Inspirational albums of late

1. Hayden - Us Alone


2. Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings The Flood


3. Volebeats - Solitude (incomplete album)


4. Real Estate - Days (incomplete album)


Most of these albums took a few listens to grow on me but lately I've been listening to little else.  They are all very well written, mostly vocal (Solitude contains a great many instrumentals), somber pop albums.  Enjoy!

Cover for "Collapsible", new album from Jeffrey Bützer

The cover for Jeffrey Bützer's new album, "Collapsible".  The album features many guests including most of the Bicycle Eaters on several tracks:  Cassi Costoulas, Vocals (seen above); Kristin Haverty, Cello; and myself on guitar.

An album release show is planned at the Goat Farm (Warhorse) for June 29, more details to follow.

Looking forward to 2013, reflections on 2012

In 2011, I was devastated with the breakup of Sorry no Ferrari and had doubts of my future playing original music.  2012 shattered those doubts and brought many great things.  First and foremost, my son J was born.  The surf music community welcomed me back with open arms as I joined The Mystery Men? and started a new project, MOONBASE.  Playing with The Mystery Men? reminded me of just how much fun I could have playing surf again, and the role as third guitarist forced me to expand my capabilities and better myself as a musician.  MOONBASE provided a well needed creative outlet as well as the opportunity to play alongside some of the most amazing musicians I know.  2012 also saw the first release from Jeffrey Bützer and the Bicycle Eaters (the Hiding Plastic Spiders 7"), providing part of the score to the Center For Puppetry Arts' Peter Pan, a story on NPR featuring the Bicycle Eaters, and over 30 performances!

Many great things are in store for 2013.  I am currently producing an album for the incredible Kill, Baby...Kill!, a new role which is offering exciting new and interesting challenges.  Both The Mystery Men? and MOONBASE anticipate the recording and release of their debut full-length albums.  A great number of shows are already on the books including The Mystery Men? performing in California for the Surf Guitar 101 convention!

A Charlie Brown Christmas / The Ventures' Christmas Album

 

2012 marks the fifth year Jeffrey Bützer and T.T. Mahoney present Vince Guaraldi's A Charlie Brown Christmas, which has become an Atlanta tradition and institution.  I have attended every one of these magical performances, which enkindle my love and spirit for the Christmas season each year.  It has also been my honor to perform The Ventures' Christmas Album the previous two years, as I will this year with my group Chad Shivers and the Silent Knights.

At The Earl December 14 & 15, tickets at Ticket Alternative (which may also be purchased at Whole Foods, Criminal Records, and CD Warehouse).

At The Bottletree Cafe December 21, tickets at thebottletree.com.

MOONBASE / The Mystery Men? @ the Drunken Unicorn 11/3

With Death Of Kings and Zruda.

MOONBASE / The Mystery Men? @ the Star Bar 10/3

With Hip To Death and Hello Cobra.

Happy birthday to my son, J!

J Evan Shivers was born Tuesday, July 31st at 11:33pm. He weighed 7lbs. 7.5 oz. and measured 21" long.

Normally I would not post such personal items on this blog but I feel such a momentous occasion warrants archive.