Although there is so many different genres of music and bands that I love, I can definitely pinpoint my favorite…Kings of Leon. I am literally obsessed. So obsessed that I have traveled hours away from Cleveland to see them in concert. I’ve sunk in mud for hours at music festivals to see them front row (even declined my friends offers for drinks so I wouldn’t have to pee and loose my spot), I’ve driven to scary parts of cities to see them play (Detroit), and even once thought about getting them tattooed on my body (thank god I didn’t).
So, whenever there is a band that reminds any of my friends of KOL’s style they shoot me a reminder to check them out. I got lucky this week because I have really wanted to write a blog post comparing/contrasting a band to the Kings of Leon. I’ve chosen the band “J. Roddy Walston and the Business.” They were in Columbus recently playing at a little bar, and from what I hear they rocked.
(J. Roddy Walston and the Business from Flickr.com)
Background on J.Roddy Walston and the Business
My audience should have an idea who Kings of Leon are, since they are the absolute best, I’ve dedicated this part of the blog to give you some insight on the “unknown and unrated (kind of)” band, J. Roddy Walston and the Business. The American, rock-n-roll band formed in Tennessee in 2002, but now reside in Baltimore, and consists of four members: J. Roddy (vocals/piano/guitar), Billy Gordon (lead guitar/vocals), Logan Davis (bass/vocals) and Steve Colmus (drums). They are most noted for their pounding piano style and their live shows that bring people to their feet, but what good band doesn’t? They have recently released an album with ATO last September called “Essential Tremors.” Since, they have been more talked about than their entire career. Music reviewer, Jake Krolick, called the band “sent from the almighty” and I have to agree with them.
The bad-ass, long-haired rockers, just like all of my recent posts, are making it’s way to the road of the rich and fame. Ironically, the band is making their debut performance tonight (Thursday, November 21) on the David Letterman show, so tune in! You’ll already know a nice background about them. They also got recognition on the TV show Eastbound and Down’s finale last week.
Kings v. J. Roddy
Performance: Both bands use their musical talents with different kinds of instruments that set them apart from other rock bands. Kings of Leon may not be as crazy and energetic as J.Roddy is though, as much as I hate to admit it.
Music style: They both have a gospel background. They grew up in small towns, super involved in their churches and their religious backgrounds influenced their music. Ironically, both bands spent time in Tennessee.
Favorite songs: “Heavy Bells” and “Don’t Break the Needle” are two of my favorites of J. Roddy. My favorites (currently, but they change all the time) of Kings of Leon is “Wait for Me” and “Back Down South”. If you listen to these songs together you can see the style they try to follow.
The Band itself: Also interesting, both are made up of 4 band members, and although Kings of Leon are all brothers/cousins, J. Roddy Walston and the Business got their start by simply recruiting members that fit.
Baynard Woods, writer for City paper, said in his most recent article about the band that “these guys been road dogs for years and they deserve all the success they can get.”
Below I have left you with one of my favorite songs by J. Robby Walston and the Buisness. What do you think?
Unknown and Unrated 