Gubenthal - German for Amateur Band Photographer?

My little brother (well, 18 mos. younger than me, anyway) has had 3 bands in the past 12 or so years. The latest one, Three Sheets to the Wind, might be my favorite (no offense to the other 2... I really loved them also!). Well, they recently started recording an EP. They also changed their name, as Three Sheets was already taken by several other bands. After much back and forth/polls/bickering, they have landed on Gubenthal. Gubenthal is a made up word, and the title of my favorite song of theirs. So I approve of this new name.

In the fall, I took the opportunity of having the 4 of them together in a neat outdoor setting to take some band photos. They are hilarious dudes, so the photos mostly have a fun vibe to them. Being a designer, I had to play with the photos to make them more visually striking. If I was a better photographer this would not be necessary, but alas, I rely on post-production. Here are some of my favorites:


Can't decide what I like better... overexposed with bright colors...


Or overexposed B&W. Hmmmm...


Frolicking is always rock 'n roll.


Where'd they go? And where'd the color saturation go? I like it.


Another one I couldn't pick a favorite of... natural, but extra-saturated color....


Or blood grass?




Yeah... they sure are in a boat. On the last one I applied the Orton effect... detailed in one of my first posts here.

They let me come to one of their recording sessions. It was neat to see what all happens. Here are some behind-the-scenes action photos.






So yes, Gubenthal. They play some good music, for realz. I am not just saying that because my brother plays bass... I truly enjoy their music. You should check them out. They are opening for the Lead singer of The Ataris on Feb. 19th at the Firebird. The Ataris are one of my brother's all-time favorite bands, so he is extra excited to get to play with him. You should also "like" Gubenthal on Facebook. To hear some of the band's tunes, check out their Three Sheets to the Wind Facebook page. They are rough basement recordings, recorded when they were still a pretty new band, but they will give you an idea of what to expect when you see them live :)

Mix Master Me

As you may have been able to tell from my "Mixed Tape" posts, I love love love making themed music mixes. Years ago at work, several of my office buddies and I had "CD Club," in which we would each make a mixed CD per that month's chosen theme, and trade. It was such a great way to both learn about music you wouldn't normally be exposed to, and get the creatice juices pumping. Here are some of my mixes through the years... the music was most important, but I love making the covers too. double click each image to see it larger, if'n you want.


During a particular couple of years there was a streak of good friends' weddings. A mix of extra gooey cheese-ball love songs was a shower gift must.


For a "sports" theme one month, I decided to get specific.


Theme for this was "Girl's Names." The art, featuring a girl's name, Juanita, is a piece of paper I found by my apartment's entryway. I was intrigued by the phrase "Juanita! She's a Stick!" I still have it.


2010, yo! A good year for music... I think so anyway.


The first of several "Food" themed mixes. And, yes, this cover was totally a nod to The Who Sells Out.


'07's favorites.


Do you have any idea how many songs about cali there are? I had to do a lot of whittling to the best of the best.


I picture is worth a thousand lyrics.


The theme was "School." duh.


Waaaaay back.



A "Saints and Sinners" theme. It called for a double. Also, bad puns are my religion.

What are some of your favorite Mix Tape themes?

Mixed Tape: Sad & Gorgeous

I'm not sad. As you can see from my previous post, I love my life. But I also love sad songs. Really stunning sad songs. Here are some that will break your heart with their sheer beauty.