Though Dominant Legs has been around for a minute -- the SF indie outfit scored a BTW in 2009 and was listed among Stereogum's Best New Bands of 2010 -- the band's new LP, Invitation serves as a great entry point. Its their most fully-formed release yet; the record mines ’80s radio rock and Fleetwood Mac-y song textures while simply showcasing a more focused, mature sound rife with interesting touchpoints. So, to walk us through those very touchpoints, is Dominant Legs figurehead Ryan Lynch. Make sure to hit a stream of Invitation at the bottom of the page and to revisit Girls' video for "Honey Bunny," which features Dominant Legs' other principal Hannah Hunt in a starring role. (Ditto D. Legs' own "Hoop Of Love" clip.)
1. Bruce Springsteen - "Thunder Road" Live on VH1 Storytellers
I bought the DVD of this performance when it was first released, and cried the whole way through. Everything Bruce said about his songs seemed to me a precious truth I'd been waiting to hear. While writing our album, I seemed to constantly return to the memory of Bruce describing "Thunder Road" as an invitation. I wanted our album to be welcoming too. I was influenced by this idea the most, hence the album title "Invitation."
2. Nile Rodgers' Giggin' Tips
Nile just giving away his secrets for free. This was extremely helpful.
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3. Richie Havens - "Follow"
This might be my favorite song. I've listened to it for that past fifteen years and always get the same feeling.
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4. Bob Dylan - "Abandoned Love (Live 1975)"
We've never done anything that sounds like Dylan. But he is, hands down, my biggest inspiration.
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5. "Christmas Vacation" performed by Mavis Staples
This song is always in the back of my mind. Can't get rid of it.
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6. Kenny Loggins - Footloose
Laws against dancing could not stop Ren McCormack. He was an inspiration to all.
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7. Van Morrison - "Sweet Thing"
I celebrate Fleetwood Friday every Friday morning. (Lately it's been with Tusk.) At around 6pm I like to throw on Van Morrison's Astral Weeks to put myself in the right state of mind for the weekend.
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8. Kid Creole - "My Male Curiosity"
Never underestimate the Kid!
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9. Big Country - "In A Big Country"
I pulled out a bunch of LPs I specifically wanted to listen to while working on our record. Big Country ended up being one that I listened to quite often.
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10. Stevie Wonder - "I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)"
I took Stevie Wonder Talking Book from my parents' record collection when I was about ten years old and never gave it back.
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11. Michael Jordan's Playground from 2:34 to 3:50
"Chariots of Fire." Like Kevin Johnson says, "He makes it look so easy. I mean, he's so graceful. Like a ballerina."
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12. San Jose Sharks Comeback: History Will Be Made
Sports mirror life. Work hard, play hard, celebrate. I love my Sharks.
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Listen to Invitation now via Hype Machine:
Invitation is out 9/27 on Lefse.
