get to work with all types of bands doing this stuff, and like the random shuffle of the new radio station (you know about that, right?), I always get a kick out of the "musical whiplash" you get from the unexpected left turns. My sadistic nature probably does nothing for setting a consistent mood or tone, but it sure keeps things interesting. This week's guests are also fitting examples of this. Jason Milner is best remembered as a founding member of an industrial band called Form30, while Leslie Benson fronted a folky/bluesy/alt-rock band called Burning Veda. In retrospect, it was only natural that these two crazy kids get together and form an acoustic piano/lounge singer act called Irene and Reed that itself is now evolving into ... what?
As the Sweetest Condition, the former Irene and Reed bill themselves as "Dark-Tinged Americana." Now, I barely know what Americana is as it relates to folk-rock, bluegrass, cowpunk, and acoustic singer/songwriter. Certainly, I don't know what "dark-tinged" refers to other than making it sound like something really cool and unique that you have to listen to. Billy Corgan plays the hits of Steven Faulkner? Wait, on second thought, that's not too far off. Any way you slice it, Jason and Leslie are the type of supremely talented songwriters and performers that have sufficiently proven themselves to the point that you now "trust them." While you may not know at this point what to expect at the end of this musical journey (the forthcoming "third album"), but you can be guaranteed it will be an enjoyable trip.
Links referenced in the show:
