It's been awhile since I've sent an update. So - here's a quick list of things I'm thought I should pass along.
Best wishes to everyone and I hope to see you around.
Sincerely,
Chris
Magnolia Summer
1. NEXT SHOW (May 6, 2009 - St. Louis, MO):
Off Broadway
3509 Lemp Ave St Louis, MO 63118
Wednesday, May 6
21+
Doors: 4 pm // Minors Door: 7:30 pm
Showtime: 8 pm (Magnolia Summer opens)
Admission: $8
w/ Ha Ha Tonka and John Henry and the Engine
* several more dates to be announced soon.
2. NEWS - LINES FROM THE FRAME - NEW REVIEWS
big takeover review: This release continues on in the Magnolia Summer tradition of sounding like the perfect soundtrack to a riverfront summer concert, a cooler full of Anheuser-Busch products parked next to the lawn chair. Putting that into a musical equivalent, Magnolia Summer falls somewhere between the spawn of Uncle Tupelo: Son Volt and Wilco. Chris Grabau and company capture the country spirit of Son Volt ("By Your Side") and blend it with Wilco's Southern California pop sound ("Pulling Phase to Ground"). But, on their third release, they've started stretching boundaries as well as evidenced by the fleshed-out ending of "Diminished Returns," an eyes-closed, hip swaying, head down jam that showcases the band's break from the expected. Another great Americana release by this St. Louis band.
More reviews can be found on our website: http://www.magnoliasummer.com
3. LINES FROM THE FRAME - UK/IRE RELEASE DATE
Lines from the Frame will be released in the IRE/UK on June UK / IRE release date of June 15, 2009. In relation to the UK release date, "To Better Days" and "Short Wave Decline" were recently played on BBC Radio hosted by Bob Harris: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/bobharris/
4. RFT 2009 BEST OF AWARDS:
We're honored to announce that "Lines From the Frame" was nominated for 'best album' in St. Louis 2009 RFT Music Awards. It's great to be considered and support. Please check out the RFT link and listen to the other nominees.
http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/atoz/2009/04/2009_rft_riverfront_times_music_award_nominees_awards_music_showcase_delmar_loop_june_7_2009_voting.php
5. SXSW
Thanks to those who caught Magnolia Summer at SXSW. It was a great trip and we felt fortunate to meet a lot of great people. If you missed Magnolia Summer at SXSW you can catch a few clips of their day performance at Jovitas for the 2009 Twangfest party via You Tube.
Short Wave Decline - Live at Twangfest / SXSW
6. DIMINISHED RETURNS (RAC REMIX)
Just a reminder, you can download the free RAC remix here: http://www.magnoliasummer.com/diminishedreturnsrac.php
7. THE CITY GARDEN PROJECT
Over the last few months, Magnolia Summer has been working in the studio to provide music for the City Garden; . The band returned to Sawhorse to record original music to accompany sculptures that are being installed for the St. Louis City Garden Project. The music will be used as part of the audio tour project for the garden. Notable St. Louisans will voice the tours. We're excited to be a part of the project. More news to come. In the meantime, you can find pictures of our recent sessions at Sawhorse recording for the project on our pictures page.
More information about the project is here:
http://stlcin.missouri.org/release/getpressdetails.cfm?Auto=1282
http://www.gateway-foundation.org
8. UNLOCK THE DOOR (DOA MIX)
I thought someone might enjoy this: During the demos for our first record, Levers and Pulleys, Mark Ray and I spent many nights experimenting within the process of making songs. Which usually involved trying stuff out, burning a reference CD, and ultimately driving around listening to mixes. For me, its the process of exploration and discovery that is the best part of making a record and I have a lot of great memories about that time.
One of the earliest songs to come out of these sessions was the song "Unlock the Door." Mark Ray and I were pretty happy with the initial version and thought the song was complete in its original state - however, somehow, the recording was lost to the computer gods. After a few other failed stabs at the song (including an ill-advised version featuring hand bone percussion - file under: HILARIOUS) the song was thought to be lost. However, an old resonator recused the song from the recording gods and its final (more sanguine) version is one of my favorite moments on, "Levers and Pulleys."
I thought the demo was lost but I recently discovered one of the bruned CDs we would make to driving around downtown and listen... funny what a little spring cleaning will uncover. It was a nice reminder of the start of what became our first record and of a really great period for making music - I hope the version hints at the positive energy that surrounded the making of the first record.
I know there are other dead soldiers lying around that I hope to post from time to time... I'll keep looking. Until then, enjoy!
You can download the track (warts and all) by visiting: http://www.magnoliasummer.com/unlockthedoor.php
Happy listening!