It seemed so daunting when Joseph Arthur first talked about The Ballad of Boogie Christ during an in-studio session two years ago. Back then, he thought it might be a potential rock musical or even a "rock opera" about a man who was either enlightened or insane, and it was either going to be about him or by him... or both! Yeah, daunting and complex! While Joseph Arthur was working these issues out, the ever prolific artist completed several other albums, including 2011's The Graduation Ceremony, the 2012 double album Redemption City, and the debut LP of his collaboration with Pearl Jam's Jeff Ament and drummer Richard Stuverud as RNDM -- and now, finally, The Ballad of Boogie Christ has come to light! Gathering a dozen new songs, the album is the first in potentially a trio (the second album is already done!), and Joe shared songs from it live in the KEXP studio last month with Stevie Zoom. Watch the videos below and find your own groovy redemption:
Full Performance:
It's hard to believe that That's It!, the new album by Preservation Hall Jazz Band, is their first record of all new material, not just because they've had a prolific 50 year history already, but also because the songs fit so seamlessly into the rest of the New Orleans traditionalists' catalog. Ban…
Close your eyes. Recall that garage with cardboard boxes in the corner, shelves stacked with hammers, duct tape and screwdrivers, and the faint aroma of fresh paint? You’re laying on your back, daydreaming, and you hear rock and roll music playing somewhere. This is the sound of Beach Fossils. The …
