Ceschi Album Review
November 17, 2021, Vol. 3 Issue 22
Thank you for reading Perfect Sound Whatever. I write updates on the latest music news in New Orleans, feature stories, album reviews, and more. Whether you are from New Orleans or not, my goal is to help you discover new music; provide coverage to local artists, venues, and others creating the music scene in NOLA; and start discussions about music. For questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email me at daltonspangler25@gmail.com.
Subscribe for free if you haven’t already. Support me by sharing! I’m also starting a Patreon because I think Substack is way too expensive. Receive benefits like personalized music recs and more for subscribing (More info at the end).
In today’s issue: I wrote an album review of Ceschi’s latest release, updates on the NOLA music scene, upcoming shows, new music from the gulf-coast and some work I recently had published.
Ceschi - “This Guitar Was Stolen Along With Years of Our Lives”
Folk-punk rapper Ceschi delivered one of his most potent and well-developed albums to date with “This Guitar Was Stolen Along With Years Of Our Lives.” It documents Ceschi’s grapplings with the fallout of a serious relationship, friends who had died or been incarcerated or are addicted to drugs, and the capitalist structure that enables it all.
He’s known for his ability for rapid-fire raps, experimental hip-hop and anti-establishment views. In 2010, local media labeled him “Pot Santa” when he was arrested and sent to prison for 18 months after possessing nearly 100lbs of marijuana hidden in Christmas presents. It took him three years of legal battles and $50,000 to get out of a potentially 5-7 year jail sentence. His experiences within the legal system streaks across his discography and the new record in his lyrics. Also notably, he’s maintained close relationships with many well-known musicians and artists over the years, specifically folk-punk legend Pat the Bunny, who he regularly mentions in interviews and the album notes of “This Guitar.”
“This Guitar” faced many challenges in its creation. Initially, he was recording the third part of his album trilogy, which delays even before the pandemic. Once lockdown happened, like many others, Ceschi was left inside his home in L.A. writing new music. This new music would come together to form “This Guitar.” At which point he had to move back home to his family in Connecticut to record the album.
“2020 B.C.” captures many of the frustrations and feelings people were having in 2020 towards the powers at be in the United States. Standout lines like “We were hiding our faces before pandemics arrived” and “This ain’t no song about peace / Those are easy to sing / But hard to believe.” All the while documenting the injustices of capitalism split apart by beautiful acoustic breaks.
“Nod Off” stands out as a unique sound for Ceschi, leaning more into pop-punk but also for its raw and clever lyricism into loving someone struggling with drug addiction. He blatantly states, “Would love the only thing in your arms to be me, not heroin.”
The album has some rough-around-the-edges vocals and lo-fi sounds from straight-to-tape recording but overall sounds highly polished for a DIY release. It’s a powerful release full of avant guitarwork and lyricism that makes it worth diving into, especially if you are a first-time listener.
Updates:
Aluna, dance music artist, will host a new music festival in New Orleans featuring black and queer dance musicians. The festival is called Noir Fever and will feature Kaytranada, Channel Tres, Jayda G, Derrick Carter and Kevin Saunderson.
New Orleans’ own Jon Batiste was a musical guest on Sesame Street. The episode will air on November 18th on HBO Max.
Toulouse Theatre, formally One Eyed Jacks, opened Oct. 29 at the historic location.
NOLA Mix Records has begun offering DJ lessons to people of all ages again after canceling the program due to COVID-19.
The Latest from New Orleans/Gulf Coast Music:
Upcoming Shows in New Orleans:
Sweet Crude @ Zony Mash Beer Project, Thursday, November 18 at 7:00 pm
Bruisey Peets 'Poached Eggs' Album Release Show with Ocean Boyfriend @ Gasa Gasa, Friday, November 19 at 9:00 pm
Tasche & The Psychedelic Roses @ The Carnaval Lounge, Saturday, November 20 at 9:00 pm
Some work I’ve done recently:
Support my work
I started a Patreon because Substack’s minimum subscription cost is way too much. There are personalized benefits and exclusives available. Pay what you can by emailing me daltonspangler25@gmail.com and I’ll send you a year’s subscription.
Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/perfectsoundwhatever
Big thanks to Brett Fountain and family members who have supported me so far!
Sharing helps a ton too!
Let me hear from you!
Send me love, hate, music recommendations, story tips, musicians you want to see interviewed, shows you want to see promoted, etc. by emailing me at daltonspangler25@gmail.com