As told to Benevento/Russo Duo manager, Marc Allan, drunk at a bar in Japan.....
Iron Maiden - “Run to the Hills�
Is there a better place to start than Iron Maiden? I think not. A favorite of mine when I show off my falsetto skills in the karaoke bars of Tokyo, not to mention a kick-ass 80s metal classic (note – this was written at a bar in Tokyo, albeit no Karaoke for me tonight)....and Steve Harris is the best bass player of all time, find somebody better, I dare you.
Something for Rockets - “Might as Well�
The sexiest band on the planet, or so they say. Marco and I love this band and this record so much...the hooks are irresistible ,and I got lots o love for the rhythm section.
Apollo Sunshine - “Magnolia�
We are getting ready to head out on the road with them this September. This song is such a rollicking good time...and you can’t beat some tasteful cowbell. Can’t wait to watch these guys do their thing live for a few weeks.
Tom Hamilton’s American Babies - “Swimming at Night� (unreleased)
I have been listening to this stuff constantly lately, partially because I am getting ready to do some studio work with Tom for the release, but also because these songs hit the spot for me...a totally different songwriting direction for Tom...very rootsy and definitely wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Band of Horses - “The Funeral�
Aren’t you required to name check Band of Horses in 2006? I don’t care, requirement or not, this is a killer track off of a beautiful record.
Broken Social Scene - “Fire Eye’d Boy� (video)
Have you seen the video for this yet? I don’t know how long it has been out because my sense of time is completely warped, but so is this video, pushing themes from “Back to School� and appearances from Geddy Lee! Anything this collective touches has Marco and my vote, but this video gets the spot on the list. (Edited post Lollapalooza – Holy Fuck, what a great set!)
Black Sabbath - “The Wizard�
Marco and I used to cover this (and still play it occasionally) so when I’m in a Sabbath mood, this is always an easy choice. Nothing matches the heaviness of this band, except maybe...
Led Zeppelin - “Immigrant Song�
I love Bonham...the holy grail of drummers, and, freaky Tolkien references aside, this song is just one of many examples of how tasteful beating the shit out of your drums can sound every once in a while.
A Big Yes and a Small No - “This Doesn’t Feel Like Goodbye�
I used to play in this group out of Boulder called Fat Mama. Some of the most insane musicians on the planet and so much fun...but it wasn’t in the cards for us. One of my boys in that group was a mad scientist, classically trained vibes player named Kevin Kendrick. In my opinion, Kevin Kendrick is always 3 steps ahead of the curve. In his new project, he starts a pop group fronted by a vibes-playing vocalist who manages verse in a very Lou Reed fashion. Can’t wait to see how this band develops.
Wilco - “Spiders (kidsmoke)�
Glenn Kotche is better than every other drummer on the planet...are you going to argue with me about this? Not to mention the looseness that this band grasps like no other act out there. These songs breathe, expand, contract and do everything in between...seeing Glenn Kotche and Nels Cline on stage freeing Tweedy’s songs up is one of the most exciting concert experiences around (not to shortchange the rest of the band, who are all incredible as well). (side note – Lollapalooza again, this time Wilco rocking “Via Chicago� and Kotche just opens the song up with one fill...magical).
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Benevento/Russo Duo’s Play, Pause, Stop is released July 11, 2006 on Reincarnate Music.
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