Foundation – Chimborazo
I, like the other two ding-dongs that write things on this blog, am a Ryan Adams apologist. In my eyes, he can do no wrong. I will admit that I was a bit skeptical about the whole Mandy Moore thing, but I eventually came around because I think that she really helped him deal with some of the issues that lead him to drinking, drugging, and the like. Say what you will about Ryan and his career, I’ll put my money on him any day of the week, and twice on Sundays. My personal favorite album that he took part in is Rock ‘N Roll, and that includes all of the great things he did with Whiskeytown and The Cardinals. Keith just got so pissed at that last sentence. Let’s get to the point though, I want to talk about Whiskeytown. Whiskeytown created some of the most amazing songs that have ever been put on plastic stuff, and the only reason I’m okay with their disbanding is that it allowed Adams to be Adams, ala “Manny being Manny.” I’ve listened to Faithless Street, Stranger’s Almanac, and Pneumonia more times than the cast of Jersey Shore says the word “like” in a non-comparative context. I’m not tired of them, but I’m yearning for something new. That yearning was just answered.
Foundation’s Chimborazo is the closest thing I’ve heard to a Whiskeytown album in a long ass time. There, I said it. If you like Whiskeytown, you’ll love this album. Foundation started as the solo side project of former Ann Beretta front man Rob Huddelston. The band’s first album was self-titled, and came out in 2001. The warm welcome that it received lead Rob to break away from the punk scene entirely in 2004, in order to put all of his energy into Foundation. Chimborazo was released in early 2009, and came together in a pretty unique fashion. The core of it was Rob singing and playing guitar. From there, each sound was added independently of the rest, layering upon the previous instruments to complete the finished product. It’s a really great album that has all of the necessary ingredients for a solid country sound.
On I Feel Fine, you can really feel Huddleston’s punk rock sensibilities coming through, as you’re roadtripping away from your troubles, middle finger in the air. There’s some sweet harmonica on this track, which never hurts.
I Feel Fine
Horseshoes and Handgrenades is the album’s lone sing-along tune, and sounds a lot like Johnny Gardiner is singing it. It’s got a great title too, both things that are a ton of fun to throw around the backyard while drinking beers with your buddies.
Horseshoes And Handgrenades
The first few times I listened to Until I, all I could think about was Ryan Adams and the Cardinals’ The Hardest Part. Maybe it’s just the tempo and a bit of the tune, but I soon realized that this song was awesome in it’s own right entirely.
Until I
The last song I’ll mention is If I Can Say Goodbye because it’s definitely my favorite tune on the whole album. It’s just really pretty and I love the way the fiddle subtley keeps things working together before it takes over the song. Kind of like having some arugula in your salad. At first you think it’s just some pepper, then you get a big ole bite of the stuff and it’s freakin awesome. I’m hungry.
If I Can Say Goodbye
Also, here’s a sweet acoustic video for the track Begging to Bleed.
Foundation – Begging to Bleed from If You Make It on Vimeo.
So, there’s Foundation. This is a really sweet album that I’m sure I’ll come back to over and over throughout the year. I don’t mean to take away from Foundations abilities by referrencing Whiskeytown so often, think of it more as a compliment. I also think this album reminds me a lot of Matt Joe Gow & The Dead Leaves. What a mix. Check out the links below, and stay tuned for some cool stuff coming up!
Yup,
Brain
