LR: What is happening right now in the world of The Movies? Any plans for a release this year?
Brian: Just finished building a recording studio, Chermak Studios in Burbank.
Stevie: Writing, Recording, barbequing while writing and recording, the occasional show as well.
LR: Everyone I talk to about the band “loves The Movies” and your shows are
consistently packed. But it seems like record labels are hesitant or
just clueless about your music? Why do you think this is?
Stevie: It’s
almost impossible to pinpoint why this is. None of us were marketing
majors in college, those of us who were even on campus at one time or
another. We’ve never had a manager who looked out for our best
interests and helped find a decent label for our music.
LR: How is it different playing in Los Angeles than say when you toured in Spain? Are the crowds more appreciative?
Tim: In LA I have to sneak 40oz into the club. In Spain, there is a 40oz waiting for me.
Brian: Not more appreciative, there just seems to be more of them. Spaniards
love the rock and roll, period. When they go to a show, they go to see
the bands. When they come up and talk afterwards, they talk about
music. In L.A. it seems people have various agendas.
LR: What does the band do outside of The Movies? Any careers or interesting jobs that you could tell us about?
Tim: Rock Consultant.
Brian: I work as a copywriter in advertising.
Stevie: I work in the valley as a fluffer…it’s mostly under the table.
LR: Who does the principal songwriting? The vocals? Were you guys in any other bands before The Movies?
Stevie: Tim does the majority of the songwriting but Brian has songs and Jess even has the occasional riff that will emerge as a song.
Brian: We
all contribute to the development/arrangements – Stevie helps a lot
with structure and of course, each member contributes their parts
usually. It gets pretty collaborative after someone brings in the idea.
Tim: I
was in the Vehicle Berth until I was kicked out for peeing on our
drummer’s girlfriend’s car. Trust me I was doing her a favor.
Brian: I was in a new wave/surf band in the early 80s in Florida called “Locals Only.”
Stevie: I tried out for Dismemberment Plan once.
LR: What is your earliest memory of wanting to play music or be in a band? Any specific events or musicians that have inspired you?
Stevie: Listening to jazz music at home as a kid. My Pop has a sweet record collection.
Tim: When
I was a babe, my father took me to RFK stadium to watch the Redskins
comeback and beat the Raiders. On exiting the stadium I noticed a
street musician blowing on an instrument. The music sounded good, but
was abruptly stopped by two drunken jocks who kicked his ass and mocked
him. That always stuck with me.
Brian: Since as
long as I can remember. Started banging on the piano at 4. Put a
recital on at 8 before having any lessons. Played Beatles covers and
originals.
LR: What’s your fondest memory of playing in Los Angeles? Any crazy or exciting moments that took place at one of your gigs?
Tim: Tom Cruise showed up at a gig along with Blaire from Facts of Life.
Stevie: Budfest. We threw a party on the roof of an apartment building on
Sanborn & Sunset. Keg stands, gorgeous sunset, and nitrous tanks.
LR: Timothy, how in the hell do you channel such a passionate performance at every show? What conjures up this excitement?
Stevie: Tighty whities.
Tim: See answer to question 6.
LR: What music are you listening to right now? Any bands or artists that have recently inspired you and your music?
Stevie: I’m listening to Thin Lizzy, Stranglers, Steely Dan, Oneida, and Publicist.
Tim: New Years gang, Nate Moore, Meet Me at the Pub.
Brian: Lately,
Robert Rental, Eric Random & Annette Peacock a lot. And I just made
a killer Zombies mix. I fall asleep to Rapoon or Slowdive.
LR: Any last shout-outs?
Tim, Brian and Stevie: The Chermak Studios jingle of course, Chermak studios. We’ve got pro tools for your digital
needs. 2 inch tape for you analog geeks, mics, stands, baffles too,
OUTBOARD GEAR OUT THE WAZOO. Chermak studios, we’re in Burbank so come
down.”
“Bros” is taken from Panda Bear’s “Person Pitch” and hits stores on March 20th via Paw Tracks. Ween + Beach Boys?
The Besnard Lakes
The Besnard lakes Are The Dark Horse
2007 | Jagjaguwar
Another outstanding band from Montreal fronted by husband and wife duo Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas. Principal songwriter Lasek (who has produced Sunset Rubdown and Wolf Parade) brought in members of the Dears and Godspeed You Black Emperor!, but you would’ve never guessed thanks to the album’s originality and grand scope. Their sound is clearly defined with uplifting and epic sweeps of reverberated guitar, arching falsettos, rich vocal harmonies, and 70’s-inspired rock choruses (think My Morning Jacket). Vocally the band is right on target channeling the sensual yet desperate feel of Low. And musically you’ll hear moments of Pink Floyd and Slowdive. Still, “The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse” is an original and vital rock album that creates intriguing combinations of texture and emotion.
The Album kicks off with “Disaster,” a track that starts with bittersweet harmonies and delicate strings. By the time the song is finished it has become a completely different beast chugging along like a powerful locomotive in slow motion. “For Agent 13” is even more impressive and sounds like Brian Wilson covering Explosions in the Sky. “And You Lied To Me” kills it with an ornate and blistering guitar solo over a dubby bassline. “Devastation” recalls Spiritualized swallowing their best medication and features some proggy synths and filtered vocals. The drums build and flicker with more percussion during the chorus as the band continues to push you over the edge.
Things get a little mellow on “Because Tonight” but springboard back into “Rides the Rails” and the happy, almost shoegazey “On Bedford and Grand.” Piano and guitars bleed together with spooky vocals that even Mama Cass would be proud of. The final track “Cedric’s War” hops along like a summertime walk in the woods, carefree with speckles of dirt on the edges. The album never holds back at any given moment.
Trying to capture the best moments of your influences while sounding completely original and distinct is nearly impossible these days. Most albums I come across sound like smaller versions of artists I already like or album styles that have been replicated to death. The Besnard Lakes have somehow magically generated a masterpiece fusing sound, imagination, and skilled musicianship like no rock band has done in years.
“Skinny Boy” is just a taste of how good her album “Honey From The Tombs” is.
“Cryptograms” is one of the strongest albums of 2007, at least so far. This video for “Strange Lights” showcases their strength as a great psychedelic rock band.
The Ponys
Turn The Lights Out
2007 | Matador
The Ponys are the band Matador needed. Artists like Cat Power, Dead Meadow, Yo La Tengo and Stephen Malkmus are the heavyweights and veterans of that label with their loyal following of fans and highly anticipated albums. The Ponys however bring swagger, noise, and soul wrapped up into a precise wall of youthful rock ‘n roll like no one at that label can. Most of the record is reminiscent to Sister-era Sonic Youth, surf guitar melodies, and even the garage punk of classic X.
The album begins with the smooth vocal melodies of guitarist/vocalist Jered Gummere, he even sounds like Thurston most of the time when he’s not shouting. He’s pushed by deep, echoed guitar strums on “Double Vision.” Moments later you get smacked on the ass with a barrage of intense guitars and thundering bass on “Everyday Weapon,” that song fucking rules. The drums hop along and purr on “Small Talk” probably their prettiest and only pop number on the record. More variations work well with the surf guitar vibe on “1209 Seminary,” the pulsating keyboard and dueling solo on album closer “Pickpocket Song” and the Daydream Nation throwback that ensues on “Poser Psychotic.”
Why should you believe in The Ponys? It’s simple. No song is gimmicky or pretentious, just a heavy dose of big guitars and the right amount of reverberated feedback to keep you drawn into their sound. “Turn the Lights Out” is a statement of where rock should be going. A dirty blend of great bands and evidence of how getting back to the basics works. These are the kind of records that get me excited about the future of music.
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