White Denim - Corsicana Lemonade

White Denim first caught my ear in 2011 with their single Street Joy. They fell off of my radar but now, they're back baby!

White Denim is a four-piece originally assembled in Austin, TX. Even though their home state doesn't show much love for their own in White Denim's case. They played the 58th slot (just like 5 years ago) at this year's Austin City Limits festival. Somehow, White Denim has managed to keep their garage, fast-paced, pseudo-funk, jazz induced, soulful, sound from making huge waves in the U.S. - but, Corsicana Lemonade will change that completely.

This album was recorded in a homemade studio just a few miles outside of Dallas. The band hunkered down with Jeff Tweedy (yes, Jeff Tweedy) as an occasional producer and created an album that these typical Texans refer to as a "Barbecue" album. Not that the album isn't tangy, or overall delicious to listen to; rather the term "Barbecue" pertains to family, friends, and community. These three things are what White Denim, as a whole, have begun to appreciate as they are all surprisingly engrossed in adulthood in their fast-approaching 30's. 

Early White Denim tracks were light in content and heavy in sound. As the gang grew up, they've tapped into what their true values are and this album is rich with that. White Denim still has managed to maintain their playful and charismatic nature. Known for trying fun and surprising things on stage, White Denim's live performances are full of smiles and damn good jams. If you want to be sort of slightly surprised at what these guys are like, check out White Denim's performance on Letterman. Not what you'd expect.

                               

Just a coupla' dudes playin' some fine tunes. They aren't image obsessed, they aren't particularly "Rock N Roll", hell, they aren't even easy to categorize. They are true Americana musicians who take pride in making a song fun but still meaningful - a balance that is difficult to task. Rolling Stone described their sound as "Steely Dan raised on video games and weed." Each song is action packed, filled with energy, and unique. James Petralli's voice is versatile. At the beginning of the album, he's howling in At Night in Dreams, but by the end he's smoothly crooning in A Place to Start (eat your heart out Jeff Tweedy). 

Do me a favor; next time you're at a Barbecue, remember this album, take a look around, see what's important, and CHOW DOWN.