Shinjak’s Listening Lounge » 2008

Frank Bang’s Secret Stash Summer Schedule

May 28th, 2008

Frank Bang and his Secret Stash are on the road again and playing several shows in North Carolina. Here is a complete list of upcoming shows:

5/21/08 The Poor House Ft. Laudedale, FL
5/23/08 Green Parrot / Key West, FL
5/29/08 Slim’s Downtown / Raleigh N.C.
5/30/08 The New French Bar / Asheville N.C.
5/31/08 Christopher’s Morgantown, N.C.
6/03/08 Harlem Ave Lounge / Berwyn, IL
6/05/08 Blue Note / Columbia, MO
6/06/08 Rude Dogs / Cape Girardeau, MO
6/07/08Rude Dogs / Cape Girardeau, MO
6/09/08 Bill’s Blues / Evanston, IL
6/13/08 The Harlem Ave. Lounge / Berwyn, IL
6/14/08 Billy’s / Grand Rapids, MI

There are three shows in North Carolina including a show at Christopher’s in Morganton which is only about 30 minutes from me. Maybe I’ll see you there. If you talk to Frank, tell him the Shinjak blog sent you. He’ll know what you mean.

Buy Frank’s latest album, And They Named It Rock And Roll, at cdbaby.com:

For those who missed my original Secret Stash post, here is a live show from the Orange Peel in Asheville circa May 2007:

Frank Bang And The Secret Stash
Live at the Orange Peel, Asheville NC May 25, 2007

Frank Bang And The Secret Stash - Mind On My Money

Frank Bang And The Secret Stash - Livin On Your Love

Frank Bang And The Secret Stash - Heartaches Were Nickels

Frank Bang And The Secret Stash - Earthquake

Frank Bang And The Secret Stash - When The Levee Breaks

Frank Bang And The Secret Stash - Ready For The Ride

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It Came From Myspace

May 20th, 2008

Despite most people’s love/hate relationship with it, Myspace is still one of the best resources for finding independent unsigned musicians. That being said the following disclaimer is for the sake of saving what little street cred I have with the (very) few regular readers that visit the Lounge.

The artists I cover in this (hopefully) regular feature are not professional recording artists. However, this is only reflected in the quality of their recordings, and not in their level of musicianship. In other words, don’t expect archival quality recordings from musicians operating on a shoestring budget. End disclaimer.

BOHO is a band of young musicians from the small North Carolina mountain community of Mills River. Zack Harding leads the band on guitar and vocals with his half brother Wayne Redden (who is only 14!!) backing him up on drums. Joe Bellamy is the one laying down those catchy bass lines. They could be labeled as a southern rock band with some new rock influences. Their description of themselves probably says it best:

“…definitely a rock band, they enjoy the occasional jam and improvisation, they embrace their Southeastern heritage with traces of southern sound, and their musical influences span from the 50’s all the way into the (new millennium). A large portion of their repertoire is original with those tunes being the focus of their output. Original songs ranging from southern-rock stompers to jammed-out ten minute psychedelic-funk romps to straight ahead acoustic singer/songwriter type pieces. They can also play a great deal of cover tunes with a large emphasis on classic rock and a few soul/funk songs.”

Yes, you are correct. The vocals are bad. But, the level of musicianship these guys display rises above that. Just listen to the blistering riffs and tempo changes in Tragedy’s Baby. Heavy Reprise really showcases the groups musicianship opening with a funky bass line and ending with a killer riff reminiscent of AC/DC. I think Glory Hole could be a internet hit with it’s seedy premise and dirty intentions. Apparently somebody else has noticed these guys because they have garnered several gigs around Hendersonville.

With some vocal polishing and some confidence under their belts, you will be hearing more from these guys. What do you think? Feel free to share your constructive opinion in the comments section.

BOHO - Heavy Reprise

BOHO - Tragedy’s Baby

BOHO - Glory Hole

BOHO - Proving Grounds

BOHO - Face Of A Million The Same

myspace

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Filed under: It Came From Myspace, North Carolina Music, mp3 | Comment (0)

Catch That Train, And Fall Flat On Your Face

May 14th, 2008

Sometimes you find a good thing just a little too late. So is the case with me and the recently disbanded Memphis based folk rock quartet, the Central Standards. Their last performance was April 12, 2008 in Memphis. Approximately one week later I heard Damaged Dollar for the first time. Such is life.Damaged Dollar from their latest album, The Central Standards Folly, provide the perfect example of what the band does best: Relevant and memorable lyrics combined with catchy hooks that have a way of sticking in your head for days. The opening lines to Damaged Dollar are forever burned into my psyche, and it didn’t hurt a bit! Enjoy.

The Central Standards - Damaged Dollar

The Central Standards - So Much Clearer

The Central Standards - Since I’ve Been Gone

Even though you will never see the band live again doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy their talent. Three of The Central Standards’ albums are available at cdbaby. Just click on the pictures for more samples and to buy the albums: