The Van Buren Boys - Death of the Van Buren Boys

Latest project recorded during two different Wilco sessions in Detroit and Chicago. Sounds like deep West Texas. Love the Seinfeld reference in the name. The Van B. Boys combine rock and country with smart-ass lyrics with natural ease. What Wilco used to sound like.

Key Tracks: "Coronado Hills(El Paso)" "Marfa Lights"

Chris Cardenas - Dimming of the Day

Back to basics EP. Acoustic, atmospheric songs that envolk the spirit of early Neil Young. Three part harmony vocals on "I Used to Love Her" sound chillingly like CSNY.

Key Tracks: "I Used to Love Her" "Borrowed Time"

Chris Cardenas - Achilles' Last Stand

Dropped the Achilles' moniker for this live solo show recorded at The Porch. Soundboard quality bootleg. Mainly newer unheard material and rare covers including Pearl Jam's "Betterman" and "I Got Shit"

Key Tracks: "The Ties that Bind" "Colorblind"

Achilles' Heel - Luminarias

A total change in sound on Luminarias. First off he is backed by a full rock band for half of the songs. Not really my bag. I love the acoustic stuff but this is pretty good. Its rock but very melodic. Very anti-Nickelback. If I were to compare the sound, I'd say a mix of Radiohead, A Perfect Circle, and Pink Floyd. Maybe I'm way off but that is what I hear. Atmospheric guitars and high reverb vocals. Don't know who makes these covers but the cover pic is beautiful.

Key Tracks: "Point Me Towards the Stars" "Luminarias"

Achilles' Heel

Impromptu recordings with H. Sandoval and a full backing band of Austin musician friends. Probably started out as a night of drinking and smoking. Also known as the covers bootleg for its mix of cover songs and bizarre originals. A total 180 from Darkest Days. Covers range from New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle" to insane hiphop covers like Snoop Dogg's "Bitches Ain't Shit" and Too $hort's "Blow Job Betty". Definitely something for everyone in this intoxicated gem. The liner notes say "Intended for friends only"

Key Tracks: "Smell My Finger"(hilarious original)"Luv Juice" and "Bitches Ain't Shit"

Achilles' Heel - Darkest Days

For some reason Chris starts performing under the name Achilles' Heel. I'm not sure if it was contractual or just a liking for change. The sound is basically the same but sonically the recording sounds far superb. Darkest Days can be taken as a continuation to A Tree Full of Secrets. The only difference is that Darkest Days is definitely darker. Not bitter, just dark. To put it this way, the most upbeat song is a mournful version of "Manic Depression." The sound of his voice is interesting though. It sounds as though he is in the middle of a bender. Great sound but not to be mixed with amphetamines.

Key Track: "Manic Depression" "My Brightest Diamond"

A Tree Full of Secrets

Bitter, angry, and hurtful. Did I say bitter? The first of his dark cuts. Bitter yes, but lyrically brilliant. Chris has been quoted saying that he regrets writing most of these songs. These were songs he did not want anyone to really hear. I probably listen to this more than anything.

Key tracks: "Suicide Blonde" "Story of the Year(The Your Fuckin' Loss Song)"

Avenues

Pure Texas small town Americana perfection. Recorded in Austin. The recording quality is not up to par with the music. Lyrics are just heartbreakingly beautiful. Includes a rare cover; an acoustic and haunting version of "Darkness on the Edge of Town"

Key Tracks: "Avenues" "Darkness on the Edge of Town"

The Lost Highway

Left overs written during the Song for Karla sessions and recorded on a 4 track deck in Austin, TX.. Not as strong as its predecessor.

Key Tracks: "Highway 90" "Gods and Monsters"

Songs For Karla - The NYC Sessions

An early highlight for Chris that sadly he refuses to play live these days. Recorded and mostly written during a trip in New York in mid 2005. Semi-acoustic sessions. This is where he breaks down and says fuck the "rule". Heart wrenching, beautiful songs written for his muse. A declaration of hope and an attitude that portrays that everything is up for grabs. Probably my favorite. There is a rumor that there is another version of SFK that includes the song "Alejandra". I heard that song one time and I loved it insanely but I can't seem to locate it anymore.

Key tracks: "For Karla" "Porcelain Doll"