Singer-Songwriter Amanda Shires & Opinions on Anderson .Paak & Art Brut

This week, Jim and Greg have a conversation with country
Oxnard Anderson .Paak

Singer, rapper, and drummer
Bang Bang Rock & Roll Art Brut

On their fifth album, Wham! Bang! Pow! Let’s Rock Out!, post punk band Art Brut continues to rise and fall on the strength of singer Eddie Argos's self-deprecating lyrics. Working in the tradition of Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers, Argos speak-sings self aware songs full of music nerd references about his own modest music career. Jim and Greg were both huge fans of their 2005 debut album Bang Bang Rock & Roll, but their follow up albums never improved on that album's formula. Greg doesn't find much new on Wham! Bang!... other than some horn arrangements, but declares his undying love for Eddie Argos' persona. Jim, however, finds the new album interesting for turning to a new category of rock cliches to subvert. Instead of "a poor schlub who wants to be in a band but has no talent," Argos now depicts a sadder figure: "a poor middle-aged schlub who was in a band, but has no talent." He finds it sadder and more effective than ever.
Amanda Shires
This week, Jim and Greg talk to singer-songwriter and violinist Amanda Shires at the Goose Island Tap Room in Chicago. Amanda released her latest solo album To The Sunset in early August of this year to a lot of critical acclaim, especially for the intricately beautiful lyrics and genre-blending on the record (country, rock, acoustic, etc.) Shires talks with Jim and Greg about her time in the legendary Bob Wills band The Texas Playboys and about how getting her MFA in poetry elevated her lyricism. They also discuss her husband, singer, guitarist and songwriter Jason Isbell, and how becoming a mom changed her musical perspective. Shires also brought along her long fiddle and her guitar player and performs a special stripped down set.
Featured Songs
- Art Brut, "Too Clever," Wham! Bang! Pow! Let's Rock Out!, Alcopop!, 2018
- Anderson .Paak , "Tints (ft. Kendrick Lamar)," Oxnard, Aftermath, 2018
- Anderson .Paak , "The Chase (feat. Kadhja Bonet)," Oxnard, Aftermath, 2018
- Anderson .Paak , "Sweet Chick (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid)," Oxnard, Aftermath, 2018
- Anderson .Paak , "6 Summers," Oxnard, Aftermath, 2018
- Anderson .Paak , "Cheers (feat. Q-Tip)," Oxnard, Aftermath, 2018
- Art Brut, "Hooray!," Wham! Bang! Pow! Let's Rock Out!, Alcopop!, 2018
- Art Brut, "I Hope You're Very Happy Together," Wham! Bang! Pow! Let's Rock Out!, Alcopop!, 2018
- Art Brut, "Hospital!," Wham! Bang! Pow! Let's Rock Out!, Alcopop!, 2018
- Art Brut, "Kultfigur," Wham! Bang! Pow! Let's Rock Out!, Alcopop!, 2018
- Amanda Shires, "Parking Lot Pirouette," To The Sunset, Silver Knife, 2018
- Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, "Texas Playboy Theme," The Tiffany Transcriptions Vol. 4: You're From Texas, Kaleidoscope, 1985
- Amanda Shires, "The Drop and Lift," Down Fell the Doves, Lightning Rod, 2013
- Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, "Bubbles In My Beer," Bubbles In My Beer (Single), MGM, 1947
- Amanda Shires, "When You Need a Train It Never Comes," Carrying Lightning, Lightning Rod, 2011
- Amanda Shires, "Break Out The Champagne (Live on Sound Opinions)," To The Sunset, Silver Knife, 2018
- Amanda Shires, "Break Out The Champagne," To The Sunset, Silver Knife, 2018
- Amanda Shires, "Swimmer," To The Sunset, Silver Knife, 2018
- Amanda Shires, "Eve's Daughter (Live on Sound Opinions)," To The Sunset, Silver Knife, 2018
- Amanda Shires, "Wasn't I Paying Attention," To The Sunset, Silver Knife, 2018
- Amanda Shires, "Take On The Dark," To The Sunset, Silver Knife, 2018
- Amanda Shires, "Eve's Daughter," To The Sunset, Silver Knife, 2018
- Amanda Shires, "White Feather," To The Sunset, Silver Knife, 2018
- Amanda Shires, "My Love (The Storm)," My Piece of Land, BMG Rights Management, 2016
- Amanda Shires, "Charms (Live on Sound Opinions)," To The Sunset, Silver Knife, 2018
- Amanda Shires, "You Are My Home," My Piece of Land, BMG Rights Management, 2016
- Amanda Shires, "Leave It Alone (Live on Sound Opinions)," To The Sunset, Silver Knife, 2018
- Amanda Shires, "Devastate," Down Fell the Doves, Lightning Rod, 2013
- Janelle Monáe, "Take A Byte," Dirty Computer, Atlantic, 2018
- Heatwave, "All You Do Is Dial," Central Heating, Epic, 1978
- Aretha Franklin, "Think," Aretha Now, Atlantic, 1968
- Gaye Su Akyol, "Şahmeran," İstikrarlı Hayal Hakikattir, Glitterbeat, 2018
- Handsome Jack, "Baby Be Cool," Everything's Gonna Be Alright, Alive, 2018
- Van Morrison, "Slim Slow Slider," Astral Weeks, Warner Bros., 1968
- Van Morrison, "Astral Weeks," Astral Weeks, Warner Bros., 1968
- Van Morrison, "Stranded," Magic Time, Geffen, 2005
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