Megan's Top 70 of 2010: #38 - The Moondoggies

Why I Decree it to Be So:

Take the unwavering richness and ridiculous musical talent of The Band, throw in some classic golden bayou (or, well, faux bayou) spirit of Creedence, and take that rambling beauty to Seattle to absorb some laidback Upper Northwest vibes (and some drizzle). The resulting sound is probably somewhat like The Moondoggies. I've already lathered on about them quite a bit lately, but I'm gonna do it some more. The majestic beauty of "What Took So Long," with the lively keys and powerful presence is just the beginning on Tidelands. There's also the Byrds-ian balladry of "Uncertain," smacking of AM radio days of yore, or the hint of Cat Stevens that oozes from the lovely album closer "A Lot of People on My Mind." From start to fantastic finish, Tidelands is nothing short of gorgeous.

mp3: It's A Shame, It's A Pity (The Moondoggies from Tidelands)

Live Review: The Moondoggies @ Iota, 1/28/2011

I was way, way beyond excited to see The Moondoggies live. Ridiculously so. The Seattle swamp folksters had made a real big impression on me with latest record Tidelands, and I just could not wait to see the songs done live and proper. It wasn't a question of would it be a good show, but how good a show is this gonna be? And my little lords and ladies, it was one hell of a show.

I'm not sure I was prepared for how good this band was gonna be. From the beginning, they were stunning. At times they were full of gentle twang, a subtle whisper of a time long gone but still remembered. At others, they were letting those instruments of theirs to careen all over the place, kicking up storms and creating some serious noise. Every note was so very rich, so very in tune, and so very hard to resist. When the band played "What Took So Long," a current earworm of mine, I just about got chills. The harmonies, o the harmonies.

It wasn't long before I began to realize who The Moondoggies were really reminding me of: The Band. Something to do with the fullness of the sound, the tone of Kevin Murphy's voice in person, and the presence of some serious keys. Very, very Band-esque. At times I felt Creedence creeping in, lending their influence in the hue of some swampy, molasses-thickness on the guitar hither and yon. I think The Moondoggies are kindred musical spirits with the classics for sure. They've got old souls, not to mention an appreciation for good showmanship. I like to think The Band would be proud.

Much to the chagrin of the way sold out crowd, the show eventually came to an end. Thankfully, though, not before the band unleashed a breathtaking version of "Night & Day," the pretty softness of the opening section of the song so gentle and sweet, and the chaotic feverish craze that followed was undeniably awesome. What a show, my friends. What a show. Go get yourself in the path of this band, because ye shall not be disappointed. Scout's honor. In case you wanna try before you buy, head over to the official Moondoggies site, where they so graciously have some live sets you can get your mitts on for free.

mp3: What Took So Long (The Moondoggies from Tidelands)

The Untitled Interview #52: Starring Kevin Murphy (The Moondoggies)

Ladies and gents, I'd hereby like to say that I love me some Moondoggies. Ok, so I probably already made that clear. But I'll just put it out there once again for good measure. Their breed of Seattle's finest twangy chooglin' mountain classic rockin' awesomeness is second to none. If you don't already have their record Tidelands, well, you'll want to fix that. You can bet your last dollar that it's gonna be showing up in my Best of 2010 records. Oh yes indeedy doo.

While you're doing that, why not catch up with Mister Kevin Murphy? The mouthpiece and guitarist for The Moondoggies took a little time out from touring activities to answer these here questions. Read on for some sage advice, and also to find out what the official best dinosaur ever is. Or was, rather. And speaking of that Moondoggies tour, it rolls through this area this very Friday (1/28), making a stop at the friendly confines of Iota. See y'all there, I would think/hope/expect.

Les Enfants Terribles: How the hell are you?
Kevin Murphy: Sitting in the Solar Culture venue in Tucson, AZ. Just had a good meal, which is rare on tour.

LET: Playing music is:
KM: Necessary.

LET: What album most made you realize you wanted to make music?
KM: Meet the Beatles or Nevermind...they both had the same effect.

LET: Beatles or Stones?
KM: John Lennon playing YER BLUES on The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.

LET: Top 5 albums (of now, of this month, or of ever):
-strategically left blank-

LET: Favorite music-related movie?
KM: D200 Motels.

LET: Half-full or half-empty?
KM: Fempty.

LET: Which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days?
KM: I don't think of it as "best." I think a lot of my peers are doing great things.

LET: What’s the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning?
KM: Need more sleep.

LET: Little-known Moondoggies fact?
KM: Carl didn't play drums when we started.

LET: The greatest record store in the world is:
KM: I haven't traveled the whole world but Easy Street Records in Seattle is my favorite local shop.

LET: Shaken or stirred?
KM: Whiskey and 7.

LET: Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
KM: You better be lining them up and knocking them down, not knocking them up and lining them down.

LET: If you weren’t in a band you’d be:
KM: A paleontologist.

LET: Best dinosaur ever?
KM: Utah Raptor.

LET: What do you find most comforting/most disconcerting about going out on tour?
Meeting people and meeting people.

LET: If you were so inclined, whom would you form a tribute band in honor of?
KM: Ted Lucas. This changes daily.

LET: Best song ever written?
KM: This also changes daily. Today? “Tonight Will Be Fine” -Leonard Cohen.

mp3: What Took So Long (The Moondoggies from Tidelands)

Singles Club: The Moondoggies

Y'all, I just can't help myself whenever I see the name The Moondoggies. I think of some wacky spacecake of a Scooby Doo character and I just smile like a fool. Rest assured, though, the music these Seattle dudes make is anything but cartoonishly cute. They're earthy, you might could say, but rather powerful.

"What Took So Long," the latest single from Tidelands, is deep and rich, a slight whiff of vintage swamp rock hanging over the layers and textures of this hearty little number. It's a rather fine song, and I suggest you stop whatever it is you're doing and give it a listen right this very minute.

mp3: What Took So Long (The Moondoggies from Tidelands)