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November 2012 Staff Picks

November 2012 Staff Picks

We’re all guilty of taking things for granted, but ’tis the season to remember the things that give us that fuzzy feeling. This month, PG editors and Neon Trees bassist Branden Campbell thank their lucky stars in the name of music.

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!