artist Swank

YVR review for "CAMPFIRE PSALMS"! Category: Music NEW CD REVIEW: CAMPFIRE PSALMS BY SWANK Current mood: impressed Category: Music REVIEW 7: Swank - CAMPFIRE PSALMS Produced by: Swank and Howard Redekopp - Recorded, Engineered, and Mixed by: Howard Redekopp, at SoundLounge - Additional Recording, Engineering and Mixing by: Kirk Douglas, Mastered by: John Sawella at JLS Mastering, Cover Design by: Spencer McKinnon and Doug Liddle, Layout by: Doug Liddle, Band Photos by: Eugenia Filippova, Burning Book Photo: Spencer McKinnon, Label: Indie MORE FUN THAN A WHISKEY BARREL FULL OF MONKEYS, LONG TIME SOAKED - TRUE ENOUGH - BUT "CAMPFIRE PSALMS" SERVES TO POINT OUT: SWANK AIN'T NO BAND OF FOOLS. I love the presentation of "Campfire Psalms" - burning black book in the fire and embers on the front cover, open 'er up - CD pocket stage left, Karaoke DVD stage right, and in the middle ye' good ole book of "Psalms" is affixed. 6 pages of song lyrics laid out Biblical style, like Psalms - each one numbered, with song title followed by a summary line such as: "Embracing bad behaviour turns Heaven into Hell". Nicely done guys! It's clear a lot of thought and creativity went into the packaging of your new CD. Apparently, this isn't anything new for Swank - though. "The group's second album "The Survival Issue" (2005) received unequivocal critical praise across North America and Europe, as much for its unique sleeve design (a 30 page, 50's pulp-style magazine) as for its genuinely inspired music. The video of the album's crazed gospel sing-a-long "How Do We Do" has been a favourite at animation festivals around the world and also received much airplay on national TV in Canada." pulled that from their MySpace page. Prior to soaking in "Campfire Psalms" for the past few days I thought of Swank in terms of high energy, intensely fun, punk country with a Vegas twist. Which - to a degree - certainly does fit. But "Campfire Psalms" has made clear to me that Swank - like Ogres and Onions - have many, many layers. Better looking, mind. Probably smell nicer than onions, too. Point is: they have layers. More to this band than "high energy, intensely fun, punk country with a Vegas twist" serves to describe. When I read their book of "Campfire Psalms" it soon became clear to me that raucous and wild Swankaoke fun reps only one layer of these talented gents. Clever. Witty. Thoughtful. Poetic. Soulful. Passionate. Creative. Intelligent. Layers. While taking in the presentation of "Campfire Psalms', each "psalm" on the album, and soaking in the music for a couple of days - what struck me was: Swank work together - they clearly share a common vision and common goals, an understanding of the direction they're going in, and how they're going to get there - together. No one member of Swank is credited for songwriting - like the Beatles in times past - credit goes to the band, as a whole. The curious cat in me whose been enjoying their lyrics these past few days can't help but wanna' know who wrote what - but you know what they say about curiosity and the cat... I'd best just let it go :) No one musicians's performance blazingly outshines another's on the album - the sound that is Swank makes me think in terms of an orchestra - everyone working together in much the same way - with the focus on the music, first and foremost. The band supports Spencer (lead vocalist) beautifully - creating a fabric of mood, of feeling, of spirit and character for Spencer to wrap around his vocals and rise up from within. And that he does, really well. Spencer's one very passionate and powerful vocalist - and in Swank he's got the perfect setting to burn full blaze. "Campfire Psalms" is HOT. Swank is made up of the following members: Spencer McKinnon - on Harmonica and Vocals Phil Addington - Bass Guitar, Bass Banjo, Upright Bass, Vocals Paul Addington - Guitars, Drums, Percussion, Vocals Doug Liddle - Guitars, Banjo, Steel, Saw, Vocals Kirk Douglas - Drums, Percussion, Guitars, Keys, Vocals David Badanic - Guitars, Vocals This album also features special guest the beautiful and talented Miss Ana Bon Bon - Vocals and Accordion. 17 songs total - 16 originals - one cover of a Traditional called "Ain't No Grave". "Campfire Psalms" is full of fire and brimstone, whiskey and woe, heart and soul - and has what it takes to make a whole lotta' new converts for the band. While I consider every song on the album really well done, these are the songs that stand out for me, and why: 1: Drunkard's Damnation Jamboree - sounds just like the theme song for a drunkard's damnation jamboree. Yeehaw! 2: Tragic Suit - BEAUTIFUL - one of my fave's off the album - gorgeous arrangement - acoustics that make me think of "Love and Rockets", actually - Banjo is sweetly set into a perfect pocket - soulful bittersweet harmonica - and Spencer's vocals... Lordie! Lordie! What's more dreamy than a man with a voice that is both powerful and intensely feeling?? Spencer has one of those masculine, rousing voices that tend to make the ladies knees weak. (Not mine, of course. Honest , honey... it's just I was sitting on my knees again and my legs went to sleep.) At any rate, Tragic Suit is a BIG hit with me. a definite single well suited to radio play. 3: Hey Jeb - A Swankaoke hit, no doubt about it - get's the ole toe's a tappin' and inspires the desire to start slappin' spoons on the knee, or scrubbin' the ole washboard and singing along at the top of your lungs: "HEY JEB!! DRINKIN' ALL MY WHISKEY. HEY JEB! SLEEPIN' IN MY BED. HEY JEB! YOU'RE GETTING FRISKY! HEY JEB! WITH THE ONE I WED!" It's the perfect Campfire sing-a-long song, and/or for swinging your partner round and round the dance floor, to. More fun than a whiskey barrel full of monkeys long time soaked. 5: Punched in the Eye - Spencer's vocals are soft and swoony, singing this bitter-sweet,love-lorn loony tune. A classic country love song with a classic Swank twist. "WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME WHEN YOU'RE SOBER? STILL SAY YOU LOVE ME WHEN YOU'RE HUNG OVER? YOU DON'T PULL PUNCHES WHEN YOU'RE PLASTERED. JUST STAY THAT WAY, THE MORNING AFTER." Easy to imagine "New Kids on the Block" in the video for this one - yet it's so sweetly done it's just as easy to take it seriously, too. Funny - but it still hurts. Humour is a lifesaving art. 6: A Fiery Pit- with Special Guest the lovely and talented Miss Ana Bon Bon - another sing-a-long / dance-a-long tune with a whole lotta' Swankaoke energy in the mix - love the arrangement - vocals were layered really nicely and both Ana and Spencer have earthy, sexy-soulful voices - perfect together for a song such as this - especially as arranged - well done! Stays with you after you've heard it, which is always a good sign. A song that sticks to your ribs, as it were - that's what marks a sure hit. 7: Can't You See - O.k. Now I'm sorry to say it, honey - but I'm leaving you for another voice. Of course, I jest. But this song is HOT and definitely my favourite on "Campfire Psalms". Musically it's full bodied, full powered, and has great ebbs, flows, and surges - great builds - that big band sound supporting Spencer's intensely moving vocals beautifully. Really well done. Gives me goosebumps. 8: Comin' to our Town - Raise your hands up on high and bring 'em together in the name of Swank! Lordie! Lordie! This song is a whole lotta' fun and made a believer out of G: "Jeetus is comin' to town" (I think he's comin' to party with Swank.) 9: Peg - this is another one of my faves - makes me feel like I'm at a town fair - on one of those musical carousels - there's a clown on the unicorn - and all the members of Swank are playing the music - I'm riding the Pink Elephant - and I got cotton candy in my hair (again) - and there's a dog chasing the carousel round and round, barking away - and... Hold it. Wait a minute.... Maybe that was just my dream last night??? Have been listening to "Campfire Psalms" quite a lot these days, and nights. At any rate, the lyrics for "Peg" ("Off your medication - once again. Just been hanging out with - imaginary friends.") are perfectly expressed through the music and vocals both. 10: Ain't No Grave - the one cover tune on the album, a Traditional song - and it's been totally Swankified. One rockin' traditional tune - big fat wall of guitar sound - great bounce to this one - perfect tune for a mosh pit - who'd a thunk it?? Backing vocals on this one are most awesome. Very well done. 11: Gonna' Get Back All That Gold - harmonica, banjo, violin, bass really stand out in this one - vocals, including backing, really nicely balanced and arranged - really feels like the ole gold rush days to me - brings to mind washboards, campfires, spit buckets, gap toothed smiles, slappin' knees, dusty boots kickin' up a storm to "Campfire Psalms" - no preacher to be seen for miles... 12: Never Been Born - Rockabilly fans will love dancing to this one - can also see it going over real well in Vegas. Has that Elvis, Rocakabilly - go cats go! Jump'n'jive'n'twist until you damn near die! energy to it. 13: Donkey Cart - one really sweet musical treat - Love it! A beautiful little ditty, indeed. Banjo and violin, bass - vocals - all really purdy. 14: Shook The Devil's Hand - featuring Ana Bon Bon - a jivin', boppin' and a rockin' tune - can see dancer's flockin' to the dance floor when this one starts. Soulful, sexy Ana sizzles with Swank! 15: Valentine - this one brings Beck to mind - again with the sexy - soulful vocals - Lordie! Where is that preacher?!! 16: Albert's Shoes - this is a song just made for a Lynch movie - has the right intensity and builds with a dark folk tale coursing through it - has a definite punk/rock groove - love the trumpet, perfect touch. To sum it all up - I think "Campfire Psalms" is an excellent album - and the bonus Karaoke DVD included only sweetens the deal. Not gonna' fill you in on that - should be a surprise, I do believe. But it's great - you should definitely head on over iwantswank.com to check the band out and get a copy of "Campfire Psalms" - or I'm fairly certain you can pick up a copy at Bone Rattle Music. Bravo Swank!! You do BC - and Canada - proud. Another classic example of HOT local indie talent that the music industry would be wise to pay more attention to.

YVR... SPOTLIGHTS ON - SWANK! Category: Music SPOTLIGHTS ON - SWANK ! Current mood: inquisitive Category: Music As I've stated many times before, Vancouver's Roots Music Community is rich with talent. This blog is all about shining a spotlight on said talent via: Question and Answer Sessions with various musicians and performers living, working and playing throughout our fine city on a regular basis. Get to know a little bit more about the individuals behind the music. Q & A Sessions: SWANK ! Q: What inspired you to become musicians/performers - and how old were you when you first began to play/sing? A: Kirk first started playing at 13, inspired by girls. Phil first started playing at 19, inspired by the Ramones. Dave was coerced into playing music by his parents at five. Doug was also coerced briefly and early to play by his parents, but started playing willingly at 20, inspired principally by The Clash. And Spencer? Spencer's still waiting for the inspiration to become a musician/performer, though he's been playing and singing his entire life. Q: When did you form the band "Swank", any story behind the selection of the name? A: Swank has existed for 15 years. We used to be called The Bacchanalians. Someone introduced us as Bacon and Onions at an early gig. We decided that if we called ourselves Swank, no one would introduce us as Bacon and Onions ever again. Q: What was your most memorable performance to date? A: A tie: The Commodore Ballroom in November 2007 and The Kilkenny Roots and Rhythm Weekend in Spring 2006 in Kilkenny Ireland Q: What's your "dream" performance? Any place in particular you'd really love to play? A: A bull ring in Seville Q: The funniest thing that ever happened during a performance was? A: Well, at the previously mentioned Bacon and Onions gig, a generous helping of liquid courage tipped Spencer into the drum kit during the recoil from his final bow. Ultimately though, Rock and Roll is no laughing matter. Q: The worst thing that ever happened during a performance, or while on the road was? A: The London bombing. Also, driving through downtown London in a retired Royal Mail van and finding ourselves with no brakes. Q: Which song(s) do you gents enjoy playing most of all? A: Always the newest one. Q: If you won the lottery - what gear or equipment would you buy? A: Beer, Whiskey and the CBC Radio Orchestra. 7:22 - 1 Comments - 2 Ku

Richmond news article and Q&A! Category: Music Michelle Hopkins, Richmond News Published: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 Vancouver-based roots-rock renegade band, Swank, is coming to Richmond and be ready to party. The five members of Swank - Dave Badanic (electric/acoustic guitars/vocals), Phil Addington (bass/vocals), Kirk Douglas (drums/percussion/vocals/guitar/dobro), Doug Liddle (electric/acoustic guitars, slide and steel guitar/banjo/vocals) and Spencer McKinnon (lead vocals/harmonica) -- love to have fun on stage. Liddle says the band performs up to three sweaty sets of truly original songs with high-octane, foot stomping barroom belligerence. Meanwhile, Swank has opened and headlined countless shows to an ever-growing fan base in Western Canada. A video from its CD, Survival Issue's single, How Do We Do, directed by Patrick Carroll (who directed Spiderman -- the animated series) debuted at the 2005 Indie Music Video Festival and airs regularly on Bravo. Survival Issue is the follow up to the band's well-received rockabilly blues flavoured debut CD Pappy's Corn Squeezin's. The band also has songs on Zombie Night in Canada Volume 2, Showdown and the hockey song compilation Johnny Hanson presents Puck Rock Classics Volume 2. Swank's songs are played on national radio, numerous international pod casts and college stations around the world. Swank performs as part of the Musical Expressions Summer Concert Series this Saturday, July 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Britannia Heritage Shipyard, 5180 Westwater Dr. in Steveston. Admission is by donation. Bring your chairs and blankets. For more information, visit www.cherellejardine.com. Q&A If you had a million dollars in your pocket, what would you buy? Drinks for all our friends. Song/artist you love to hate. There's really too much hate in the world and it's probably too strong a word to be used on songs or artists, but Paris Hilton really is loathsome, isn't she? Oh, you said artist. Most disgusting thing you would eat for a million dollars. Paris Hilton. Worst teenage moment. Oh, the worst is certainly yet to come. Dream vacation. Permanent! Describe your style? Swank inhabits the lawless borderlands between Americana, Punk and Rock & Roll. It is gospel perverted by hillbillies, soul wearing three-day stubble, punk in a pasture, bluegrass sporting brass knuckles and a chip on its shoulder, folk stinking of car exhaust and a three-day bender, the blues pointing and laughing at existential dread, and country wrought from the rat-infested back alleys on the wrong side of the tracks of as west as one can go. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A man with a moustache, an eye patch and a limp. Place you would most like to visit before you die. Steveston. Which five foods could you never live without? Hops, barley, malt, yeast and sugar. If you could go back to school what would you study? How to read music. If you could be an animal, what would it be? A cane toad. First concert experience. Phil: Sweeny Todd (high school dance) Spencer: Trooper (high school dance) Dave: Kickaxe (high school dance) Kirk: Van Halen Doug: The VSO doing Beethoven What super hero would you be? Jet Jaguar because he gets to hang out with Godzilla. What could be cooler than hanging out with Godzilla? Wildest thing you ever did on your birthday. Spencer once went to Tijuana and watched a naked lady play the accordion. Doug spent one in Emergency. What do you miss most about being a kid? Not being tried as an adult and watching naked ladies playing accordion in Tijuana. What really ticks you off? Most things really, but car alarms especially. What would you die for? Fish and chips in Steveston. What would you kill for? Murder is categorically wrong. Oh... Him? For you? $5,000 cash and a Q&A in The Richmond News. mhopkins@richmond-news.com