I really wanted my first post on this here blog to be a good one. I definitely didn’t think it would be about a group that could very well be labeled country, either. (I prefer to say “Americana”) I made up about 3 or 4 drafts, deleted them, and started over. And then I felt like an idiot, because I realize that it isn’t about what mumble jumble I talk about, it’s ultimately about the music. It speaks for itself. Duh. But that won’t stop me from mumbling. (If you prefer to bypass my rambling, scroll to the bottom of this post for the goods.)

If you could bottle up emotions and sell ‘em on the street corners, Band of Annuals would be your ideal dealer. Let’s get right to the point – lead singer, Jay Henderson, needs a hug. As a matter of fact, all six members of the Salt Lake City combo could use one. Hell, maybe we’ll follow up with a shot or two of Jack Daniels. This is how you’ll feel after enjoying the beautiful journey that is Let Me Live. The range of emotions run the gamut of heartbreak to loss to drunken evenings, and all the way around the block. The sound alone should be enough of a selling point – combining the classic pedal steel, harmonica, and harmonizing voices like I’ve never heard before – but equally as brilliant are the lyrics. They are the quintessential storytellers, who paint a picture so clear, you could close your eyes and daydream of days past – a Western theme, camping out with a can of beans and shooting the shit with your fellow travelers, comparing stories of mischievous activities and lost love.

You will enjoy last call while chanting along with your buddies to the addictive chorus of “Don’t Let Me Die.” You will be watch the goosebumps appear on your arms with the haunting “Ballad of Casey Jones,” and you will literally feel Henderson’s heart break in the painful “Lower.”

But hey – don’t take my word for it. Enjoy some live photos courtesy of the one and only Bürgermeister, and some lovely ear candy below. Just be warned ahead of time – if you take these for a spin, you’re going to be in for the long haul. And I couldn’t imagine a better soundtrack for that trip.

Band of Annuals – “Lower”

Band of Annuals – “The Ballad of Casey Jones”

Band of Annuals – “Don’t Let Me Die”

Pick up Let Me Live on iTunes or Amazon.com or a test run on their Myspace.

“Everyone Else Is Boring” Video directed by Jordan Galland.

Surf Punk Rock for the masses! These boys know how to put on a live show but if you don’t dance, don’t bother, because you will stand out like Amy Winehouse at Fat Camp, or any camp for that matter. That rat’s nest of a beehive has GOT to go. sh~sh~sh~shark attack draws a diverse crowd of brooklyn + east side kids who know what to expect and are ready for anything the attack throws at them. An impromptu conga line was conjured up at one of their Delancey shows during a rendition of Arrow‘s  ”Hot Hot Hot.” They also threw in a cover of The Doobie Brother‘s “Long Train Running” during a Valentine’s show. Catch ‘em if you can! BUY THEIR CD!!!