Ha Ha Tonka first caught my attention back in mid 2008 when I saw them share the stage with Jack’s Mannequin.  I often find it hard to have high expectations for opening acts, but I have to admit, I was blown away.  The great thing is that these guys represent Missouri.  Why is that so great?  Well, for me it means they have a shot a replacing band-aid wearing Nelly as the musical ambassador of MO.

Lennon Bone, Brett Anderson, Brian Roberts and Luke Long are representin’ the Ozarks!  Ok, let’s put geographical representation aside and just focus on the music.  Their music is an energetic blend of four-part harmonies and aggressive instrumentation.  Ha Ha Tonka embodies hard hitting rock of the southern variety.  Do not listen to their music in an environment that requires you to sit still.  If you enter a staring contest make sure Novel Sounds of the Nouvea South is not playing in the background, because you will lose.  I guess what I am getting at is that the music of Ha Ha Tonka will get you up and moving.

Their second album, Novel Sounds of the Nouvea South, was just released this past summer.  The album has been collecting the same critical acclaim that their first release, Buckle in the Bible Belt, received.  I can’t get enough of “Hold My Feet to the Fire”, “Close Every Valve to Your Bleeding Heart”, “Walking on the Devil’s Backbone” and “The Horse in Motion”.

It appears that 2010 is going to be a big year for Ha Ha Tonka.  A recently announced slot at South by Southwest (SXSW) and more main stream exposure will ensure that a band named after a Missouri state park makes it into your playlist.

Ha Ha Tonka’s performance of “Walking on the Devil’s Backbone” in Chicago’s Q101 studio.

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We have a feeling you will enjoy the music of The Avett Brothers.

One fine day last year, the gods sitting atop Mount Olympus passed around a chalice filled to the brim with the most beautiful music.  A sudden gust of wind tipped the chalice ever so slightly and the music of JJ Grey and Mofro rained down upon my ears.

With all of that said I must say that Orange Blossoms was by far my favorite album released in 2008. Hands down this record is a must have. There are very few albums that I can listen to all the way through, track by track, but Orange Blossoms is a turn-on-and-let-play kinda album.

This funky music came to my attention one day by accident as I found myself scouring the internets for something that would give me a fix of Rock/Funk/Soul/Blues/R&B all in one. Yeah, I mix my music genres together. What of it? Want to fight about it?

What I found was JJ Grey and Mofro, whose music is like hanging out on the porch after an awesome summer day. JJ’s lead vocals express a hurry up and slow down feel all filtered through a gritty, yet sunny disposition. Wicked licks take you through feelings of love, loss, pain and partying. This is one musical journey you need to take.

I hear some of you proclaiming, “But KC, I’m not into bluesy music.” My answer to that is, “Get over it.”  The blues are everywhere and with the global economy in the crapper I can guarantee that blues-based music will be coming to mainstream attention this year. You might as well jump ahead of the curve right?

Rest assured, you are getting a musical cornucopia with JJ Grey and Mofro. Otis Redding, Bill Withers, and Donny Hathaway are certainly influential to the group. Not familiar with those names? Do yourself a solid and connect with their music too. Bottom line, JJ Grey and Mofro could have singles topping the charts right now. One listen and you’ll know the truth that I am spitting.  Tank and I saw them live this past summer at a huge street festival and I swear to Lurline that their live show is the real deal.

If you listen to just one song, you must dive into the title track “Orange Blossoms.” If this doesn’t get your head bobbing you need to check and make sure you have a pulse. I would also highly recommend “Everything Good Is Bad,” “On Fire,” and “I Believe (In Everything).” Need more JJ Grey and Mofro? Welcome their album Country Ghetto into your life and see the world through different eyes.

Because I know you now love their song “On Fire” you have to watch the most awesomest music video ever made. Warning:  you will want to make sure you are rockin’ an adult diaper ’cause the intense laughter might force you to pee just a wee bit.

Dig around the band’s web site at http://www.mofro.net or just go ahead and pick up the album below. Do it.

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