The new pagans, or "New Heathen's”, is a New York five piece formed in 2005 with a country rock mix that makes for a unique sound as exhibited on their new album" Hello Disaster ".

The songs are written by three band members with the largest share being that of singer Nate Schweber, but guitarist’s Nick Tiziano Dome and Phelps Butch write also on at least 3 songs on the album. Bassist Brandy Wood - formerly part of the formation of 'Cracker' - also provides harmony vocals and drummer Eric Seftel completes the New Heathen’s line-up.

"Hello Disaster" is their second album, released after their "Heathen’s Like Me ‘(2006). On this new album, we get eleven songs in which rock and roll, country and folk are interwoven, reminiscent of artists like the Backsliders, The Jayhawks and Wilco. 

"Crybaby" - the first song on this album – announces the band’s direction as they embarked on a roots rock journey with songs like "I Thought You Were My Friend", "Thankless War" and "Don’t Think I Can’t Stop”. “Pig Pen” has a stomping country-rock beat and is then followed by the soft drive of ballad "Only Gets Better". The band has an ability to change gears effortlessly as is  witnessed on the closing track, "Bastard Like Me” but it is in the more rhythmic, high-speed songs that it feels like New Heathens are at their best. No where is this better illustrated than in the three successive up-tempo songs; "Feelin 'Lucky Again," "Proud Highway" and "27 Years".

There is no weak song on this CD - an excellent performance by this dynamic band.  Also, congratulations to “Hello Disaster” producer Eric "Roscoe" Ambel, who has also produced such artist’s as Nils Lofgren, Mojo Nixon and Marshall Crenshaw.

(Valsam)
www.rootstime.be

Some people visit Vegas and Reno for the pots of gold.Me, I visit for the rainbows.

Taste of Portugal

Dessert

2:35 p.m., with John Holl and Mark Bonamo.

Je's Restaurant, breakfast of salmon cakes, pancakes and eggs.

Leela, the Paddy's Service Station German Shepherd 

ProvisionsThe Frankenraisin outside Mad Scientist Headquarters, Paddy's.

And one from NYC for good measure. 

Now, back to my Yellowstone National Park visit countdown (22 days...)

These are a couple old pix my stepdad just emailed to me from our adventure in June. 

September's itinerary: Yellowstone. 

Excited? Moi?

The show was called Americana Heat Wave, but it sounds pretty cool to me!

3:58 p.m. Can u come right away w an E harmonica and your best playing skills???

Could I!? I walked the four blocks and six flights to the studio and laid down some blues harp on a tune called, "Where Are The Freaks?" It's a sneering, grindy little ditty with fun lyrics, (as is Charlene's specialty). I'd played it onstage with Spanx C. bunches of times as a guest.

The really cool thing about blowing harp the studio was the awesome sound Roscoe got, (as is his specialty). He rigged a 1950s Supro amp with a bullet mic and what came out of the speaker was dirty, raw and exciting. I ripped the solo as best I could and since both the producer and the artist seemed happy, I guess I did my job. (You know me, freak for hire. [Actually, I put the "free" in "freak."] Dial a freak - that's it.)

I love playing harmonica. Especially as a guest - it's so easy to carry!  Any talent I may display on the instrument is attributable to one simple fact, which I've mentioned here before. Harmonica is the only instrument where the more you suck, the better you sound.

I'm very excited for Spanking Charlene. This is a big week for the band . In addition to waxing a heap of new tracks with Roscoe, they're going into the studio at the end of the week with Little Steven Van Zandt, of Springsteen's E Street Band, The Sopranos and Wicked Cool Records. 

New Heathens fans know Charlene's voice from the songs "I Thought You Were My Friend," and "Don't Think I Can't Stop (Just Because I Don't)" on Hello Disaster. 

A couple years ago Spanking Charlene slugged their way to the top of a battle of the bands contest sponsored by Wicked Cool Records. They've been waiting a long time to see the fruits of their labors. 

As I know how hard they work for the fun they make, and I'm a fan and a friend, I wish 'em all the best. 

Especially if they ever need a harmonica player again.Bandleaders Charlene & Mo

Getaway Baby/Lucky Day/Halo of Blue/I Thought You Were My Friend/Bye-Bye Johnny (Chuck Berry) - Proud Highway/Crybaby/Back To Jesus/July 1, Near Helena, MT/Little T&A (Stones)

Thanks to Chip for letting me open for him. Thanks to Dorina and Ernie at Jalopy, and to Kori for helping set up the gig.