Archive for the ‘Releases’ Category

More Barn Raises the Roof for the Bridge School with Neil Young Covers!

Wednesday, November 14th, 2007

Madison, WI November 13, 2007- Three years in the making, Slothtrop Music is proud to announce the Nov. 13 national release of “More Barn: A Tribute to Neil Young.” This benefit release for the Bridge School of San Francisco, which was founded by Neil Young, is sure to bring attention not only to the cause of the school, but to the diverse artists interpreting Young’s work.

Blasting off with a twang-and-rock version of Young’s notorious “Revolution Blues” by Chicago legends The Waco Brothers, “More Barn” features a list of indie-rock luminaries clearly influenced by Young’s distinctive style: The Silos, Steve Wynn, Howe Gelb, Rick Rizzo, Eric Ambel and Jay Bennett & Edward Burch. There are also tracks by a variety of up-and-coming groups from across the U.S.

All of the artists cover many points in Young’s career, from the Carolinas’ guitar-heavy stomp through Young’s first solo hit, “The Loner,” through Mister Vague’s atmospheric take on Young’s “Bandit” from his concept album “Greendale.” All of the artists on “More Barn” – which also include melaniejane, Mike Fredrickson, Phil Lee, Aimless Blades, Mark Croft, Junipar Tar, Susan Howe, West of Rome and Albert – choose songs both well-known and obscure.

Showing the full range of Young’s career was a must when Eric Hester, President of Slothtrop Music, was approached with the idea of doing a record for a good cause. “We’ve had a successful run and wanted to do something to celebrate that, but we also wanted to give to the broader community in some way,” Hester said. “I’m a huge fan of Neil Young’s work – all of it, from the noise rock to the acoustic/solo side of his music. And, I’m quite familiar with the Bridge School and their amazing work.”

The Bridge School, based in Hillsborough, Calif., is an educational program for children with severe speech and physical impairments. As part of the school, children learn augmented and alternative communication techniques with a goal of full participation in their communities.

With the task at hand, Hester, with the help of Music Supervisor team Chris DeMay, Blaine Schultz, and Jason Mohr, started calling some of their indie-rock favorites to participate and were cheered by the willingness of others to help out and provide their own tracks. They also called on several popular Midwestern bands, including those on Slothtrop, to help bring “More Barn” to life.

The album was named for a classic Young moment that will make fans chuckle. Graham Nash has told the story in interviews where Neil rowed him out on the lake at his ranch to hear some new music. As it happens, Neil had his house wired as the left speaker, and his barn wired as the right speaker. When his longtime engineer yelled, “How is it?,” Neil shouted back. “More barn!”

With recording, sequencing, licensing and distribution plans taking the better part of three years – but with a great deal of help from Young’s management — “More Barn” is now ready to both raise funds for the school and entertain fans of Neil Young, especially the ones ready for adventure.

“There were no rules we gave the artists when they signed up for the record, which fits well with Neil’s aesthetic,” Hester said. “Some of the songs are close to the originals, while others are radically reworked. It’s quite a ride, but one we hope fans of Neil’s music will enjoy.”

Some of the artists on “More Barn” plan to perform at release shows throughout November in cities around the US including Madison on Nov. 17, Milwaukee on Nov. 16, Reno on Jan. 5, Chicago and New York.

For more information about “More Barn”, please contact Slothtrop Music or visit myspace.com/morebarncd.

Mister Vague – Allergic to Everything

Tuesday, November 6th, 2007

Slothtrop Music is proud to announce the national release of “Allergic to Everything,” the third CD from Reno, Nevada, rock band Mister Vague. Produced and recorded by Alan Sparhawk of the indie-rock band Low and his trusty engineering sidekick Eric Swanson, “Allergic To Everything” amps up the high voltage rock factor while still retaining the moodier, melodic-but-dark side of the band’s music. Already named “One of the Best Finds of the Year” by Local Vertical!

Amy Curl & Dan Kennedy – In an Orderly Fashion

Tuesday, November 6th, 2007

Amy Curl and Dan Kennedy create music that ranges from folky acoustic to quirky indie. Although the lyrics sometimes stray into the humorous, sarcastic, and, indeed, often the ridiculous, they do try to maintain an irony-free approach. Slothtrop is pleased to announce the national release of their first recording, “In An Orderly Fashion“. It’s a spare and subtle blend of voice, piano, and acoustic guitar. Their spacious approach to arranging comes through in the studio or on the stage, because doing justice to the song is the top priority for this twosome.