVD of their amazing MTV Unplugged performance. But the pièce de résistance is Brendan O'Brien's remixed version of the original LP which really brings out the ROCK. As for the band's new release, Backspacer, it is a solid collection of rock songs in the tradition of Ten as well as the follow up Vs. Although a Target exclusive, the band went the extra mile to offer a great digital version on iTunes as well as a version just for independent retail. I highly recommend the physical version of the CD or the LP. The artwork is amazing.

3. Wilco - Ashes of American Flags DVD and Wilco
I was lucky enough to be at a premiere independent retailer in San Diego on Record Store Day and I was able to obtain two favorites. The first being the latest Wilco DVD Ashes of American Flags. Not only is this a great documentary/concert film, but the DVD came with a code to download the audio for all the songs. Wilco is a rare band that delivers a unique live experience as strong but separate from their recorded experience. Wilco also released a new self-titled record this year and although I cannot rank it above their previous two studio recordings it is still a very good record with a lot more joy than previous releases.


4. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
It is easy to add Neko Case's latest to this list since almost every critic has done the same, but don't dismiss this record as just a critical darling. Neko has an amazing magnetism and a voice to match. Whether she is singing an original composition or a somewhat obscure cover song, I just cannot resist her. Of course I can do without the 30 minute chorus of tree frogs that closes the collection. Seems like a guilty pleasure for city folks to me.


5. Lucero - 1372 Overton Park
I fucking love this band and while I lived in Little Rock this may have been a little uncool now that I have returned to the northeast, I love them even more. This record is a bit of a departure for the Ben and the boys with the addition of a horn section that gives the record a throwback Memphis sound that suits them. Ultimately the core guitar and gravely vocals are there and as far as I am concerned no one writes better songs than Ben Nichols. I am a little wary that the band is going down a road paved by Springsteen cover band The Hold Steady though. The next time I see the band if there are a bunch of frat boys with backwards baseball caps singing along I will be very depressed.


6. The Dead Weather - Horehound
I have to admit that I have a love/don't really care attitude about Jack White. I want to like the White Stripes, but there always seemed to be something missing. I love his work with Loretta Lynn and some of the Raconteurs stuff, but after seeing a live performance I was hooked by this latest project. Behind the drum kit, Jack seems at home and the group seems like a real band not just a side project. The sound is kind of Deep Purple meets grunge and simply just rocks.


7. Deer Tick - Born on Flag Day
I was first exposed to this Rhode Island band in 2008 when I saw them open for Jenny Lewis in New Haven, CT. They blew me away and I immediately bought whatever was available. I later discovered how hard this band has been working to make a name for themselves. Born on Flag Day demonstrates all that hard work, but still comes off as unpolished. Remember the first Uncle Tupelo record. It feels like that.


8. My Morning Jacket - Celebracion De La Ciudad Natal and Yim Yames - Tribute To (EP)
This MMJ CD was my second purchase on Record Store Day. It was exclusive to the retailers taking part in this special event and I am glad I grabbed it. Along side Wilco, MMJ knows how to translate their music to a live setting. This 8 track collection does not disappoint. Later this year lead singer Jim James released a great collection of George Harrison covers under the barely veiled pseudonym Yim Yames. This is a very lo-fi and understated collection, but the version of All Things Must Pass is worth the entire EP.


9. Kevin Kerby + Battery - Beautiful & Bright
I am lucky to have met and worked with some of my favorite song writers during my career. I was a fan of Kevin's band Mulehead before I moved to Little Rock in 1998. I not only got a chance to see that band dozens of times, but I was able to work with them and becomes friends with Kevin. This is his latest solo collection and quite frankly some of the best songs he has ever written. There is a darkness and maturity in the lyrics that quite frankly moved me greatly. The stand out song for me is Last Word On A Situation which at its core is a highly personal song about a specific instance for Kevin but resonates for me on many levels.


10. Company of Thieves - Ordinary Riches
Let me begin by admitting something very difficult. I love Daryl Hall and I watch his web show Live From Daryl's House religiously. That is where I first saw Company of Thieves. Lead singer, Genevieve Schatz, has an amazing voice that reminds me of a time I just loved pop/alternative/new wave music and did not have to try and earn money from it. All my hipster friends, please suspend your jaded natures and listen.


11. Jay Farrar & Ben Gibbard - One Fast Move And I'm Gone
What is better than a Jack Kerouac novel? A documentary and a bunch of songs based on his writings. The three things that make me a geek and an outcast; beat novelists, shoe gazing folk rock, and documentaries all in one easy download.


12. Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Live at the Fillmore East Who knew Neil was saving all this cool shit? This 6 song collection of live jams is an incredible time capsule. As much as I love bands like My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Blitzen Trapper and the like this collection reminds me where it started, and frankly over shadows all. The 16 minute version of Cowgirl in the Sand and the 12 minute version of Down By the River will make you want to build a time machine and grow sideburns.


13. Sonic Youth - The Eternal
Like an uncontrolled impulse I buy every new Sonic Youth release. The Eternal marks there escape from major label legitimizer to independent mavericks. This release continues the mix of experimental with musical that has been a heavy part of all their releases over the last 20 years. To me they are still as current and vibrant as ever.


14. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
I usually avoid and do not enjoy the "latest thing". These bands usually fade soon after the second song they perform on SNL. A friend of mine (thanks Little Rock Pete) recommended this release for just what it is - "a great summer record". Very catchy and crisp. Perfect to play loud.


15. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love
I love Genesis, Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd and all those progressive/psychedelic bands from the 1970's. That appreciation has led me to bands that make incredibly complex and layered music that still is anchored in rock and folk traditions. The Hazards of Love not only shares many characteristics of those post hippie bands, but it is a rock opera to boot. Blame it on listening to Peter and the Wolf so many times in grade school, but I love to be told a story especially with so much deception and violence.

Cover Me - Hear It Again

Murder by Death - Songs to Kill By

Drunk and Drinking - Music to feel sorry for yourself by.