Elizabeth N. Riley » Music

Rise of the Kentucky Mountain Man

Elizabeth Riley — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:38:11 +0000

When it comes to dating, we all have a type. Tall, dark, skinny, blond, buff. The list goes on. Over the last two years I’ve noticed that I’m no longer attracted to the type I once was—preppy, frat-tastic. I suppose this transformation had a lot to do with my changing political beliefs and my deepening interest in music and art. Not to say fratties can’t be liberal or into music; it’s just rare. These days I’ve become interested in what I like to call the Kentucky Mountain Man.

First off, a Kentucky Mountain Man must have a beard. The longer the better. Secondly, he’s gotta wear plaid, although rustic pearl snap shirts work, too . Both add to his mountain man-ness. The plaid shirt and beard combo screams lumberjack, which is where the term originated. Does he look like he spends time in the Appalachian Mountains chopping wood and singing tunes on his guitar? If so, he’s a KMM. He doesn’t necessarily have to hail from Kentucky or play an instrument, but he’s gotta look rugged and he has to love good music. Perhaps the most endearing part of a KMM are his soulful eyes. Because his entire face is covered with hair all you have to look at are his eyes, but those can tell you a lot about someone.

Below is an example of the ultimate KMM, Tyler Ramsey. Ramsey is singer-songwriter who most recently joined one of my favorite bands Band of Horses. I will probably never meet him but I’m confident there are plenty of Kentucky Mountain Men living right here in Chicago.

**Update: Google ads I saw next to this post were for Mountain Man Clothing and Kentucky Dating.

Tyler Ramsey of Band of Horses (Via rorris, Flickr Creative Commons Lincense)

Other Girls

Elizabeth Riley — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:25:57 +0000

Next album purchase…

Other Girls: “Hey Fella, Ya Fell” from Theodore Mallison on Vimeo.

Clearly I’ve Been Trolling Vimeo, But…

Elizabeth Riley — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:06:46 +0000

I have to share one more animation that I thought was too awesome to keep to myself.

Firekites – AUTUMN STORY – chalk animation from Lucinda Schreiber on Vimeo.

A Lull “Skinny Fingers”

Elizabeth Riley — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:47:33 +0000

A Lull “Skinny Fingers” from A Lull on Vimeo.

The Tallest Man on Earth

Elizabeth Riley — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 03:39:25 +0000

Swedish musician The Tallest Man on Earth (Kristian Matsson) is playing at Schuba’s tomorrow night. It’s a sold-out show, to which I don’t have a ticket, but I wanted to share his music anyway. He’s pretty bad-A.

Tuesday’s Gone And So Is Good Music

Elizabeth Riley — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:17:16 +0000

I saw this advertisement for a concert while surfing on Digg, and I was appalled when I glanced over to see Kid Rock’s name. Eww. I was even more appalled when I noticed his name featured above Lynyrd Skynyrd’s (???). Sure Ronnie Van Zant is dead. And I really only know the words to a few songs off their Greatest Hits album. But I think it’s safe to say Lynyrd Skynyrd contributed more to rock ‘n roll than Kid Rock ever will. I actually wouldn’t even care if there was only one surviving Lynyrd Skynyrd member up on stage who was paralyzed in both arms, couldn’t play an instrument and had no voice–it would still be better than Kid Rock. Eww.

Band of Horses, Much Like Heroin

Elizabeth Riley — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:07:41 +0000

Dear Band of Horses,

I am having withdraws. I’ve resorted to cheap YouTube videos just to satisfy my craving for your deliciously good tunes. A new album might help. Thank you.

Don’t know this song, but I likes it already!

Smelly Good Musicians

Elizabeth Riley — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 06:06:39 +0000

Musicians tend to sweat. True story. And I can’t blame them. I would sweat too if I were: a) performing in front of a large crowd, b) trying to sing/entertain all at once, c) surrounded by some fiery electrical equipment, and d) performing in front of a large crowd (I think that one bares repeating). Profuse sweating doesn’t bother me. I look at it as a package deal. If I’m going to a concert, I should expect some sweaty musicians. Yet amid all the sweat, booze and who knows what else, I’ve never expected them to smell good….

Last night Chris, Kevin and I went to see Phosphorescent (aka Matthew Houck) play at The Empty Bottle. I’ve been listening to his albums non-stop for the past two months (thanks Genius). His music is a good mix of folk, rock with just enough country to remind me of my Southern roots. He recently released the album To Willie–a tribute to Willie Nelson. You gotta love a guy who loves Willie.

Throughout the night, Chris and I kept commenting on Houck’s exceptional stage presence–an added bonus to the great music. He has this finger-pointing thing he does mixed with a slight swagger. Not many could pull it off. Most would probably just look like a really rude drunk who thinks its okay to point at people. About halfway through the show I ditched the boys and got closer to the stage where the finger pointing was phenomenal.

After some encouragement from Chris and Kevin, I decided to be “that” girl and went up to Houck after the show to introduce myself. We exchanged some friendly banter, discussed the best city in the world (Austin) and chitchatted about his music. I gave him my card upon leaving. I’m not expecting a call, but I recently got the cards and I’ve always wanted to say the phrase “Let me give you my card.”

On the way home I mentioned to Chris and Kevin how impressed I was with Houck’s charisma and, um, pleasant smell. Feel free to think I’m crazy right about now. I can’t help it if I have cat-like senses. I found this somewhat surprising since I don’t usually equate sweat and booze to a bed of roses, so kudos, Phosphorescent, for the amazing show… and for smelling so damn nice.

Me!? Dancin’ Kim?

Elizabeth Riley — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:25:13 +0000

A friend of mine (Sarah) just told me that I reminded her of Dancin’ Kim. For those of you who don’t know who Dancin’ Kim is she’s probably one of the most artistic dancers of our time. May she rest in peace (Kim died “in a freak accident at the Mecklenberg County Fair when she was struck by a metal clamshell-shaped car that disengaged from its moorings on the Tilt-A-Whirl while Kim was giving an aerobics demonstration.” Not sure if this is true, but sh*t!). Anyway, if you know me hit me up and tell me if you think I’m the next Dancin’ Kim. And if you don’t, please don’t be scared by what you are about to see.

M. Ward + Some sweet animation

Elizabeth Riley — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 04:46:47 +0000

I dig the lil Chinese dude, especially his arms as he plays the guitar.