I’m in awe of many performers and song writers, but few more than The Milk Carton Kids. Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale have produced a large catalog of music, and the number of live performances on YouTube fills a lifetime, but this one is my favorite.
When you first watch TMCK for the first time, you can’t help but notice Ken Pattengale’s guitar playing. It’s both beautiful and persistent. It’s also a visual roller coaster ride. One YouTube commenter suggested that Ken Pattengale holds his guitar like he’s holding someone else’s baby in church. Smile. But if you listen long enough, you will begin to appreciate what an amazing singer Joey Ryan is. These two guitars and two voices make an impressive four-piece band.
This video shows a live performance of three songs. I’m not going to review them individually, but I will say that I have enjoyed this video many times, and it never gets old. I appreciate (always) the vocal harmony, but I am more impressed with how they arrange for the two guitars. The guitars serve as contrasting elements in a single coherent design. Oh, and when you get done with this video, go watch their Tiny Desk Concert. You’re welcome.
August 9, 2020 at 6:32 pm
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