Locals Pick Locals Vol. VI

Yet another week of no shows at music venues means Turn It Down! is once again dedicated to looking back on our area’s endless discography of amazing tunes, picked by area crate diggers. Feel free to listen along on YouTube, or wherever you stream music. Also, be sure to reach out to The Record Lounge and Flat––, Black & Circular for your vinyl needs — both local record shops are offering mail-order sales.

Ben Hassenger (Musician, solo, Frank and Earnest, Crystal Drive)

Pick: Flatfoot’s “Married” — 2012

One positive element of the stay-at-home order is that it has forced me to sort through my broken brain and dig out every relic of optimism I’ve buried. With so much uncertainty spiraling around us, more than anything right now, we need to hold onto every wave of hope that crashes into us.

To that effect, Flatfoot’s “Married,” from their “Blue Water” album, fills me with the promise of better days to come. This slow-burning alt-country masterpiece finds frontman Aaron Bales crooning a sweet daydream of devotion and making the most of our limited days. This is the perfect soundtrack to a (hopefully) not-too-distant Sunday afternoon — where the weather is beautiful and our friends are on our porches declaring our love for life, each other and vowing to not take any more minutes for granted.

Rich Tupica (Turn it Down! writer, “Inzane Michigan” co-host)

Pick: The Beaux Jens “She Was Mine” — 1967

Before The Beaux Jens disbanded in the summer of ’68, this primal Grand Ledge outfit recorded a sullen yet explosive garage-classic, “She Was Mine.” Released in 1967, the recorded was released on the Sound of the Sceen label — though, it was more of a “vanity label.” The Sceen was a teen club the band performed at often to hundreds of dancing local high schoolers. The sporadic sharp screams and haunting organ has made this a favorite among rare ’60s-music collectors. The track was even featured on Crypt Records’ highly influential “Back from the Grave” compilation. Of course, today, the original 45 rpm sells for hundreds. Also, Beaux Jen Gordy Garris went on to join The Frost, a legendary Michigan rock band fronted by Dick Wagner.

A few years ago, I spoke with Toby Bates, the Beaux Jen’s organ/coronet player. He recalled the band’s humble genesis. “We didn’t know shit,” Bates said. “Tim Schram was the musical leader because he actually knew chords. At the beginning of the band we were still learning how to play. We were only 15 or 16 at the time.”

Perhaps these cats were still learning their scales, but that’s why this single is perfect. It’s both primitive and genius because it’s free of over-thinking and superfluous noodling around. It cuts to the core of what true rock ’n’ roll is and should always be: raw and intense.

John Olson aka Inzane Johnny (Musician, Wolf Eyes, “Inzane Michigan” co-host)

Pick: The Capitalaires “Sing Their Favorites” LP, 1970-something

Holt’s finest make a “big label” move to Jewel Records and lose nada of the gray, homemade joy they’re known for. This is a productive unit that ran into the early ’80s, with its finest work leaning on bass-heavy Gospel. This relic now peacefully haunts us via the Lansing thrift stores carrying used LPs. It's grim but hopeful, local and unique. Check the back of the vinyl sleeve for an inspiring note from the Rev. E. Dietrick, who writes (in part): “The songs have been selected with care and accompany a prayer that your hearts be blessed and your attention directed heavenward.”

Ozay Moore (hip-hop artist)

Pick: James Gardin and Ess Be — Coming Soon

Right now, I’m in music-making mode so I limit my listening for enjoyment in these seasons, but when I do plug in, I go to my audio comfort food: Golden era, mid-’80s and mid-’90s hip-hop. But, locally, there’s some great hip-hop in the works. I know James Gardin is cooking up brilliant new stuff. I also have a copy of Ess Be’s new project that hasn’t been released yet, and I’m vibing on that, too.