Concert Review: Great Lakes Myth Society, 7/17/08

If you were fortunate to be at the Owosso, Michigan amphitheater last night (July 17), you saw a very special performance by the Great Lakes Myth Society. This young band from the Ann Arbor area performed folk-rock songs that echoed the lush melodies of 70's folk acts like the Fairport Convention or Steeleye Span.

Performing 17 songs from their self-titled debut and their newer Compass Rose Boquet, The Great Lakes Myth society held the audience in rapt attention as brothers Timothy and James Monger traded tales of growing up in their beloved Michigan. While one of the Mongers stroked a vintage accordian and played electric guitar, the other Monger demonstrated his skills on the mandolin and guitar. Guitarist Gregory McIntosh, bassist Scott McClintock, and drummer Fido Kennington all contributed to the bands majestic sound, with all five members of the band joining in multi-part harmonies that sent chills up and down the spine of the listener. Even though the evening was hot, the rain stayed north as the Great Lakes Myth Society played for an audience of several hundred fans. Those who began the evening unfamiliar with the band showed their appreciaton as they lined up to purchase CD's and t-shirts.

The next time the Great Lakes Myth Society performs in your area, make sure you make the effort to see them. You will not be disappointed.

Set List:

1. Brablec Farms
2. Across the Bridge
3. Love Story
4. Novi
5. Bright Phoebus
6. Stump Speech
7. Michigan & Trumbull
8. Isabella County
9. Summer Bonfire
10. T&J Set
11. Sebutante
12. Heydays
13. Lincoln
14. Eastern Birds
15. Northern Lights
16. March Barley Fool
17. Big Jim Hawkins

Recent Discoveries: Earlimart, Beck, The Hold Steady

Earlimart

I don’t know how this band evaded my consciousness, but I’m pleased that I finally stumbled upon them. The music is very indie-pop oriented, with frequently slow-burning tempos, lush guitar-centric music, and stunning male/female vocal interplay. This isn’t music for head bangers (although interesting electric guitar heroics do show up from time to time) . It’s music for a Sunday morning stroll along the river. Their newest album, Hymn and Her, is earning rave reviews all over the ‘web, but you should also check out their earlier releases, especially Treble and Tremble and Mentor Tormentor.

Beck

I never got into Beck back in the 90’s when he was played every hour on the hour on the local college radio station. For some reason, I thought he wasn’t for real. I guess I was wrong, because after several albums, he’s still around and has released a gem. Modern Guilt is melodic, energetic, and expertly produced by Danger Mouse. Those who like to rock will find enough her to enjoy, but the lonely housewives will really dig this record. It’s dark in spots, but the melodies and beats do plenty to alleviate the depression.

The Hold Steady

If you are a fan of Springsteen or The Killers, you might like the Hold Steady. The music is big, but the vocals take a bit of getting used to. Front man Craig Finn doesn’t even try to sing. Instead, he rants and raves about summer, religion, magazines, even Jamaica on their new album Stay Positive. It’s hard to say if this music has the lasting value of Springsteen, but it’s great that a modern band is reaching for the big brass ring.