'David Gergen: On Further Review' with Ryan's Smashing Life

It's almost over! Well, not really. Unfortunately, winter lasts far too long in Michigan, and for me, it's a dreadful four months of snow, freezing temperatures, and worst of all, soggy pant legs. Spending most of the day indoors, it makes for perfect comfort to snuggle up on the couch with some hot chocolate and relax with great music.

Nick Parker, of Ryan's Smashing Life, recently reviewed David Gergen's The Nearer it was... The Farther it Became and found himself reliving his warm Long Beach days.

"His voice, like Beck’s Mutations, is the warm evenings I spent in Long Beach. His mix of processed drum-synths and acoustic guitars is that confusing sense of being somewhere made up of familiar elements put together in unusual ways."..."In fact, the album lets me feel refreshed and excited by new musical directions. If you are from LA, I’m sure you’ll be impressed by Gergen’s music. If you are from further afield, you can enjoy it all the more, like taking a musical vacation, not exactly to foreign lands, but to new parts of your own."

David Gergen - The Streets I'm Walking by rslblog.com

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Absolute Punk Interviews David Gergen

Photo by: Michelle Fontaine

With influences like Wilco, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones, David Gergen talks about his music and answers random questions with AbsolutePunk.

Why should people listen to your band?

They should listen if they want music that has a lot going on underneath the surface. Lyrically and musically, I try and create original pieces of work that force the listener to pay attention. I don't view my music as easily digestible pop candy, it's deeper and more thought provoking. So, for people that like that, I welcome you into my world.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

I think as far as a good fit for touring together I would pick someone similar to my vibe, probably Wilco, maybe Arcade Fire. I would love to play with Johnny Cash but that won't happen until we meet in the afterlife.

What is something that most fans don't know about you?

That I am into cooking. I love to cook... Thai, Italian, French. I am fascinated by food the same way as I am music. It's never ending and there are certain basic rules that you need to understand before you can break down the door and go in a new direction, so I love that it requires a lot of practice and can't be faked.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Cook, hike, travel, take a long drive somewhere random....hang with animals. I do love movies too.

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Win CDs from The Decemberists and GLG's own David Gergen and Seafarer at Spinner

It's a wonderful week for us at GLG! This week Spinner is offering a prize pack of CDs from bands like The Decemberists, Klaxons, and our very own, David Gergen and Seafarer. The contest ends at 5 p.m. TODAY, so hurry up and enter! If you miss out, don't worry, you can still hear the full CD's from Gergen and Seafarer in Spinner's Full CD Listening Party until this Sunday.

To enter:
Follow @Spinner on Twitter and retweet this contest announcement or "Like" Spinner's Facebook page and send an e-mail to spinnergiveaways@aol.com.

List of CDs:
Audio Bullys, 'Higher Than the Eiffel'
Gregg Allman, 'Low Country Blues'
Braids, 'Native Speaker'
David Gergen, 'The Nearer It Was... The Farther It Became'
Eulogies, 'Tear the Fences Down'
Klaxons, 'Surfing the Void (Deluxe Edition)'
Oh No Oh My, 'People Problems'
Seafarer, 'Hiding Places'
Social Distortion, 'Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes'
Tennis, 'Cape Dory'
The Decemberists, 'The King Is Dead'
Triumph of Lethargy Skinned Alive to Death, 'Some Of Us Are in This Together'
Two Door Cinema Club, 'Remixes EP'
Delorean, 'The Unfazed' Click Here to Read More..

High Five! from David Gergen

These are five of the things things I can't live without. Well, I haven't actually tested this theory, but let's just say that without them, I might get really cranky. Please note: In the making of this list the cell phone was intentionally left off due to its destructive and addictive side effects.

1) Thai Food

Hollywood, California is Thai town. There is one place in particular whose menu is based on the street food of Thailand. I can't get enough of it!

2) Channel Islands, CA

Between Ventura and Santa Barbara, about 20 miles off the California coastline, are five small islands. There are no cars or buildings, just water that is as many shades of blue as you can imagine. I often go there for solitude.

3) Red Wine

Red wine opens up the door for the muses to come waltzing through and doctors say its properties help to fight cancer.

4) Zoom Handheld Recorder

A while back, I replaced my cassette micro recorder with this tapeless one. Since it works perfectly for capturing rough ideas, it has saved me from forgetting so many song ideas. I try to keep it close by, in case inspiration strikes.

5) Tom's Fennel Toothpaste

I love this toothpaste! It tastes like licorice and has no chemical additives. A lot of people think organic toothpaste seems disgusting, but Tom's toothpaste leaves a fresh feeling that resembles dessert.

To celebrate the end of the nine to five, a Green Light Go staff member or artist will leave you with their short list of favorite things, better known as the High Five!

This week's High Five! is brought to you by: David Gergen

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David Gergen to Play two Hollywood Shows this February

If the work David Gergen has done on his latest self-produced album, The Nearer it Was...The Farther It Became, is any indication of the passion and energy ready to burst out of him, then his live show will be something to behold. Audiences will have the chance to see Gergen play his genre-bending acoustic indie rock at the Viper Room’s Acoustic Lounge on February 8^th and Santa Monica's The Trip Bar on February 25th.

David Gergen takes acoustic indie rock places it rarely goes, especially on one record. Bending ambience on “Seven Miles to Sunset” and “Well Wisher, throbbing electronics on “Ore De Electro,” along with bluesy slide guitar on “The Streets I’m Walking,” there’s a taste of everything on Gergen’s latest solo release, The Nearer it Was...The Farther It Became, out January 18^th. The songs paint portraits of soul-searching individuals that travel through the misty field of electronics, folk-rock and pop sensibilities by way of a gripping story. His voice, though consistently deep and resonant evokes Nick Cave, Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen by turns.

David Gergen
February 7th
The Viper Room Acoustic Lounge
8852 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA
21+
Show: 9:30 PM
$10/$8 with flyer

Hollowbody LA presents David Gergen
February 20th
TRiP Bar
2101 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
21+
Show: 8:00 PM
$7/$5 with flyer

Click Here to Read More..

GLG Fresh MP3 Friday

Best Black Friday Deal: FREE MP3's!

GLG to the rescue! We wanted to give all of you turkey stuffed early birds a treat, by introducing our newest band, The Morning Code, and reminding you of other great artists like Bridges & Powerlines.

The Morning Code explains, “We write music to try and achieve that perfect musical crescendo and climax that [we] also look for in the music [we] listen to."

Capturing some kind of hidden magic, front man, Ashwin Alexander has always remained the constant in their progressive rock sound and now years after his original debut as a solo artist, their latest EP, Tell Someone will be released March 01, 2011.

Also available for you, is Bridges & Powerlines - You were the first thing, because you just may have been first in line today to pick up that camcorder.

The Morning Code, From Tell Someone
Release Date: March 01, 2011
“Silver”
Genre: Rock/Alternative
Bio/hi-res photos
The Sleep-Ins-Silver State by greenlightgo

Although this Bridges & Powerlines song is from a previous track, they will be releasing their latest album, Eve, on January 25, 2011.

Bridges & Powerlines, From Bridges & Powerlines
Release Date: September 26, 2006
“You Were the First Thing”
Genre: Indie/Rock/Pop
For fans of: Wolf Parade, Frightened Rabbit, Guided By Voices
Bio/hi-res photos

"The song moved me emotionally, while being catchy enough to keep it on constant repeat. It’s rare to have the best of both worlds." --We All Want Someone To Shout For

Bridges & Powerlines- you were the first thing by greenlightgo

You need free mp3s, we have free mp3s. Feel free to post any of the approved songs below on your blog or tweet to your friends. Not on our email list to receive these directly and want to be? Send an email over to info(at)glgpub.com

Check out other GLG Clients:
GLG Clients by greenlightgo

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GLG Fresh Mp3 Friday

NEW THIS WEEK:

If you're looking to take a trip into American history's scenic countryside, let
Gwyneth & Monko take you there.

"...a singer with a moving voice and an amazing musician in Michael Monko." --Kevin Gustafson, Blogcritics

David Gergen's "Love Blues" is also new for download today.

"His voice, though consistently deep and resonant evokes the spirits of Nick Cave, Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen." --Mad Mackerel

Both are releasing albums for the new year!
February 15, 2011: Gwyneth & Monko
January 18, 2011: David Gergen

Gwyneth & Monko, From Gwyneth & Monko
Release Date: February 15, 2011
“Get in the Sun”
Genre: Americana/Roots Music/Alternative
For fans of: Emmy Lou Harris, Patty Griffin, Jenny Lewis
Bio/hi-res photos

Gwyneth & Monko- Get in the Sun by greenlightgo

David Gergen, From The Nearer It Was... The Farther It Became
Release Date: February 18, 2011
“Love Blues”
Genre: Alternative/Electroacoustic/Indie
For fans of: Nick Cave, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen
Bio/hi-res photos

David Gergen- Love Blues by greenlightgo

You need free mp3s, we have free mp3s. Feel free to post any of the approved songs below on your blog or tweet to your friends. Not on our email list to receive these directly and want to be? Send an email over to info(at)glgpub.com

Listen to other GLG clients:

GLG Clients by greenlightgo

Click Here to Read More..

GLG Fresh Mp3 Friday

You need free mp3s, we have free mp3s. Feel free to post any of the approved songs below.
Need a cd or digital album of any of the releases, just ask!
Not posting mp3s anymore or just don’t need one more email in your inbox, let us know that too and we’ll surely take you off our weekly mp3 email if you prefer.

NEW THIS WEEK!

Brian Huber, From Imagination of Ourselves
Release Date: December 14, 2010
“Reverie”
Genre: Power pop/rock/pop
Hometown: DC
For fans of: Ben Folds, Travis and Pete Yorn
Bio/hi-res photos

The Lights Out, From One Day in the Desert LP
Release Date: January 01, 2011
“Primetime”
Genre: Rock
Hometown: Boston
For fans of: Queens of the Stone Age

GLG Clients by greenlightgo Click Here to Read More..

GLG Fresh Mp3 Friday

You need free mp3s, we have free mp3s. Feel free to post any of the approved songs below.
Need a cd or digital album of any of the releases, just ask!
Not posting mp3s anymore or just don’t need one more email in your inbox, let us know that too and we’ll surely take you off our weekly mp3 email if you prefer.

New This Week:

Bridges & Powerlines, From Eve
Release Date: January 11, 2011
“Blue Sky”
Hometown: Brooklyn
Genre: Power pop
For fans of: Wolf Parade, Frightened Rabbit, Guided By Voices
Bio/hi-res photos

The Sleep-Ins, From Songs About Girls From Outer Space
Release Date: October 19, 2010
“Angelina”
Genre: indie rock
Hometown: Asheville, NC
For fans of: Pavement, Polvo, Pixies
Bio/hi-res photos

Brian Huber, From Imagination of Ourselves
Release Date: December 14, 2010
“Snuggies”
Genre: Power pop
Hometown: DC
For fans of: Travis, Fountains of Wayne, Ben Folds
Bio/hi-res photos

David Gergen, From The Nearer It Was... The Farther It Became
Release Date: January 18, 2011
“The Streets I’m Walkin’”
Genre: Americana
Hometown: Los Angeles
For fans of: Nick Cave, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen
Bio/hi-res photos

My My My
“War Party”
Genre: Power pop
Hometown: Chicago
For fans of: Ra Ra Riot, The New Pornographers
Bio/hi-res photos

Seafarer, From Hiding Places
Release Date: January 18, 2011
“Noise Floor”
“The Archipelago”
Genre: Indie/Folk/Experimental
Hometown: Chicago
For fans of: Sonic Youth, Fugazi, Pavement
Bio/hi-res photos

Sara Radle, From Four Release Date: September 14, 2010
“Baxter Hill”
Genre: Powerpop
Hometown: Los Angeles
For fans of: Jenny Lewis, Regina Spektor, Dum Dum Girls
Bio/hi-res photos

And those you may have missed…

Bridges & Powerlines, From Eve
Release Date: January 11, 2011
“Mirabell”
Genre: Power pop
Hometown: Brooklyn
For fans of: Wolf Parade, Frightened Rabbit, Guided By Voices
Bio/hi-res photos

The Sleep-Ins, From Songs About Girls & Outer Space
Release Date: October 19, 2010
“Silver State”
Genre: indie rock
Hometown: Asheville, NC
For fans of: Pavement, Polvo, Pixies
Bio/hi-res photos

Sara Radle, From Four Release Date: September 14, 2010
“Song for Adam”
Genre: Powerpop
Hometown: Los Angeles
For fans of: Jenny Lewis, Regina Spektor, Dum Dum Girls
Bio/hi-res photos

Neil Nathan, From The Distance Calls Release Date: August 24, 2010
“California Run”
“Highways”
Genre: Powerpop
Hometown: New York
For fans of: Matthew Sweet, Cat Stevens, The Go, Marc Bolan
Bio/hi-res photos

Neutral Uke Hotel
“King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1” (Neutral Milk Hotel Cover)
Genre: Indie rock, Cover song
Hometown: Montclair, NJ/Boston
For fans of: Neutral Milk Hotel
Bio/hi-res photos

Gwyneth & Monko, From Good Old Horse
Release Date: July 20, 2010
“Good Old Horse”
“Lexington Ballad”
Hometown: Bay Area
Genre: Americana/Folk
For fans of: Jenny Lewis, Gillian Welch
Bio/hi-res photos

Leopold and His Fiction, From the upcoming album TBA
“Golden Friends”
Hometown: San Francisco
Genre: Garage folk
For fans of: The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, Heartless Bastards
Bio/hi-res photos

GLG Clients by greenlightgo

Click Here to Read More..

David Gergen’s Fourth Album, The Nearer It Was...The Farther It Became Closes In On January 18th

David Gergen takes acoustic indie rock places it rarely goes, especially on one record. Bending ambiance on “Seven Miles to Sunset” and “Well Wisher, throbbing electronics on “Ore De Electro,” along with bluesy slide guitar on “The Streets I’m Walking,” there’s a taste of everything on Gergen’s latest solo release, The Nearer it Was...The Farther It Became, out January 18th. His voice, though consistently deep and resonant evokes the spirits of Nick Cave, Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen.

At the core of the various styles on The Nearer It Was... The Farther It Became is the chugging heart of an endearingly earnest craftsman. Through his messages and overall portrayal, Gergen realizes that life is always filled with surprises and usually, the harder you seem to stare, the further it appears. “To me the title is a paradox, a way that life can be sometimes,” says Gergen. “The closer something is can make it even harder to obtain or see clearly.” The songs paint portraits of soul-searching individuals that travel through the misty field of electronics, folk-rock and pop sensibilities by way of a gripping story.

For The Nearer It Was... The Farther It Became, as with the previous three solo albums he’s created over the last fifteen years, Gergen, did all of the work himself. His home studio, once his living room, is where he brings all of the elements together. When you have complete artistic control, “You can take it as far as you want; it’s more about restraint and to keep some air in the recording so it breathes,” says Gergen. The album does breathe, with inspiration, carefully crafted atmosphere and the hard work of an artist who doesn’t compromise his vision.

The Nearer it Was...The Farther It Became
Track Listing
1. Seven Miles To Sunset
2. Well Wisher
3. The Streets I'm Walkin'
4. It's Down Here
5. Ore De Electro
6. Love Blues #11
7. Thru A Fairy's White Cloud
8. Blues For Sale
9. The Other Side of the Sea
10. Your Letter Click Here to Read More..