Apologies if this guy is old news to all you Afterword connoisseurs of good music, but I’ve only just come across the Rose City Band, aka Ripley Johnson from Wooden Shjips. I’ve never particularly bothered with the band themselves – that spelling is enough to put anybody off for a start – but this solo stuff is just what the doctor ordered, and on this gloomy and wet Wednesday especially. There’s not much original going on here, musically speaking, but who cares when the sounds are so sinuous and sublime. Geographically speaking, Johnson sticks his flag in territory explored by JJ Cale, Spiritualised, The Grateful Dead and quite a few others. But the feel and groove is absolutely spot on, and what emerges is lush and intoxicating.
There are two albums so far. This year’s Summerlong has shorter songs and a bit of a country tinge. I think I prefer last year’s self-titled debut, and ‘Rivers of Mind’ is one of the stand out tracks.
Martin Hairnet says
Listening again, that song starts out as a JJ Cale shuffle and then morphs into Blackouts era Ashra. I imagine Manuel Gottsching is a big influence.
Beezer says
This is excellent.
retropath2 says
Dandy, ain’t it. I call ‘em a motorik Dead.
Martin Hairnet says
I’ve been bobbing along to it all day. When it’s finished, you want more of it. More of that effortless sense of flow.
SteveT says
Only know this years Summerlong which I love. Will check the earlier one which I was unaware of.
Martin Hairnet says
If you want the CD, I’ve seen it available at the bandcamp website. Streaming on Spotify.
SteveT says
Thanks Martin
Lunaman says
Cheers Martin. Great find and always good to spread the word.
duco01 says
I bought “Summerlong” earlier this year. Yeah, it’s pretty good. I’ve played it a few times, and I keep waiting for the album to really click with me, to the extent that I shout “HOT DAMN! THIS IS BRILLIANT!”, but … I dunno … that hasn’t quite happened yet.
What most people seem to say about “Summerlong” is “It sounds like the Grateful Dead”, and I think that’s a fair comment as regards the album’s final two tracks, “Wee Hours”>”Wildflowers”. They even have that > segue sign that’s so beloved of the Dead.
I bought the Mike Polizze album “Long Lost Solace Find” at the same time as “Summerlong”, and it’s the Polizze album that I love and keep returning to.
Martin Hairnet says
Will give the Mike Polizze album a listen later. As I said in the OP, I think I prefer the debut to Summerlong, although both have the same summery, stoner vibe. I just love the guitar sound and playing on these records. The songs are often little more than platforms or simple rhythms to support these effortless flowing guitar lines.
Freddy Steady says
Was thinking of giving it a go until the Dead refs. ☹️
Martin Hairnet says
I’m a Dead agnostic, so put those negative associations to one side, and dip your toe in the clear warm water.