My Darlin's:
Our Little Antifolk Community isn't so little anymore and is rapidly becoming world renown, so some of these artists may not seem Antifolk at first glance but deep down their musical ethic is full of Antifolk heart. So here are the momentary favorites...
LACH: (www.antifolk.net) not merely the leader and Godfather of Antifolk but an incredible songwriter as well. His well-pointed sarcastic observations, just like NICK LOWE's (although his has mellowed considerably) has not withered since he began. His liner notes are legendary, and his latest is illustrated by Daniel Johnston. Wait for the 800 page "booklet" when the box set comes out.
JOIE/DEAD BLONDE GIRLFRIEND: (www.joiedbg.com) The Denizen of Antifolk has what may be the biggest heart of all, indeed bigger than the Tin Woodsman's, the heart and soul of a country balladeer with a punk attitude. Joie takes a while to understand, but he's worth the effort.
JOE DRISCOLL: (www.joedriscoll.net) Part of that vanguard of Antifolk that's pushing our music into the Future. Joe is just a man with a guitar and just may be the greatest break beat artist that any brain could devise with just that simple guitar. His tune featuring the talents of Chicken Little is the most profound comment I have heard on the whole WTC thing so far. No one comes close.
FATHER MURPHY: (www.maledetto.it/fathermurphy) Also new to our little scene but Father Murphy aka Federico Federici is from Italy. His brand of Antifolk is difficult to describe but fun to listen to. With all of the ideas that surround Fede, his music can be best described as Electronic-Organic Folk Music, but that's just all I could think of right now----there is a bunch more in there too. He has pretty much taken everything around him and has distilled it into something amazing. And he insists on singing in English----much more interesting language he says.
RHA GODDESS and YEJIDE THE NIGHT QUEEN: hard to pick one over the other this time. Neither is technically Antifolk, but remember what I said about Antifolk heart? They've got plenty of it. Most rhyming and rapping I hear lately just doesn't accomplish much other than carrying a lame beat forward with a weak rhyme. These ladies studied the best and they will carry the torch forward into the next century. Their rhymes are intense enough to make you think but the beat is something anyone can dance to. There are no regrets. Go see them move mountains as often as you can.
KTE (www.ktecreator.com) KTE put on these amazing showcases that I can only compare to the Gathering of The Tribes phenomenon (early 90s) but on a smaller scale. KTE brings together the most amazing diverse musical talent I have ever seen and heard. In the middle of it all is KTE and her band of boys. For reasons unknown to me, her music hits me in the face like MILES DAVIS Bitches Brew Sessions. It's like instrumental jazz with lyrics and rhymes thrown on top very deliberately.
GREY REVELL: (www.greyrevell.com) modestly, part of the editorial staff of what should be a magazine worth subscribing to. His music is worth subscribing to if you could. Grey writes short, tight rock ballads, short stories if you will. Whatever else is in there, I have been hearing a little Brian Wilson lately. His music is cute, danceable and very entertaining and the crowds, yes crowds, always beg for more. So let's all beg for a new album soon.
BIONIC FINGER: (www.bionicfinger.com) may they rest in peace and still one of my all time favorite bands. Cuties all, but they've all gone on to what they consider bigger and better projects. You'll probably hear me mention those late on. Bionic Finger embodied the best of 80's power pop, the Bangles, et. al., with a 90's liberated attitude. Or maybe it was Rachel Sweet times four. Whatever it was, they still are a great band in the Fevered Brain. And their cover of "Greased Lightning" was enough to make anyone weak in the knees.
AMERICAN ANYMEN: (www.americananymen.com) these guys will defy any explanation and categorization like any good Antifolk artist. They are beyond genre. When I first saw them I heard what has become my ideal fantasy combination: Country and Hip Hop. They cringe when I tell that story but only at the country part. It's just country, the good kind, not that poppy junk that passes for country, with some rather interesting rhymes thrown on top. But every once in a while they will go in for a full-on country cover of a famous Nancy Sinatra tune.
BRER BRIAN: (www.brerbrian.com) just needs to be signed to a good label that will nurture that fevered brain of his. Brer Brian is a man that can take a Scott Joplin tune or a Gene Krupa composition and turn it into an instant guitar classic. Just listen to him on the first few bars of the RadioMike closing theme. He's great at his own way revved up instant rockabilly classics and beyond. He's good at all kinds of parody has even composed a song especially for George Lucas. Brer Brian can play just about anything.
THE MOMENTARY FAVORITES OF THE FEVERED BRAIN
My Darlin's:
Well, it could only happen to the Fevered Brain in New York City. Lach (http://www.antifolk.net) opened for George Clinton (not exactly, but for purposes of propaganda and great bio fodder it's amazingly true) Lach played the amazing Village Underground (what used to be the old Folk City where Lach was foolishly rejected years ago). Lach and The Secrets blew the joint down: It was a short set but he was absolutely on fire. George Clinton, the amazingly Funkadelic, came on and sang a song or two with the Mike Kissel Band (http://www.KMAMusic.com) and blew the house to shreds. Amazing..
Here are the momentary favorites of RadioMike:
AIMEE VAN DYNE: (http://www.aimeevandyne.com). Truly the momentary favorite of RadioMike. Maybe even longer. Very shy and quiet on stage, at least at the open mics. She handed me her CD, and that was it. Her band and her CD are filled with the potential for greatness. Almost the voice of a country angel. Stay tuned for more.
Hialeah Jorge and the Cuban Cowboys: (it should be at http://www.jialeahjorge.com but it may be down right now, so do a search). The most wild and insane Cuban you will ever see. From his very first open mic (which blew my mind), he has never let up. It's a Cuban Rock and Roll Party from end to beginning. One of the great and certainly on of the tightest bands you will ever see.
ELIZABETH HARPER: (http://www.elizabethharper.net) needs no introduction except for those of you that haven't seen or heard her yet. Hurry up before I produce her Broadway show. Her voice could melt mountains and make you go see her everywhere she appears. She is incredible. So what are you waiting for? Go Now!!!!
LUNCHIN: (http://www.lunchin.com) hiding out in New York and not teasing us much with their wonderful music, and combination of Eastern Rhythms and Southern Country Soul. It doesn't sound quite like that but it's close. And what performers. Pounding, driving and unusual. Tell them to start playing out again. We miss them.
We would love to tease you with so much more but y'all will just have to tune in to The Fevered Brain and find out what he is really up to.
RasdioMike Loves You All
