Deer Tick

August 25th, 2009

This is a quick and dirty post before I go to sleep (in preparation for my last first day of school evar.) I cannot stop listening to the deliciously grungy country twang of Deer Tick, and, happily, Rolling Stone has decided to feed my obsession with some live and acoustic videos on the Smoking Section. Check ‘em out! I’m always gonna be a sucker for real, rootsy country music (and by “real” I mean, the stuff that has a foot deeply lodged in the blues, and its heart swathed in folk. Not the stuff that is drowning in sugary pop. See: Taylor Swift, et al.)

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Jason Soudah – The Living Room, New York City

August 22nd, 2009

Jason Soudah, singer-songwriter and British world traveler, pulled up a chair in New York City’s The Living Room on August 12 to share his music with a large crowd of friends and fans. Soudah recently released a self-titled album on Donymar with re-imagined older songs, as well as some new tracks. Though Soudah is supported on the album by a full band, he played the cozy Living Room solo, with a keyboard purchased specifically for the gig. “I’ll have a keyboard in every major city before you know it!” he said.

Soudah showcased lots of love songs during his set, including his staple, “Six Hours.” To the opening line, “Six hours on the phone,” Soudah’s fabulous mother nodded and said, “That’s true!”

“Crushed” is a lush song about forbidden desire; it builds beautifully, teasing the listener along. “Gasoline” seems to be about a psychological knight in shining armor, rescuing the damsel from her self-limitations. It’s quick and catchy.

Soudah told the crowd that he could feel their positive energy, and was prepared to turn it into a collective creation. “Who’s in love? Raise your hand!” Soudah requested. A couple in the front row raised their hands, and Soudah asked them if they had a cool story about the stuff they liked to do together. “We like to go for Sunday morning bagel runs!” the woman exclaimed. Next, a couple in the middle added that they had met at summer camp. With this, Soudah crafted an original song for this New York audience only, complete with a bagel-run chorus. Giggles and smiles all around.

Soudah ended his set with a partial-request; after playing an original, he broke out into a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” The audience became the backing band, clapping along to the tune.

Jason Soudah’s star continues to rise. With each performance, more and more fans are converted. Soudah’s infectious energy and genuine kindness combine with his talent to make him relatable and worth rooting for.

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