“Be With Us” is a great example of his pop sensibilities and distinct voice. Elk City had the privilege of working with Brother JT on many of the songs on our 2007 LP, New Believers. Ray: Brother JT is an underground treasure. Did you think the Flaming Lips invented that stuff? Video The cowbell that “wrecks” the last verse is stoned inspiration for neo-psych to this day. The moniker didn’t stick, but that’s no reflection on the brilliance of this recording. Ray: We chose Kangaroo as our first band name, with this track being the namesake. Ray: Arthur Lee warns us about the collapsing world around us, “The water’s turned to blood/And if you don’t think so/Go turn on your tub.” The neuroses displayed on Love’s 1967 classic Forever Changes is certainly defining, but in the end, Lee’s positivity wins out. Ariel Pink’s went up as soon as I got home. He was so sweet, in a strung-out way, until he said, “I think it sounds pretty good up here!” Some guy in the audience retorted, “It doesn’t sound that great,” which was followed by Pink’s “Fuck you!” It still thrills me to tape concert tickets to my wall.

Sheer pop, positive-vibing in less than three minutes: part Brian Wilson, part David Johansen. Renee: This is a cover of the Ramrods’ song from the ’60s. VideoĪriel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti “Bright Lit Blue Skies” This song has the same effect on me that the Jerky Boys do: I want to stop listening, yet I can’t. Renee: Anyone who writes a song with the opening line “I’m getting tired of your shit” is a genius in my book. Then there’s the whisper-to-a-bellow voice of Colin Newman. You can be more bad-ass with clean guitars than distorted ones. It’s what they don’t play that makes the songs work. Little grooves, little sounds, little ideas that become huge when assembled in the right order. Plus, check out this video chronicling the recording of House Of Tongues. Elk City’s founding members, singer/songwriter Renee LoBue and drummer/producer Ray Ketchem, made this mix tape for MAGNET. Unlike some groups that lose creative edge and flounder over time, this outfit proves with this LP that it’s more cohesive than ever-and the addition of a fresh face with new keyboardist Carl Baggaley didn’t hurt, either. 2010 marks 10 years since Elk City’s first release, and the band is celebrating with a new album, House Of Tongues, which was just release via Friendly Fire Recordings.

Erykah badu tyrone chlean