Cracker acoustic set with Johnny Hickman and David Lowery
The duo were back at The High Noon in Madison Thursday night once more searching for a Eurotrash girl… Here are some pictures from last night’s show.
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Cracker (Unplugged) w/ Brandi Shearer – Thu., February 18, 2010 – High Noon Saloon
| Who | Cracker (Unplugged) w/ Brandi Shearer |
| When |
Thursday, February 18, 2010
8:00pm
-
$16/$18 DOS
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21+
|
| Where |
701 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53703-2958 Madison, WI |
| Other Info | Cracker, the group that veritably introduced brash irreverence and irony into alt-rock, are back and in top form on their 429 Records debut, Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey. This rich new trove of sharp-witted songs showcases a bristling, late 70s, early 80s power pop punk aesthetic which hits as hard as it did at the bands formation 17 years ago. Eight albums (one platinum and three gold) and a barrel full of anthemic hit songs later, Cracker endures, using their ability to weave decades of influences into an album that is seamlessly riveting. In Sunrise, long-time partners David Lowery and Johnny Hickman, 12-year Cracker drummer Frank Funaro and bassist Sal Maida (since 2006), train a watchful eye on the current socio-musical landscape as they weave an eerie yet strangely soothing story of escapism, apocalypse and renewal. Brandi Shearer has "a heaven-sent, heart-shuddering vocal style. And she’s a tad crazy, just like we Winehouse fans like our singers. An incredible live performer.” -LA Weekly People Weekly states, "This singer-songwriter's smoky, sultry vocals bring a moody allure to her rainy-day mix of pop, folk, and a touch of jazz." Tickets available at: B-Side Records, Mad City Music Exchange, Strictly Discs, High Noon Saloon |
Cracker “Unplugged” @ High Noon Saloon, Madison 2010-02-18
Cracker rolls into town soon to play the High Noon once again. This time it’s one of the intimate David Lowery and Johnny Hickman duo shows. (They call it “Unplugged” … But don’t you believe it!) … A Cracker show is always great fun, and I’m going to go whenever I can. I’ve just got a real soft spot for journeyman musicians like this; bands that tour frequently and continue to produce new music for decades.
I’ve been listening to their most recent release Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey and its another in a long line of really enjoyable releases. So I’m pleased to report that Lowery’s sense of irony, biting wit and acute observations remain intact.
We are streaming a few tracks here from the new release (including special live track recorded at the High Noon on Nov 8, 2007).
Read a great current bio of Cracker: www.crackersoul.com/discography/cracker_bio.shtml
Interview with Johnny Hickman
January 2009 – by Mister Bill
I am a fan of Cracker – and already pumped to see their upcoming CRACKER UNPLUGGED performance at the High Noon Saloon on Thursday February 5, 2009… So you can imagine how thrilled I was to interview co-founder and lead guitarist Johnny Hickman. Here’s what he had to say:
Tell me a little about this acoustic tour. Just you and David? Touching any unique areas of your catalog? Any new material in the repertoire?
Cracker fans seem to really appreciate hearing our songs performed this way. We’ve only been doing these duo shows for a few years and we don’t do them very often so there’s always a special kind of intimacy and electricity.Speaking of electricity, I should point out that the duo shows are only half acoustic because I play my electric guitar and David plays acoustic. As in Cracker we don’t use a set list so anything can happen. I’m sure we will do a few songs from the new album and probably some rare ones from the past as well.
Does an acoustic tour have special meaning or value to you and David?
Yes. It really gets us to the heart of the songs and to the heart of Cracker in a way. Cracker’s sound is largely based on the conversation between David’s lyrics and my guitar playing and these shows really focus on that aspect.I’m your age, and so I truly appreciate your “experienced professionalism.” Thirty years is a long time in rock & roll – like dog years! What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
Thank you. Experienced, yes – but only as professional as is necessary I will say. We come from the school of thought where if you take it TOO seriously it stops being fun. We do know how to put on a good show either with the band or just the two of us. I don’t think I would go back and change too many things other than perhaps only being involved with strong women who can handle being with a man who is gone a lot of the time.How much time are you spending on the road these days? Do you have any wisdom to share with new break-out bands out about surviving the road?
We spend probably a little less than half of our time on the road now which is much less than we used to. We still really enjoy it but we have kids we need to see as much as possible too. To be a touring musician you have to really want to be. It’s not an easy life. Be ready to lose friends and be very lonely sometimes. I wouldn’t trade it for anything though. I’ve been all over the world and gotten paid to do what I love. You won’t get much complaining from this man. I am lucky as hell and I know it. My advice to new bands on the road is keep your eye on your equipment and remember to respect your audience. They pay your bills.I really loved Greenland and look forward to your upcoming release – Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey. Sounds optimistic and hopeful. Anything you can tell us about it?
It’s an optimistic title yes, but true to form there is always a healthy dose of sarcasm and irony in what we do. We can’t help it. It’s just us. The political climate I’m sure has crept in there a bit although not overtly so yes, it’s got very happy hopeful moments too. We love to make people laugh and think. That’s sort of where we come from.How about your side projects? What’s new there?
Well Cracker is job #1 right now with the new album coming out soon but we always have things on the back burner too. I know David plans to release a solo album at some point and I’m slowly working on another one as well. My friend Jim Dalton and I are writing new Hickman Dalton Gang songs too. That’s my country side project. We have one record out there already. David is always looking for good new bands to produce too. David and I are both music 24/7 kinds of guys.What drew you to the guitar? Who were your inspirations and influences as an emerging musician?
The Beatles first, then the Kinks and The Rolling Stones got me started as a little kid. I started playing guitar when I was seven. Very badly! I can’t really do much else so I stuck with it. Jimmy Page was a big influence but also surf and country players.What music are you listening to these days that excites you?
I found Fleet Foxes last year and I’m still listening nonstop to them. Stunning record. I also really like Graham Coxon formerly of Blur. Great, raw guitar player and a great songwriter. Very English, very funny.What question do you wish that I asked? … And what is your answer?
Q) What do you call a lead guitarist without a girlfriend?
A) Homeless!
www.muzzleofbees.com/2008/07/28/5-questions-with-johnny-hickman-cracker/
Coming Soon – Tornado Alley Tour ’07
featuring CRACKER, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and Backyard Tire Fire
Thursday, November 8 at 8:00 pm
High Noon Saloon ($18 advance / $20 door / 21+)
Cracker is one of my favorite bands. After 17 years, 8 albums, 4 gold records and 8 bass players, they are about to bring their “Tornado Alley Tour ’07″ into Madison. I saw Cracker just over a year ago at the High Noon, when they were backed up by Trampled by Turtles. It was one of those great August nights when hanging out on the High Noon patio is so enjoyable. Despite spending too much time bumping out to the patio to catch up with friends, I still thought this was one of the great shows of 2006. I’m expecting no less this time.
The band was founded by David Lowery (vocals/ guitar – and also co-founder of the influential alt-rock band Camper Van Beethoven) and Johnny Hickman (lead guitar / vocals). These guys are a really great guitar duo. They are joined by bassist Sal Maida (Roxy Music / Sparks / Runaways) and drummer Frank Funaro (The Dictators / Joey Ramone / Del Lords) , as they tour in support of their most recent album – Greenland.
I picked Greenland up at the last show, and really like it a lot start to finish. And indeed the closing song, Darling We’re Out of Time, is a thing of beauty – it just floors me every time.
Here’s a cool video:
Come on out and see them. You won’t be disappointed. I promise!
For more info:
www.crackersoul.com
www.myspace.com/crackerhatesmyspace ( … best myspace name ever)
- Mister Bill
