Album Review: 'How Long' by Bradley Hathaway



Arkansas-based poet/singer/songwriter Bradley Hathaway's folk roots have returned for his first full-length album in roughly four years, How Long. I've been driving around Central Illinois with this album playing on repeat to get a good feel for it. It helps to take in the scenery of corn fields and falling autumn leaves while letting this album marinate. Shorter than your average LP (10 songs coming to a close at roughly 38 minutes), it is sweet, to say it simplest. It is considerably more folky than his 2010 EP A Thousand Angry Panthers and much lighter than 2009's A Mouth Full of Dust, but I think it's necessary for the subject matter of How Long. In my ears I hear a love album, and I remember why I fell in love with Bradley's words eight years ago.

Now, don't confuse my label of "love" as an album full of songs about falling in love and being so happily in love. This is about varying degrees of love and the desire for (or the discovery of) intimacy. Intimacy is not simply for romance- intimacy is about closeness to another being. These songs tell the stories of people who are searching for (or have already found) intimacy through various avenues.

The album begins with "Daddy's Name", a slow but fitting start to an album of such a soft nature. It sets the tone for the majority of the album, as most of the songs are not upbeat. This is followed by the album's first single "How Long", an almost conversational love song that asks "how long will your love last?" and ends with assurance of a love that will last for seasons upon seasons. I think it's the perfect title of the album, and the song does its title justice. As human beings, we are drawn to relationships, so it is only natural to wonder how long someone will love us when entering a romantic relationship with another person.
"Courthouse" is a lovely duet that I don't have enough words for at this time (it's currently my favorite from the album), but just listen to it, seriously, then you'll understand. For the long time fans of Hathaway, you'll be happy to know that he goes back to his spoken word roots with "He Drives". I've missed the way he performs his pieces with so much emotion, though this may be considered tame compared to the poetry and prose of All the Hits So Far. Although the name might be deceiving, "If I Should Die" picks up the pace on the record and will have you tapping your toes and harmonizing with the background singer(s).

The album ends with "You Look So Pretty", which has listeners waiting for more. Part of me likes that this song was chosen to end the album, but another part of me is sad that it's over. The only option is to listen to it again, obviously, since it's that good. "My words are few, my thoughts they number many" pretty much sums up my review of this album while quoting the final track. I don't want to spoil anything for readers because you need to hear this album for yourself, but know that this album is just a great listen overall- lyrically and musically.

To quote Hathaway's popular poem "Manly Man", this album is about people who "want to be loved, and have love, and give love. And not just that romantic kind either." And maybe I'm wrong, maybe I've interpreted this album all wrong, but I can't help but feel the love.

How Long will be officially released on November 5th, but you can pre-order the album and buy merch at http://bradleyhathaway.storenvy.com/. The album is also availble for digital pre-order as well.
Don't forget to visit Bradley on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bradleyhathaway

Upcoming confirmed tour dates:
October
28 North Little Rock, AR @ Mug's Cafe 515 Main Street 7pm
29 Jackson, MS @ Northridge Church 3232 N. State St 9pm
31 Nashville, TN @ House Show 422 Veritas St 7:30pm

November
1 Columbus, OH @ House Show 2131 Iuka Ave 7pm
2 Holland, MI @ Lemonjello's Coffee 61 E. 9th St 7pm
7 Port Huron, MI @ SchwonkSoundStead 1521 7th St 8pm
10 Hamilton, ON @ Barn Side Studio
11 Oneonta, NY @ SUNY Oneonta College Lee Hall 7pm
12 Clarks Summit, PA @ Baptist Bible College and Seminary Library 538 Venard Rd
15 Delran, NJ @ House Show 110 Lowden St 7pm
16 Madison Heights, VA @ Schoolhouse Venue 131 Old Colony Rd

Video for a Day: "Bad Girls" by M.I.A.

"Bad Girls" by M.I.A.

So, I'm pretty much having post-Pitchfork withdrawals, and I'm trying to relive M.I.A.'s set of dancing with everyone and their sweat. Just pretend you were there with me if you weren't in the crowd.

Song of the Day: "Chicken Tonight (Doin' It Right cover)" by Daft Cluck

When I discovered this chicken cover of Daft Punk's "Doin' It Right" a month ago, I could not stop listening to it for whatever reason. Literally, the lyrics "Chicken tonight, everybody will be eating all the / Chicken tonight, everybody will be eating all the" is repeated the entire song, with random chicken noises in the background. I just laugh, and the song continues to play. Then I found out that one of my favorite 8-bit/chiptune artists is behind this ridiculously catchy cover- Sabrepulse. He (real name Ashley Charles) along with Shirobon (Mikey Cordedda) got together and gave every listener a good laugh- and the song has over 150k plays to date. The duo promised to do another cover if the song hit 100k plays, and they claim they're working on the follow-up. I'm excited for more Daft Cluck. Personally, I think the guys should cover most of Daft Punk's major hits, but maybe it's just me. Enjoy!

Video for a Day: "Genesis" by Grimes

"Genesis" by Grimes

This is one of my favorite songs by Grimes (stage name of Vancouver native Claire Boucher). Also, I'm just super intrigued by this video and it's kind of inexplicable. First, you're just like, "what is happening in this video?" but you don't stop watching it. Does it match the lyrics? Not at all, but I actually don't mind that. I like Grimes because she keeps things interesting, she creates what she desires in a male-dominated industry, and she's an inspiration for women (and men) to just be yourself. 

If you haven't read it already, check out her infamous blog post from April that resonates with many of us in this world, musician or not.

Video for a Day: "Falling" by Haim

"Falling" by Haim

Seeing this trio of sisters making pop music has me desperately wishing for siblings to form a band with. Good thing I have friends, right? Anyway, I like how catchy this song is- reminds me of a combination of '80s and '90s pop (support for this claim- "cause I'm a slave to the sound" line in the first verse). The dance moves from one sister aren't so reminiscent of those eras as much as they are awkward and borderline '60s. Maybe it's just the vibe I get, who knows. This video is more aesthetically pleasing than relating to actual lyrical content- what the video has to do with falling of any literal or metaphorical type is beyond me. Either way, if I end up downloading this song, it will end up on mix CDs for friends because dancing. Enjoy!

Video for a Day: "Glockenspiel Song" by Dog Is Dead

"Glockenspiel Song" by Dog Is Dead

A friend introduced me to this song, even though I'd technically heard it on an episode of Skins a few months earlier. Regardless, I enjoy this song, and it's very youthful. It's so carefree. It's like, "yeah, we're young, and yeah we've made mistake, but you know what? We'll still keep living and having a good time. We refuse to let the bad times stop us from living." Have a listen and enjoy the video!

Video for a Day: "Valtari" by Sigur Ros

"Valtari" by Sigur Ros

Directed by Christian Larson

Beautiful. Simply beautiful. I just feel everything watching this video.

Video for a Day: "Doo Wah" by Kids These Days

"Doo Wah" by Kids These Days

This group is one of my favorites to come out of Chicago. I'm so happy that they're getting more exposure and touring across the country. I think I'm also really proud of them because of the fact that we're the same age, and I always have a soft spot for people my age doing big things. Also, director Austin Vesely is one to keep an eye on. He's going to be making videos for all of your favorite musicians one day. I honestly believe they're going to grow even more successful here on out.

Kids These Days' debut album Traphouse Rock is available to download (for freeeee) from their website kidsthesedaysband.com. 

Video for a Day: "Beg" by Bombay Bicycle Club

"Beg" by Bombay Bicycle Club

I'm bringing this back for a minute.

Video for a Day: "Try" by Pink

"Try" by Pink

Wow oh wow. This new Pink video and the song are awesome. Beautifully done; I feel the love and pain. So good.

Give the "Christian" Bands a Chance

About a week ago, I went to see the band Anberlin with two close friends of mine. Did I really want to see Anberlin? Not really, but we were having a girl's night, so I figured I would just go along with what my two friends wanted to do...which was see Anberlin for free (aka for a suggested $10 donation). I don't have anything against Anberlin. I was once an actual fan of them, but that was when I was 13. It seems that my two friends are now getting into a lot of bands I listened to when I was in 7th and 8th grade, so it's like music nostalgia for me when I'm with them. The way they get excited over these bands is entertaining sometimes, mainly because I just don't get that excited anymore...

Anyway, so one of my friends opened up about her recent dissatisfaction with Christianity and how she's distancing herself from it. So I guess she's agnostic now, on a journey to find where she belongs faith-wise. After seeing Anberlin and looking up more info about them, she read that they were a Christian band. She then said how she's not a fan of Christian bands (or really Christian music in general) because it's all praise and worship-y and preachy and pointless (another sign that she's clearly not digging Christianity much at all lol). Luckily for Anberlin, she thought that they were good. My friend isn't the only one to hold this opinion about "Christian" bands, dismissing them before really even listening to them. The thing is, Anberlin doesn't actually label themselves as a "Christian band" (you can thank the press and critics for that), even though all of the members are Christian.

So how can people separate a band full of Christian members from a band that actually labels itself "Christian"? Give them a chance, listen to the lyrics, see whether or not the band labels itself that way, etc.

There are many bands out there full of Christian members that don't label themselves as a Christian band, but don't think they won't talk about faith in at least a few of their songs. These bands approach songs about faith differently than a band truly labeled as Christian- this is usually obvious when the subject matter is questioning faith and whatnot vs directly praising God. You will also notice that many of these bands try to distance themselves from the Christian label. I'll give some examples of bands:

bands with Christian members (who have been mislabeled as "Christian" bands):
Anberlin
Oceana
Thrice
Acceptance
Chevelle
mewithoutYou
The Devil Wears Prada
Switchfoot

Christian bands:
Underoath
Leeland
Showbread
The Almost
Building 429
Children 18:3
P.O.D
Family Force 5
Demon Hunter

Some of the bands I listed on the latter list don't necessarily "preach" in their music, therefore allowing them to be open to a wider audience. Most of these bands aren't trying to preach in their music, regardless of their label, but their faith does play an important role in how they write the great music they make.

My friend's feelings about Christian bands is a common misconception held my many people, but she will eventually learn how to truly spot the difference in Christian bands. I mean, my ex is a freakin' atheist, and he's the one who introduced me to Oceana and bonded with me over listening to Underoath back in the day. He also introduced me to Listener, and those guys are Christians too. So...

In a way, it feels like my friend is currently going through the short phase I had at 12 years of age- my discovery of music other than Top 40 hits and oldies, a world of music that was mainly underground at the time. You grow tired of all of the overly sexual and objectifying and demeaning songs, and you relate to music with lyrics full of meaning. This usually translates to having a strong dislike for mainstream hip hop and pop and taking a strong liking to rock and its sub-genres. But in all fairness, we can't assume all hip hop and pop doesn't have meaning or that all rock has meaning (because there are plenty of examples out there to prove this point).

In conclusion to this random post, all I'm asking is to give the Christian bands a chance even if you aren't one. I say give any musician a chance until you've actually listened to them, that way you be proven right or wrong with evidence and not just prejudice.

The end.

Video for a Day: "Two Weeks/Head Over Heels", a mashup by Kimbra

She has a great voice. Two songs that I enjoy very much, mashed together. No other words necessary.

Chandler London and Why I Think I'm Falling In Love

Okay, maybe I'm over-exaggerating when I say that I'm "falling in love", but I am honestly digging Chandler London's mixtape The Science of Sleep (produced by Stefan Ponce). I know I'm late in discovering him and this mixtape (released in 2011), but better late than never, right? While listening to a local radio station that I'd just discovered a few days ago, London's "Stéphanie" came on. The beat caught my ear first, then I recognized the sample being used and got really excited. My internet search for more info on this Chicago native began after the song ended.

Now, I might be slightly biased when it comes to this mixtape for a few reasons: 1) The Science of Sleep is one of my favorite (if not my absolute favorite) films, 2) Chandler London is from Chicago, 3) samples from some of my favorite musicians are featured on this mixtape (including Lykke Li and M83), and 4) I'm in love for the previously mentioned reasons and more.

Bias aside, don't sleep on The Science of Sleep (see what I did there?) because it's pretty great and London is legit. I'm at a loss of intelligent words to describe this collection of songs, which flows in a dreamlike manner, or as if I'm traveling through memories of the good and bad times in life. I've been listening to this mixtape everyday, and I swear I'm not exaggerating- that's just how much I love it. All I can really say is that you should hear it for yourself. Download it, and I doubt you'll be disappointed.

http://chandlerlondon.com/
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Video for a Day: "Lightspeed" by Grieves

"Lightspeed" by Grieves

You need to slow down 

Every once in awhile sometimes

To see how the world goes around

You need to slow down every once in awhile

'Cause you don't know, you don't

No, you don't need to go so fast

Sean Bones' latest album- Buzzards Boy

Sean Bones has his entire album up for streaming currently. It's very..."feel good", if you know what I mean. It just has a nice air to it. It's too late at night for me to be writing this and trying to make logical sense, so enjoy the music if you should randomly come across this post.

Song for the Day: "Here Now" by Sean Bones

"Here Now" by Sean Bones

New music from Sean Bones. His sophomore album, Buzzards Boy, hits stores May 8th. Check him outttt. 

Video for a Day: "All the Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands" by Sufjan Stevens

"All the Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands" by Sufjan Stevens

If you don't know how much I love Sufjan Stevens, now you know. Sometimes, I feel as if I could listen to his music forever, seriously. 

Video for a Day: "How Strong We Are" by Mark Rose

"How Strong We Are" by Mark Rose

I loved this song the first day I heard it a few years ago. This is a remastered version he did for his debut album which was released last year. If you don't know Mark Rose, you should. He has a great voice, he's talented, and he's reppin' the Chi, so those are the only reasons you need to love him.

Now, I actually want to talk about this video a little bit. I love the shots of Chicago, love 'em. I like that a lot of people were seen, besides just simply whoever walked by while following the singer (what usually happens in music videos), ya know like how the camera was specifically on certain people for lengths of time. I really enjoyed the way this was shot.

The only criticism I have is for the times that it was just Mark chillin in Grant Park, leaning against the railings of bridges and such. While these were shot just as nicely as the rest of the video, I wasn't a fan of Mark's sorta blahness. He never actually looks straight into the camera at all during this entire video. I guess he was going for the serious look and all, but he could've looked into the camera a few times. Also, he could've smiled a few times as well. This isn't a sad song; it's about staying strong during the rough times and getting past those things. Now, this could have been the director's decision to not have him smile or look into the camera and not Mark's. Regardless, though, I think there should've been some smiling and direct eye contact. It would've made it feel a little more personable and not like he was a Chicago-native staring at tourists and all or something. I don't know. Maybe it's just me haha.

Video for a Day: "I'll Try Anything Once" by The Strokes

"I'll Try Anything Once" by The Strokes

I've enjoyed this song since the first time I heard it 2-3 years ago. It just came up on shuffle, and nostalgia seeped into my veins. 

Video for a Day: "Unravel" by Bjork

"Unravel" by Bjork

How could you not love her? Seriously, love this song. I'll post the Radiohead (or more specifically Thom Yorke) cover one day.

While you are away
My heart comes undone
Slowly unravels
In a ball of yarn
The devil collects it
With a grin
Our love 
In a ball of yarn


He'll never return it


So when you come back
We'll have to make new love