Rebecca Dirks -- Web Content Editor
What am I listening to?
Band of Horses, Mirage
Rock. The sing-along rock
feel seems the perfect soundtrack for to the end of the summer.
It’s Thanksgiving: What are you most
grateful for in the music realm this year?
I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to
meet and talk with so many amazing musicians.
Corny, but true!
Andy Ellis -- Senior Editor
What am I listening to?
Rick Holmstrom, Cruel
Sunrise. A mesmerizing
mix of dirty, tremolo-drenched
twang, spooky grooves, and dark,
introspective lyrics. Mavis Staples adds her
cosmic voice to two of Holmstrom’s compelling
songs.
It’s Thanksgiving: What are you most
grateful for in the music realm this year?
After all these decades, I still keep finding
new ideas on the guitar—my constant companion
on this strange, beautiful journey.
Shawn Hammond -- Editor in Chief
What am I listening to?
Double Naught Spy Car,
Western Violence. With
tons of glorious twang,
raunchy, reverb-drenched grooves, mournful
lap steels, and song titles like "Two Bones
of Skeletor," how could I not dig this instrumental
blowout?
It’s Thanksgiving: What are you most
grateful for in the music realm this year?
I am everlastingly grateful for the gift of
twang. And cavernous reverb. And the
rad-ass gear that makes them both possible.
Tessa Jeffers -- Managing Editor
What am I listening to?
I’m really into Imagine
Dragons' Night Visions for
the epic anthems tinged
with intricate instrumentation and weaved
into musings on dreaming.
It’s Thanksgiving: What are you most
grateful for in the music realm this year?
I am thankful every time a song touches my
heart, takes my breath away, and stops me
in my tracks in wonderment to remember
that I’m alive. Anything that does that is
worth holding onto.
Chris Kies -- Associate Editor
What am I listening to?
Just Like Vinyl, Black
Mass. Former Fall of Troy
guitarist/vocalist Thomas
Erak is back with his signature mash-up of
hardcore musicality and pop-sensible riffs
and vocal hooks that TFoT fans will find
familiar and fresh.
It’s Thanksgiving: What are you most
grateful for in the music realm this year?
I’m thankful for my job. I get paid to check
out new gear constantly, listen to new
music daily, and meet some really great
people and iconic artists.
Rich Osweiler -- Associate Editor
What am I listening to?
Balmorhea, Stranger.
This genre-bending instrumental
outfit from Austin
weaves a cool concoction of lush soundscapes
by layering strings, keys, and percussion
over ethereal guitar work. Worthy of
pressing repeat on a rainy day.
It’s Thanksgiving: What are you most
grateful for in the music realm this year?
I’m incredibly grateful to NAMM for moving
the show a week later than normal. I’ll be
able to watch the NFL conference championships
for the first time in years!
Branden Campbell -- Neon Trees bassist
What am I listening to?
I’m listening to Rickie Lee
Jones’ eponymous debut
from 1979, with my favorite
track, “Chuck E’s in Love.” I love the
space she creates in the rhythm section—the drums and bass were both tracked by
Rickie herself.
It’s Thanksgiving: What are you most
grateful for in the music realm this year?
For being able to play live music with and
for people. Live music is an ongoing conversation
between the artist and the crowd.
I’m thankful people still value and consider
live music the ultimate listening experience.
Charles Saufley -- Gear Editor
What am I listening to?
Been revisiting Dungen’s
ingeniously twisted and
adventurous 2010 release
Skit I Allt—wish more bands were this genuinely
courageous. The fuzz on Ty Segall’s
Twins leaves me near salivating. Scored
some cool 45s at Rooky Ricardo’s recently
too—can’t beat the bass on an old soul 45.
It’s Thanksgiving: What are you most
grateful for in the music realm this year?
I’m so grateful my fingers still work.
Jason Shadrick -- Associate Editor
What am I listening to?
Justin Roth, Now You
Know. I am completely
envious of singer/songwriters,
especially those who can play some serious
guitar while cranking out amazing tunes.
It’s Thanksgiving: What are you most
grateful for in the music realm this year?
I’m thankful for my 4-year-old son’s taste in
music. On a recent trip home from school,
he asked me to play some Ry Cooder. I
think it was mainly because of the album
art, but I‘ll take it!