I think one thing a lot of our readers don’t notice right away is that this blog is based out of Alabama. Yes, you heard me correctly. It comes as quite a shock to many, but I do in fact live here on the plains of Auburn.
That is something I have been wanting to change for a while now, as i’ve wanted to focus a little bit more on local bands around Alabama. I usually don’t have a lot of time to discover much of the music around here, but I would love more than anything to champion a local band here on the blog. Thankfully, our long-time reader Paul Hanninen was willing to share a few of his choices to showcase here for us. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a recurring feature here on The Yellow Stereo and a place to provide a stage to support a growing musical community here in the state.
The Dexateens
MP3: The Dexateens | “Naked Ground”
myspace | website
About: Hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Dexateens started out as a punk group but have matured into a band playing high-energy, modern Southern rock. Their songs move from foot-stompers like the track Naked Ground from their latest album, Hardwire Healing, to much darker, grittier material. And they put on a killer sweat and beer fueled live show–it’s hard not to start moving your feet when they start jumping and yelling all over the stage. They’ve recently just finished up recording their newest album and are about to embark on yet another tour of Europe. Word is that they’re huge in Spain.
13ghosts
MP3: 13ghosts | “12A Model Citizen Flip”
myspace | website
About: From Birmingham, Alabama, 13ghosts play haunting songs heavy in atmosphere. The track, A Model Citizen Flip, is actually a red herring of sorts. It’s easily their hardest-hitting song. The rest of their songs are more reserved, with both mid-tempo rock songs and fragile acoustic numbers. They touch on a lot of the same sonic territory as The Dexateens, which is understandable, considering how close the two bands are–Brad, from 13ghosts, guested on guitar with The Dexateens at the 40watt in Athens.
Delicate Cutters
MP3: Delicate Cutters | “Warm Day in April”
myspace | website
About: Featuring members of both Teen Getaway and The Maisleys, the Delicate Cutters could be called a Birmingham supergroup. Unlike most supergroups, though, the sound got smaller and gentler rather than larger and louder. With smooth violin work and beautiful vocals, the Delicate Cutters play soft, thoughtful folk-tinged songs. A Warm Day in April is a great showcase of Janet Simpson’s gorgeous voice and their willingness to let a song speak for itself.
Teen Getaway
MP3: Teen Getaway | “Evidence”
myspace
About: I like what they have to say about themselves on their Myspace…I think it suits them just fine: “Teen Getaway play rock and roll music. It’s sometimes spiky. Sometimes swirly. Somtimes pretty. Sometimes dirty. They live in Birmingham — home to pretty girls and ghosts. They smile when they play. Dance too. They’re currently mixing an E.P. entitled Nighthawks and writing a shiny new batch of songs.” And Evidence is an awesome song.
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Paul Hanninen hosts “The Local Show with Paul.com” on WVUA 90.7 The Capstone at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Featuring live performances by and interviews with the best bands from throughout Alabama, The Local Show hopes to showcase the best that Alabama has to offer and hopefully expose listeners to music they might never have heard otherwise. On the air from 4-6 pm CST every Sunday, you can listen in at www.thecapstone.ua.edu. Just click on the headphones.
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What about the Pine Hill Haints? I remember seeing them at the old 280 Boogie. Aren’t they from Bama?
You know what’s cool about this? I visit Alabama (my whole entire family is from the South) every year and had no idea that it had such great music. Thank you PJ, thank you.
Thanks for featuring some of my favorite bands!
Way to go. We need more patronage in Bama like this. What about Vulture Whale? You should check them out. They are from
B’ham and having a cd release party this Friday at the Bottletree.
awesome.
Alabama bands — send me your music!
what? no fu#*ing caddle?
Don’t forget about the 2 greatest bands ever to hail from Tuscaloosa….even though RIP…
Sweat Bee and The Storm Orphans!!!!