Brian Wilson, Dolorean, Noe Venable, Damien Jurado, Brothers and Sisters, and country singer/songwriter and father Fred Gibson. My glorious mother, my brothers, my dog Wilso, my friends, and the wonderful and beautiful songs of Elliott Smith.
From AustinSound.net
Review by Doug Freeman
Sept 2007
On the grander orchestrations that seep into Followed By Bad Luck,
there's a subtle feel of Brian Wilson's work, but perhaps the closest
touchstone may be Elliott Smith's later albums, especially on "There's
Always Something Wrong With You." The layered vocal self-harmonies
only emphasize the loneliness and isolation, even as the entire album
wraps itself in a gorgeous, uplifting swell.
Opener "Closing Door" encompasses both aspects of Gibson's
songwriting, fully tracing the silver lining of resigned sentiments
like "Every time you see a closing door, think of me…Because one day
I'll be gone, you'll see," with "Cause there's a better place for you,
there's a better place for me." The simple, fatalistic honesty is
gut-wrenching.
The low-end piano chords and rolling drums of "Come Back to Me" create
one of the darkest tracks, even as, or perhaps because of, the
trilling, almost flute-like interjections. The song also sets up the
conflicted tension running throughout Followed By Bad Luck, Gibson
wavering between the detached realism of the opening songs that
insists on letting go and the overpowering regret of what's being
thrown away that emerges later: "Come back to me baby, I didn't mean
to push you away, I only meant to combat my fears, But it's my fears
that stayed."
"Used to Be" is among Gibson's most powerful offerings and ends the
album brilliantly, the stark accompaniment barely holding the emotion
behind the slowly erupting vocals, the song leaving the album in a
perfect state of broken beauty. Followed By Bad Luck is an exceptional
work, showing Gibson at his best and with a considerable promise that
stretches far beyond his under-appreciated talent.
FROM "CLASSICAL GEEK THEATRE"
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008
The Poor Excuses, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and Tenlons Fort @ Boardner's (Let's Independent!) 09-16-08
It's never wise to miss a Radio Free Silverlake Let's Independent! show.
Especially when you get the rare treat of the ever-nomadic Tenlons Fort (Jack Gibson), who's literal and sonic origins begin and end in both Austin and Los Angeles, depending on the day. If you like your Elliot Smith dunked in Texas barbeque sauce between two slices of Brian Wilson bread (and you should), then make it apointment music next time "The 'Fort" comes to town. While bearing no sonic similarity, Gibson's voice voice is as distinctive as Thom Yorke's and I am not the least bit exagerating.
It's worth noting that for this particular show Amnion's Aaron Embry played keys -- sometimes, two keyboards at once. He also busted-out an electro beat for Gibson to rap to. It was shocking to say the least. Kaufman-esque, even."
Albums
Tenlons Fort - The Golden Handshake - Haunted Maggot 01
Tenlons Fort - Followed By Bad Luck - Haunted Maggot 02
Tenlons Fort - Forever is a Long Time (EP) - Haunted Maggot 03
Singles
Tenlons Fort - "Believe" LAST DAYS SOUNDTRACK (Mk2)
Tenlons Fort - "Wrote About Life" - Little Radio SXSW 2008
good evening fine sir, I have been listening to ;forever is a long time' for most of the day. Magnificent each song a corker. I have moved you into our top friends so our lot will get to know you. Let us know if you are playing over here eh? Pete
Hello, after an unfortunate hiatus, the reasons for which are probably best not gone into here, we finally have some new music on the AUK MySpace site. For your listening pleasure this month we offer Nathan Oliver, Conrad Ford, the irrepressible Todd Snider and the delightful Beccy Owen. Don't forget too, for those of you within striking distance of Leicester, Electric Dustbowl 2 on 19 September.
Gas in the oil, oil in the gas!!LOL!! Listen to the old Cavu Mountain Boys shit and it brought tears to my eyes.......because I was laughing so hard! Memoriesssssss........U should come on the road with me some time? Think about it! Peace Bill Dawg
Wow,once again you have surprised me kiddo. Shelters is another growth tune! Spare and simple, yet another big step forward. Really,really good man......