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Saturday, October 20 In His Nature
Swedish singer-songwriter José González is a study in seemingly disparate pairs. The son of Argentine parents who fled the political situation in their native land in the mid-70's, González's background ensured that he was exposed to both the latin and bossa nova sounds of artists like Caetano Veloso and Silvio Rodriguez, as well as the European and American indie and post-punk sounds popular in his native land. His recent second full-length release, In Our Nature, once again combines intimately sung vocals and complex guitar arrangements, while adding lyrics that turn a discerning eye on the world around them. We might chalk it up to González's formative years playing bass in a hardcore band, perhaps, as he takes on the masters of war and organized religion in songs like "Abram," "How Low," and "Cycling Trivialities." It's the combination of these kinds of ideas with his autumnal delivery that makes the songs so unique-- if anything, the effect of an accusatory line like "Absorbed in your ill hustling/You're feeding a monster/Just feeding your monster..." is that much more biting because it is whispered than it would be if it were screamed.
José González joins us in the studio tonight for a performance and interview. We'll hear songs from the new album and talk to him about his early influences, the pressures of recording a follow-up to a well-received debut, and the political and theological themes running through the new release.
Also tonight, new music from Neil Young, as we look forward to his show Monday night at the Keller Auditorium in Portland, plus recent releases from Dirty Martini, Band of Horses, Les Savy Fav, Art in Manila, and more.
In Studio: Jose Gonzalez
Comments:
On Saturday, October 20 at 10:48pm, roadie pool boy said:
Sorry if we missed it and you said it previously ... but on that last Jose Gonzalez song - where did the beat come from? For, a foolish one believes it was the sound of his pick hitting the guitar. A wise one believes the beat was on a loop, or if live, at least a percussionist. Boasting rights on the line. Please advise, nice interview, and happy swimming.
On Saturday, October 20 at 11pm, jpetersen said:
Hmm, a good question (talk about close listening). I had to go back and give it a listen and it's really debatable. That particular tune was a CD cut, so I didn't get to see it performed. The liner notes reveal a percussionist credit, but they're not specific to any songs. I'm gonna lean toward percussionist on that one, but that's just me, and that may be what a fool believes.
I'd stay outta the pool on a night like this.
On Saturday, October 20 at 11:19pm, roadie pool boy said:
Answer appreciated. Dude, you are in the zone. A Cautionary Tale was rad. What? And now Karl Blau? HOT party fuel.
On Saturday, October 20 at 11:46pm, Nicole said:
So this JV you're playing now... Really good. But it reminded me that I wanted to ask you what that last song he played was called. The one when he was in the crowd with us. It was pretty sweet. I especially enjoyed the kid-xylophone...
As per usual, great show.
On Saturday, October 20 at 11:58pm, jpetersen said:
That was classic JV: "Keep the Dream Alive". Good, good stuff, it's on Time Travel Is Lonely.
Why thanks.