Riding the coattails of two well received records, one of which was named album of the year by CMJ New Music Monthly, comes the third release from Milwaukee natives The Goodnight Loving- a self-titled album chock full with floaty 60’s pop influence and pretty harmonies.
Formed in the early 2000’s, the band went on to grow from their initial pop sound in Cemetery Trails to a moodier lo-fi approach in Crooked Lake before arriving at the point of The Goodnight Loving. Getting caught in an British invasion of their own, The Goodnight Loving channels the charm of mid century pop along with the trippy style of psychedlia to create a sound that bridges the gap between their previous work, confirming suspicions that The Goodnight Loving has hit its stride as a band. The Beatles-esque “Doesn’t Shake Me” and “Ain’t It Weird” are quick to burrow into your brain, proving to be instant pop addictions, while many other tracks on The Goodnight Loving seem to favor a more folksy quality. “It’s a Long Way in a Bad Way” has a throaty backbeat to its guitar and drums that wouldn’t be misplaced as riding music in the old west, while songs like “Addicted to Debt” and “Ramble Jamble” find the perfect middle ground between those aforementioned styles.
As simplistic as some of these songs seem at first listen, there is a very specific sound behind every track marking The Goodnight Loving as an album that was thoughtfully written and arranged. With no inconsistency to be found, the transition between each and every one of these fifteen tracks is smoothly executed. A delightful combination of old and new, this latest release from the heartland band wonderfully encompasses the qualities once heard and loved from across the pond.
The Goodnight Loving drummer Ryan Adams took some time to talk with Reviewsic about the new album, his biggest influences, and what bands he’d take along with him on his “dream tour”.
Reviewsic: What are your top three musical influences?
Ryan Adams: Thats tough to nail down. I love Roger Miller and I know the other guys do to, probably also CCR and the Beatles, although realistically there are many others.
Reviewsic: Is there any instrument you don’t play, but wish you did?
Ryan Adams: I would like to play bass one day.
Reviewsic: What are some of the songs/albums/artists on your Summer playlist this year?
Ryan Adams: Personally, in no particular order: King Tuff/Happy Birthday, Reigning Sound, always Roger Miller, Beach Boys
Reviewsic: If you could work with one person in the music industry (musician, label, producer etc), who would it be and why?
Ryan Adams: Brian Wilson? Haha, I really dont know…
Reviewsic: What is the most memorable concert you’ve ever attended?
Ryan Adams: Saw Devo recently, that was great.
Reviewsic: Who are three of your favorite local bands?
Ryan Adams: Sticks and Stones, The Midwest Beat, and The Sugar Stems. Catholic Boys forever.
Reviewsic: If you could book a tour with any 3 bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Ryan Adams: The Beatles–because I love John Lennon. Johnny Cash—isn’t it obvious!? Vancougar, they rule!
Reviewsic: Tell us about the The Goodnight Loving Supper Club - is there a particular concept or creative intent behind it? What was the process of making the album like?
Ryan Adams: We thought about it being kind of a science fiction meets folk music thing in the beginning. We just wanted to be as creative as possible and use simple recording techniques to the best of our ability. The process was somewhat on the fly–in fact, when we recorded “Ramble Jamble” it was the first time we had played that song all the way through. There are even a couple of songs that were worked out almost entirely in the studio.
Reviewsic: How would you compare yourselves as musicians at this point as opposed to when you first began playing together?
Ryan Adams: I haven’t been around since the beginning so I cant speak for the others. I just want play as well as I can and continue to improve. I filled in for the previous drummer Austin Dutmer, and those were some big shoes to fill–he is a fantastic drummer and I learned a lot from seeing him play and listening to the records.
Reviewsic: are some of your favorite cities and/or venues to play?
Ryan Adams: New York is always fun, also I would say Huntsville AL and Asheville NC.
Reviewsic: What are the best and worst band moments so far in your career?
Ryan Adams: Best: Getting into Canada. Worst: Getting denied entry to Canada.
Reviewsic: What are a few items essential to your “tour survival kit”?
Ryan Adams: Water. Crosswords. NPR. Mad Libs. Fud (thats crappy restaurant food) Spirit Animals. Ball.
Reviewsic: What are your plans for music in the next year?
Ryan Adams: Its always a mystery!
Tags: Album Review, Interview, midwest, New Music, recent release, Video
