Needs more jazz
There is a scene in an old episode of The Simpsons where Homer drinks a bottle of “Red Tick” beer, and wonders what are the ingredients. The answer, as we were flashed to the Red Tick factory, is a bunch of dogs swimming in a vat of beer. The technician tries it, and says “it needs more dog.”
Well, that all was a setup for a saying I had about The Horse’s Ha and their set at the Cowboy Monkey on Saturday: it needs more jazz (and was it really worth it?). The Chicago-based acoustic quintet really stood out as something special when they combined their folky sound with a jazzy style. That blend was the only thing they were able to do to cut through the noisy, uninterested crowd, as their music built to a roar instead of a whimper.
The band’s new album, Of the Cathmawr Yards, really focuses on the harmonies of Janet Bean and guitarist/vocalist Jim Elkington. And while those harmonies were still the focus live, they lost something that made them sound great on record. Maybe it was due to sound issues (of which they had some) or just a bad crowd (they were constantly fighting for attention), but their vocals lost the delicate beauty when they instead went for power. They weren’t powerful enough, though.
Despite their issues, their secret weapon was Elkington (pictured far left), and even though half the songs were sung by him, he sat facing away from the crowd. Maybe he is self-conscious, or maybe he likes leading the band, but he is a great guitarist, melding different styles into a unique way of playing that gives The Horse’s Ha a sound they can call their own.
And they made it their own when they tried the jazz. That’s when they really tried something new. There are plenty of folk bands out there, but ones that incorporate improvisation and riding a groove? There aren’t any, and The Horse’s Ha needs to corner the market while they still can.
Common Loon followed, and while most of the crowd came for The Horse’s Ha, the band played a strong set. While their music can get a bit precious at times, they can display a lot of power when they try.
The band works well when they rock out or write simple pop songs. If they decide to turn up the reverb and get lost in the sound, they go nowhere. Luckily there was more of the former, and let’s hope their new album (which they said is ready) shows this side of them.
Their set ended with a cover of Madonna’s “True Blue” that sounded like the prom song from the 1950s that I never got to experience because, well, I was born in 1986. It was touching though, bringing emotions out of the song I didn’t know were there.
Opener Angie Heaton was nothing to write home about. I have seen her folky, Lillith Fair-esque music live before, and I wasn’t impressed then. This time was a little bit better, but not by much. I get bored quickly by hearing only three chords with a mid-tempo strumming pattern.
There is emotion in there, that’s for sure, but they were heard best in her well-chosen covers. Otherwise, nothing really sticks out as anything great. As paraphrased from The Simpsons, “it needs more ‘oomph.’”
Photos by Eric Heisig
9 comments
“Their set ended with a cover of Madonna’s “True Blue” that sounded like the prom song from the 1950s that I never got to experience because, well, I was born in 1986.“
Maybe it’s a typo, but Madonna songs would have been being played at proms in the 1980s. Not the 1950s.
It’s not a typo. He’s saying that they made Madonna’s song from the 80s sound like it was from the 50s.
I get it now. Thanks.
John Hoeffleur
Eric, I look forward to hearing you perform your music.
Jim Kelly
Starting a review of this show with a Simpsons reference…priceless.
You’re entitled to your opinion, of course, but I can’t help getting a bit defensive of Angie. I enjoy watching Angie mainly because of her honest and clever lyrics, and seeing her play with her band is great fun. If you don’t like her solo “Lilith Fair-esque” sound (whatever that means) then check out the full band show. I bet they could overpower the fools jabbering in the back of the house. ;-)
Jim Kelly
That squirrel looks ticked.
See, I love Angie Heaton. That’s a fact. And Let it Ride, The Rumor Mill, etc. — man, these albums have helped define my decade. Plus, she personally gave me a piece of advice one year that simply changed me. So, I disagree with this review of her performance. I loved it.
But Eric is entitled to his opinion, you know? I, for one, would welcome a little more criticism in this little “scene” of ours, whether positive or negative. Of myself, as well, please.
As for you, Hoeffleur: I look forward to hearing you play music, too.
I think it’s a mistake for Angie to ever perform without Kurt, Charlie or me trilling back-ups on Pleiades.
Another thing that has always bugged me about Angie is that “Polly” is no shorter than “Carrie.“
I thoroughly agree with Eric’s general criticism about three chords, strumming, and mid-tempo arrangements. To the list I’ll add 4/4 time, verse-chorus structures, and convention generally. This criticism applies to any person who performs music.
It’s a good reason to abhor the blues.
Add A Comment
Most Recent Music Comments
Jared played this on WEFT Sessions in September 2008, and in a year mistechtrophic songs I think this was my favorite of the year—this simple version of “I_Refute_Technology.mp3“ with acoustic guitar, electric bass, and two voices, it’s a good song. Musician, cover thyself!
Don’t forget about the Zmick show at Canopy Club w/ special guests Mathien. Urbana jams with some Chicago soul. You won’t wanna miss it!
if you’re heading to the Copyrights show, get there early. Facebook rvsp list is already well over the Herring’s capacity…
This thread has become somewhat played out, but I wanted to thank Joel for his comments. No concerns on the general quality/quantity of local music coverage in this zine - I simply didn’t want an uninformed reader to get the wrong impression on just how vibrant a…
Joel brings up a fantastic point in that most of the bands you’ll find bitching about not getting covered are the ones who never, EVER, bother to put in any effort when it comes to promo. There is a chip on the shoulders of so many local…
Knowing the percussionist for this collaboration personally I am a bit biased and I fully agree with the review. I’m lovin’ this record and I have the new album on it’s way as we speak.
Thanks for this great review, Annie!
In all honesty, we try to cover shows that we’re excited about, as Annie said, but we also try to give bands coverage who ask for it. In this case, Elsinore and WFFM both told us about their CD release shows well in advance, sent us downloads…
Just noticed I spelled “propaganda” wrong in my last comment, and one more thought: the argument above using Dave Matthews and Michael Bouble doesn’t really work - they’re international acts; we’re covering local ones.
Most Popular Music Articles (60 days)
- The great history of the Great Cover Up
- The Overture: Dec. 14—20
- The Overture, Jan. 4 – 10
- Jan. 30: Official C-U Record Release Day
- Fall Semester Showdown profile: Hot Cops
- Fall Semester Showdown profile: Butterfly Assassins
- The Overture, Jan. 18 – 24
- The Overture: Jan. 11 – 17
- Fuzz, buzz and booze with Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapor
- Fall Semester Showdown profile: Skalalitabs
Most Recent Comments
Its cool Annie, I know deep down you don’t give a shit, but yer being gracious. Check out the new Clipd Beaks, or Brian Jonestown Massacre, or Black Ryder from Australia. Yer right though, Chemicals is one song that acually says nothing. Usually, music that doesn’t really…
Who played?
I triuly enjoy being employed at the new Fat City!!!
I made these this weekend, albeit without the Pickling Spice. They are fucking tremendous. Wish I had local cukes, but alas they looked good and crispy at the store the other day. Here is more: they were ready within 12 hours. Now, I suspect they will…
No Iowa coverage?
For anyone interested in this stuff, there is aniInteresting show on tonight, Mon, Feb 8, on WILL TV, Blueprint America. about infrastructure, comparing Spanish gains in rail to American decline, with Detroit as, as usual, the basket case.
To the poster above - Your a Dead Soul. (giggle, giggle) No, really, think about it.
Jared played this on WEFT Sessions in September 2008, and in a year mistechtrophic songs I think this was my favorite of the year—this simple version of “I_Refute_Technology.mp3“ with acoustic guitar, electric bass, and two voices, it’s a good song. Musician, cover thyself!
Great job Suzanne. I really like how you sum up how George is a man stuck in his past and unwilling to explore his future. Thanks for your concise, thoughtful writing.
I’m proud to see you young girls getting out there! Wow - that takes motivation and courage. Glad to see you’re getting some press too.
Like Jason, I’ve been told by people who would know that HoG and Tang Dynasty are the most authentic Chinese food restaurants in town. One woman described HoG as “home cooking.“ Its tofu Pad Thai is perfection. Jason is also spot on that Mandarin Wok is…
Almost every issue this amendment attempts to address is merely a symptom of a much bigger, and unsurprisingly, much more difficult to solve problem: Voter apathy. You want to force term limits because voters generally don’t care enough to throw out bums who come off as…
After seeing the documentary “Food Inc.“ I may never eat meat that’s not local again, and am seriously considering the vegan option. Check it out.
I wouldn’t be too quick to discount this place simply based on its location or plastic eating utensils. I’ve been told that this place is one of the more authentic Chinese restaurants in town by a couple of different people who would know. That’s not to say…
It’s mediocre—not bad, but pretty much standard campus fare. “Plastic fork cuisine” is pretty apt. I have no experience searching for food from a vegan perspective, but for omnivores (or even vegetarians), I’d say there are at least five better Chinese and Thai places around town, maybe more.
First the Detroit Freep links. Keep term limits: http://www.freep.com/article/20100204/OPINION05/2040400/1068/OPINION/Keep-limits-Longer-time-in-office-wont-fix-state Repeal term limits: http://www.freep.com/article/20100204/OPINION05/2040403/1068/OPINION/Repeal-limits-Experience-is-not-an-evil-thing Second. I don’t have a real strong opinion on term limits, but generally think they do more harm than good. However, I have no proof of that. But, my experience, from working in government…
When I was an undergrad, I too occasionally had enough money for a cheap greasy spoon (chopstick) meal. On those occasions, I felt mildly celebratory about not boiling or microwaving my own dinner. It looks like this meal came in Styrofoam, with a plastic fork. There are…
As a relatively recent convert, I very much look forward to dining at this restaurant, and to the rest of your series! An excellent, marvelous idea…thank you!
Just saw it tonight. Stunning. And I really enjoyed the new approach (pre-movie) at the Art—both on-screen and the in-person greeting.
Thanks for the input everyone. Stuart, I could use some help. Your entire comment seems supportive except for the last, declarative sentence. You ask very cogent, thought-provoking questions which are appreciated and further the discussion. I myself don’t know how things will shake out once it is…
Most Popular Articles (14 days)
- Illini take Sparty; Dmac claims: “I’ll be back”
- Lift the gavel on DUI
- Roller derby in C-U?!
- Jan. 30: Official C-U Record Release Day
- Xinh Xinh celebrates one year today
- A look into online dating: Part 2
- Confounding name, delicious food
- Next best thing to the Farmer’s Market
- Week One: Be here now.
- Album review: WFFM's The House You're Living In
Recent Searches
- sean bloomfield (1 Results)
- 1365 (2 Results)
- lost (432 Results)
- honorable mention (17 Results)
- Illini Medical Screening Society (1 Results)
- valentines day (7 Results)
- boneyard pottery (2 Results)
- duke uke (79 Results)
- "adam fein" (12 Results)
- adam fein (15 Results)
- lost c-u (45 Results)
- adam fein (15 Results)
- 1162 (3 Results)
- 1162 (3 Results)
- hoyle (5 Results)
- lebowski (7 Results)
- lebowski fest (5 Results)
- news-gazette (192 Results)
- Tyson Markley (3 Results)
- joel gillespie (78 Results)
Facebook
Twitter
Full Site
Its cool Annie, I know deep down you don’t give a shit, but yer being gracious. Check out the new Clipd Beaks, or Brian Jonestown Massacre, or Black Ryder from Australia. Yer right though, Chemicals is one song that acually says nothing. Usually, music that doesn’t really…