Indie Rock Moms Sound Off!, eMusic

Indie Rock Moms Sound Off!

Most indie bands routinely name-check favorite artists and influential albums, but there's a whole group of people who often don't get the credit they deserve: the moms. They're the ones who hear all the demos, the revisions and the non-starters. They're the ones who attend underpopulated shows in questionable locations. And they're the ones who offer support and encouragement when that brass ring seems like a distant mirage. They even grin and bear it when their children choose scandalous band names (like, say, Holy Fuck). We decided to ask the moms of some of our favorite bands for their input: which of their kids' songs do they love best, and why? The results, as you'll see, are uniformly heartwarming, testaments to parental pride and to the unifying power of music. We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we've enjoyed compiling them. The responses are arranged alphabetically by artist below."

Anne McLaughlin, mother of Zach Condon (Beirut)

The Flying Club Cup by Beirut

I have so many favorite Beirut songs — "Mt. Wroclai," "Scenic World," "Elephant Gun" — plus songs whose names I can't even remember, some that don't have any words at all. But my current favorite from The Flying Club Cup is "Sunday Smile"! It's an unabashedly happy song with an undercurrent of wistfulness that recalls exactly how it felt to be young and off-work for a few hours on a Sunday, knowing that Monday is always just right around the corner.

Penny Rudder, mother of Christian Rudder (Bishop Allen)

The Broken String by Bishop Allen

I like the story in "News from Your Bed," especially the part about the quiet friendship with an animal. Right as I start to slip into reflections on all my sweet "Mister Whiskers," the music moves me to a whole other place, and I find myself singing along, clapping my hands, dancing around the room and cheering for the heroine! I love the mix of reflective emotion and sparkle in this song and it is especially endearing because I got to hear its first notes and listen along as it grew.

Justine Vernon, mother of Justin Vernon (Bon Iver)

For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver

My favorite song is "Re:Stacks," the last one on the record. I think it is a very beautiful song and I love the emotion in it. I especially like the part, "there's a black crow sitting across from me, his wiry legs are crossed, he's dangling my keys, he even fakes a toss; whatever could it be that has brought me to this loss." Even though there is sadness here, I think this song is more about hope, "it's the sound of the unlocking and lift away, your love will be safe with me." To me, it is not about getting over things and moving forward, it is about going through the sadness, taking some of it with you and being made whole because of it. I cry every time I listen to it.

Vicki Powers, mother of Beth Tacular (Bowerbirds)

Hymns For A Dark Horse by Bowerbirds

I play the music daily in my elementary school art classroom. All my students know about and LOVE the Bowerbirds! Their favorite (and if I have to pick just one, mine too) is "In Our Talons"! The music is upbeat and fun and catchy and easy to remember. I have a classroom full of students singing along to that one! They call it the "de-deet song."

Marilyn Feinberg, mother of Ezra Feinberg (Citay)

Little Kingdom by Citay

Being Ezra's Mom, I'm his biggest fan, and I think Little Kingdom is a wonderful album. Probably his best so far. Mostly what I love is the way Ezra sings and plays the guitar. "First Fantasy" is my favorite track. It's melodic with an upbeat tempo. His guitar riffs are lovely and very calming. It's hard to be a Mom and be objective, too. However, I believe that Ezra is a very talented musician who truly loves his music.

Nicole Townsend, mother of JB Townsend (Crystal Stilts)

Crystal Stilts by Crystal Stilts

I listened to your CD several times through this morning, and I really like the sound. There is kind of a 60's/ 70's feel, mixed with the very contemporary and unique vocals. I still can't understand what Brad is singing, but that's besides the point!! I guess my favorites are "Crystal Stilts" and "Converging in the Quiet." I could listen to "Converging in the Quiet" over and over again, so it must be my absolute favorite. I know the music is original to you guys, but it makes me think of the beach in California!! That must be your roots coming out, JB!! I'm proud of you. Love, Yo Mama

Janette Cochran, mother of Wallace Cochran (Drakkar Sauna)

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My favorite Drakkar Sauna song is "Very Much Alone Part 2", from the album Rover. This was the first song I ever heard Wallace play professionally, and the sound of the lyrics and music made me very proud! The crowd got into the music and I knew Drakkar Sauna would make their mark in music!

Charlotte Jones, mother of Josh Jones (Evangelicals)

The Evening Descends by Evangelicals

I am Josh's #1 fan so it is hard for me to pick a favorite! "Skeleton Man" has a wonderful rock beat and can be interpreted on many levels. This is a powerful song that generates lots of energy and gets me moving. It is a great work-out song!

Leah Green, mother of Adam Green

Sixes & Sevens by Adam Green

My favorite song is "Tropical Island," from Sixes & Sevens. Not only is it melodic and relaxing, it also reminds me of the good times during our family vacations on tropical islands when Adam was young. I believe that’s when he first heard and enjoyed this style of music.

Cheryl Owen, mother of John Owen & Linda Christen, mother of Nick Sanborn (Headlights)

Some Racing, Some Stopping by Headlights

I love the way that "So Much for that Afternoon" perfectly captures the physical longing of love. When I hear it, I feel like I am young.

My favorite Headlight's song is, "Get Your Head Around It". I love the melody, the great harmonies and all of the musicians playing on the album (especially the bass player!) "He didn't give up until he made things right."...That's so great!

Jane Pearson, mother of Mary Pearson (High Places)

03/07 - 09/07 by High Places

My most favorite song that Mary (of High Places) sings is "Freaked Flight." In this song she describes her feelings of stepping out into the big world and likens this to a bird flying out of the nest for the first time. Because Mary is the youngest of our four children, I definitely wanted to hang on to her and enjoy our close relationship for a while longer, but I knew that she had to "find her wings" and venture off to NYC to pursue her musical dreams. This song embodies those feelings of loss and pride, of hesitancy and letting go that I've felt for my children as they have left home to follow their dreams.

Michele Schulz, mother of Matt Schulz (Holy Fuck)

LP by Holy Fuck

My son, Matthew Schulz is the drummer with 'HF,' as I lovingly call the band. The music is profound and mesmerizing. I'm a child of the late 60's and 70's music. I was there with the likes of Led Zeppelin, Hendrix and Cream. The song "Milkshake" takes me to the beautiful places I wandered in with wonderful twists and turns. I'm so proud of these guys... the unique shades of jazz, blues and otherworld sound. Of course, above all, my son, Matt blows me away. He is following in the cool musical steps of his family. My admiration goes to the other wonderful musicians Graham, Brian, and Matt (who are also sweethearts) in HF.

Kay Kendell, mother of Syd Butler (Les Savy Fav)

Let's Stay Friends by Les Savy Fav

The music of Les Savy Fav has exposed me to the next generation of rock and roll. I love seeing the energy on stage and thousands of fans singing "Patty Lee" and rocking out to the band’s music. I am a proud Mom!

Wendy Scribner, mother of Jeffrey Lewis

It's The Ones Who've Cracked That The Light Shines Through by Jeffrey Lewis

One of my favorite songs of Jeff's is "Don't Let the Record Label Take You Out to Lunch." I like to think it shows his sensible attitude towards fame and money (and record labels). And I love those catchy lyrics. Oh wait! I also love "The History of Punk on the Lower East Side." But I'll stop now.

Janet Krgovich, mother of Nick Krgovich (No Kids)

Come Into My House by No Kids

"The Puddle" is a bright little tune that makes me think of joyful times exploring different places with the kids on a sunny day.

Jane Eaton, mother of Chris Eaton & Joan Whytok, mother of John Whytok (Rock Plaza Central)

Are We Not Horses by Rock Plaza Central

I love the song "We've Got a Lot to Be Glad For" from the Rock Plaza Central CD Are We Not Horses. It reminds me of the many blessings in my life... I have "a lot to be glad for"!

[About "My Children Be Joyful"] I sure am glad we're getting our money's worth out of that trumpet.

Catherine Malone Meiburg, mother of Jonathan Meiburg (Shearwater)

Rook by Shearwater

Naturally, as his mom, I had trouble choosing just one favorite song, so here are comments about two from the new album, Rook. "Leviathan, Bound" is extremely compelling, I think, because of the effective combination of lyrics and music. The lack of human awareness and sense of doom are countered by the desperate vitality of the voices and the percussive instrumental ostinato. I love the vocal harmonies, and what they seem to say — do we really have to race alone? If we combine our efforts, can we make a dramatic change, and quickly? I also like the bonus track, "North Col," for its great banjo work, and for the sense I get of the singer as the fierce little wren who insists on hope, even in the face of what looks hopeless. Keep singing, little wren! We need your voice!

Ok Sun Uh, mother of Andrea Havis & Severina Rivera, mother of Oliver Rivera (SuSu)

Win by Susu

So this is what you do? Hmm. [long pause] Oh, is that you singing? You know, I think this is future music. Yes, music for the future.

This is really good, sounds Eastern to me. The girl can really play guitar. What's "Anarchitect"?

Debbie Kube, mother of Ty Kube (Team Robespierre)

Everything's Perfect by Team Robespierre

Team Robespierre is generating fun and spreading joy. Their passion for their music is infectious. Does it get any better than that? You are living the dream. GO TEAM! All those piano lessons are coming in handy. I love you, Ty.

Lucy Anne Elliott, mother of Jesse Elliott (These United States)

A Picture Of The Three Of Us At The Gate To The Garden Of Eden by These United States

While a little like asking mom to name her favorite child, I'm tickled that the young would care to ask moms what they're thinking. And I'm thinking that Jess' song "Jenni Anne" would have my vote. It is my daughter's name, and though the song is not about his sister, it is about all sisters and brothers and their travel together through this short experiment. Rules and fools…the only thing of which we're certain — that grabbing the hands of those alongside us is what eases the pain and augments the joy! The choice wasn't so difficult after all… my daughter's name, my son's clear thoughts and voice.

Shaheen Wasif, mother of Imaad Wasif

Strange Hexes by Imaad Wasif

Being an artist myself, I can understand Imaad's music. Especially "Wanderlusting" from his new album. I know what one feels as an artist being restricted and controlled by the environment. "From a room with no view/ No perception/ One dimension/ I think only of you in contortions/ Can I kick off the crutches/ That I need to keep going/ That I need to keep droning on/ Wanderlusting after you and gone astray/ Only things you do/ Can make me feel so far away." This happens, and I truly believe it does happen. My son Imaad writes and composes his own songs and I am proud of the fact that he has struggled and brought himself to this status where he is appreciated and loved by so many. He is a star!!!

Leslie Dienel, mother of Casey Dienel (White Hinterland)

Phylactery Factory by White Hinterland

My favorite track from Phylactery Factory is "Hometown Hooray," for several reasons. I love Case's voice on it and I especially like her piano playing at the end. Case is a great writer as well as a composer and it definitely comes through in "Hometown Hooray." After one listen in the morning, I find myself humming the melody all day long.

Rose Cantrell, mother of Laura Cantrell

When The Roses Bloom Again by Laura Cantrell

My favorite song of Laura's is "Mountain Fern" from her “When The Roses Bloom Again” record. I put this one on “repeat” several times. I love the natural imagery, “The wind blows the Mountain Fern, she sways and bends in the breeze,” and I find the music and and sound soul soothing. I also like “Love Vigilantes” from her new record, the violin and all the voices make a sad story uplifting.

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