New Deer Tick Video: “Let’s All Go To The Bar”
While the MOR crew is still split on the merits of Deer Tick’s latest release Divine Providence, one thing we can all agree on is that the band is at their best rocking it out in small clubs. Their latest video for “Let’s all go to the Bar” was shot by director Ryan Henriquez who hopped on tour with the band, shooting various live performances from the 2011 tour and piecing them together. These boys are a rowdy bunch, and something tells me that this video is an accurate depiction of life on tour with Deer Tick, or at least the censored version of said life. Check out the new video below:
Deer Tick “Main Street” Video
Deer Tick has been busy since the release of their new album Divine Providence and now they have a full blown music video to prove it – compliments of MTV?? But the confusion doesn’t stop there – fireworks, unnecessary slow mo, trashing instruments and ridiculous pyrotechnics all have me wondering what Deer Tick was thinking with this one. It’s a shame to see such a good song treated in this way but it looks like the guy with the spray paint got it right “this video sucks.” Check out the special uncensored version below, where you get to see John McCauley pee on a burning drum set.
Stream New Deer Tick Album “Divine Providence”
Call it what you want: Rowdy, Rawkus, Rambunctious, some other adjective that doesn’t start with an R – but the new record from Deer Tick is a whole lot of fun. Named after their hometown Providence Rhode Island, the new record showcases a band on fire, literally (guitarist Ian O’Neil got charred in the flame filled video for standout single “Main Street”).
The latest effort is a departure from the band’s trademark froggy country-rock, and shows off a more versatile sound. Versatile might actually be an understatement; it’s all over the damn place. From catchy folk rock to bar anthems to old time rock and roll, this one has a little bit of everything.
Check out a stream of the record in its entirety over at Spin.com, and watch the band performing “Main Street” on Letterman below.
Deer Tick Video “The Bump”
Deer Tick is about the release their new album Divine Providence on October 24th, but just in case you can’t wait that long they have graciously provided you with another sneak peek of new music. “The Bump” is a straight forward singalong ditty that gives a less than subtle nod to all the man children out there by exclaiming, “we’re full grown men, we act like kids…” Enjoy some new tunes below and if you are a Deer Tick fan do yourself a favor and check out their version of Warren Zevon’s classic “Play It All Night Long” here.
Deer Tick perform “The Bump” from Gothamist on Vimeo.
Deer Tick Free Download “Miss K”
There has been a fair amount of Deer Tick in rotation around these parts lately, so I wasn’t disappointed to hear that they were releasing a new album, aptly named Divine Providence, on October 25th. Despite John McCauley’s side project/super group Middle Brother, the endless touring and albums the band doesn’t seem to be slowing down and from the sound of their first release “Miss K” we are all in for a treat this fall. A super bouncy and likable tune that makes me anxious for cooler weather – well played boys. Click on the link here to give it a spin or to get a free download of the track.
Video: New Deer Tick Track “Funny World”
Recently Deer Tick met up with the nice people over at Welcome to the West and performed the song “Funny World,” which will appear on the band’s new album due out this fall. As always the boys from Providence RI do not disappoint and turn in a rockin version of a song that seems to hint at only good things to come. Flannels, sunglasses, John McCauley’s signature voice and one fairly dirty breakdown make for a gritty and highly enjoyable tune. Check out the black and white footage below and let us know what you think of “Funny World.”
Delta Spirit – History From Below Album Review
Dubbed a “hybrid of rock and northern soul”, San Diego rock n rollers, Delta Spirit, have just released their sophomore album, History From Below, on Rounder Records. The band formed in 2005 after bassist Jon Jameson, drummer Brandon Young and guitarist Sean Walker discovered lead singer/guitarist Matt Vasquez busking on a city bench at 2AM. They’ve been crooning ever since.
Recorded in a converted barn in Northern California, History From Below is a true mixture of Americana mythos covering rock, rhythm and blues, folk, country and soul. Delta Spirit is part of an emerging Americana movement in modern rock alongside such acts as Josh Ritter, Cold War Kids and Deer Tick fusing simple melodies with deep messages. (Lead singer Matt Vasquez has recently joined forces with Deer Tick’s John McCauley and Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith to create a super-folk super-group known as MG&V.) With passionate songs full of regret and hope, you can’t help but feel inspired after listening to this album, akin to a moving sermon. To call it a gospel album wouldn’t be fair though as Vasquez isn’t preaching to the masses so much as telling stories of grace. Yeah, it’s a little sappy at times but if you’re willing to let it ride and stop being so damn cynical you will find the music truly resonates with you. “Bushwick Blues”, the track that has been bouncing around on the internet for the past year, is a driving rocker that fires on all cylinders. It’s the closest song to the band’s last album as History From Below is less about rock n roll tunes than well-paced storytelling. “Ballad of Vitality” is the final track and the most rewarding song even if it is 8 minutes long. Ho-hum hymns like “Golden State” and “Scarecrow” don’t exactly do it for me but the album has a nice variety in pace and tone giving it a calming style separate from its predecessor. All in all, this is a good album for those interested in digging deeper – both on a personal level and in the growing folk/americana genre.
Click here for more info on the band and catch them on tour this summer.
Delta Spirit – “Vivian” from DUKE STREET on Vimeo.
Deer Tick – Black Dirt Sessions Album Review
I first saw Deer Tick (aka Ixodes scapularis) open for Philly’s own Dr. Dog a few weeks back at the 9:30 Club in DC. They were one of those rare opening acts whose style and sound pull you in immediately. There was nothing glamorous about these guys visually. A couple of gawky dudes in flannel shirts, vintage tees and the occasional pair of 80′s era sunglasses. Heck, even the band’s name Deer Tick is a pretty lackluster title. But that’s the great thing about musicians, real musicians anyway – the looks, the label, even the shades (Sorry ZZ Top), they don’t really matter. It’s all about the music. And on that note these southern rockers, from Rhode Island, come through with flying colors.
The first thing you’ll notice about a Deer Tick album is lead singer John McCauley’s froggy voice. It’s gravelly nature grounds the band’s earthy shade of country/folk/grunge rock giving them an even more unpretentious quality. Just pick any genre synonymous with mud and mosquitoes and that’s probably Deer Tick. Black Dirt Sessions is a record that takes itself pretty serious but never seems to strike a nerve. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not but I’ll take it. Piano-heavy ballads such as “Goodybe, Dear Friend” and “Christ Jesus” (a re-recording of a song on their first album) are certainly the most sobering moments on the album yet I’m afraid they lack the depth and craft to really haunt you. They have touching moments but there’s something missing beneath McCauley’s passionate vocals. Good for me though, the bulk of the album is straight-up southern rock n roll with clean riffs, catchy beats and blues-esque lyrics. “Mange” is a rock’em sock’em barn-burner of rock n roll tune and the band”s pre-released single “Twenty Miles” is quickly becoming one of my favorite tunes of 2010. Black Dirt Sessions is an easily accessible rock n roll record with a spirited soul. While it’s not an album that will change your world it will give you some new perspective.
If you’re looking for more examples of the band’s “less is more” attitude, check out their website, straight outta’ 1995, or catch them live on tour here.
New Deer Tick Song – 20 Miles
While I have never been a fan of the band’s name, and think they have one of the worst websites I have ever seen, Deer Tick does put out some good music. Their latest single “20 miles” is a really cool tune from their upcoming album The Black Dirt Sessions. The track was just released, and is available for free stream and download over at Stereogum.com .
The Black Dirt Sessions will be released 6/8 on Partizan records. The band will be on the road until then, doing dates with Dr. Dog, Darlins, Holy Sons and One Wolf.
All Star Lineup for John Prine Tribute Album
One of the many great songwriters to earn the dubious “Next Dylan” moniker early in his career , John Prine has certainly made a name for himself over the last 40 years. The man has always been able to pen a tune, and now, some of his best are about to be covered by a who’s who of today’s alt-country scene. Oh Boy Records has just announced Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, set to be released on June 22nd. Below is a complete track listing of the album.
1. Justin Vernon of Bon Iver – Bruised Orange (Chain Of Sorrow)
2. Conor Oberst And The Mystic Valley Band – Wedding Day In Funeralville
3. My Morning Jacket – All The Best
4. Josh Ritter – Mexican Home
5. Lambchop – Six O’Clock News
6. Justin Townes Earle – Far From Me
7. The Avett Brothers – Spanish Pipedream
8. Old Crow Medicine Show – Angel From Montgomery
9. Sara Watkins – The Late John Garfield Blues
10. Drive-By Truckers – Daddy’s Little Pumpkin
11. Deer Tick featuring Liz Isenberg – Unwed Fathers
12. Those Darlins – Let’s Talk Dirty In Hawaiian
NPR posted the first track of the album, Justin Vernon’s cover of “Bruised Orange (Chain of Sorrow) as part of it’s Spring Music Preview. You can take a listen by clicking here.
