More New Music - The Clarks

[bobbym529]

I stumbled across a group named The Clarks on emusic that I really
like. I feel guilty that they are from PA and are and have been local
heroes around the Pittsburgh area for many years. None the less they
are new to me. They compare them to the Smithereens on emusic and I
would say that's fair. So I have whole back catalog to explore.

www.myspace.com/theclarks

[bobbym529]

I know a few of us had (or had) eMusic subscriptions. Well they did a
major addition to their catalog recently that added Sony's catalog.
That's a ton of stuff because Sony had Columbia, Epic, etc. That
includes Dylan, Springsteen, Bowie, etc, etc. I found a second
Outfield album that I didn't know existed and a lot of their first one
that we played to death on vinyl, but I had never picked up on CD or
download.

There is always a bad side (isn't there?) and this time is that they
decreased the number of monthly downloads you can get. Still not a bad
buy considering the catalog increase. Another bad thing is (and this
was probably dictated by the record companies *&%#), is that they make
some of the best songs 'album only' downloads that you only can get if
you buy the whole album.

Bob

[Curt]

I saw Loggins and Messina last night. My experience has been that one
never knows what to expect with vintage artists; sometimes they are
great and sometimes they suck. So I was thrilled whent he Loggins and
Messina show turned out to be incredible. The biggest surprise was the
band. They were tight and flat out kicked butt. The band used a wide
array of musical instruments, on which they were virtuosos. Vocally,
Loggins and Messina's voices never blended so well. Despite many years
of doing their own thing, they sound as if they haven't missed a beat.
Their blend in the way that one often finds with siblings that sing
together.

I was BLOWN AWAY by the opening band, The Gabe Dixon Band. They
usually have three members but there were only two last night. I don't
know why, but two were all they needed. Gabe Dixon is the keyboardist
and songwriter. The other guy does all manner of percussion, including
innovatively banging on an acoustic guitar. After they finished their
contribution as the opener, Dixon played keyboards for Loggins and
Messina.

This guy has talent to spare. His keyboard work is stunning. Here's
their Myspace page link:

http://www.myspace.com/gabedixonband

Gabe Dixon has a strong David Meadish pop bent, but did a credible job
on a reggae song and on a bluegrass song (on keyboard, if you can
believe it). The rest of the songs were strong, largely serious minded
pop songs. Listen to "Baby Doll" and "Disappear" do see if you hear
the David Mead/Billy Joel hybrid sound that I hear. The songs on
myspace are all exceptional. I'd love to hear what you all think.

[bobbym529]

I finally got a chance to listen to Gabe Dixon. I think your
description is pretty accurate. I would put the slider a little more
toward the Billy Joel side, but I can hear the Mead similarities too.
Ever After You sounds the most Mead-ish just listening to the clips on
eMusic.
I will check them out further.

Bob

[bobbym529]

I'm really liking an Ep from a group called Haxty. I got it from
eMusic, just looking through the new albums. I like it as much as any
of the new releases I've heard this year. All of the songs are fine
and I've had all of them as favorites at one point or another. I hear
all sorts of similarities, but I won't prejudice anyone until you've
heard it.

http://www.myspace.com/haxty

Bob