It's like Debbie Gibson used to say "Silence Speaks (A Thousand Words)." It's so true, and that segues quite nicely into today's A-Sides sessions - well, sort of anyway. Our two featured acts today couldn't be any different. A Silent Film are young veterans in alt-rock that have been releasing one solid anthemic track after another since they dropped their 2009 hit single "You Will Leave a Mark." The second act, and by the way in no way is this in order of quality, is gospel-jazz supergroup The Words, which consists iconic artists Robert Randolph, John Medeski ,and the North Mississippi All-Stars. Don't call it a comeback? Well, not. Call it a comeback - this powerful band returned after quite a hiatus. Anyway, watch the "Silent" and the "Words" below, all the while, fully realizing what a stretch my first sentence was.
In many ways, A Silent Film have rebooted a bit. For starters, the band now consists of just two founding members - Robert Stevenson and Spencer Walker - and for - what finishers? - their new album is self-titled. It certainly feels like a fresh start, but the new album's 11 tracks prove different. The song remains the same with the band's signature sound and solid storytelling lyrics intact. Their first single "Lightning Strikes" is already taking flight like Woodstock on alt-rock radio, and A-Sides was very fortunate to have them perform it live from Primary Wave's A-Sides Studio in NYC earlier this month. There, they also performed another standout track and sat down for a nice chat. So with all that said, please welcome A Silent Film back to A-Sides. Once again, they've left quite a mark.
"Lightning Strike"
To see the band's exclusive performance of "Something to Believe In" and their interview, click here.
Forget Grease, The Word is "the word." Sonic-wise, you can't do much better than this gospel/blues/rock supergroup consisting of Robert Randolph, John Medeski and the North Mississippi All-Stars. Collectively, the musicians in this band have had such storied careers that it's hard to elaborate much more here (I'd literally need a separate post to go over their accomplishments) and are as tight together as skinny jeans from H&M.
Prior to their show at Webster Hall in New York City last month, the band performed a pair of songs and discussed their new album Soul Food- their first in 14 years. Hot damn that's too long. Anyway, the album - not surprisingly - got rave reviews. Watch The Word below, and marvel at their artistry. Videos filmed by shootmepeter.com.
"New Word Order"
To view their performance of "The Chocolate Cowboy" and their A-Sides interview, click here.
A-Sides "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve" based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week (no matter when they were released -- think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, song posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls and, most importantly: what my toddler is currently enjoying thoroughly with an assist from my infant.
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman: Jon Chattman's music series features celebrities and artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, Jon strives for a refreshing change. Artists featured on the series include Imagine Dragons, Melissa Etheridge, Air Supply, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, fun, Bleachers, Charli XCX, Marina and the Diamonds and Bastille.