For Jen & Andy, the hits keep coming

Man, Band in Boston has a bit of buzz going their way. And I'm really happy about it! I can't think of two nicer people to receive such buzz. Check out this Daily Candy article (thanks to Elyse on this). Plus, there's a Cassavettes mention!

On their weekly podcast, they spin tunes from local and national acts (like Aberdeen City and Cassavettes) performing in town that week.

And hey, they got our name right!

Little, yellow, different

Well, here is a succinct, yet sweet review: "On Our Own - Cassavettes: These guys are probably the best band ever! Go to www.cassavettesmusic.com for more info."

Thanks!

Read it NOW

I keep forgetting to post this...

Congrats to good friends Andy and Jen on this nice write-up! They deserve it!

Two shows, one killer evening

OK, right now I'm not in the best shape to write at length. Tonight, I caught the Lemonheads at Avalon and then high-tailed it to the Castlebar to see an amazing Neil Young tribute put on by the Cult of Point Break Society. Apparently, I'm not OK to write, but I'm OK to hyperlink. Either way, this show was a revolving cast of characters (good buddy Kier Byrnes of Three Day Threshold, Will Dailey, Matt from the Motion Sick) playing a fine tribute to Neil's Tonight's The Night. Totally fucking awesome is a good description. Kier is a good man, too, good times aplenty with the guy tonight.

I'll post more in depth about the Lemonheads show later, too, but know this: the new rythym section, borrowed from the Descendents, is about the best idea rock and roll has had this year. I can't recall being bowled over by a drummer that much. Totally cool.

OK, sleep now. Talk soon. See you real soon, too.

Goodnight,

Glenn

Holiday delights

The big holiday show was, well, better than I expected. We made a couple hundred bones, we got free pizza and drinks, and I played in an enormous stocking all night. All in all, pretty fun stuff. We were a little rocky, and Matt was a little wasted, but we still played pretty decent, I thought. I attempted a kneeslide in the stocking, but the wood floor was surprisingly obstinant. I was stopped dead in my tracks.


We opened with a solo Glenn rendition of "Time of the Year," a song I improvised for a CD sampler four years ago, "Snowman Meltdown in the Sham-Rock Greenhouse" for Derrick Sheen's startup Sham-Rock Records. It's only a minute long, but I got them to close the curtains and then open them for the big show, so that was cool. Plus, everyone was having a good time. Scott wore a nice Christmas-y sweater and a Santa hat, Mike wore a festive scarf and a sharp shirt, and Matt, well, Matt didn't do anything too seasonal, but his mere jolly presence is enough. Here's a shot of a couple of good boys, doing those good boy things...


So, as the season is now upon us and I'm still feeling the holiday spirit of last night's show, I'd just like to say thanks -- for everything. The year 2006 was a big stepping stone for Cassavettes, and it's due to folks like all of you that we were able to accomplish some of the things we did. Before the month is up, I'd like to do a month-by-month year in review. Maybe this next week. In the meantime, thanks again and have a happy holiday season!

Love, Glenn

The blog gets some Globe love

Nice write-up on the Globe's Sidekick cover today.

Song, dance, and roller derby

Blossoming Boston rock act Cassavettes leads the entertainment at tonight’s Milky Way Lounge Holiday Party (which conveniently falls on the first night of Hanukkah). The band just released the country-tinged rock album ‘‘It’s Gonna Change,’’ something you can read all about on frontman Glenn Yoder’s blog at cassavettesband.blogspot.com. Yoder and friends will be joined at the bowling alley by soul crooner Lee Wilson, the dancers of Thru the Keyhole Burlesque (below), and the Boston Derby Dames, who will be rolling through the bar throughout the night. The show is free, but you’re asked to bring a can of food to donate to the Boston Food Bank.

It starts at 9. Milky Way Lounge & Lanes, 403 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-3740. milkywayjp.com [Meredith Goldstein]

If you're a new visitor, make yourself known. Or don't. Your choice. But welcome either way.

Hey, and as far as the show tonight, it's going to be cool. We ran through a practice without Matt last night, but just working on some possible new material. So, expect a pretty standard set with maybe a few holiday barnburners in there. I may dip into the Sham-rock Records archives here. Should be good!

Keeping busy

Oh man, it's almost over. I took the two hardest exams yesterday (including a law final that I may have totally failed, and may have failed the class for the first time ever... results pending), I submitted my final paper, and now I have one more final to go. Then, sweet freedom! So, here's the good news: Since we finally did what downstairs-caliber bands do (sell out the Middle East upstairs), the club is looking for a DOWNSTAIRS bill in the new year to stick us on. THIS IS GREAT! The goal for 2007 is to play bigger rooms, and already we're playing the Paradise Rock Club on Jan. 19. Plus, I just heard today that the Jan. 19 show has already sold 300 tickets, and it's about 450-capacity room, so get yours soon! Let me link to the event on Ticketmaster. So yeah, this is going to be wild. 2007 is shaping up nicely. I still have to put together a faux Texas tour in March, so I'm on the scent now. I emailed some clubs last week, and perhaps buddy bro bros Black Tie Dynasty will get us the hook up. Speaking of BTD, we saw them last night and holy shit they've come a long way. I shouldn't be surprised, I guess, with all the good things I read and the good records and all, but their live show was exponentially better than when I last saw them at Hailey's in Denton.

Now, this Friday, we're playing an intimate show at the Milky Way Lounge & Lanes, just a few holiday songs and our new single. Any requests? Hopefully, we'll move a few records and have a few laughs. It's the holidays, afterall. Good cheer. WERS asked us to do a live set in studio on Saturday, so I just have to check with my brethren on that, before confirming. I'd be into it. And I may play a basement show at the former Heats' house that evening, if we're done.

But as noted, with this extra time, I'm going to take in as many local shows as I can in the next couple weeks. Some that I would like to check out:
12/13- Dearborn Valley and Johnny Mazcko at SkyBar
12/14- Okay Thursday at the Abbey
12/15- Lemonheads at Avalon (but dang! we're playing the Milky Way, so nevermind)
12/16- Vital Might at Middle East downstairs (if we're through cutting the live set at WERS and I don't do the basement gig)
12/21- Christians & Lions at the Abbey
12/22- The Unattainables at the Midway

Then, I'm out of here. But see? Plenty of tunes going this month. I'll be busy, I guess. Plus, the Mavericks play on TV the 13th and 20th, so I'll have time to sit around the house, too. If anyone wants to go to these shows, let me know, I'm sure a group will go to a number of them. Or if I missed any, let me know. I'm always looking for a good show, good time. So, hey, it's a bit late, but I'm starting to feel the season (beyond this cold). Therefore: HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Let's make them great.

Love, G

GET OUT OF TOWN

In my various blog searchings, I came across a true gem earlier today. A Taylor Hicks (of American Idol fame) weblog linked to us! Most of the comments are lukewarm, but it's refreshing to get constructive criticism/praise, rather than unexplained bashing/love. So, I told them so, in a comment of my own. Check it out here. For real.

Plus, lest we forget, that Jen & Andy, the fine folks over at Band in Boston, have posted our live set we cut in early November. Full of quips and what not, I'm sure. Haven't listened yet, but I soon will. Follow the link!

UPDATE: Listening to the podcast, and I'm digging it. I forgot about how many dogs (3) were there and how frequently we referred to them. Without a doubt, the coolest part thus far is the Spanish style guitar solo Mike does in "The Nadir" to compensate for lack of distortion and also Scott's comical voice crack at the end of that song, followed by his own laughter.

CD release, a wrap

Well, it's a relief. I wish I could describe the night with more exuberance, but all I recall is telling someone (sorry, don't recall who) the following accurate description of my feelings after last night's CD release show: it's like a burden lifted after you take a big test. After so much money and time and hope building toward it, I'm glad to have cleared it. Which isn't to say it wasn't one of the coolest nights in history. It's just the test analogy works for me right now because I'm knee deep in studying. GARFUNKEL! (Wouldn't that make a great exclamation?) But yeah, and unfortunately, I wore my concern. Aram asked Tara why I looked anxious, and the response wasn't surprising. He's in the same boat. Also, real quick, special thanks to Mammoth Press for declaring yesterday Cassavettes Day.

Anyhow, here's how the night went. Bummer: The show was delayed due to an earlier show at the club running long, so we didn't do a proper soundcheck or anything, nor did we set up our merch table as well as I'd hoped. We never got our holiday lights functioning (perhaps it's true that when one fails, they all go). Big ups: We sold the show out. Not only did we do that, we did it early. Around 10:30 p.m., and they had to turn away about 30 folks. The feeling following that is both excitement for our first sell-out, but also disappointment because some of those kids were people who support us by coming to every show. I guestlisted and did what I could to get whoever I could into the show, but still a number couldn't get in. Anyhow, the show brought out an interesting array of people -- my plane buddy Dave, Jabe, our normal friends and fans, Bobby, etc. All in all, it felt good. The room was packed, and I do think that played a part in what resulted in less dancing that normal. But still, people were grooving, getting into the "fiesta" theme with maracas, etc. Plus, there was a surprising number of people in the crowd who knew a large portion of the lyrics, even though they didn't have the CD yet. That was cool. And of course, Fritz appeared in an oversized Christmas stocking. Not sure exactly why still. The band played pretty well for the most part, I think, though I couldn't hear anything except drums and Mike's vocals. Halfway through the first song, I felt my voice go. This cold that has been plaguing me didn't have an affect on my vocals for all other performances over the last couple weeks, but it hit me hard onstage. It felt like going through puberty all over again. I kept my voice in the mid-level, not too high, not too low, so that it wouldn't sound horrible. I'm still not happy about it. But then again, I'm known to focus on imperfection, or so I'm told. We ended up doing the switching instruments thing at the end, and it worked out OK. Though for some reason Chris told Scott to wrap it up. Ha. Anyway, my final thoughts coming away from the show were that a) we should never open with "It's Gonna Be Alright" again because I think it's something the live show should build to and b) having Jabe join the band onstage for "Lightning In A Bottle" was pretty much the coolest thing ever. It sounded great, it was fun to jam with him a little, and it just felt right. I'm excited for the next phase of this band; I think selling out the Middle East moves us into a new class of where we should be playing. It's going to be an exciting 2007!








Also, major thanks to the Matts for hosting the afterparty, even though it was crowded (in a good way). I hope I got enough money to you. I didn't feel much like drinking last night, so I kept everything in moderation, which is perhaps why I didn't enjoy the later night activities as others (like Dukes, who proudly strolled around the apartment in his boxers). Highlight of the party: Scott's one-man dance show. While others may argue that his dance-off with Zack B. was better, I disagree. Scott's solo dance was incredible. Just incredible.

Anyhow, in the next few weeks, I'm going to see SO many local shows, it's not funny. But it's going to be great. All I need to do is get through these tests first. Wish me luck.

Love, Glenn

Bogged down in blog log -- well, not really

Hey, no more sadness. I've forgotten ALL WEEK to post this nice blog review that Ryan's Smashing Life (which was just nominated for Music Blog of the Year! Help this guy out and vote for him!) gave us. Ryan has some really kind things to say, including the headline: "A Prediction: Cassavettes Will Change Boston." Thanks, Ryan!

Also, "Based on some early buzz, this might just be what you should be listening to this winter... Here is the new sound of Boston's indie rock!" Very kind words, sir.

One thing of note, though. Not to split hairs here, but just so we're not usurping another's crown, although Ryan says we won the Boston Music Award earlier this year, we didn't. We actually lost to a great band called Lucky 57. Here's a blog about that fateful night. But hey, who's keeping score?

I'm liking the buzz. I'm feeling it. Tomorrow is going to rule. Now, let's see if we can manage a rehearsal beforehand.

Ouch

Well, one of the things you need to be aware of is that when you submit a CD for review, or a book or anything else, you may get back an opinion you don't like. Sometimes you get an opinion you REALLY don't like -- like Moldea v. New York Times. I'm thinking about that right now. And I'd like to take our first lukewarm review with some grace, but I also like to analyze. So I will (that's kind of the point of this blog, right?).

There's some good things in this Herald review of our new CD (rated a C+), but some pretty harsh stuff, too (which is kind of surprising for a local review). Here's the full text:

CHEWY INSIDE
Like a Tootsie Pop, there’s something delicious in the middle of this full-length debut from Boston alt-pop band Cassavettes. Unfortunately the edges are soured with depressing heartache and unsteady tempos.If you don’t feel like being sad for days, start with the center tracks (“It’s Gonna Be Alright”, “On the Lam” and “The Devil’s Arms”), which spotlight Glenn Yoder’s rich vocal style and the band’s talent for playing scratchy indie folk-rock tunes with Texas-size harmonies and complex arrangements. Download: “On the Lam.” (Appearing with Christians & Lions, Mittens, and Hats & Glasses tomorrow at the Middle East, Cambridge.)

I'll comment on a few points here.

First, I haven't talked to Matt about this yet, but I imagine he can't be too happy. "Unsteady tempos"? Whoa, talk about slicing right at the heart of the rhythm section there. I don't think any of the tempos are unsteady; what we DO do is speed and slow down from time to time, on purpose, to add intensity. Matt holds down a pretty steady beat though.

Second, I'm not going to take credit away from anyone else here. While I sing the two other songs she seemingly likes ("The Devil's Arms" and "It's Gonna Be Alright"), Mike sings her pick "On The Lam," so he should have gotten his due credit in the piece, instead of me. Or at least, both of us. Because, unless you really know us, how can you differentiate between our rich vocal stylings?

Third, "The Devil's Arms" is without a doubt, the most depressing song on the album -- I don't know why it's lumped in the feel-good category. Actually, the fact that is was is kind of funny.

And finally, the big one, I'll address this line: "If you don’t feel like being sad for days..." Yikes, that's a pretty strong sentiment. Being that the majority of the songs she speaks with around the edges are mine, I'll say for the record that I'm proud of the lyrical content. They're not Elliot Smith-like depressing, anyway. But as I progressed in writing lyrics, I think (as cheesy as it may be) that I started to be more honest with myself. I started to write about the things I really felt the most about, even if they are downers. That's where you'll find universal themes and what not. Very rarely will you find that in feel-good songs. Sure, "It's Gonna Be Alright" and "Seasons" (not mentioned) are uptempo and seemingly happier (Although, in "Alright," for much of it I'm talking about one of my friends getting over a few hurdles, including the car accident that killed her best friend three summers ago, so, ah well, so much for that happiness -- it's about learning to focus on the positive). Keep in mind, that I don't really like giving away the secrets of a song's lyrics, but I figure that if I explain some parts you can better see the connections. And it fits my mission with this blog.

Either way, I'm not trying to bum anyone out. I'm not a sad person, so I don't know how that's possible. This is just an age when you notice a lot of things in the world that you didn't -- or wouldn't have -- before, and a lot of the album is about that. But if emotional honesty isn't cool with you, then so be it. There's plenty of good uplifting or feel good songs out there, starting with "Twist and Shout."

You know, this part of the review actually amused me a good bit. Just the other night, Tara was telling me that her mother started reading the lyrics on the inside of the CD Tara's brother Jack bought. Apparently, she asked Tara why all the songs were so sad. And now, the experts have spoken and declared Mike and I sad dudes. I don't quite see it that way, but I can see where others do. I don't mind either, because as Joe Bug used to always say, lyrics are there for interpretation.

I just thought that this could use my two cents, too.

Hello, my name is Dr. Cheeks, sorry if I'm a little behind on my rounds

Busy busy week. Tuesday was the culimination of a lot of things: we got a Globe review as the CD pick of the week and we taped a live set for Comcast's show New Music TV. Plus, I'm finishing up with class and trying to "pimp" this record, as Ted Drozdowski says. Just now I'm reading the Boston Phoenix blurb:

Deeply-rooted rock with big nasty teeth is the specialty of Cassavettes (pronounced "cass-a-vetts," not like the director's name), one of Boston's best up-and-coming club bands. They've wrestled a mix of influences from the Band to the Byrds to the MC5 into their own contemporary distillation and packed it into their debut album, It's Gonna Change, which was produced by local singer-songwriter Jabe Beyer. The young foursome, who got the "Best Local Band" nod in the Phoenix's "Best" issue reader's poll earlier this year, celebrate the album's release with an excellent bill of buds -- Christians & Lions, Mittens, and Hats and Glasses.

I love the Jabe mention! Thanks to Will Spitz on that nice nod.

As far as the Globe review, it looks much more impressive in the print edition than it does online. There's a nice big picture, the nice headline "Roaring Right Out of the Gate," a shot of the CD cover, and an indication that it's their pick of the week. Really cool stuff. A GREAT press clip. Plus, reviewer Luke O'Neil chose "Lightning In A Bottle" as the essential track, which I find very intriguing. We always knew that song would make for great press fodder, but after it cleared a show out in August, the band had been down on that tune. Sweet redemption!

The New Music thing was pretty fun. Kind of weird, but fun. It was out in Springfield, so a good hour-and-a-half drive. The producer promises that it will be shown on select Comcast stations on the east coast, from Canada to Florida and as far west as Tennessee. I'm wondering how wide-spread it will be. Plus, it won't air for three months. When we first got there, it took the crew several hours to set everything up, so we just played around. Actually, we ended up doing several spur of the moment covers -- "Take It Easy," "Let's Get It On," "Folsom Prison Blues," etc. -- that were better than you'd expect. According to Fritz, our Marvin Gaye cover made one female staffer make a remark about getting hot from the tune, and take off her jacket. Thanks for the update, Fritz! Speaking of the boy, Fritz posted a little video from his digital camera of us wasting time, and the crew getting set up on Youtube (I apologize about the sound quality). Actually, it looks like he removed the video, but you can currently view it in the comments section of our MySpace. Pictures here (log-in req.). Some dude there kept telling how great it is to see young people appreciate country music, but he was more specifically referring to the Eagles than Johnny Cash, he explained. Hmm. And the host told us about his band, and wants to set something up. I'm always down. You know that.

Anyhow, I was not in a good mood after the thing was taped, even though I got free pizza. I don't know why exactly, I just wasn't. Then, later, I almost punched two guys in the face -- no joke. My anger only rose when we went to a gas station, Fritz asked me to pay, I got out to put it on my card, tape was over the slot saying credit and debit has to be prepaid at the register, I went inside and totally got hassled by the guys working the counter. First, he ran my credit card and told me to punch in my code. I said credit doesn't require a code. He said to do it anyway. I did. Declined, of course. So, then he realized it was a credit card, and asked for my driver's license. He said, "Texas, huh?" and gave me some shit about it. Mike said, "Yeah, we're from Texas." Mike left. The guy told me he didn't believe me, and refused to run the card. He said they don't take credit, an obvious lie since they had it outside and a Visa-endorsed logo on the door. He asked for a debit card, and I told him, pretty much verbatim (since I was at the end of my rope here), that he was full of shit and that he should run my credit card. He told me to give him debit or leave. I gave him debit, he asked me to punch in my pin and in my anger, I punched in the wrong code. It was declined, and he took great pleasure in telling me so. I explained that I had punched in the wrong code by accident, but the owner (I presume) didn't want to hear of it. He told me to get out, because he was tired of me wasting his money by running my card (apparently, it costs 25 cents to swipe a card each time, he tried to show me the machine's manual, but really that figure is nothing when I'm about to drop $10-30 on gas). So, I told them to go fuck themselves, and they told me the same. I've never gotten so heated in public before, everyone in the store was frozen. Those dudes chose a bad time to mess with me. Anyway, unfortunately, Fritz had to pay, so I paid for a CD for him and we called it even.

Now, on to better matters. My amp is fixed so I need to go pick that up today. I was shooting for a 6 p.m. practice, but it can't happen because Matt is working at the wine store late tonight for some reason. So, we'll do another deflated late-night practice. God, I hate those! I also need to email everyone about the show, probably tomorrow after I add on to the email list, and I need to finish establishing PayPal for web orders of the CD and shirts. Yeah, that will be cool. Tomorrow, I hope to re-do the merch box to make it shine for the big show.

Any ideas of how to make the show the best ever?

Also, this show is getting some nice buzz going on. We're the pick of the week at the Phoenix, Bostonist, the Globe's CD of the week, and local podcast Band in Boston names it their pick of the week and says the following between hosts:

Andy: If you're new to Boston music, I don't know if I can think of a whole lot better of a show.
(Cue the pick of the week themesong)
Andy: This is our pick of the week.
Jen: There's no question here.
Andy: I'm going to name my first child after this show.

Soon, those two fabulous friends will post the live sesh we cut with them last month. In the meantime, check out their 24th episode to hear a live version of "Debts," complete with an attempted call and response freeform rap that ended up killing the song. Oh, it stayed in. Yes, it did. And guess what? I.love.it.

Album reviews

So, that set on WBCN felt good the other night. Matt kept complaining that he thought he played bad but I listened to the rough tape Tara recorded straight from radio, and it sounded good. Plus, Scott and I's coughs did NOT prevail. Soon, the site will have the show archived and ready for listening, we'll have a higher-quality copy and we can post it (hopefully to our new website). Don't believe me? Read here.

Today, the Boston Globe gives us some love with the first review of our new album, "It's Gonna Change." It read like this:

There's charm to spare on the first full-length from urban cowboys Cassavettes. The Boston band, led by Glenn Yoder, a former Globe co-op, hangs fragile melodies, gloomy strings, and casually chiming guitar figures over a series of lived-in acoustic shuffles, swampy open-road stompers, and broken-down breakdowns. If the abundant harmonies waver at times, and the tossed-off tunes lose focus in a few spots, it's a testament to the likability of the record that minor missteps like that detract little. "Lightning in a Bottle" breaks the hang dog pace of the record's first half with a triumphant and ambitious up-tempo rocker that clocks in at 9 1/2 minutes. Sure, there are bits of Tom Petty and Neils Young and Diamond here, but that's par for the alt-country territory the band is mining. And besides, these 11 world-weary songs belie the band members' youth. They're probably still working their way through their first few broken hearts and bottles of whiskey upon which musical careers like this are built. [Luke O'Neil]

So, it's generally a thumbs up review. Of course, I had to be IDed to fit Globe policy, but man that detracts from the review. Ah well, whatever.

We should have another review coming in the Boston Herald later this week. Just checked on that...

Scott and I are trying to figure out how to do music licensing for TV and what not. Now, there's rumblings of talking to a suggested agent. We'll see what happens.

Yesterday, I finally loaded the album to iTunes but it won't post for 4-6 weeks. In fact, it's projected "go live" date is like Feb. 19, 2007. What the hell? I wanted the album to go on iTunes later anyhow, so that people would buy the hard copies we had printed, so that's OK I suppose. It will probably go live sooner, I'm guessing, though.

Tonight, we play on a Comcast public access TV show called the New Music Showcase. Should be really cool. It won't air for about three months though. But that could be good. I'm excited. My amp broke the other night at the radio station, though, and I'm borrowing our buddy Tod's amp for tonight. I better take GOOD care of that piece. GOOD CARE.

Anyhow, that's all for now. Hope all is well!
Love, Glenn

Long time, no post

Sorry, things have been really hectic lately. An entire half-month has gone by, and you haven't heard a word from Cassavettesland. Well, due to continued papers to write, I don't have time at the moment to post all the exciting news (I hope to get a good long blog in this week), but I can give you the main points.

1) Today, we went to Connecticut to pick up the finalized CDs! They're all done and in our hands. God, I love that feeling of completion. Myself, Tara, Scott, Mike, and Julie went down in two cars and snatched these babies up. I'm psyched to get them a week early, but I'm bummed at having found out that after believing these to be entirely paid off, I still owe about $200. Total bummer. Anyhow, the big issue now is this: I think I'm going to start selling the CDs before the CD release show next week. Just to friends and what not for the simple reason that I don't want a huge line at the release show (not to be cocky) to discourage someone who would normally NOT buy the disc (like someone who doesn't know us but came to the show, liked what they saw, and wanted to buy a CD) from buying it. If I saw a band and dug it, I might still be turned off by an overactive merch table. Then again, I don't want the table to look completely unused. Note to self: Ask a few folks to help sell merch the night of the CD release, just in case.
2) We're trying to come up with some cool stuff to do for the release show. So far, a couple ideas have flopped and a couple are in limbo. And nobody seems to want to open the show with the chanty "A hop, skip, a jump away/Everybody going to celebrate" but me. Bummer.
3) Practices have been looking up lately. For awhile, they looked bleaked and sounded horrible. But I've been feeling good vibes in the space lately. I think we're returning to form.
4) We've got some big things coming up soon, including an awesome live performance and interview on WBCN tonight (Sunday). I'd post a link, but I'm trying to write this quick so I can finish a 10-page paper. Maybe I'll update soon. More details on the other big things soon.

OK, that's about all I want to say at the moment, but I hope all is well out there with you. I'm really, really, really excited about Dec. 9. It just could be the best day of our young lives. I expect a big crowd and some good times. You should, too. See you there?

Love, Glenn